From We to Me...

The Waterfall

Final exams began. I asked Allah daily to make my papers easy. Thankfully our maths teacher created a maths genius in me and I sailed through. The stress toll was evident on most of us during that time. Aaliya never lost her chirpy streak. I concluded that she was probably going to be part of her dad's enterprise and merely passing was just enough. She was born into luxury. She had everything found. Her beauty was an additional bonus. Aaliya will probably end up marrying in a year a two. Live in a fancy estate and drive fancy cars. I quickly made a dua for her success remembering Nanis words about the evil eye. She also told me if I make dua for others I will get the same or even better.

The day I wrote my last paper I decided I wanted to be alone. I made an excuse telling mummy I had books to return and would come home a little later with a friend. I called an Uber and went to my favourite childhood spot. The Botanical gardens held my childhood laughter, our family memories and better still happier times. I lay my mat down embracing the sound of the water fall behind me. The smell of freshly cut grass brought me peace. I lay flat on my back looking into the calming blue sky. What a beautiful shade of blue. The secrets of the world lay hidden in the clouds that floated above. Where were they from? How far have they blown? SubhanAllah Allah has created such beauty. 

"secret hide out location found Miss Askari". I quickly opened my eyes to see Zaid staring over me. I shot up. My face scarlet with embarrassment. Zaid lives 3 doors away from us. He too had probably wrote his last paper. He went to a different school from me. "what are you doing here Mr?".
" I came to let off steam just like you I guess. Couldn't be easy with your brother and stuff. "
Without being asked he sat down next to me and to my surprise I felt quite comfortable in his presence.
"Allah gave us a test with a miracle. Being ungrateful by complaining would be a crime."
" Beauty, brains and spirituality."
I blushed at his compliment. I am half Arab and half Malay with a tinge of Indian blood from my nana. My dad grew up in Saudi Arabia and met my mother on one of his business trips to South Africa. He promised to marry her however his parents did not agree. He was adamant to be with his" African beauty "as he called her. His family disowned him when he insisted that my mother was the only one for him. Mohamed Al Askari then left behind all forms of luxury to marry his promised bride. 25 years later and the strain remains. I know nothing about my father's family. Maybe one day I would..

"Hmmm deep in thought I see. Wish to share?"
I admired his bravery.
I smiled "I can't be sharing my thoughts with a stranger. For all I know you here to kidnap me."
"Quite the contrary madam. I am here to protect you" He moved his hand as though he had a sword. I giggled.
"A beautiful young lady like you should never be in a park alone."
Before I knew it 2 hours had gone by. I hadn't laughed so much since the accident. My stomach muscles hurt.
"Thank you for your lovely company and laughs Mr. I better get going before my mother sends out a search party. Worst still if she knows I am at a park." 
"your secret is safe with me only if you allow me the honour to drive you home."
I hesitated. Seeing my hesitation he said "I promise to get you home safely. I'll even stop a few houses away so you don't get into trouble." "Wow funny and good manners." He helped me roll up my mat and we made our way to his car. He opened the door for me and I got in. Was this the same Dorky Zaid I never took notice off? I studied his facial features carefully. His deep set jaw line, his brown eyes full of care and his pin straight hair. Not to bad actually. Realising I am staring for too long, I clicked my seat belt and prayed my dua for travelling.
"I am not that bad of a driver" he joked. I smiled.
Ever since Ismails accident I take extra precaution while in a vehicle. He sensed my tension and carefully maneuvered the vehicle on the road keeping a safe speed. After a while I too relaxed. "so what's your plans for next year?"
"Dentistry" he said "what about you madam? Modelling?" blushing I said "only good looking people become models. I am accepted at Medical Campus. InshaAllah I want to be a surgeon."
"I guess we have to become friends then... Since we going to the same campus I mean. You never know when you may need a good pair of muscles." I laughed glancing at his arms. Seems like he did visit the gym. "I too will be sure to let you know which damsels are in distress."
"I know you will be an amazing Dr madam. You have a beautiful heart." I wanted that moment to last forever but we had reached our estate. As promised Zaid dropped me off a few houses away. We exchanged numbers as to keep in touch with important campus dates. As I walked back home my body filled with glee. What was that? I entered the house and to my surprise saw Aaliya there. "Where were you? Is doesn't take so long to return books?" She was busy playing a card game with Ismail. I ended up helping Miss Rajah paint the new Nursery class." I lied." Could you not at least reply my messages or call? " I even forgot about my phone. I took it out my pocket and saw 8 miss calls and 23 messages. But one in particular caught my eye. It read" Hey madam are you home safe? ". I smiled and my body smiled with me." oh my hands were full of paint so I couldn't. " I bit my tongue as the second lie escaped mouth. I hated lies. But Aaliya and Ismail could not know where I was. I excused myself to my room and heard Ismail remark about me living in my novels again. The two of them are so annoying. Why don't they just get married and leave me alone? Once in the sanctity of my room I shut the door and took my phone out. "Important dates... Wasn't that the reason for taking my number?"
"For me the 20th of November will forever remain important. It's the day I made you smile."
I sent him a blushing face and replied "charmer. It's time to pray Asr. Chat later." He replied with just "ok". OK what does ok mean? Was I too abrupt? Was I snob? I read my replies a 100 times over. Maybe I was. An hour went by. No text. I checked my phone every 15 mins. Nothing. Should I text? Will I look too forward? Oh well I messed up. With that I went into the kitchen to help with supper preparations.