10: Roses and Thorns
10.... Roses and Thorns
*AZAAN'S POV*
I had no idea I'll be attached this bad, Like some kind of drug, I'm trapped and i have no intention of giving up.
I took a glance at the bickering siblings. Instead of getting annoyed by their loudness, instead i find it lively. Two of my most important people, my best friend and my Love are enjoying my ride, if my mom could be here, my happiness would be whole.
I would want nothing more!.
"Stop testing my patience JK, else i might throw you out of this window" Hidaya threatened glaring at khaleel.
I glance at her through the rear view mirror and her expression earned a honest chuckle from me. She's fuming with anger and i agree khaleel is annoying most of the time.
Khaleel threw the water bottle he just finished at her face and the moment she tried to throw it back on his face, he dodge it, pulling out his tongue and ridiculing her for escaping it. And that successfully made her angrier.
She bit on her lower lip, trying to suppress her rage. And i found myself staring at her lips through the rear mirror for a second.
'Astagfirullah' i quickly take my eyes off, shaking the thought off my head.
'Sabr Azaan, sabr. (patience Azaan patience) don't make yourself become something you're not' i chanted subconsciously.
"If not because I don't want a foreigner to leave with bad impression on Nigerian sisters, i would've taught you a lesson you can't forget" she huffs turning her face away from his direction.
"As If" khaleel laughed. "I don't think you can beat me anymore, you see I'm growing stronger everyday, and you're not growing up at all"
"Should i show you which part of me is growing?" She forms a fist at his face.
He let out an awkward chuckle "No, thank you" he pushed her hand away.
"By the way, i noticed that you're nice to me these days, not calling me names such as coconut head or potato. Is it all because of him?" He pointed at me.
Why is he suddenly involving me in their conversation?
My body stiffened.
She nodded "what else could be the reason?... Can't you see your friend is incredibly nice? He even saved me from that shameless professor this morning. Atleast learn something from him khaleel, maybe then something will start growing inside your skull"
He gasped "atleast my brain is big enough to not make me develop feelings for someone older than me" he says the last part silently but not silent enough for me to not hear.
I just shook my head, he want me to come clean, and i will but not here.
"Where are we headed now?" I asked.
"We'll pick Ammah from her class then i want to buy something from any department store".
I did as she said with khaleel as my guide. But he took us to a Mall instead.
"You're a GPS error" remarked Hidaya before she exited the car, Ammah added with "what do you expect from a 19 years old kid?" and this time i really laughed at him. I did not think a day will come that I'll witness someone roasting this parrot, But here we are!.
After they're done purchasing something at a store that sells only ladies necessities. They used the opportunity to grab some Ice cream, and shop some shoes and bags off the list, and we even watched a movie.
And strangely, i really enjoyed myself, being socialized isn't that bad i guess.
In the end we did not leave until after we prayed maghrib, By then Aunty Noor was calling us non-stop, especially Hidaya that hadn't returned home since morning.
.....
I was on phone with my mom when she request to speak with khaleel so I handed him the phone.
They spoke for a minute when he stood up and ran outside with my phone so i followed him. He ran into his parents apartment to his dad's study room.
And she sat there.
The woman who stole my heart.
She was reading some books and jotting important points on a notebook.
He put the phone in her ear before she could ask who it was.
"Wa'alaikumusalam Aunty" she replied in confusion.
"I'm fine alhamdulillah" she place a small smile when my mom told her something i couldn't hear. "Yes he's doing alright don't worry aunty"
She then looked at me and smile wider, and i wonder what bomb my mom is exploding.
But I don't mind because it earned me such an expensive smile that melts all the beings in me.
"That will not happen aunty" her voice brought me out of my daze,
"Yes Insha Allah I'll visit you someday, then have a nice day" she hung up the call and pass the phone back to Khaleel.
"Daddy is looking for you, you're in trouble" she told him.
"What did i do" his expression turned into horror.
"Why don't you go and find out yourself?"
"Azaan wait for me here please, your presence can save me from punishment" he told me and ran off. So i have no option than to stay, khaleel is my friend after all.
Hidaya offered me a seat at the far end of the room when she noticed me standing.
After about 10 minutes of silence she spoke.
"So how far about your stay? Do you like it here?"
I darted my gaze from the floor to look at her.
I don't know how to describe it but, just like layers of rose petals, every part of her is as red and aromatic. She's nice and rough at the same time, kind yet difficult, serene but chaotic, fragile however strong.
"I like it here"
"That's nice to hear" She smiled and focused back to her book.
I dreamed of my future with her already, the three of us cherishing each other. We'll travel around the world, i would take her to date nights, bring flowers every day.
She'll talk and I'll listen, we'll work together since that's what she likes, we'll enjoy each others company and I'll always be there for her.
"May i ask you a question?" I surprised her by asking.
"Sure go ahead" he gave her attention to me.
I swallowed, It's now or never? I told myself.
"Why don't i stand a chance?... I mean, my mother approved of us shouldn't i ask for your parents permission?... For your hand in marriage?"
I
drop my gaze to the floor.
"I love you Hidaya, in a proper way. I don't care about anything else since i love you for the sake of Allah, and i want to get married to you. But your opinion is everything on this matter, I won't push through if you tell me not to".
I was waiting patiently for her response but anxious about getting a negative answer at the same time. But nonetheless, i feel relieved that i took it off my chest. The decision is now up to her, and i pray that Allah will choose the best for both of us as she took a minute to respond.
"I'm sorry Azaan. I didn't mean to disrespect you in anyway but I don't reciprocate to your feelings"
And just like that, the thorn of that Rose fierce my heart.
I managed a smile "i understand" i stood up "then i wish you the best of luck In sha Allah" i then turned and walked away with a broken heart.
And just like that.....
I gave up.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Much love 🥰