•ASLAM.
.
Yesterday, I sent Amna flowers, and we went on a date that left me on a high. Afterward, as I lay in bed trying to sleep, her image was all I could see. Her gentle smile, her laughter, the way she purses her lips when I tease her—she was everywhere. It was as if she had become a drug, intoxicating and overwhelming.
Today, we're headed to the airport to drop off Alamin and pick up Amna's friend. I woke up earlier than usual to get a few things done. Now, it's past 2 p.m., and I'm on my way to pick up Alamin first, then Amna.
I parked near the entrance of Alamin's Airbnb and took the elevator up to his apartment. I pressed the doorbell repeatedly, a bit impatiently.
The door swung open, and Alamin stood there, looking slightly bewildered. "Aslammm? Ya haka? Lafiyan ka?" he exclaimed, squinting at me.
"Broooo," I said, pulling him into a hug and giving him a hearty pat on the back, ignoring his question about my sanity. "Let's go."
I helped him with his luggage down the elevator and out to the car.
"Have you returned the rental car?" I asked, settling into the driver's seat once we were in the car.
"Yes, did that yesterday," he replied, checking his phone.
"We'll be picking up Amna at her place. She's heading to the airport too, to pick up her friend, so we're going together," I explained.
Alamin's face lit up as he processed this information. "Amnaaa?... Ohhh," he said, a knowing smile spreading across his face.
"What's up with you guys?" he inquired.
"I think we're getting there. We'll see how things go, though," I said.
"I'm happy for you, Man," he said genuinely, his smile widening.
"How about you calm down, AK? We're still getting to know each other," I laughed, trying to deflect the attention.
"I'm very optimistic. I haven't seen you this happy in a while," he said.
I nodded. "In shaa Allah, khair."
When we arrived at Amna's place, I dialed her number. It rang for a moment before she answered, her voice warm and cheerful. "Hiii, I'm coming down shortly."
***
A few minutes later, I saw Amna walking out of her building, her gaze scanning the parking area for my car. I quickly stepped out and walked toward her, my eyes fixed on her the entire time. I really needed to work on lowering my gaze—astagfirullah—but she looked stunning.
"Hiii," she said, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness as she approached.
"Hi, sweetheart, you look beautiful," I replied.
"Thank you," she said with a shy smile.
"Are you ready to meet Alamin?" I asked, hoping to ease her nerves a bit.
"I think sooo," she responded, playfully wiggling her brows.
"Gooddd," I said, opening the back door for her. Thanks to Alamin's presence, she had to sit in the back seat.
"Amna, this is one of my childhood friends, Alamin," I introduced them.
Alamin turned, a broad smile on his face as he greeted her.
I watched their interaction through the rearview mirror as I carefully reversed the car.
"Hi, Ina wuni—Good afternoon," Amna said.
