The two women left their children standing in stunned silence, their confused and shocked faces a source of quiet amusement. Sumayya and Fatima retreated to a quieter corner of the bustling event hall, their laughter bubbling up as they exchanged knowing glances.
“I swear, Sumayya, did you see Aalim’s face? He looked like he’d seen a ghost!” Fatima chuckled, covering her mouth to stifle her laughter.
Sumayya smiled, her eyes twinkling with warmth. “Oh, and Abidat wasn’t any better. Poor thing, she was so flustered. I almost felt bad for her.”
Their laughter subsided, replaced by the familiar, comforting rhythm of an old friendship. Sumayya leaned in closer, her voice light but tinged with concern. “So, how are the preparations coming along? Everything on track?”
Fatima nodded, though her expression mirrored Sumayya’s concern. “Yes, alhamdulillah. Everything is going well. But I can’t lie; it’s been overwhelming. You know how it is.”
Sumayya sighed, understanding all too well. “And I heard that Tahbeer will be sitting for her WAEC exams soon. I didn’t realize it was so soon. You must be so proud of her.”
Fatima hesitated before responding, a flicker of guilt crossing her face. “Yes, she’s been working so hard, mashaAllah. But I’m sorry, Sumayya, I should have told you earlier. Things have been so hectic with everything else.”
Sumayya waved off the apology, her smile reassuring. “Don’t worry about it, Fatima. I understand. Life has a way of getting busy when you least expect it. I’m just glad she’s doing well.”
Fatima’s shoulders relaxed a little, comforted by her friend’s understanding. But as the two women exchanged a look, the conversation shifted to a more serious tone. “You know,” Fatima began hesitantly, “with all that’s happening, we need to think about how we’re going to tell the kids.”
Sumayya nodded slowly, the weight of the situation settling between them. “Yes, after the wedding, we’ll have to sit them down and explain everything. But, Fatima, I’m worried. How do we approach it? We can’t just spring it on them without warning.”
Fatima sighed deeply, glancing over at the children. “I know, Sumayya. I’ve been thinking about it a lot. We need to find the right time and the right words. Maybe… maybe after things settle down a bit, after the wedding, we can talk to them together.”
Sumayya agreed. “Yes, after the wedding, once the excitement has died down. It’s a lot to take in, and I want them to be in the right frame of mind. We’ll have to be gentle, but firm. They need to understand that we’ve thought long and hard about this.”
Fatima’s gaze softened as she watched Armaan and Abidat, their conversation still flowing easily. “I just hope they take it well. I want them to be happy, Sumayya. That’s all that matters to me.”
Sumayya followed Fatima’s gaze, her smile gentle. “Look at them, Fatima. They’re reconnecting, just like we hoped they would. Maybe… maybe this won’t be as difficult as we’re imagining.”
Fatima smiled, a sense of calm washing over her. “InshaAllah. We can only pray that everything works out for the best.”
Sumayya hesitated, then turned back to Fatima. “Speaking of Tahbeer, I’ve noticed she’s lost a lot of weight recently. Is everything okay?”
Fatima nodded, though there was a trace of worry in her eyes. “She’s been following a weight loss plan. She’s always been so conscious about her body, no matter how many times I’ve told her she’s beautiful just the way she is. I’m hoping this journey will help her not just physically, but mentally too. I want her to love herself.”
YOU ARE READING
VULNERABLE
Romance●(B O O K O N E)● "Why do you keep staring at me?" I smile at him, as he takes a hold of my hand. "Maybe because you're worth looking at!!!" °○°○° A P R O M I S E Who knew just a promise could bring you towards the love of your life. ABIDAT ZAYAN...
