BEFORE THIRTY Episode 18

BEFORE THIRTY

Episode 18:

I fold my arms watching him do his job. More customers keep trooping in. I move to render an helping hand to Abd’Salām, the young man assisting him. I have seen how he’s slicing the potatoes, so, it isn’t stressful. Initially, he declines politely and succumbs after much persistent. When the crowd has dispersed, Fawzaan walk to me.

“Abd’Salām, you see what I told you about her?” he beams. 

“You tell tale about me? I reply while Abd’Salām grins  shaking his head.

“No he doesn’t. But he never stop singing your praises at home. Since he joined your firm, a day won’t pass except he says how much you mean to him and that you were the one who suggested he set up this business. And I must say, I am impressed with the kind gesture you’ve been displaying since you came. May Allah continue to bless your endeavor.”

“Aameen. May Allah bless you too. All thanks belong to Allah. Whatever I did is nothing. If it were to be someone else in my place, he/she might do better.. It’s nice seeing you the two of you working together.”

“I am glad I finally met your humble, selfless, wonderful and amiable boss.  Well, I can’t remember the rest of beautiful adjectives you have  qualified her with,” he zeroes his eyes towards Fawzaan who swiftly looks away from me. He is shy, I guess.

“Don’t mind him. He is also a nice person to be with. Alright, I need to get going now,” I pick my purse which is on the table. 

I see Fawzaan pick a leather bag while seeing me to the car. 

“You deserve much more than this but this is all I can afford. Kindly accept it as a token of my heart,” he stretches forward the bag to me. 

“May Allah bless you. But don’t you think it’s too early for this? You just start this business Fawzaan. I have told you only Allah deserves to be praised. Seeing you making sales is my priority. Do this for you, your family and most importantly your mum. All I did was to advise you while you gave it a consideration and I am very sure you are going places because you have the potential in you. So, you owe me nothing okay?”

He heaves a long sigh!

“Your kind is rare. Sometimes I wonder what I did in my life that made me meet a rare pearl like you. Even my mum is eager to meet you. She likes you already. I believe a day will come when I will be bold enough to tell you how much I lo.. I mean, love and appreciate all you’ve done for me. So, I am pleading with you to accept this small gift my boss.” 

“I am not a boss but Fareedah.”

“Okay ma. Fareedah, can you please open the car? I need to place this in there,” he says and burst into laughter.

“You are something else. Alright, we will see tomorrow, in sha Allah. I receive the bag from him, hop in the car and drive away.” 

It is such a stressful day. Naheemah gladly opens the door for me. We hug each other for a while before settling down.

Naheemah sniffles, searching something with her nose while I narrow my eyes at her with a sly smile.

“You bought chicken?” she snatches the bag from me, bringing out the contents. Without wasting time, she walks to kitchen to fetch a dish to serve the chicken and chips. 

“You didn’t even ask if it’s something you can eat,” I roll my eyes.

“Forget that one. I know you can’t bring an unlawful  food inside this house..” she fills her mouth with the chips. My phone starts ringing. It’s a call from Luqman. 

“Assalam Alaykum WaramatuLlah. ”

“Waalaykum Salam WaramatuLlah. How are you doing?”

“I’m fine and you?”

“I am good. You didn’t even ask why I came to check on you at the park.”

“Do I have to? I felt you only came to see me off. Okay ooo, why did you come there?”

“Because I can’t wait to make you mine. I see no reason why this should be delayed. At the moment, despite the fact I have the access to discuss with you, I am itching to meet your parents, most especially your waliyy. Once that criteria have been fulfilled, my mind will be at peace. All I want now is the date I will be meeting them. Even my parents can’t wait to meet you. ”

“I understand your point very well but you see, it would have been easier if my father were to be alive. Mum felt discussing this with my uncle on the phone isn’t polite enough. Hence, she will go there before this week runs out. But certainly, she will ask you come see before going to my uncle. May Allah make it possible. ”

“No problems then. So, what are you doing now?”

“Chilling with my best friend.”

“She hasn’t left? Isn’t she the one you told me about earlier? ”

No, she isn’t. Another one.”

“That means I have a lot people I have to meet. I will call you later, in sha Allah. Magrib prayers is fast approaching.”

