MINE (EDITED)

Chapter 44

Alhamdulillah, I thought to myself as I gazed around at the life I had built. A loving husband, a beautiful daughter, and a warm home. What more could I possibly ask for? Truly, I felt blessed beyond measure. Alhamdulillah, ya Rabb.

It was Saturday, and I was enjoying a peaceful afternoon at home with my family. Muhammad, my husband, was sitting beside me, and Sabrina, our little girl, was playing with her toys on the living room floor. We were FaceTiming with Ni'imah, who was living in London with her husband Huzaifa and their adorable baby boy, Sultan.

"Sabrina, look at baby Sultan, blow him a kiss!" I said, pointing at the laptop screen where Ni'imah and Sultan's faces popped up.

"Baby shuttan," Sabrina giggled, pointing at the screen with a bright smile.

"Yes! Baby Shuttan and Mamima," I said, my heart swelling with affection as I referred to my dear friend as "Mamima," a term I'd used since we were younger. The nickname felt like a part of our bond.

"Baby Sabrina, how are you?" Ni'imah asked, speaking in her sweet, familiar voice. "Ina dada?"

Sabrina looked at me, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Ina dada?"

"Ana tambayan ki. Wai Ina dada," I replied, laughing as I helped Sabrina understand what Ni'imah was asking.

After a few more moments of exchanging love and laughter, we finished FaceTiming Ni'imah. I leaned back on the couch, ready to relax and watch my series, The Tudors. But just as I settled into the scene, Muhammad walked in, returning from wherever he had been.

Sabrina continued playing with her toys, and Muhammad pulled out his phone, engrossed in something. I, on the other hand, had a sudden craving that couldn't wait any longer.

"Ina so naci masara," I announced, hoping Muhammad would hear me.

He didn't respond, so I repeated myself louder this time. "Ina so naci masara!"

He tilted his head and raised an eyebrow, glancing at me in confusion. "What did you say?"

"I said, Ina so naci masara," I said again, a playful glint in my eye.

"Masara kuma? Ya salam," he said, almost laughing at how serious I seemed about it.

"I think I'll faint if I don't get some masara, Muhammad," I pouted dramatically, adding a touch of humor to my desperation.

Muhammad sighed long and hard, clearly amused but also a little tired from his own busy day. "Fine, I'll get it for you."

"I love you, thank you!" I grinned cheekily, happy to have him in my corner.

With that, Muhammad grabbed his car keys, and Sabrina held her arms up, eager for her daddy to carry her. They left together, heading out to get my beloved corn from the roadside vendor while I continued to watch my show in peace.

A few minutes later, Muhammad's call came through, snapping my attention away from the screen.

"Yes? What's up?" I answered, still smiling from the earlier conversation.

"You didn't specify what kind of masara you wanted—boiled or roasted?" Muhammad asked, a small chuckle in his voice.

"Boiled, please," I replied quickly.

"Okay," he muttered, a bit amused, and ended the call.

They returned shortly before Maghrib prayer. Muhammad went to the mosque to pray, while I stayed behind to pray in the living room downstairs. Once I was finished, I sighed and made my way to the kitchen to check the food timetable. Dinner tonight was spaghetti bolognese—thank goodness, something easy and satisfying.