Chapter 21: Chapter 21

Amina

It was past 8 when I woke up with a split headache. Yesterday, I couldn't sleep so I stayed up all night reciting the holy Qur'an, and now I don't know where the headache came from. My eyes went to the side drawer, where I usually keep my phone, finding it empty. I couldn't possibly left it outside. If I'm not mistaken I came back to the room with the phone. That's why I didn't hear the alarm for me to wake up late like this. Had it been I have work today, god knows the kind of scolding I will get from Ahmad. I splashed the duvet out of the bed, finding nothing. Getting off the bed, my foot came in contact with something hard. Much to my surprise, it was my baby phone. My brows were knitted in question as I picked it from the floor. When did the phone land on the ground? or did I stretched my hands and made it fall? I went for the latter. As far as the phone is working normal then I don't have any issue regarding it falling.

Making my way to the bathroom, I did my morning routine which didn't take me a lot of time to finish. I discard the different body lotion set in the vanity mirror. I prefer my own Vaseline which I brought from home. I was applying cologne to my armpit when my phone vibrates from beside me. A message from Aesha telling me she'd be going to the market for her wedding sample clothe. A smile made its way to my lips. I can't wait for the day. I will take a day off especially for that.

I typed away my reply. "Wish you all the best and make sure you choose a very beautiful and quality material" I hit the send button, plopping the phone back, and continued with what I was doing before.

As I descend down, I found the parlor almost vacant only Hajiya who was sipping what I assumed as coffee pressing on her phone. Just as I set my foot towards her, Abida appeared beside me plopping her hands on my shoulder.

"Morning Amimi. You have finally woken up" she whispered said and I instantly shiver by her small voice down my ear.

"Morning Abida. How was your night?" I sarcastically said my mind going to last night's events.

"Alhamdulillah. It was fine. I slept so soundly. After all, I didn't take the coffee yesterday" she shrugged trying to walk past me but I held her arm stopping her in place.

"I must say you really enjoyed your night while I couldn't sleep because of the two cups of coffee that I drank. You did that on purpose right?" Her eyes narrowly widened by my statement then she let out a chuckle.

"Me? I did nothing. Though you guys got along which I find interesting"

Wait.

Does that mean she eavesdrop on our conversation? Great. Just great.

Since she decided to play the cupid then I will play along. "Yeah, we became friends in that span of time all thanks to you"

"To... Me?" she stuttered out.

I tug the little strand of her hair that threatens to spill out of her turban and glanced back at her with a glint on my face. "Has Sadiq's breakfast been taken to him already?" I asked playing her more. She snapped her loosened mouth shut, focusing on me.

"I was just about to take it to him. He should be back by now" So the workaholic boss of mine decided to go to the office when it's the weekend. Fantabulous. Whatever, I'm glad I was not included in his weekend works. Going to the office five times a week is enough for me.

"Well, that's great. I will take it to him then" without waiting for her reply, I ambled towards Hajiya. She wasn't even aware of our presence. God knows what she's doing with her phone that made her so engrossed in it.

"Good Morning Hajiya" I commenced slightly bending down. She placed her phone beside her and I didn't miss noticing the content on the screen. So it was the morning news that was keeping her so busy.

"Morning Amina. How was your night"

"Alhamdulillah Hajiya"

"Masha Allah. You can get to rest today since it's Saturday but Ahmad and Imran can not rest even during the weekend" not knowing how to reply to her, I just smile.

"Um... Hajiya excuse me" she nodded her head in answer and I returned to the kitchen meeting with Mairo washing the dishes.

"Ina kwana Aunty (Good morning Aunty)" She greeted. I don't know her that much but I find her a calm and quiet girl.

It was as if she knew what I came for, she passed me a plate covered with a lid. "Here's your breakfast. I finished frying it now" she said.

"Thank you Mairo. What of Sadiq's own?" I inquired opening the lid covering the plate. The aroma of fried potatoes beats to my nostril.

"His own is inside the food flask" before she could rinse her foam hands, I halted her.

"It's okay, I will take it to him." I grabbed the flask and set mine there, I will come back and take it after I've taken his own to him. As I walk passed the parlor sighting Hajiya in the position I left her in. This time around Abida was by her side. Maybe troubling her. Sensing my presence, she turned around and our eyes met. I threw her a smile walking away. The surrounding was relatively quite only the sound of birds chirping and the barking of dog from the next neighborhood. I made my way to Sadiq's room. It's actually my first time going around to the part of the house. What will he think when he sees me? I hope he won't get me wrong. I'm doing it to play along with Abida.

I inhale a sharp breath before kneading my hand in a fist. "Coming" came his faraway voice. I let out yet another mild breath.