“Maa shâ Allah, till then.”

Ending the conversation, Naheemah smiles broadly, looking at me. While in Lagos, I didn’t tell her anything about Luqman but I told her we’ve got much to discuss about. I didn’t wait for her to ask questions before I start spilling. She watches me speak as she nods with satisfaction. When I am done explaining, she hugs me with prayers.

“My dear, I am very happy for you.  You don’t know for how long I’ve been waiting for this news. But then, ask Allah for guidance about it. He alone Can show us the way.”

“May Allah bless you for this. I have commenced the istikhaara starting from the day our path crossed. Though, I can see the readiness in him but then, he seems so good to be true. Naheemah, he doesn’t care I am 29 already. To top it all, he is good looking and appears committed to his religion. ”

“I can understand how you feel but sis, it doesn’t matter. You are contemplating on the possibility of finding a spouse that tick all boxes by a spinster who you think should be at the mercy of men; if I’m right. Now, I am telling you there’s nothing like marrying late or early. Your pace is your race. My own destiny is different from yours. One can only achieve a dream or wish at it’s appointed time. Stop looking down on your self, sis. I will rather say he’s fortunate for meeting a good soul like you. ”

“I really appreciate this. You and Rahmah sound  alike. You know I was just imagining where he was all these while but just as you said it can only happen at the appointed time.”

“Exactly. Allah’s blessings upon it.”

“Aameen.”

We munch on the sumptuous food Fawzaan gave me. Naheemah ask where I got it from while I explain it was from a colleague who just start the business. She really loves it and make a mental note of buying it for her family on her next trip.

It’s a Monday morning, my friend has returned home as usual while I am on my way to work. I feel good and happy this morning. Though, I can’t place a finger on the reason for my happiness but it’s an awesome feeling, I must say. 

Getting to work, I see him conversing with the security man. I drive in and gently park at the lot. He rushes to me, stretching forth his hand to help me with my bag but I decline. 

”Assalam Alaykum WaramatuLlah. Thanks for coming yesterday. Abd’Salām sends his greetings too. He asked me thank you for the help rendered.”

“Since you think you owe me that much, I will also thank you for yesterday’s gift. It was very delicious. More sales, in sha Allah.”

“Aameen. Erm.... Thanks. I just can’t help thank you,” he grins. I beam, exchange greetings with the security man and walk inside. Everyone is happy to see me. I hug my female colleagues who are ecstatic to see me resume and exchange pleasantries with the males. 

Taking leave was actually the best decision. No need proving macho all the time. Everyone is capable of pass through rough patches while the ball game is to handle it with whatever means available. I am glad I went home. Meeting Luqman is also another achievement. I think I have started to love him. I bring out my phone to pass call across to my mum. I told her the request of Luqman. Mum replies she will be visiting my uncle tomorrow. That’s good to hear. I prepare a letter addressing my resumption back to work which will be submitted to the GM’s office.

Three days after, I receive a call from my mum that she’s informed my uncle about Luqman of which he has given the nod to meeting with him on this coming Sunday. Due to the fact that I just took a week leave, I couldn’t request for a day off. So, I have to leave my place very early this Saturday. I get to Lagos around 8:30pm. The journey was stressful due to the heavy gridlock along Lagos- Ibadan express way. 

Luqman will be here tomorrow. Hence, my presence is needed. 

I can see preparation to receive him has taken place. Rahmah is also very much around to assist mum. The night didn’t pass without discussing on the phone with Luqman. He expresses how happy and eager he is to see tomorrow. 

He arrives around 8:00am alongside his two friends. He comes bearing gifts which surpass our expectations. Mum does a light interview for him to which he pass wonderfully. He alongside his friends are serve fried rice, salad and fried fish. Afterwards, we all leave for my uncle’s house in his car while Ramah stay back to mind mum’s shop.

Getting there, my uncle who has been anticipating our arrival along with his family receive us warmly. After exchanging greetings and pleasantries we all settle down in couches. Thankfully, the introduction goes well. Luqman is able to win my uncle’s heart just as he won my mother’s too. Everything is working as I have dreamed and I pray it goes well till we become couple and most importantly after marriage. 

