From We to Me...

The Deck

On the last day of the first year final paper, Professor Machaba addressed us about the results procedure. He also informed us that 4 students will be chosen to attend an Invasive Procedure seminar in London. Liya and I looked at each other with excitement. "Fingers crossed" she said. InshaAllah I thought.

I rushed home to get ready for Aaliyas banquet dinner. She invited my entire family to join hers for a 5 star dinner she prepared. She will be marked for her food and decor. I applied one last coat of lip gloss and I was out. 
The banquet hall was huge. Each table was marked with the students name. Aaliya decided on cream and peach. The soft colours blended in with much ease. It felt as though we were at a fancy restaurant. Each course was served to us. Nothing was out place. The plates were little works of art. Garnished with trims and flowers. After dessert I needed to walk. I was stuffed. The outdoor area overlooked a garden. A garden was always a happy place for me. I removed my high heels and walked on the cool grass.

 A deck In the centre of the garden caught my eye. Actually it wasn't the deck that caught my eye it was the two figures that did.

Aaliyas infectious laugh filled the cool night air and it was followed by words of praise from my brother. At that moment I came to realise that Aaliya might just upgrade from my Best friend to my sister in law.
"Keeping secrets like this from your best friend. That's sinful." Both Aaliya and Ismail froze.
"F Zee oh my word. Please don't be upset. I'm sorry." Aaliya apologised.
I merely looked at my brother and he knew that I was joking.
"Relax Aals. I could not be happier. You my best friend and I love you dearly. I know my brother will be loved and taken care off in the best way possible." I hugged her.
"Good choice brother bear. You dare trouble me and I'll tell mummy and daddy." He smiled. I knew it was a smile of relief.

The following week Ismail broke the news about Aaliya to my parents. Initially they were shocked. Daddy insisted he knew something was up. In the end it was decided that it was best for them to make it official. 

Results were in and allhumdulilah I passed with distinctions. So that meant The London seminar. Liya too had made it. My parents were not too pleased to send me alone. Somehow nani found some family on that end and insisted they be my hosts for 8 weeks. Before my departure we had a small function to make Ismail and Aaliya official. As expected the food, decor and ambience was on point. My brother was exceptionally happy. My parents and Aaliyas did have lengthy discussions about Ismails medical prognosis and wheelchair dependency. Aaliya and her parents were more than happy to accept him as a part of their family.