Chapter 17: Chapter 17

"This place looks really beautiful, I never knew about it before," she spoke, holding his arm tighter like someone was going to snatch him away. "Well yes, it's a new place. They just opened it few months ago and I thought we'd have our picnic here and hangout all day together."

She watched as he spread the mat while she held the basket she brought along with for them. They both settled down on the mat. She opened the basket, "what would you like to eat first? I brought Cheese and Bacon Potato Bake, Mozzarella Sticks Bacon Double Cheeseburger, Strawberry Stuffed Donuts, some apples and strawberries, some Chapman..."

"Wow, wow wait! Who is going to eat all that?" He asked perplexed. "I made this all for you babe," she retorted while feeding him some strawberries. She Cupped his face in her warm palms and kissed his lips softly. He beamed, looking at her glowing face.

She served him some cheese and bacon potato bake like he requested. "Guess what babes," he said taking the plate from her. "Uhmm I'm not good at guessing."

"I told my father about us last night and he said I should tell you to inform your family about it. I'll be sending my people when you're ready."

She gasped and engulfed him in a hug. "You just made my whole week babe," she whispered to him. She kissed him on the cheek and moved to his lips. She moved back and stared at him, smiling. He captured her lips in a passionate kiss, not caring they were in public. She pulled out and hit his chest. "Ouch," he grimaced. "We're in public," she warned. "You started kissing me you weird girlfriend."

"Ha-ha, you love me like that," she said and stucked her tongue out. He stared at her light brown, mesmerizing eyes and smiled. "Every day I fall more and more in love with you," he confessed, massaging her soft hand. She blushed at his cheesy words and looked away.

"I love the way you kiss and hug me," he added biting his lips. She pecked his lips and grinned. "Now let's eat," she said trying to keep her cool. He chuckled shaking his head.

"Baby, let's play a game. I speak, and you finish my sentences. Okay, love?" She stuffed some donuts in her mouth.

He nodded, "Sure." She squealed and sat properly. "I am in a dark room..."

"Everything is black." He finished off. "I turn to find the door..." she paused waiting for his answer. "But there is none." She pouted when he wasn't willing to fail. "Okay, okay here's a hard one From the wall comes a sliver of daylight..."

Mujahid laughed. "And I realize there is a chance of escape." She whined and hit his chest playfully. "I feel the wall and discover..." she grinned thinking he wouldn't get the answer right. "There is a door, but it is stuck."

"There is a key on the floor....."

"But the door stays stuck."

"Kiss the key, open the door, on the other side is my love."

"I thought your love would be in the dark room with me."

"It was, you who sets us both free." He whispered to her. As he leant forward her pulse raced. A small lock of hair tumbled in front of her face, resting just in front of her cheek, but with one swift slide of his thumb, it was brushed out of the way. Looking into his eyes she saw deep pools of blue that displayed his soul. His lips touched her cheek. Time stopped. Her heart came to a halt. Her breath caught in her throat. Their fingers locked together similar to puzzle pieces. As the soft skin of his mouth left the side of her face, the exact spot where they had come into contact burned and tingled. A hot blazing fire pulsed through me. A small grin crept onto her face and her cheeks painted themselves rose red. He pulled away silently, but their eyes locked, having a private conversation of their own.

The corners of her mouth lifts up into a smile. She lets her smile widen into a brilliant grin that has Mujahid beaming at her. "You look super cute when you smile," he complimented. Her cheeks turned rose pink, giving her away. She covered her face with her hand giggling.

She stood on her feet and pulled his hand, "come let's go for a walk and watch the sun set." He did as she told him without saying a word. He never thought he would find his dream woman. A girl he can actually take home. Nadia was his perfect match. The perfect spouse he prayed for.

She squeezed his strong hand, biting her lips feeling really excited. "Babe, I wrote a poem for you." He laughed heartily. "Hm! Never knew my Fiancée is a poet."

"Okay, just listen. Lover, you are the knight in my day, the sunshine of the eternal dawn within, the one that makes it safe for my soul to breathe anew. You show a courage I thought long extinguished from the world, yet here you are. It is because of who you are that I feel this way, that your touch is energy and all that you are is home. I trust you even when the cold winds blow; I hold to you when sinister whispers speak ill, for I saw your soul one precious night under the stars and it lives with me still. So, for all the time there is a me, I am yours: mind, body and soul."

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, gently rubbing her arm. Her tummy fluttered at the feeling of her body pressed against his. She sunk into the warmth of his side, appreciative of the simple gesture. His touch made the place warmer somehow, her future within its walls seeming a little less bleak.

"I love it, I love every single word but I love you the most." She snuggled up more to him. "I'll do everything I can in life to keep that smile on your face forever. I'll be your shield and make sure nobody hurts you ever. I love you, Mujahid."

••

"Do you know what day it is?" Maryam questioned throwing her teddy bear in the air and catching it. Aydah was so engrossed in watching a video on her phone. "Yaya's birthday?" She asked instead. Maryam sighed and kept the teddy aside. "This is the first time I'm not wishing him or giving him something. To be honest I'm really frustrated." Maryam groaned and buried her head under her pillow.

