Veil Of Innocence

Chapter 41

Zainab

Umrah was amazing but the events that happened after it weren't so nice. For one, Ibrahim had to find a job; something he didn't tell me about until we were back.
I was mad at him because I felt he didn't trust me enough to tell me so I could help him out.
And to ease things out, I too decided to bring in some income through teaching children how to recite the Holy Quran and teaching elder ladies the meaning and the essence of the holy book, all at home of course.
So that the least I could do was add into my tuition fees.
I just couldn't compromise the last two years of my course even though the thought did strike me; I had yet so much to learn.
Ibrahim refused completely saying I didn't have to worry and that he had everything under control.
Me, being the stubborn lady that I am, did not accept, also I couldn't just sit at home and do nothing so this would be good for me too.
So yes both of us are working; him at an editing firm and me as a teacher. My daily schedule is very busy; classes in the morning and tutoring in the evening.
How thankful I am to Allah that despite all this, I have the energy to cook and clean.

I was sure of it that once I was married, I'd definitely have to do a lot more work.
My mindset was that I would help my husband in whatever way I could so this was no surprise to me.
It was exhausting though.

And then the occasional visits to my in-laws!

A few days ago a little incident occurred.
Ibrahim and I were invited to his parents' place for lunch.
On reaching there I found out that the two of my sisters-in-law and their husbands were also present.
We all sat down together for lunch, I deliberately sat furthest away from the men so I wouldn't be so conscious about eating with my Niqab on.

It was all going ok until aunty said
"Zainab why don't you remove your Niqab and eat comfortably, we're only family here"

Moment of silence, all eyes on Zainab. In the spotlight wasn't my favourite place as of late

No we're not only family here; Ibrahim's brothers-in-law are here and they are not my mahrims. I cannot remove my Niqab

"No it's ok Aunty... I'm comfortable"
I tried not to sound rude

"Are you sure, it looks like your struggling"
She continued

"Let her be mum"
Ibrahim stepped in

Gosh the embarrassment!

But maybe I'm over thinking things. Maybe aunty didn't fully understand who was and wasn't a Mahrim.
I haven't discussed that event with Ibrahim because he already has a lot on his mind, and I don't want to trouble him further.
It's evident that aunty doesn't like me very much however, I'm not complaining.
But it's at times like these that I really miss my family, I even shed a tear or two.

And just as I'm lost in thought my fingers decide to graze the hot oil and I yelp, almost tossing the raw bread pakora (fritter) that's in my hand.
I quickly run the burnt area on my right hand through cold water whilst controlling the frying with my left (the struggles of being a woman!)

The rest of the day goes smoothly and once we are in bed Ibrahim notices my slightly swollen red fingers.

"Zainab what happened here?"
He questions taking my right hand

"It's nothing, I just burnt myself a little"

"AllahuAkbar, why don't you take care of yourself?
I love you Zainab.
I wouldn't like it if you were hurt. You're mine, please take care of yourself"
he says in all seriousness

Did he just say he loves me?
Mouth drops

"Did you just confess your lllloooovvveeee for me?"
I wiggle my eyebrows

He looks taken aback, pondering over what he just said

"Yes! Tell the world that I love you, print it in black and white, hang it up on billboards.
I LOVE YOU ZAINAB ALLY"

And a little bit later...we consummate our marriage, no nudges of hesitance (I'm not giving detail!)