Unexpected Promises

Chapter 15 ✓

Atifa's pov :

"Oh my God, you didn't tell me!" Taking my hand in hers, Emaan examined it.

"What?" I looked at her, confused as to what she was talking about.

"What what? The fact that bhaijaan gifted you this ring. It was your muh dikhai, right?" Her eyes glimmered in excitement and a wide grin covered her face.

(Face seeing)

"Uh, yeah..." Flustered, I tried to pull my hand back. We were in the living room, about to head to the mall. I was thankful that not everyone's attention was on us.

"Oh, show me too." Coming to sit beside Emaan ammi too looked at the ring. "It's beautiful." She looked at me with a smile.

"I know right! I was about to say that to her." Emaan added, winking at me.

"What is beautiful? Even I want to see." Bhabi joined us, sitting beside me with a smile on her face. There went my statement regarding attention down the drain.

"Bhabi, Saad bhaijaan gifted Atifa this ring." I just felt like taking out my ring and letting them all see until they were satisfied!

"Ma Sha Allah, I never knew Saad had such a great taste. He isn't interested in shopping much." Bhabi commented, looking at the ring. I was so grateful that I was already wearing my niqab because my cheeks would have surely betrayed me.

Both the brothers were busy discussing something which was why we were waiting to go to the mall. As for Amira and Alayna, they were busy running around the room, trying to catch one another. Their happy giggles ringing around the house gave us a completely homey feeling.

Alhamdulillah for this, for how complete this felt. My ammi beside me as she chatted away happily with bhabi and my best friend. My sister playing with her new friend/my sister-in-law around the house, making it a home, and my husband talking with his brother as we waited for them.

My husband. It sounded so weird coming from me. I was married now and had a husband. It just felt so unrealistic, so much like a dream that I never even dared to imagine. It was like my prayers were answered in the best way possible, but now, I didn't even know how to thank Allah for that.

Isn't it said that don't despair from the mercy of Allah, for he always accepts our prayers. When we pray, one of these three things surely happens. First, our prayers are answered immediately and we get what we prayed for. Second, we won't get what we prayed for, but we will, instead, get something much better. And third, our prayers won't be answered in this world, but we will surely get the rewards or our prayers answered in the hereafter. Subhan Allah. Isn't that a win-win situation for us? The feeling was so overwhelming that I could feel a lump forming in my throat.

There is no harm in praying for something that we want. Because either we will get it here and if not, then on the day of judgment. We wouldn't lose anything if we pray. We have nothing to lose. In fact, Allah loves those who ask from him. He loves to listen to the voice of his creation calling out to him, asking him what they want. And he doesn't like to turn away his believers, who are asking something from him, empty handed.

Excusing myself, I quickly made my way back to my room before ending up in the washroom to calm myself down. Taking off my niqab, I let a few tear drops roll down my face while squeezing my eyes shut. Gripping the washbasin tightly, I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. This time, I let my emotions flow because these were the tears of gratitude and I didn't want anyone to notice me like this.

Washing my face, I stepped out with my niqab in my hand. I was surprised to see him standing near the door as he typed away on his phone, a small smile playing on his lips. He still hadn't noticed me and taking advantage of that fact, I quickly tied my niqab. If there were any traces of tears or my eyes being red, they won't be visible anymore.