Diary on The Shelf!

Chapter 32

"ARE YOU okay?" His eyebrows furrowed, crease lines forming on his forehead. Halima sighed deeply, "It could have been worse. How did your parents take it?"

Ismail interlocked his fingers and clenched them, sitting in a small coffee house in midtown. The air was thick with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the low hum of conversation creating an ambiance of subdued chatter around them. It might as well have been the last time they would ever see or speak to each other. Ismail suggested they meet before his family decided to withdraw his proposal. The weight of their unspoken farewell lingered in the air.

"Surprisingly well, although don't worry they think it's not what I want and will be speaking to your family soon."

Halima nodded, "I'm really sorry Ismail, it wasn't my intention to put you or your family in this situation," She sipped her coffee, the rich, earthy aroma wafting from the cup, and sighed.

"It's okay Halima, I wish you would've told me earlier, but I understand."

Halima wrestled with conflicting emotions, a knot tightening in her chest as guilt mingled with regret. She pursed her lips, a flood of thoughts racing through her mind, unspoken words that weighed heavily on her conscience. "Anyway, I should get going; my shift starts in forty minutes." Ismail grabbed his coffee-to-go and stood.

"It was really nice knowing you, Halima. I hope you get what you're looking for." His lips were tight as he smiled and bid her goodbye.

"I hope so too," she mumbled in the silence that followed. Halima sat in the booth, staring at her coffee until it became too cold and bitter to drink. The bitter taste mirrored the bitterness in her heart, a poignant reminder of her unresolved emotions.

She reached for her phone, the screen's glow casting a soft light on her face. Scrolling through her recent calls, 'Albi' (my heart) stood out multiple times. The number of times Lorna had called her phone during the three weeks was staggering, accompanied by apologetic texts that tugged at Halima's guilt.

Halima left the cafe, the bustling cityscape bustling around her. The distant sounds of traffic and snippets of conversations melded into a symphony of urban life. Her mother thought she didn't deserve her driver anymore, so she opted for an Uber to Lorna's place.

Lorna paced in her small sitting room, her footsteps creating a soft rhythm against the wooden floor. The room exuded a cozy ambiance, infused with a subtle fragrance of oud that lingered in the air. She stopped, casting a discerning eye around the space. Neatly hung hoodies adorned the walls, adding a personal touch to the modest setting. After Halima's morning call, she had been meticulous, tidying every corner of her home.

Just as she resumed her pacing, her phone vibrated, 'Doll' flashing on the screen. With a racing heart, she answered, her voice betraying a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.

'Hey, I've just been dropped. I'm outside your gate.'

Lorna's heart skipped a beat; her practiced words suddenly felt inadequate. She gathered herself, her breaths steady as she grabbed her keys and hastened to open the gate. As she caught sight of Halima, a whirlwind of emotions enveloped her, stealing the air from her lungs. The weight of three weeks apart felt heavy in that moment.

They stood wordlessly, an unspoken dialogue passing between them. Halima mirrored Lorna's expression, their gazes locking in a silent exchange that spoke volumes. The ambient sounds of the neighborhood - rustling leaves, distant murmurs, and the occasional car passing by - formed a subtle backdrop to their charged reunion.

Lorna made the first move, breaking the silence with a deep exhale and a tentative smile. She extended her hand to receive a shopping bag from Halima's grasp, a gesture laden with unspoken warmth and longing.