The family slept well with anticipation and excitement evident in the atmosphere. Hamdan and Humeyra cuddled into each other’s body. Hamdan was fast asleep but Humeyra was wide awake. This was not because she had a choice but her body never cooperates with her.
It was a habit. Whenever she changed her location, then it would be hard for her to fall asleep until she gets used to the environment. This also happened to be the first time she would stay in her husband’s family home.
She stayed snuggled into Hamdan’s arms enjoying the steady beating of his heart. She loved this husband of hers more than anything and any person that was alive. He was her home, her family and her safety net.
He had given her a family, cherished and loved her. She was fully aware the kind of torment her mood swings have brought to him but he neither complained nor showed any signs of being reluctant. He had bee
Hamdan, Wahid, Abdi Rahman, Bilal , Zuneir and the head of the family Umar sat on one side of the dining room eating from one big plate while Humeyra, Juweyriya, Yusra, Yalina and the house female boss Hafsa sat together to eat from the other plate.“Sister-in-law, do you plan to eat with your veil on? Do not fret. We all are a family. Feel at home, “come Bilal’s voice. He liked making jokes the most but his jokes were not always amusing.Hamdan, Wahid and Umar sent him a warning look simultaneously. Hamdan then looked at his wife who didn’t respond. Coincidentally she was also looking at him and silently asking for his permission to unveil her face.He nodded subtly as a silent understanding passed through their eyes. Though the rest didn’t comment, everyone was eagerly waiting to see the girl’s face including a certain someone who had been feeling guilty ever since Humeyra and Hamdan showed up at
The Ramadan effect finally set in. Every empty stomach remembered the less privileged and gave more either in terms of money or food staffs. Fasting was compulsory for every individual who had taken an oath that they believe in one and only One God, Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger provided that the said individual has reached the age of puberty.The fasting period entailed half of the day running from dawn to dusk. It reminded those that always had whatever they wanted and even wasted food that there were others who had almost no food for the whole day or those who survived on one meal a day.Every one's heart was softened during this time. No one was born evil. The only difference was that other people could easily be tempted while others had a good self control. Such was the case with every individual.The residents of Umar'smansionwoke up and continued with new routines specific to the holy
Tarawih(1) was just around the corner. The family was lead in prayers byUmar . The men occupied the front line as the imam stood a few feet ahead of them. The ladies stood behind the curtains.The tarawih prayers were exclusive to this holy month of Ramadhan. It was not mandatory but optional. Even so, most believers opted to pray it. Since it was a congregational prayer, it increased the bonds and ties of the believers.It took one hour for the prayers to come to an end. Everyone dispersed and went to different corners of the house to do their own things. Humeyra was tired from standing up for almost an hour and her legs had started to swell.Hamdan carried his woman bridal style to there room. He asked his youngest sister to carry a bowl of hot water and a bathing towel to his room for him. The couple disappeared in their rooms followed behind shortly by Yusra.Yalina decided to
Juweyriya looked up at the handsome man sitting across her. It was the first time anyone had cared enough to ask about her feelings regarding Hamdan’s marriage. Hafsa who had been feeding her all sort of false information all this time, didn’t bother to ask how she felt. She, in fact was selfish enough to invite her to her home, just to create a rift between the couple who were very much in love.She neither took her son’s discomfort in her consideration nor did she care about her feelings. She made sure that juweyriya was at their mansion as always. Although Hafsa was not completely bad, she was selfish most of the time and didn’t put others into considerations.This was her major flaw. She always thought about her comfort before others. She didn’t care if in the process someone else was uncomfortable or hurt even if the person was her son. Juweyriya felt genuine concern from Wahid’s questio
Wahid’s eyes filled with hatred and darkness as he thought of the kind of damage the video had almost done to his and Humeyra’s relationship. He had almost betrayed her and hurt her something he regrets to date. He had hated his actions but they were not reversible.Thinking of the relationship he had started with Farhana out of a whim, he felt as if he was betraying Humeyra’s trust once more. He should have not made some decisions while he was high on testosterone. He should have taken his time to know with whom he was getting involved in.He didn’t want to listen to more but he would have to anyways. Juweyriya looked at the man whose initial empty orbs were now filled with animosity. For a moment she was scared by his looks. His eyes were like a mirror that conveyed his deepest feelings when he let loose. She was use to Hamdan’s coldness but it never scared her like Wahid’s gaze did.
