Leila's POV
A week had passed and we were still rushing all the wedding prep. Not only that but the flat had to be ready, so Mama, Auntie and I spent a whole day deep cleaning the entire flat. Khalid and I also ordered every furniture which was needed including a new TV. Since there was winter sales, we were in luck to get everything we needed for a bargain. And unbelievably, today was the day Khalid was moving out. He had progressively moved his things to the flat and the only thing left was a suitcase of his clothes and a few other things.
Therefore I took it upon myself to cook for everyone. I made lentil soup, followed by rice and roasted chicken and a delicious salad. I placed the food on the table,feeling rather impressed with myself and went to the living room to tell everyone it was time to eat. Khalid was speaking to someone on the phone and Habibah and her mum were busy on the Ipad. We had been searching for bridesmaids dresses to fit the colour theme of the wedding which was beige, one of my favourite colours. Thankfully, my dress and accessories has been ordered and should be arriving any day now. I was hesitant to buy it online but we ordered it with my measurements and Auntie insisted she is good at sewing in case it doesn't fit right. Khalid wanted to see the dress but Habibah and her mum forbade him to see it because they wanted it to be a surprise.
"Dinner is ready." I announced excitedly.
"Really? Oh thank god, I was starving!" Habibah said as she sprung up from the sofa.
"Can't wait to eat my daughter-in-law's food!" Auntie winked at me and followed Habibah. Khalid got off the phone and sighed. I noticed that he's been looking a little stressed these days and rightly so, he is working so hard.
"That was your uncle." He said and walked over to me.
"Really? What did he say?"
"Guess what he did?" He asked with a smile.
"What?" I said suspiciously.
"He bought our wedding rings. He insisted saying it's his gift for us." I gasped. Oh bless Daiya. He is so kind.
"May Allah bless him. That's so kind of him."
"Ameen."
"Let's go and eat." I said. Khalid walked out but my phone,which was on the table vibrated. I checked it and it turns out Aisha messaged. She must have returned to the UK a long time ago.
As salamu Alaikum
Leila, I hope you are alright. I visited your family today and you were not there and no one is telling me what's going on, not even you. What happened while I was gone? Text me ASAP
I sighed. I texted her back saying I was alright and to call me tomorrow so I could explain everything.
"Hey, Leila you coming?" Khalid called out.
"Yeah, coming." I responded and put my phone down.
We all ate dinner which,if I do say so myself, was delicious. I hadn't cooked in so long so it felt good to finally do something I enjoy. I was nervous about speaking to Aisha though. The past few days have been very busy so I kind of didn't let my mind think about what had happened but it seems tomorrow I'm going to have to re-live those moments.
Khalid's POV
It was quite late at night and I was packing a few small things I had left behind in my room. It was so strange seeing it this empty, only a bed,cupboards and curtains left. You could almost hear the echo from your voice. This is it I guess. Time to move on. Alhamdulillah, I was happy. All of this was not easy nor was it according to plan but Allah's plan is the ultimate plan.
I took the luggage and a couple of bags down the stairs and left them at the door. I put my jacket on, grabbed my car keys and strolled into the living room. Everyone was sitting around and I noticed there was some sadness hanging around in the air.
"I can't believe I'm saying this but I'm gonna miss you." Habibah said while rolling her eyes. I chuckled and gave her a hug and a playful punch on the arm which she gladly returned. I looked at Mum and she was on the verge of tears.
"Mum!" I said and sighed.
"I'm not going to cry, no no, don't worry!" She said swallowed her tears. She hugged me tightly. What would I do without her? My mum, my life. I hugged her tightly and kissed her forehead.
"Habibi, you will still come around to this house, but all I will say is take care of yourself. I am so proud of everything you have done. You've done so much for your family and you will see the fruit of that one day. Only a few more days until Leila joins you in your new home." I looked over at Leila who was standing, nervously interlocking her hands. Her eyes showed sadness and guilt.
"One more thing, make sure to read Surah Baqarah in your new home. To protect it."
"In shaa Allah. Thank you, mum." I said and hugged her for the last time. I turned to Leila. She looked nervous.
"Let me help you put your things in the car." She said. I looked towards mum and she nodded. I took my suitcase and Leila grabbed the few bags I had packed last minute. The weather outside was surprisingly calm but very very cold. I opened the car boot and placed the suitcase in it and Leila did the same with the bags. I closed the car boot and we were left in silence for a while. Leila looked like she wanted to say something but I think she was too nervous to say anything.
"Are you alright?" I asked and observed her face which was thankfully healing from the bruises.
"Yeah, Alhamdulillah." She responded with a small smile. "I just-"
"Feel bad?" I asked. She nodded without looking at me. I chuckled.
"Don't worry, this is a great favour for Habibah." She let out a little laugh.
"4 days left, Leila. 4. That's it. Then we will finally be together. And besides, I will be here everyday. We've got a lot to discuss anyways, especially with your uncle. He'll be here tomorrow."
"That's good because there's one thing I'm worried about. Who will be my wali?" She looked at me with desperate eyes. I suddenly felt sorry for her.
"We will sort it out. Don't worry."
"Khalid, how are you so relaxed and calm, despite you working so hard and having so much responsibility? I've also noticed that you seem stressed these days but you're still so calm." I looked into her confused looking eyes and chuckled. She still doesn't understand how much I love her.
"You." She scrunched her nose in confusion.
"Me?"
"Yes, you make me calm. I was patient all these years because of you and all this hard work is for you. I don't care if I get stressed. Anything for you." She looked at me in astonishment. She lowered her gaze. There was a bitter cold wind which blew her hijab off her shoulder which she flung back into place. She looked so nervous but I grinned because it made her look so cute.
"I should get back in." She said and rubbed her arm out of the cold.
"I will see you tomorrow."
"Yes, In shaa Allah." She said and smiled. That nearly melted my heart.
"Sleep well." I said and kept admiring her smile.
"You too." She said and nervously hid her smile by lowering her head. I watched her open the door of the house and glancing towards me one last time before entering inside the house.
I jumped in the car and drove away to the new flat with Leila's smile plastered in my mind. It was contagious because I found myself smile and thinking I'm crazy.
YOU ARE READING
The Art Of Halaal Love
Romance*Formerly titled as ' Allah is with you '* If you had to choose between family and love, which option would you go for? For most people it's a situation which sounds like a nightmare and they would never imagine themselves in that dilemma. But for...