 Since I will be resuming work tomorrow, I decide to leave for Ibadan from my uncle’s house. He resides in Palmgroove so, his house isn’t far from Oshodi. Luqman offers to drive me back but I remind him he is resuming to work too. Yet, he is adamant.

“I can do anything for you to show how much I love you. Fareedah, I am very happy today. Your family accepted me as if they’ve known me from Adam. Even my friends marvel at their gestures. You won’t believe one of them was asking me if there is another flower they can come to pluck,” he says and burst into laughter revealing his well arranged dentals. To say the truth, Luqman is so handsome that my heart flutters as he speaks. 

“Another flower? When did you pluck one?” I roll my eyes.

“Eh, be careful with your eyes, pretty. I won’t be able to bear it, if they pluked out of their sockets,” he mockingly says, smirking at me. 

“You are something else,” I shake my head, pressing my lips. 

Just then, his friends show up beaming. We exchange another round of greetings. 

Just then, his friends show up beaming. We exchange another round of greetings. 

“Erm.... Sister Fareedah, BarakaLlahu feekuma. We look forward to the introduction ceremony between the two families.” Abd’Hameed says.

“May Allah spare our lives beyond then. Now I know why Luqman won’t stop talking about you. May you be couple till jannah, in sha Allah......... Hey dude, it seems you ain’t leaving anytime soon right?” Bunyāmin taps his shoulder, winking at him.

“I want to drop her off but she won’t listen,” he grins at me.

“Hmmm.... I see. But why sis?” Bunyāmin asks.

“Ibadan is far from here and he’s resuming to work tomorrow too.”

“Luqman, can you see your future wife is considerate? But sister Fareedah, let him take all troubles now. I’m sure he won’t do that if it were to be us,” he says and burst into laughter whlie Luqman narrows his eyes at him, hissing.

“Faree, don’t mind him. He’s just been jealous. Okay, if you think going to Ibadan and returning today will be stressful, let me drive you to the park then. ”

“That’s better. I need to inform my family. ”

“Good.”

I return inside to find my uncle, his family, my mum  discussing about me and Luqman. Obviously, my uncle is happy to meet him and couple with the fact that mum gave him the right to stand in as my guardian. Everyone of them knows what we went through after the demise of my dad without them having our backs. But then, we waved this aside and, still upholding the family ties. My uncle really feels honoured for giving him such privilege.  Though, I wouldn’t blame them much since they ain’t that buoyant too. 

The moment he sees me, his face is full of smiles. “Fareedah, the wait worth it. May Allah be with you always. Just as I’ve said; I will run a background check on him and his family. But I am certain he’s a good man as he answered all my questions with wisdom and good manners. Once I am satisfied with my findings, the next thing is having introduction ceremony between the families. Then, we can now now involve the rest of your uncles and aunts from our side and your mother’s,” he rounds it up with prayers. 

“Thank you sir. I am glad to hear this. May Allah strengthen you sir...... I will like to leave now before it gets late.”

“Ah,that’s true. Your journey should commence now,” uncle adds. My mum straightens up and walk me out. I inform her of Luqman’s offer to drive me to the park while she smiles.

“He’s really trying his best to show how much he loves you. I’m impressed with him including his friends. Our people say, like minds attract. He has wonderful friends too. I think he’s smart and determined, I like that. My dear, I am so happy for you. If only you know how much I had looked forward to see this day. May Allah bless the relationship between you.”

“Aameen. Maami, does this means you have accepted him?”

“Of course! But we still need to be prayerful. Everything in life needs prayers whether good or bad...  Now, let’s go to the car. Don’t keep him waiting for long.”

We walk to him and his friends who are busy chatting in the car. When they see me arrive with mum, they come down from the car and greet her again. Maami starts another prayer that almost last forever while we say aamen. Shortly after, I get in the car at the passenger seat while his friends use the back seat. 

Him and his friends keep the car lively as they chat discussing about their lives.

*********-----------********

It’s another Saturday, my uncle phoned me yesterday approving my relationship with Luqman. He said he ticks all boxes as all he says about himself are nothing but the truth. He added that the entire family will be pleased to meet his family in four weeks time and then, the wedding date will be decided. I was so happy to hear that. Though, my mum had hinted me before but it feels good to hear it from him too. 

