TALES OF THE HEART (EDITING)

chapter 9

Aidah

I woke up to the annoying sound of my alarm blaring at 5:55—fajr time. Groggily, I stumbled to the bathroom to perform my ablution. Once I was done, I prayed, reciting my adhkar with a lingering sense of sleepiness. After concluding my prayers, I crawled back into bed, grateful for a few more moments of rest before the day truly began.

I was awake, sitting on the couch by the window in my room, when I heard a knock on the door. I called out to let the person in, and Anita, our maid, entered to inform me that Ammi was calling for me. Since today was Friday, I quickly got dressed in a vibrant Ankara gown for the wedding I was attending with Maryam. Once I finished getting ready, I headed to Ammi's room.

"Ammi, they said you were looking for me," I said after greeting her with a salam. She looked up from her phone and smiled, gesturing for me to come closer.

"Yes, dear, I didn't see you today and was wondering where you were," Ammi replied, her face lighting up with a warm smile.

I smiled sweetly at my mother. "My Ammi, my life," I said, pecking her cheek affectionately.

"Where are you going, looking so beautiful like this?" Ammi asked, her eyes sparkling. I twirled so she could see the whole look, feeling proud in my Ankara gown.

"Do you remember my friend Fatima Hassan? She's also a friend of Amma's. It's her wedding day," I replied, excitement bubbling in my voice.

Ammi nodded and said, "Sai aikin zuwa biki mutane. When are they coming for your own wedding?"

I smiled and said, "Soon, Ammi, inshallah." I then made my way to the living room, eagerly awaiting Maryam's arrival while my thoughts drifted to the memorable encounter from a week ago when Sayyid visited. That moment replayed in my mind.

I was in my room getting ready when Sayyid called to let me know he was on his way. I slipped on a black abaya over my outfit, added a touch of lip gloss and mascara, and finished off with a spritz of one of my favorite perfumes. Just as I finished up, my phone chimed with a notification from Sayyid saying he had arrived. My heart raced with anticipation as I made my way to the door.

I took a deep breath, glanced in the mirror one last time, and stepped out of my room. A wave of nerves washed over me as I approached his car. I unlocked the door and slipped into the passenger seat, offering him a tentative smile.

"Assalamu Alaikum," I greeted as I settled into the seat, the familiar scent of his expensive cologne enveloping me. It was comforting yet intoxicating, and I couldn't help but smile as I caught his gaze.

"Wa Alaikum salam. How have you been?" He smiled in return, his voice warm.

"I'm doing well, Alhamdulillah. How about you?" I replied, nervously twisting the ring on my finger.

"I'm fine, Alhamdulillah, Aidah," he said with a warm smile.

We sat in silence for a moment, me fiddling with my Cartier love bracelet while he scrolled through his phone.

Sayyid cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "So, I mentioned that I wanted to talk to you."

I nodded. "Yes, you did."

"Looks like Maryam has already spilled the beans on our topic, hasn't she?" he said, brushing his fingers over his neatly trimmed stubble.

"Yes, she did. I mentioned that I wanted to hear it from you," I replied.

"Well, it's true, Aidah. I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since the fusion. I tried, but I couldn't—how could I? You're smart, intelligent, funny, and beautiful," he said with a chuckle. "I really like you; I do."