The Precious Figure

Chapter 7

While walking to Tantalizers, I brushed my clothes and fantasized seeing Najib again. I had seen him just once but imagining his lovely pair of eyes and a sparkling set of teeth made me shudder.

'Fareedah, how do you eat when you're on a date?' I muttered, unlocking my phone and trying to reach out to Google.

The flash of light on the phone from the sun rays almost blinded my vision. No one advised me to put my phone away that I returned it to my bag. I took a mint from my purse and started to chew, to keep my breath fresh.

Tantalizer was upstairs of a large shopping complex. I was just about to place a foot on one of the steps when I heard my voice being called.

"Fareedah." I turned to see Aatiyah walking towards me.

She wore a thick brown-coloured khimar and red-framed spectacles. Aatiyah is the Ameerah of the Muslimahs' Students Society, the same association that I hardly miss out on every week.Aatiyah is really beautiful... the kind of beauty that'll make you gape. Despite her modest dressing and natural look, Aatiyah always had this outstanding appearance that made her look unique. If it isn't her flawless caramel skin or a new set of spectacular spectacle, it would be her colourful wedge shoes or a lovely bag. She is petite and calm-natured. She always had a glittery smile lingering on her face and her voice was sweet and melodious. It's of no surprise that she was chosen as the Ameerah... I mean, she had the charismatic quality to attract new members to the society.

"Asalamu 'alaykum sister. How have you been?" her face crinkled in a smile.

I moved closer to her and shook her right hand. "Wa'alaykumu salam. I've been good." I replied, smiling back.

Believe me; you can't avoid forcing a smile when with Aatiyah.

"Alhamdulillah. You look...lovely Fareedah." Her eyes glinted as she surveyed my look."Thank you." I blushed.

"You didn't attend lectures this week and it's so unlike you. This is the first time you're missing the lecture and I am wondering what could be wrong?" she furrowed her eyebrows as she stared at me.

"My mom wasn't feeling too fine on Monday and I needed to hurry home to prepare lunch for her."

"Subhanallah. Hope she's fine now?"

"Yes, she is."

"It's really painful that you couldn't attend the lecture. Ustaz Sanuth gave a lecture on the virtues of performing tahajjud. Ahh...you really missed a lot, Fareedah. Anyway, you can have my jotter. I noted down the very important points." She said, reaching for her silver bag as rummaged inside, searching for her jotter.

Gosh! I know this sounds bad but I really do not feel bad about missing the lecture. You know; if I did attend the lecture on that day, would I have had the chance to meet Najib? Definitely no!

"Oh, here it is." Aatiyah handed the book with rough covers. "I can get it next week okay?" she beamed.