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Behind A Smile 186
Zynah had already finished preparing a simple breakfast of toasts, omelettes and tea. Just when they were about to begin eating, she heard the doorbell ring. "Did Ibrahim forget something?" She muttered underneath her breath, then averted her gaze to Adnan. "Please get the door for me, darling." "Okay, Mommy," Adnan replied, running towards the door immediately. "It's you!" Zynah heard Adnan's voice from within. "How did you find our house, sir?" Zynah's brows furrowed in confusion. "Who's there, Adnan?" "It's the kind sir, from yesterday," He shouted. "Should I let him in?" Zynah scoffed. "Tell him to wait outside. I'm coming," she shouted back. She served some food on Bilal's plate. "You can start eating," she instructed. "I'll be back now." She placed it in front of him, picked her hijab from the living room, before sauntering outside to meet the 'mister.' The man was crouched in front of Adnan, whispering something inaudible in his ear. Zynah huffed again.
Behind A Smile 187.
For the umpteenth time, Zynah's gaze flickered between the the clock hanging on the wall and the door. She had given Adnan the permission to go to Khalid's house but the agreement has been clear. He was to stay there for only two hours. Adnan wouldn't stop begging, she had to give in. The time had passed and he still hadn't returned. Zynah's heart raced, a mix of anxiety and anger swirling within her. After waiting for a few more minutes, she finally decided to go there and fetch him herself. Draped in a long, flowing brown hijab, Zynah paused before the mirror. She took the opportunity to look at her reflection in the mirror. Something she barely did anymore. Since Bilal's death, she had stopped caring about how she looked and all that, but today, for some inexplicable reason, she wanted to look good. She wanted to get a glimpse of the old Zynah. The Zynah who was so vibrant and full of life before she got married. With a careful precision, she adjusted the hijab, and added a
Behind A Smile 188
In a blink of an eye, five months had passed. Months ago, Zynah had dressed herself and the kids up in their finest attire for Ibrahim's wedding, which took place in the city. Contrary to what she had expected because it wasn't really a love marriage, it was a huge wedding. The talk of the town. The grand hall was beautifully decorated with shimmering chandeliers and cascading floral arrangements. And the guests were many. The place was literally crowded with friends and family. When Ibrahim spotted her, his face lit up with a genuine smile. He was very glad that she decided to honor his invitation. But how could she even decline? After all, it was the least she could do for someone who had always been there for her. Someone who had loved her with all his heart. Someone she had considered a true friend. Ibrahim's bride was a vision of beauty, tall and slender with clear skin, and captivating eyes. She exuded an air of confidence that drew Zynah's attention. Zynah could not hel
Behind A Smile 189
"Don't come out of the car." Zynah instructed, as she pulled over in front of the house and alighted from the car. She rang the doorbell and almost immediately, the gateman opened the door and let her in. "Is Adnan here?" She asked, for confirmation. "Yes, ma'am," he replied immediately. "He has been here since morning. You didn't know?" He asked, his brows furrowing in surprise. "I thought you did." Zynah shook her head. "No, I didn't." "Let me go call him for you," the gateman offered, but Zynah was quick to decline. "Don't bother, I will go and call him myself. Thank you," she said, hurrying up the path to the front door, her footsteps loud. In a minute or so, Aysha opened the door, a smile curling up her lips. "Good morning, Zynah. Please come in." "Good morning, Aysha," Zynah replied, returning the smile. "I'm afraid I can't. Actually, I'm about to go out now. I came to pick Adnan." "Oh! Come in and have a seat, while I go call him for you," Aysha insisted.
Behind A Smile 190
While Bilal Jr was busy playing with other kids his age, Adnan walked up to where his mother was seated on a bench, and sat beside her. He always did that whenever he sensed she was deep in thoughts or worried about something. The little boy had slowly become her confidante, her best friend. "Mommy," he called softly, his gaze fixed intently on her. "Are you fine?" He asked, his voice filled with worry. Zynah reached for his delicate hands and caressed them gently. "Of course, darling," she smiled, and placed a lingering kiss on him on the temple. "I'm fine. What makes you think I'm not?" "Because," he began, his gaze still on her. "You've been sitting quietly over here for a while now. It's unlike you. You didn't even notice when Jr fell off the swing." Zynah's heart jumped, her eyes widening in apprehension. "What? He fell? When?" she stood up, ready to rush to his aid, but Adnan was quick to stop her. "How didn't I notice?" "...wait, Mommy. He is not hurt at all," Adn
Behind A Smile 191
Zynah's eyes widened as if they were about to pop out of their sockets. She knew Adnan liked Khalid a lot but that was the last thing she expected him to say. She couldn't even imagine herself being with anyone else. Bilal still resided in her heart. She couldn't see anyone replacing him anytime soon. "No!" she exclaimed, her voice rising. "Why are you even asking me that? Where did that come from, Adnan?" "Are you mad?" Adnan asked, his voice quivering a little. "I didn't mean to make you mad, Mommy." Zynah breathed, trying to calm her racing heart. "I'm not mad at you, Adnan," she reassured. "I just want to know why you asked me that. Do you feel I'm not enough for you? What have I not been doing right?" Zynah asked, a pang piercing through her heart. What if it was the case? She would understand, but it wouldn't reduce the pain. Deep down, she thought they were doing just fine, but apparently, Adnan wanted a father. He wasn't okay having only a mother. Adnan lowered his he
Behind A Smile 192
Zynah's tears escaped her eyes and ran down her cheeks. All she could imagine, was the pain she must have gone through before she finally gave up the ghost, how hard she must have fought to save her unborn baby. "Ho...how did it happen? Was she the one driving?" Aysha nodded in affirmation. "She was returning from the hospital, after finding out the gender of their baby. I guess she must have been overly excited," Hajara wiped the corner of her eyes and took a moment of silence, before continuing. "She called Khalid to inform him of the news. That was when...when she ran into a trunk. It was terrible. I wasn't there at the time it happened. I had not even met his brother then, but when he told me this story, for a whole day, I cried. I felt affected. It was like I had known her my whole life. I have seen pictures of her, heard only good things about her. I sincerely pity Khalid. Since her death, he prefers to be in seclusion. We've all done everything in our power to make him move o
Behind A Smile 193
As soon as Aysha left, Zynah walked back into the house, her heart heavy. She picked up her phone, her fingers hovering over Ramlah's number. As if sending her intention, Ramlah's call came through. Zynah heaved a sigh of relief before answering. "Hello, Ramlah, how are you doing? I was just about to call you." "Really? That is to say we're thinking about each other. I'm fine. How about you? How are the kids?" "They are both fine, Alhamdulillah. How's my little princess doing? I'm sure she's as impatient as we all are to see our little prince." Ramlah chuckled. "I also can't wait to hold him in my arms, ya Zynah. It's taking too long." "Three more weeks and your wish will come true," Zynah said, a smile spreading across her face. "You're right. Thank you for always lifting my spirit with your words. I want to visit Mom and Dad soon. How about we go together, with the kids?" "That's a good idea. The kids haven't seen one another for a while now," Zynah reasoned. "It'd be fun."
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