Blissful strife 3

BLISSFUL STRIFE
         (the blissful struggles of a Muslimah)

    CHAPTER THREE

       It was a sunny Sunday morning. The weather was calm and the trees that beautified every road along Victoria lsland were swaying sided by side as they danced to the rhythm of the friendly wind. The government's Green revolution plan is really working wonders on every Lagos road. It's a great thing to plant trees. There are loads of benefits they give to the society. some passerbys thought as they stared at the beautiful trees and flowers in admiration.

          A black Range Rover Sports suddenly parked in front of Glit Crunchy eatery. Alhaji Arowolo had bought the Range Rover for Fauziyah the day she got admitted into the University. She usually showed off the car on campus as a freshman with loud music blaring from the car's stereo. But after her repentance, she had stopped listening to music, and had devoted more time in learning the Quran. She rarely drives the car to school and only uses it whenever she has an important event to attend. She is still striving to stay humble and wouldn't let all the wealth get into her head.

      Fauziyah highlighted from the driver's side and Faheem also came down from the passenger's side. Fauziyah adjusted her khimar, locked the car and headed for the eatery's doorway with her brother.
    " welcome sir, welcome ma". The security man greeted, as he opened the door for them.

     "Thank you sir" Fauziyah replied with a curt smile.

     She was so excited to be meeting Muktar for the second time, it felt like they had not seen each other for years. She was also happy to have worn her Khimar from home. Her parents had traveled to Singapore for a business meeting. So she had the luxury of wearing them at home as she pleases before their return.
   
       Immediately they entered the eatery, Fauziyah spotted Muktar and Habeeb sited at a cool corner of the eatery. Muktar spotted her too and waved his right hand to signal. Fauziyah and her brother approached their table. Muktar and Habeeb stood up to greet them.

    "Asalamualeikum" Muktar greeted as he stretch forth his hands to shake Faheem.

      "Wa aleikum salaam" Fauziyah and Faheem chorused.

       Habeeb also greeted them before they all settled down to have their seats. Fauziyah sat beside her brother opposite Muktar and Habeeb.

      " What will you like to have?" Muktar asked his guests.
     
       " water will do for now" Fauziyah said.
     
        " l will like to have a glass of orange juice" Faheem also responded.

     Muktar called the waiter and gave him their orders.
   
      " So, how are you all doing?" Muktar asked as he gave Faheem a questioning look.

         "Alhamdullilah! we are fine" Fauziyah said.

       Muktar's gaze was still fixed on Faheem. He was expecting Fauziyah to formally introduce them to each other but since it didn't happen, he decided to spring it up himself. " You look so much like Fauziyah" Muktar said curiously to Faheem.

    " Oh Subhanallah! sorry, He is my younger brother, Faheem." Fauziyah exclaimed. After realizing that she was yet to introduce them. " l apologize for not introducing him initially. it skipped my mind".

      " okay. Apologies accepted" .Muktar said with a smile. " I thought as much. I knew the both of you were related the moment you both walked in... The two of you could pass for twins you know." Muktar said amusingly.     

   " yes, people do say that" Faheem said with a giggle. " But she still remains my big sister, even though I'm now a bit taller than her". He joked.

" naughty you little brother" Fauziyah said with a gentle laughter.

 "Asalamualeikum brother" Muktar greeted Faheem again.

     " wa aleikum salaam Muktar, don't bother introducing yourself because I know you already like ki lo de?" Faheem said jokingly.

     They all gave a hearty laugh at Faheem's joke as the waiter served their orders.

        Suddenly, there was an awkward silence among them after their short laughter had died down. Everyone seemed to be busy with their refreshments. Fauziyah sipped her water gently. Faheem and Habeeb were also busy with their drinks. Muktar was quietly holding his drink and looking at nothing in particular. It was so obvious to Fauziyah that he wanted her to break the silence. He wanted her response to his proposal. He was eager to know what she had decided.

    Fauziyah knew there was no need to prolong anything. She had sincerely done her istikaraah and have seen different signs that Muktar was truly meant for her. All she needed to do now is accept his proposal and see how she could convince her parents to get her married.

      Fauziyah cleared her throat- trying to break the silence. " Muktar... about your proposal...l have made a decision and I want to give you an answer". she said.

      Muktar dropped his glass of pineapple juice and turned to face his guests. " Na'am, l am all ears". He said, as he tried to maintain his composure even though his heart has began to beat faster than usual. He was too eager to know what she would say. He prayed silently and hoped for a positive answer.

       " My answer is... Na'am, YES. I am willing to be your wife" . Fauziyah said almost excitedly.

     Muktar gave a loud exhale, with his hands on this chest. " Alhamdullilah! Alhamdullilah! Alhamdullilah". He said happily as Habeeb and Faheem looked on with  a lovely smile on their faces.

      " Honestly I'm short of words, all I can just say is Alhamdullilah. All praise and glory belongs to Allaah. I also did my istikaraah and you are the one that keeps popping in my mind all along. l thank Allaah for all the good signs and I promise to be the best husband l can be.  l also promise to stand by you and treat you like the queen that you are, by Allaah's infinite mercy" Muktar assured.

     " Na'am, l also promise to be the best wife I can be" Fauziyah seconded.

       " Masha Allah" Habeeb and Faheem chorused as they couldn't hold back their smile and envy for the to-be couple.

      "So, when should I come over to visit your parents in preparation for our Nikkah?". Muktar asked anxiously.

        This question struck Fauziyah like an heavy blow to her chest. She was so happy to be getting married but there are obstacles, loads of obstacles to surmount before it could ever happen. The first hindrance was her Father, who is also her waliy and would be responsible for giving her hand out in marriage. How does she convince him to accept her marriage proposal as an undergraduate? She has been grappling with this question for so long. Now that she has finally accepted Muktar's proposal, how does she convince her father to invite Muktar over for their Marriage Preparation? She was lost in these thoughts before Faheem jolted her back to reality.


    Faheem tapped her gently on the shoulder " Big Sis, what's wrong?"

     "Uhn... Uhn..." She shrugged

    "Are you okay?" Muktar asked worriedly.

      " I am fine ...about your question, I will inform my Dad. l will let you know when he wants you to visit. insha Allaah". Fauziyah said almost absentmindedly.

    " Okay, May Allaah make it easy" Muktar prayed.
   
      " Aameen" they all chorused.

     Muktar signaled to the waiter, as he appeared before them to take their orders for a main course of the Jollof rice, salad and peppered Chicken.
     
        After having their sumptuous meals, they all rose to leave. Faheem exchanged numbers with Habeeb and Muktar and they bade each other farewell after saying their taslim.

      Fauziyah and her brother hopped into her Range Rover and zoomed off. Muktar and Habeeb watched them leave before  they also left in  Habeeb's mini  Golf Car.


...to be continued.


written by

Ummu Muhsinah a.k.a Miss Da'wah
G.A.I © 2018
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_For comments, observations, recommendations or sponsorship, contact Ummu Muhsinah on abisholah@gmail.com or watzapp @ 08188289658._