The Power Of Calmness

Chapter 21

"Fatima please talk to me!" Baba whined trying to reach for Umma's hand which she swatted aside.

She ignored him and turned her attention to her grandchildren. "Where did you ladies go to today?" She asked chewing on her food.

They were at the dinning area, having their dinner. Baba came home some minutes back, and has been trying to talk to his wife but she isn't responding. The look on his face was priceless, they all know Baba can't handle his wife staying upset with him. Habeebah, Aaliyah and Hajara tried suppressing their laughter, but kept making muffled sounds here and there.

"We went to the saloon Umma." Hanaan replied. "We also went to the park and paid a visit to Aunt Hajara's friend." She added chuckling.

"That's nice, hope you had fun?" Umma asked now serving Baba his food but still ignoring him. He tried to reach for her hand again, but the glare she gave him made him withdrew immediately.

"Yes Umma we had fun." Hanaan answered gleefully unaware of the drama ensuing.

Baba looked to Habeebah for help, but all she gave was a pitiful look.

He sighed raking his hand through his hair. "Fatima please? Okay I am sorry for coming back late, just say something, anything." He pleaded.

"On one condition." Umma stated fiddling with her spoon.

"Yes anything, I would do anything as far as you won't stay upset with me." He said hastily.

Umma passed him a paper bag on the table. "That's what you have to do."

Baba's eyes twitched in despair sighting the item. "Uhmm....Fatima...I think....we should go...with another......option." He stuttered gulping lightly.

"You said you would do anything remember." Umma said with raised brows. "So take those drugs accordingly, only then I won't stay upset."

Baba groaned stamping his feet under the table like a child. Suhaib was right, he is Umma's baby.

Aaliyah couldn't suppress her laughter so she let it out, laughing loudly. Habeebah and Hajara couldn't help but tag along too.

A confused and innocent Hanaan asked. "Why are you guys laughing?"

"Yes dear, ask them what's funny." Baba gritted glaring at them.

"What's making you guys showcasing your 32?" Suhaib asked descending the stairs, just as Farouk entered the living room heading their way.

"Are you taking it or not?" Umma asked sternly.

"But dear, it's past the time. There is no need to take them anymore, I will take them tomorrow." Baba replied smiling but that look didn't work on her.

"Let me guess," Suhaib said settling into one of the chairs close to Habeebah. "Baba came back late so he couldn't take his medications." He added grinning at his father.

"Exactly!" Umma countered.

"Can you not bug me tonight?" Baba asked glaring fiercely at him.

"You know better than not to ask Baba, he was born to bug and tease people." Farouk answered clicking his tongue.

"He didn't say anything wrong," Umma supported making him nod. "So don't bother him."

"No one is bothering your favourite son." Farouk muttered sitting close to Aaliyah.

"What was that?" Umma asked looking annoyed.

It never looks good when she becomes angry. Humairah describes Umma's anger as something worse than a volcanic eruption, more like "The Great Gavelston Storm Of the 1900's."