Days passed by as the family enjoyed the rare opportunity to stay in the same place. Everyone was healthy and fine and that was something to thank Allah for. Juweyriya tried to approach and befriend Humeyra. She would greet her every day and ask about her health and the pregnancy.Her relationship with Wahid was also developing as the two often sought out for the other whenever they felt out of place. They would be found in each other’s company the rest noticed their closeness but no one seems to be bothered by it. Not even Humeyra.In fact she was overjoyed to watch her brother interact with Juweyriya she had been harboring the guilt for being his first love for a long time now. Though it was not intentional, she had hurt his heart and made him shy from other women.She had found out from Yalina who juweyriya was and got an answer she was not expecting. She never knew that Hamdan had someone else in his life befor
" Baby, don't make such a prayer. I am with you my love. please come down. I am sorry. I am so sorry my love!" He couldn't hide the distress he felt watching his beloved's state.What was a man to do when his heart was hurt by his first love? His mother had done something unforgivable. She had ripped open his wife's wounds intentionally aiming to make her bleed and she succeeded.He suddenly recalled the words Humeyra's foster father had said to him before giving his consent and the promise he made.Dhul Qarnain had looked skeptically at him and said,"If Humeyra had a dark past and needed you at the cost of your family, wealth and life, will you still choose her?"He had been left speechless once more yet not for long.“Ya baba, as for my life, I will gladly give for her sake let alone my wealth and health. On the other hand, I can’t not choose my family for she will be my family. Hence
Hamdan watched the woman who was crying her heart out a few minutes ago. His heart was in turmoil. He had never had such a situation before where he didn’t know what to prioritize. Within the span of three hours, his life has been turned upside down.He failed to protect his wife but that was not his greatest failure apparently. The information he had got today was enough to make him doubt if he deserved his wife’s love and devotion. He had known from the beginning that his mother hates his wife but he never knew she would go that far to break them apart.His head was trying to wrap around the fact that his younger brother has attempted to rape his wife and he was ignorant about. What on earth has he been doing if his wife was being hurt by his family and he knew nothing about it?His heart ached immensely as he looked at his smiling wife.He had realized that for the first time ever since he had known
4 years later.Khalid, come back here? Hey.. can you stop running around? You will get hurt." Wahid's voice resonated in the room grabbing Xander's attention.He placed the jug back on the table and walked towards the field where the voice came from. He wasn't the only one whose attention was grabbed. Farhana, Rumeysa, Muntaha, Humeyra, and every member of Hamdan's family walked out towards the field.There, the scene that greeted them made the ladies almost lose it as they laughed at the same time. Khalid, Laiba, Linah, Jibril, Murtaza, and Aliya were busy rolling in the mud.The field that was initially dry was now wet from the water they played with. The horse pipe was running. Wahid who had seen them first was trying to stop them but slipped and fell.This made everyone laugh. Seeing his beloved fall, Xander's heart almost stopped beating. " My little prince, are you alright?" He rushed towards Wahid and helped him up.His glare was too
Hamdan paced up and down along the corridor as he anxiously waited for news. He had rushed Humeyra to the hospital the minute she notified him of her water breaking.Fortunately, the hospital wasn't far from where they were. Looking at his wristwatch, a frown etched on his face. It had been three hours since he brought her here. Why wasnt there any news yet?Was she perhaps in danger? Did something go wrong? His mind was filled with all sorts of negative thoughts. It would be his fault if anything happens to her. His guilty conscience won't let him have peace."Ya Allah. Please, help her deliver safely. Please ya, Rahman. You are the most merciful. She has suffered a lot already. Don't let her suffer anymore."He prayed in his head as he continued pacing around. He couldn't bring himself to relax. Until he heard the cries of a baby. His heart stopped beating for a second. He was a father? Before he could arrange his thoughts in his mind, another cry follo