"Then call him and make things right, not bug me about him," aydah shrugged while still using her phone. Maryam glared at her and snatched the phone away. "What th-" she paused after she saw the look on Maryam's face. She was very distressed and down casted.

"Okay fine!" She sighed holding Maryam's hands. "I honestly dont know what to tell you again after advising you for days now but you.... are so so so stubborn."

Maryam grinned and wiggles her brows. Aydah shook her head and shrugged.

"It's very surprising how you are letting your ego and pride to get the best of you. I mean, this is not the Maryam I know. You're so kind, sweet, funny.... I swear I never thought you guys would let anything get in your way. Just last month you guys were inseparable."

Aydah groaned and slapped her shoulder. "My brother is freaking in love with you." She gasped after spilling too much. They were both looking at each other in silence. Maryam smiled bewildered and spaced out. "What- what do you mean by your brother is in love with me? Aydah.... spill!"

Aydah released a sharp breath and nodded. "My brother, your best friend has been in love with you for five years now."

She scrambled up from her bed looking at aydah in disbelief. "Why are you just telling me this?" Words left her after she asked that question. She stared into Aydah's eyes burning with anger, and her heart fell silent. "Answer me!" She roared.

"I... he... I made a promise to him that I wouldn't say a word to you. He meant no harm Maryam. He was just protecting you and your friendship. He didn't want to lose you. You're like the only person Ya Mahmud tells his problems to after his mother passed away."

"But...." she gritted her teeth, as the tears rolled down her already red face. She harshly wiped it away and took her car keys and veil. Aydah grabbed her wrist and stopped her. "Where do you think you're going to? Maryam please calm down and let's talk about this, okay?"

"Maryam look at me," she slowly said to her. Her eyes dripped with tears as the walls closed in on her. She suddenly took on a pale look, as if she'd been painted with white-wash - even her lips were barely there. Then with one step backwards she crumpled like a puppet suddenly released of their strings.

"Maryam? No, no Maryam wake up!" Aydah panicked tearing up. She rushed out of the room to get mommy's attention.

••

Maryam's dreams took her back to the rainforest. In the soft light and humid air she would tune into the noises like they were an auditory jigsaw puzzle. On each conjuring of her sacred place she felt a frisson of joy, the same kind as she felt when Mahmud surprises her with a gift at the office after having a tiring day, only many times more intense. The leaves would feel wet and more tough than they appeared, the aroma went right to her brain, intoxicating, rich. Then with a steady gaze she'd pick one small place and stare until she had unmasked the camouflage of the creatures hidden in plain sight.

She heard the sound of Mahmud's footsteps, his laughter and deep husky voice that gives her butterflies. She would be so asleep and so awake in her soul, reliving those perfect moments of their friendship. There were days she'd recall those adventures of the day times when they weren't at work and lavish them upon them over dinner or ice cream, no doubt with a few beautiful details added on the fly. And she was so beautiful as she slept, that steady heart, those steady breaths, more than enough to make him fall in love with her all over again.

Slowly and reluctantly, She opened her tired eyes. She blinked, closed her eyes, and blinked again. She slowly opened them to meet his eyes on her. He looked worried and distressed. Mommy and Aydah were there in the living room with her.

Mommy went close and touched her forehead. "How are you feeling?" She asked worriedly. "Mommy," she called out with trembling lips. "It's okay, you're fine. Your father just left. He said you need some rest."

She slowly nodded and shifted her gaze to him. He was staring at her without blinking. His eyes showed her how much he had missed her.

"Aydah come let's go cook dinner," mommy said, to give them privacy. His eyes look brown from afar, but as he nears, she noticed the color of honey. They're bright and liquid warm, sprinkled with light brown specks, framed by beautiful thick lashes. They remind her of her late cousin, mom and hers favorite tea. She slowly sat upright. When he slides into the sofa beside her, she sneak a glance at him. She pause, noticing the power behind those breathtaking eyes. The power that's as reckless as a tornado. His eyes flash. For a moment they look golden with warmth... and as careless as hell.

"How are you feeling?" He spoke slowly. "You came," she said instead. "No matter what happens between us, I would never stop caring for you.

He sighed and ran his hand through his soft hair. "I'm so so in love with you Manha. No one could understand the love I have for you, not even you,” he confessed. Maryam's glances at him, her mouth pursed but slightly open and loose. Her eyes are fixed as if she's looking at something a yard behind his head. I call her name. She blinks, refocuses. He smile and nod, "I understand that you're with my brother but you deserve someone who is terrified to lose you not someone who makes you feel left out and lonely.”

Words left her mouth as she watched him walked away, looking depressed. She wanted to stop him and tell him how she felt about him too but she was in a puzzle. She loved him but she loved his brother more. Mujahid was the one she wants and she has gotten him. She was willing to stay with him no matter what.