Chapter 44: Chapter 44

She hugged him, completely out of her senses, what is this meant to be? How'd she live her life without Al-amin? Ya Allah! Don't let this happen. "Al-amin, please don't do this to me, you should wake up," she slapped his cheeks softly, as her tears dropped on his eyes.

He indolently squinted his eyes, his gaze fell on distrauted Ummi, she was sobbing hysterically. "Arub," he slurred, making himself comfortable on her soft laps.

Her eyes widened, lips broke into a fleeting smile, she looked at him amused, this was the best thing that ever happened to her. He wasn't dead! His voice jolted her out of her trance, "Arub, help me sit upright, and I need something edible," he enunciated, pulling himself up.

She helped him sat, the smile not leaving her face, to say she was happy would be an understatement, the love of her life wasn't dead. He rested his head on the bed head, smiling weakly at her, he beckoned for her to give him the cup, but her action took him unaware.

She hugged him tight, as tears washed down her face, she broke into tears "Thank you for not leaving me, I love you, Al-amin. Please don't leave me," she whimpered between sobs, cupping his face.

He flashed her a rueful smile, giving her the 'It's okay' look. Ummi wiped away her tears with her thumb, she carefully took the cup and started feeding him, he took the first spoon, gulped the custard down and flashed her a gratituded smile, mouthing 'Thank you'.

She finished feeding him, gave him water and sat beside him, giving him the 'spill' look, she was curious about what happened to him, he went out fine; if she could remember, but how did he came back looking sick, and dashed out?.

He took her left hand in his hands, and spoke glumly "Arub, I was an ulcer patient, so__ I didn't eat anything today, that's why I got an attack. You really help, if not I'd have been in the hospital now, because it was chronic," he gripped her hand, his eyes emoting how thankful he was.

Ummi gasped, she knew it was her fault, she wasn't a good wife, how could she let him starved all day? If she was his mother, she would rip the heart of whoever do this for her son. How cruel of her?! "Al-amin, I'm so sorry, you should've told me, I know I wasn't a good wife," she professed, her head was hung down, her voice was laced with lamentation.

His face broke into a wide grin, he was happy and glad, he wished he was sick since, he would have had the chance to see this side of her, it was a beautiful sight. He pulled her to his body and side hugged her, she doesn't flicker, rather, she leaned in and rested her head on his shoulder.

They stood there for minutes, their hearts emoting their unspoken feelings and regrets, it was an embeding endearment, feeling the warmth of eachother.

"Arub," Al-amin called, taking her off from his shoulders.

A small smile tucked up his lips, he was baffled at how she slept off on his shoulder, isn't this romantic?

With the small on his face, he made her comfortable on the bed, lay beside her and pecked her forehead. Al-amin glued his eyes on her beautiful face, there was no make-up on her face, she looked radiant and natural, his life couldn't get any better. Alhamdulillah.

He placed her head on his chest, round his arms around her body and muttered "I love you, Arub." He closed his eyes ecstatically and fell into a peaceful slumber.

***

Ummi woke up, she stretched her arms, squinting her eyes; her gaze fell on sleeping Al-amin, he looked pale and innocent, she gasped in shock, before it somersault in her how she slept in his room; in his hands.

She smiled sheepishly and swiftly decamp from the room, different thoughts rummaging in her brain.

She slumped on her bed, face palmed her face, as she smiled like a ninny, it was nice being ensconced in his warmth, his manly cologne, everything about him was endearing.

She almost dozzed off when she abruptly stood up, muttered "Ya Allah," and silently prowled to the toilet.

She got ready in a jiffy, wore her loose cotton ankara gown and descended the staircases. She went to kitchen and started making breakfast, she knew Al-amin will be out anytime from now, she doesn't want him to leave with an empty stomach like yesterday, his health matters alot.

She was dicing a carrot, when Al-amin hugged her from the back, she gasped, he startled her, she was shocked, she wasn't expecting him. But who gave him the effrontery? Just because she was nice to him yesterday? She couldn't let him so easily, he must apologise romantically.

His voice jolted her out of her reverie "Good morning, Arub, how was your night? Mesmerizing I guess?" He spoke flirtingly, winking at her.

"Ya Allah! He's cute" she hushed and yawed her gaze from his sight, something inappropriate might happen if she kept starring.

Ummi yanked her body from his hold, shooting him a dreadful glare, suppressing her thrilled mood. "What do you think you're doing, Al-amin? How would you hug me as abruptly as that? You should make our distance please. I'm just physically your wife, and I'll make sure you remain healthy," she blurted those words with aplomb, she knew it wasnt right, but to act normal would be classless abi?

Her words bessetted him, he thought she had already forgave him; but why would she bring up this issue again? They slept in the same room for god sake! She's really a hard person to deal with. He moved closer, an inch from her and spoke endearingly suppressing his sadness "Arub, why are you so incorrigible? Stop pretending for god sake, you confessed yesterday, you said you loves me too, why the act up? Just give in girl," he chuckled, smirking at her baffled expression.

