From We to Me...

A Welcomed Surprise

That night at the supper table daddy said he had an announcement to make. We all stopped eating and stared at him nervously.

"This year has been a pretty tough one. I think we all agree on that. Allhumdulilah as a family unit we have stuck together and with Allahs help we have overcome many obstacles. Each one of you doing your best." A tear rolled down his face. "I could never ask for a better family. Through all the misery my beautiful African Beauty never lost her smile." Mum was now full on with the water works but she blushed. "My beautiful princess going through her matric year and getting into medicine." My daddy.... "Ismail my dear son you never gave up in a test that would have torn me apart." Ismail smiled a completely genuine smile after a very long time. "Not forgetting our greatest pillar Nani. Your duas and guidance is what got us through the darkest day." Nani shyly smiled too. "To thank you all I have booked us a trip to Turkey. We leaving next week Saturday." We all gasped in shock. Mum spoke first "Mohamed how will we manage? Is it safe for Ismail to travel? Isnt the cold weather bad for him?"

Daddy explained how it took him 2 weeks of planning. He visited all drs to get clearance and even arranged contacts in Turkey in case of emergency. We all then relaxed and the excitement creeper in. I would never have expected daddy to plan such a huge surprise. Usually mummy Is the travel planner. After cleaning up the kitchen I hugged daddy and thanked him for the lovely surprise. I loved the thought of travel and exploration. Turkey I heard was a beautiful place. I would Google stuff later. I went back to wipe the dishes and pack them. As I packed I hummed my favourite Arabic nasheed. I was so engrossed in my task that I didn't hear the bell or notice Zaid standing in the kitchen until he cleared his throat. I turned around in shock almost dropping the plate. "Careful there you might injure yourself." He placed a box on the table. "My mum sent these." I think I mumbled a thank you. As soon as he left I sunk into the chair. Oh my God I must have looked like a total idiot with a dish cloth in my hand. How embarrassing....

I slipped away from the kitchen to my room as to not be spotted again. I plonked on my bed. I needed to text Aaliya and tell her the good news. She also needed to give me the load down on packing. I should make a list. I unlocked my phone and saw a text from Zaid.

"Beauty, brains, spirituality and domesticated. I can't wait to find out what else is hidden behind those green eyes." I read his text 10 times.

"you can't be stalking a person in their own home. It's rude...."

Almost instantly he replied " Its not stalking if the person was too engrossed in their singing to notice."

" humming not singing. Big difference."

"Either way it sounded really adorable."

I evaded his compliments but deep down they meant the world to me.

"It's bad manners to text in company."

"sorry madam."