Humeyra walked along the beach enjoying the cool breeze. Fortunately, it was a private space. Her private space. She has been living in the Villa with the view of the beach to the front, the beautiful man-made forest to the back, and a buzzing town not far from where she lived.She was on a small Islamic Island. The mosque was towards the east. Anyone who wanted to visit the mosque walled around her place before getting to it. For this reason, she had let the people freely walk through her home three days a week.The other four days, the place was restricted. Anyone who wanted to move across would be forced to take the longer route. Fortunately, they understood boundaries and respected them.The neighborhood was not only friendly but also accommodating. She found herself feeling contented just walking around, interacting with them. Long gone was her introverted self who isolated herself from the world.She learned to embrace death as a natural phenomenon
Hamdan was home in no time.He had to settle things at home before he goes in search of his wife. As the first child of the family, both his sisters were now his responsibility.Fortunately, they were old enough to fend for themselves with enough supervision. In addition, three other men can take turns to check on them. He felt grateful for that simple fact.As he waited for his brothers to show up, he went back to his old room and packed a bag. He felt as though his heart was being squeezed in his chest. He was too deep in his emotional exhaustion that he forgot about Humeyra's pregnancy.Thirty minutes later, the entire Umar siblings were seated together waiting for their brother to say something. He had summoned everyone urgently. Abdirahman had a subtle smile on his face. He had an idea what the meeting was about.He had been wanting to tell Hamdan about his opinion. What his eldest brother did was stupid. Humeyra didn't deserve to be abandoned
It has been exactly three months since his parents' demise. Three months since he abandoned his pregnant wife. For this period, Hamdan never had a peaceful sleep.He couldn't help but wonder what had happened to his love for her. He could feel it. The racing of his heart whenever he thought of a fond memory with her.The way his hands would search for her svelte frame in the middle of the night. Even how he would unconsciously call out her name.Hamdan was aware that there was nothing in the world that could change his feelings for his wife. Not even the fact that she orchestrated his parents' death.What he couldn't forget, however, was his parents' blood. He couldn't take it. He had both parents one day and then the next, they were dead. The reason was no other than his most beloved person.He couldn't accept it. He could neither forgive his parents nor his wife. They were all guilty. He felt sick and suffocated all of a sudden. For the past thre
Muntaha's eyes have been staring longingly towards the curtains that were drawn. What was Rumeysa doing? Was she nervous or was she anxiously waiting for him? How does she look as a bride? As he drunk from his glass, he had several questions circumnavigating his mind.It was their wedding night after all. Unfortunately, he had not seen his bride the whole day. She was officially his halal wife. His one and only. He was a man used to having his way with women. Contrary to his initial thoughts, he found himself feeling regretful. How beautiful and memorable it would be if he had saved himself for his bride.Abdullah noticed Muntaha's gaze wandering from time to time. He wanted to stick around longer. Just to see how much longer his boss cum friend will resist the temptation. Yet, watching him was becoming a pain. He looked around at the men in the room and announced the end of the party.The men looked at each other in understanding and stood up leaving, one by on
Subhanallah, what a beautiful day it was. Rumeysa woke up feeling nervous. She was going to get married today. Will the event go well?was there something she was supposed to do? what would happen after the nikah? Was she allowed to be happy when Humeyra was not?She looked at her hands. They looked more b
Rumeysa walked around the orphanage inspecting every corner. A month had gone past so fast without any warning. She and Muntaha went back to their home country after meeting with everyone else. Humeyra was the only one they didn't have the pleasure to see. She disappeared without a warning.The first thin
Zuneir and Juweyriya were finally feeling at ease with their circumstances. They had faced a lot of things but, by the end of it all, they found each other. The bane that was in his heart finally faded away. He let go of everything that would hurt him and embraced those that were likely to bring him happiness.