She felt awkward, she thought he was unconscious, she thought he wasn't paying heed to her blabbings, this is embrassing. She won't loose in this. "Hey young man, you were acting as if you would die, saying 'I love you Aysha' and I couldn't just stare at you like that, what if you die without hearing those words you craved for? It will be so vile of me, I have some Imaan uno, and I've got the pure and guileless heart. So__ I was just beguilling you," she rolled her eyes sneeringly at him, smuggling. She almost chuckled at his facial expression, he loomed sad and disappointed, but he deserve more than that.

He creased his forehead, and swiftly; a smirk appeared on his lips. He spoke softly, yet enigmatically "Arub, wallahi you still loves me, and try denying this, what I'll do will humbug you," he reprimanded, moving closer to her.

Ummi gulped down her fear, she knew he sounded adamant, but what will he do? He can't kill her, will he? "Al-amin, I told you I don't love you, do your worst!" She avowed, piercing her eyes through his.

"You don't love me?" He asked, she nodded and opened her mouth to retaliate, but his action took her unaware. He merged his lips with her's. She shuddered at the electrifying feeling she got, her stomach did double flips, her heart beating unsteadily against its ribcage, goosebumps appearing on her skin.

She mustered the remaining courage that has left and pushed him away from her. She gasped, covering her mouth with her right palm, she wasn't expecting this. "Oh my.....Innalillahi," she exclaimed, befuddlingly looking at smirking Al-amin, tears were already clouding her view.

He put his hands in his pockets, and sternly stared at her "This will be your punishment, Arub. Whenever you disrespect me or yell at me, in a silent and romantic way__ I'll shut you up," he snickered, blowing her a kiss.

She was still shocked, she has no energy to argue or yell at him. She silently hushed "You should eat before leaving," and sauntered out of the kitchen, her heart dancing, mind jumbled, body shaking, the best feeling she've ever felt. She craved for more, but she couldn't have.

Al-amin stood lile a statue, her last words were the best romantic words he've ever heard, 'Ya Allah! Isn't this romantic?' He jabbered, grinning widely, to say he was happy would be an understatement, she can be as loving as this? He couldn't be more grateful.

"I love you too, Arub," he yelled, as she was entering her room. She groggily crashed on her bed, palmed her forehead, she knew her temperature has rised to its highest level.

"He still gives me butterflies, isn't this endearing? I love you more," she confided ecstatically, and smiled. A loving one.

***

It was after Zuhr prayer, Ummi was feeling hot, it was summer afterall. She decided on having a bath in the swimming pool, a call in her phone intruded her thrilled mood, she was happy since Al-amin left, it was her first kiss, it was soft and short, but it's worth embeding, the best feeling she've ever felt.

She looked at the callers name, it was Meeno, she smiled and picked the call, she missed her bestfriend, she noticed some changes in her, but didn't had the chance to ask why, as she knew she would hardly tell her.

"Goes to the world's bestfriend ever, I love you girl," she chimed, and chuckled at how Meeno whined.

"Aysha, you can't kill me with your voice like Hayfah's," Meeno jested, laughing.

"Even Hayfah was created like that, and I know you're lying. The 21st centhry's biggest lie. Anyway__ how are you? It's been long, you forget about me huh?" Ummi feigned a hurt expression, and rested her head on her reading chair; her sanctum.

They chatted for a while, Ummi yelling and laughing, Meeno groaning and grimacing, she knew whenever Ummi was in this thrilled and amiable mood, something mesmerizing has happened to her.

Meeno cleared her throat, emanating what she's going to say is crucial. "Aysha, I want you to listen and advice me, let's talk as bestfriends please, blood relation should be exonerated," Meeno enunciated, which made Ummi sat upright, something gnawing at her.

Meeno continued before she could utter a word, she knew she've mustered her utmost serious mood now. "It's about Ya Yusuf, he said he wants to go to out house for the formal introduction, do you think I should give him a chance? I don't want to be heartbroken again. What do you think? And mind you__advice me as a bestfriend, don't be selfish because he's your brother."

Ummi was befuddled, like the Ya Yusuf her brother? Is this a dream coming true? But how did you hooked up? It wasn't even upto a month, so he was serious. Oh god! She's gonna be an Aunt soon. "Ameenah, you see, like you've said early, we should exonerate blood relation, so from my perceptives, Yusuf is a very nice and loyal guy, he's a husband type, Meeno. I think you should give him a chance, you won't regret it Insha Allah, dear bestfriend."

Meeno's heart was at ease, she knew Ummi was telling the truth, she knew she won't regret choosing Yusuf as her husband, she just needed some assurance. "It's okay Amigo, I've made my mind then, I'll give him a chance, Insha Allah, and this stupid friend of mine would be my dangin miji" she boomed, laughing hysterically, she knew Ummi was suppressing her giddiness, she wanted to shout but couldn't because she sounded serious.

Ummi squealed in joy, "Oh my god, start respecting me, because you know how dangin miji's are, better respect me girl. And thank you soo much, I have to call him now," Ummi jabbered she was ecstatically happy, she wasn't seeing this coming, she was curious about how he shangai Meeno in such a short period of time. He've got some unique nerves indeed. His words tho.