Giving Luqman the news on the phone, he screeches at the other end with a loud cheer. Even if I didn’t see him, I can feel his energy. Honestly, I am happy too. I can’t wait any longer too. 

Smiling in my office, Fawzaan shows up with an envelope and presents it to me. 

“What’s this for?” I scrunch my brows.

“It’s #25000. Part of the money you loaned me. In sha Allah, I will make the full payment by the ending of this week.”

“Ah, Fawzaan. Are you sure you are buoyant enough to repay now?”

“Yes. You don’t know how much customers I’ve gained over the past few days. If not that you will be cross with me for thanking you, I would gladly do that for the rest of my life. You don’t know how much you mean to me. Fareedah, may your life be filled with a forever happiness till hereafter,” he suddenly becomes emotional. 

“Aameen and you too. Alright then. But how is mum doing too?”

“She’s fine. She is always asking after you. And she can’t wait to set her eyes on you.”

“May Allah love her too.”

“Aamen.” 

He turns to leave. I return to my phone that has kept me busy before he entered, expecting him to leave. When I didn’t see any signs of him leaving, I look up to find his gaze.

“I-I..... I am sorry. I was just trying to say something b-b...but it doesn’t matter. Ermm... I will get going,” he gasps and exits. 

I hope he’s fine. Why do I feel like he has something to say but scared to do so? Perhaps, it’s my mind playing with me. To say the fact, I feel good to hear him say his business is moving beyond his imaginations. 

Two hours had passed. 

A message pops up from Luqman. 

“Asssalam Alaykum, I am at the gate waiting for you. ”

At the gate? What a surprise. He didn’t tell me he’s coming. I rush to the gate to find him sitting on a chair at the security post. I am dismayed he isn’t smiling as he does always. The aura around around him is rather dull. I hope everything is fine with him? I walk up to him. The security man greets me, telling me I have a visitor while I thank him.

“Assalam Alaykum WaramatuLlah.”

“Waalaykum Salam WaramatuLlah. My car is outside. Can we go there please?”

“Sure,” I reply and we leave for his car.

He is at the front while I trail him behind. Just then, we bump into Fawzaan who seems returning from somewhere. I guess he went out to buy something. He flash me a quick stare, purse his lips and goes in. Luqman is also not comfortable around him. What’s wrong with these two? 

“Ain’t you happy to see me Fareedah?” he bit his lips hard, with his hands in his hands tuck in his pockets.

“Why did you ask? I think I should be the one posing that question to you. Why do I feel like you are bothered with something? ”

“Is it that obvious? And would you love to know why I am bothered? ”

“Yes, I would.”

“You didn’t tell me I have a contender,” he muffles his face with smiles.

“A contender? Who was that?”

“The guy we saw earlier, who is he? Is anything between you two?”

“What guy? You mean Fawzaan?” 

“Oh, he’s Fawzaan.”

“What could possibly be between us except that we are colleagues. Is there something you are not telling me?”

“Never mind. Perhaps, I’m the one over thinking but what if I am right? I just hope I have nothing to be wary about. When I arrived a while ago, I was about to enter the gate when I saw him come out. I told him I’m here to see Fareedah,” he stops midway looking up. I follow his gaze to find Fawzaan upstairs at the terrace staring at us. Immediately our eyes meet, he swiftly turns 360° leaving the place.

“Is he the one you are referring to?”

“Yes, he is,” he pouts.

I burst into laughter smirking at him.

“Fawzaan, a contender? You are so funny. He’s just a colleague like a younger brother. Anyway, he might just be curious to know who you are since we relate like siblings.. Don’t tell me you are a jealous lover.”

“Urhmm..... A colleague turns younger brother. Wow! This is fantastic. Hope this younger brother isn’t over protective of his sister because I already told him how I am related to you.”

“You told him?”

“Yes. He asked for it. When I saw him, I told him I came to see you and he requested to know how how I am related to you... I guess, it’s the protocol here... Erm that aside. I’m not here to talk about him all day but us. When are you closing from work,” he purses his lips, checking his wristwatch for time. 

“In an hour time.”

“No problems. I will stop by at the masjid close to here. I sighted it when I was coming. Till then, in sha Allah. But don’t keep me waiting okay?” he grins while I nod.