Bowled Over By The Broken

Chapter 39: Don't Quit

24th April, 2018

Bowled Over by the Broken, alhamdulilah, is the fourth novel I'm writing and I'd like to make one thing which is obvious, even more clear - it is not like my other books. My characters are a lot more different in this book and the situations I've mentioned are such that it evokes multiple emotions among different people and I value all your opinions. At that note, I'd also like to add, my protagonists are not the definition of perfection. Anabya is going to make mistakes, she is human, she will learn and she will grow. The same applies to Shamaaz. I'm talking about normal people here, people who know that patience is key but the same people who may lose out on it. This is reality, not a fairy tale and I want it that way... Also, thank you for all your opinions and constructive criticism, I really treasure them <3 On a side note, this chapter is not in Shamaaz's POV, sorry I changed my mind cuz that would ruin the plot. Enjoy such chapters before the dramatic part enfolds, happy reading! ;)

"And if you should count the favor of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful."

(14:34)

Chapter 39:

Don't Quit

"Assalamu alaikum, my darling Tammy," Raiyyan smiled softly as Tammara entered the car and once she had replied to his greeting, he leaned in and kissed her forehead.

"How is my wife doing?" He asked, and a genuine smile graced Tam's lips.

"Better than I was before, alhamdulilah," she grinned.

"Where are we going for lunch then?"

"I found this Chinese place 5 kilometers from here, read the reviews too and I think it's our kind," she said, opening the location on Google maps as Raiyyan drove towards the restaurant.

Ever since she had fallen pregnant, Raiyyan had realized Tammara craved for extra warmth. He was sure everyone in the family would love to make her feel special had they shared the news with them, but since there were still a few weeks left until she finished her first trimester and they could announce the big news, it was up to him to take their place. Office had kept him busy but he had struck a deal that apart from weekends where he was all hers, he'd drop in on a weekday and they could go out for lunch.

"I feel sad for Anabya," Tammara spoke aloud after a few minutes of silence.

"Sad?" Raiyyan repeated with raised eyebrows. "And why's that?"

"From the time we were kids, Bee has been the dreamy kind, Ray," Tammara sighed. "I know after her teenage years she turned out to be far more practical, but even then I think she's not very happy in this marriage. Like I don't know, it's so confusing because according to me there are times when she's warming up to Shamaaz and letting him have control but other times she just closes out everyone around her. In short, I feel like she's struggling."

"That's perfectly normal, Tam, they're newlyweds, they will have their share of fights and differences. Don't you remember our days after the nikah, you refused to even look at me," Raiyyan reminded.

"Oh Gosh stop bringing that up," she replied, shaking her head. "I was a complete idiot back then. What made me do that because honestly, I can't even live without you!"

Her last statement made Raiyyan laugh while he said, "The way you behaved around me, I seriously doubted we'd even see a day like this."

"But I'm glad you didn't give up on us, I love you a little more for that!"