Meeno laughed before she spoke excitedly "See this barmy, I'll be your big sis, better start respecting me, idiot. And don't call him please, couldn't he be more happy when he heard it first from me?" Meeno inquired.

They nattered away for hours, Ummi had already started planning how the wedding would be, Meeno would just laugh and insult her. They ended the call, with so much love and amiability filled in their hearts.

Ummi prayed her Asr prayer, wore a grey vest with a bomshort and descended the staircases, she needed to swim and dance this evening, before her sweetheart comes back. Note the sarcasm.

She was miming the song, swaying in the water, when she heard a loud shriek, she got spooked, she wasn't expecting anyone.

"Ya Allah! Arub, you look tantalizing," Al-amin half yelled, ambling close to the resting chairs in the garden.

Ummi wanted to scream, what's the meaning of this? Doesn't her knows something called manner and privacy? She'll surely teach him a lesson. She slowly chugged out of the swimming pool, all drenched. She took her shower gown and wore on her wet clothes, before stomping to where he was sitted, narrowing his eyes around her body.

She stood in front of him, seething in range, hands akimbo, "Al-amin, what's the meaning of all this? Don't you have some manners? Or don't you think I need some privacy? Why all this? I don't like this, better behave," she snarled, glaring at him.

Al-amin stood up and faced her, smirking, he knew she would be angry, and that's what he wanted, he vowed to make her give up in the next two days, and it touts it won't take time.

"What's there if I saw you like this? Aren't you my wife? I have the rights. And mind you__don't yell at me, or else......my punishment," he tattled, winked and snickered.

Ummi was flabbergasted, when did Al-amin has the effrontery? He's no more the introvert she knew, this was a new person. Quite notorious. "I'm physically your wife, mister. And mind you__that your so called punishment must not repeat it self, if not__you'll see my bitter side," she threatened, yawing her gaze from his side, as her body shuddered at how close he was to her body.

"You're physically my wife huh? That means I can do whatever I feels like doing with you, physically," he spoke with full sarcasm, smirking.

Ummi was getting annoyed, she's tired of his pugnaciousness, why couldn't he get apoplectic? Or it's a new way of beguilling her? "Wai ni Al-amin yaushe ka zama mara kunya ne? Fadin abu bai maka wuya ko? To sai kayi physically din mugani, (Al-amin when did you became naughty? You says everything that comes to your mind huh? I dare you to do everything physically then)," she glared at him, and majestically walked off. She was taken aback by a grisp of her left hand, she abruptly turned.

"You dare me to?" He asked, turning her so she could face him.

"Yes. I dare you to. Indai ka cika mara kunya, Al-amin," she exhorted, sneering at him.

Al-amin chuckled softly, before she could register what was happening; he leaned in and coalesced their lips, kissing her roughly, yet endearingly.

Ummi bawled gutturally, and closed her eyes, welcoming the new exquisite feeling she felt. She suddenly felt his hands on the gown belt; he was trying to loose the knot. That vulgarized her subconscious, she pushed him and galloped out of the garden, leaving him stiffened in sentiment.

"Allah ya isa!" She yelled and descended the staircases.

Al-amin brushed down his hair with his hand, a triumphant grin plastered on his lips, "I'll soon get you girl, and the game is yet to start," he yelled, and followed suite.

***

Laila and Inas were chatting fascinatingly. Laila's phone beeped, emanating she got a message, she read the text and shreaked, a wide grin plastered on her lips.

Inas smacked her shoulder irritatingly "What are you doing, Laila? We're in public for god sake!" Inas quipped, giving her a quizzical look.

Laila covered her mouth with her right palm, "I was overjoyed, Inas. Laith just bought me a Nigerian wedding gown, It's so beautiful, I have to go now," Laila panted, zooming the picture Laith sent to her. It was a long floral light blue gown with stripes of silver, he promised her their wedding will be base in Nigerian weddings.

"Let me see the gown, our would be bride," Inas speculated, spreading her palm. Laila thrusted her the phone, a wide grin plastered on her lips.

"Mmmm... it's indeed beautiful, and it'll look good on you," Insa said and thrusted the phone back.

They stood up and took a cab, their sojourn was a hushed one, everyone was lost in his thought, Inas loomed enigmatic, Laila was ecstatic.

They met Laith in front of their dormitory's gate, looking hot as always, the smile on his face was mesmerizing, he looked dashingly handsome.

Laila ran and hugged him, "Thank you so much, L," she whispered and pecked his cheek.

Inas came and they said they pleasantries with Laith, her expression wasn't palpable, she loomed ruminative and enigmatic.

Laila collected the gown and pranced into their room, everyone was giving her a puzzled look, she looked elated.

Laila sprawled the gown on her bed, and called Inas, they were examining the gown when Inas spoke "When will be the wedding, I'm eager you know," the mischievousness in her voice was palpable, she looked uneasy.

"Oh my god, you've forgotten? Well__ it was fixed a month, but now it's two weeks from now, I had to go back home," Laila answered with full enthusiasm.

"Well__it's time for the real game," Inas mumbled enigmatically, her voice sounded dangerous, facial expression was hard to fathom. She loomed notorious.