The Anthem of the Rebels | ✓

[10] The fog clearing up

Chapter Ten

The living room clock read two-fifteen when the front door of the house clicked open. Zahid walked inside, locking the door behind him. As if only just realizing how tired he was, he ran a hand through his hair, making his way through the dark living room.

After changing, Zahid found himself on his prayer mat- his heart expanding in gratitude as he fell down in prostration, his grateful lips muttering, "Alhamdulillah," again and again, till the rhythm of his heartbeat fell in line with his words.

The meeting with Abdullah had been more than just a success. Using his tactics and the video evidence his client had sent, Zahid had not only managed to convince Abdullah to take back his claim on taking the case to court as the plaintiff but had also signed an agreement with him, stating that he would return half of Zahid's client's money within a fortnight.

Thinking about how a year ago, something like this would have seemed impossible, Zahid felt his heart fill up with gratitude at Allah's greatness. "Ya Allah," he muttered, his voice audible only to himself- though it reached the heavens, "Continue to help me in this journey of fighting for justice that I've chosen for myself, and let my intentions remain true to You."

Outside, it seemed that the crickets and owls had broken out in a harmony- and Zahid was certain that they too, were praising Allah.

"Ya Allah," he added after a short pause, the recollection of the rest of the day's events playing in his head, "Help me in that which You have chosen for me- for surely, Your plan is the greatest, and I am only a weak slave. If marriage is what is best for me, Ya Allah, then let my fears and worries vanish, for I trust You completely."

~~~

When a decision as important as marriage presents itself to someone, it is only natural that they think it over. For the next week or so, both families were in a bit of a frenzy. Mrs. Ahmed interviewed Zahid countless times and Amal's family held council even more frequently.

The future- on occasions, seemed like a misty film, almost intimidating in all its uncertainty. Other times, things seemed clearer than glass. A decision as huge as this is not taken over a cup of tea- and both families needed the time to think everything through.

On a certain Saturday morning, Amal walked out of her room, stretching her arms as she wondered whether Eman and Usman were back yet. Eman had returned nearly a week ago now, and it seemed that the house was livelier than ever. No matter how much she teased her brother, Amal respected the love and regard he held for his wife, and watching the two, she would occasionally feel a clawing ache in her heart, a desire for something she didn't have.

Not that Amal paid it much attention though- she would return to her room and cuddle with Eddie- because, who needs a man when you have a cat.