Friday evening with Ayesha was such a laugh! She had tons of tales about her new SiL that had us all in stitches!
Nothing brings guji women together quiet like gibbaat of other guji women...so while Ayesha had enough stories for many a novels...she also had a very attentive audience made up of MiL, Sumaya, Shireen and I.
Ayesha's youngest BiL had just married a month ago and his new bride had brought her own drama to the household.
Ayesha gleefully told us about the day her MiL had to rewash Every.Single.Thing in the kitchen...Everything!
"Everything!", exclaimed Shireen, " Why on earth!"
" Ay that Gori Bhen has a problem! She likes to wash dishes too much! How she washed everything that time we came for supper..Areh areh...then she put clean clean dishes in the dishwasher! Jaa-Jaa!", My MiL said.
Sumaya was nodding in agreement, while shireen and I looked at each other shocked!
"Wait...wait...it gets better!", Ayesha said, trying to hold her laughter.
"when Suleman and Rizwaana came back from honeymoon, after supper we never let her help, nuwe dulhaan and everything...so as usual my MiL 'rinsed' all the supper dishes and loaded the dishwasher, she always puts it on after breakfast everyday.
Anyway, in the morning when I got the kitchen I set the table and made breakfast and lunch for Qasim and the boys.
After breakfast my MiL went to put the dirty 'rinshed' breakfast dishes in the washer but the dishwasher was empty!
Aye she was panicing!
Then Rizwaana told us she woke up early and emptied the dishwasher and packed all the clean dishes away!"
We all looked at Ayesha with our mouths hanging open as we put two and two together!
O.M.W!
Ayesha nodded laughing!
"Yup, she thoughed all the dirty dishes in there were already washed! That's how clean my MiL rinses them! So she packed it away...
My MiL almost fainted! She rewashed Every.Single.Thing in the kitchen...by HAND! Coz she didn't know where what went!", Ayesha ended in laughter...
Shoh...i almost felt sorry for her MiL, poor thing! And poor Rizwaana! She must have been mortified!
"wait wait! That's not all...have you ever eaten dholl and kitchri?", Ayesha asked us.
" eeew! No!", Sumaya said.
" Ayee...whats that?", Shireen asked.
" That's what I had for Jumuah lunch last Friday!", Ayesha said with a naughty smile.
" Jaa-Jaa!...ghandi waat!", MiL said, shaking her head at Ayesha.
"Last Friday my MiL told Rizwaana to cook, so Rizwaan decided to make dholl and rice, aloo fry, paapar, fried fish, sorji, salsa and she even went and broke mangos from the neighbours tree to make fresh methi pickle...", Ayesha explained.
"Sounds yummy!", I said.
" Yah, it was! She went through so much trouble...except she stressed herself out so much she put Urud(tumeric) in the rice!", Ayesha said in another fit of laughter.
" whaaaaat!!!", we all said together, laughing in disbelief!
"yup! She tried to rinse it out but it was too late and she couldn't waste 4 cups of rice! Yes...she made enough yellow rice for 20 people!", Ayesha finished.
Shame, I was amused but I also felt sorry for this Rizwaana girl...being a new DiL is no easy thing...little boo-boos kinda freak you out.
For the rest of the evening Ayesha entertained us with all her stories...but the real gem of the day came from my MiL who said...
Drum roll please...
" at least my DiLs have ackaal (common sense)..."
Oh but she said it so off handedly we didn't even get a chance to bask in the glow of her backhanded compliment...
Showing posts with label sumaya. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sumaya. Show all posts
Tuesday, 30 September 2014
Thursday, 25 September 2014
Part 40: Home Sweet Home
It took forever to get out of the grid locked CBD at peak hour.
There were two accidents on the freeway on the way home and something major ws going on too...a helicopter was hovering over traffic and kept zoning in on my car it seemed...it kept the boys very entertained but was freaking me out.
On the way home I managed to get the full story out of Yusuf and Yusair, as scary as today was, I already knew that this would be a family tale we would tell for many years to come...
The boys told me they really wanted to go to the park but because mummy didn't want to take them they decided to take a bus like nazley and reyaan do.
Nazley and Reyaan are the children of a lady Shireen befriended at the park named Layla.
From the snippets I heard from MiL, she lived in Sydenham and came to the park in our area because the one near her wasn't safe. She was a 'coloured Muslim' so ofcorse MiL didn't approve of her.
"where did you get money for the bus fare?", I asked them.
"Dadi!", replied one in a sing song voice.
"she gave us R100!", said the other
"yah buses are expensive coz they so big."
The boys told me they that they were on the bus the 'whole day' and Yusuf needed to pee and the money man was asking them where they were jumping off and they kept saying park and he said no park...
"we got scared", Yusair told me
"so when we saw Mr price, we jumped off...coz mummy always takes us to Mr price", Yusuf said.
These two have no idea what kind of trouble they going to be in...ah the innocence's of youth...
When I finally pulled into our driveway, it was close to 7pm, I was physically and mentally exhausted!
All the lights in the house were on, Imraan's car was already in the driveway, the police cars were still there, so was my mamagee's...
I knew I was in more trouble than either of the boys...i didn't think I had the energy left to deal with any of this now...
As soon as I parked the boys shot out off the car, running towards the house...shireen and Bilal where already outside waiting for them...even from inside the car, I could hear Shireens relief, I shook my head as she chided her two rascals...i slumped against the seat and closed my eyes'...
It wasn't even a second when my car door was flung open. I smelt him before I even saw him...i braced myself for his anger...
"baby I'm so glad you okay! I was so worried!", Imraan said.
Imraan's words almost broke my heart...i felt him gently tug my arm, I got out of the car and collapsed against my husband.
i hadn't even realized I was crying until Imraan wiped away my tears. He held me tight against him for a minute and then without a word he scooped me up and carried me into the house.
As soon as he set me down, my MiL started up, "Fatima! How could you do this, you know how worried we were! We thought something happen to you, you just went, no phone nothing...gandi jeewi...no answer we had for Imraan when he came home!
Becharo Imraan was so worried we couldn't find you and the twins! Imraan had to pay for that helicopter to come check on you! Waste of money!"...
What! Paid for a helicopter!
But before I could even ask, Imraan scooped me up again.
" Fatima doesn't need to hear this, you'll should thank her for bring those two home safely...and I'd like to give an earful to the idiot who left two five year olds unattended that long!", Imraan said it calmly but sternly then he carried me all the way to the room.
He laid me on the bed as my mamagee knocked at the door...
"Fatima bethi! What you doing to an old man like me!"
Seeing him made me think of my parents! Oh-No! I hope nobody told them...i looked at Imraan but he seemed to read my mind..." I didn't phone your parents. I didn't want to worry them unnecessarily coz they so far, so I called uncle Doc instead.", Imraan said
..oh my husband is a rock star!
I relaxed against my pillows..." Go ahead Dr, give her few injection's or something for this little stunt of hers!", Imraan said...
" I'm just going to check your vitals and the babies heart beats", my mamagee laughed at the look of terror on my face...i HATE needles!!!!!
Imraan disappeared into the bathroom after my uncle confirmed that all seemed fine.
Once my uncle left, Imraan sent me in for a warm bath and had my favourite PJs out for me, I felt human again after that.
I was about to ask him about the helicopter again but a knock on the door stopped me short...
Imraan let Sumaya in with a tray of tea and a sandwich and biscuits.
I was suddenly famished!!!
i hadn't eaten since lunch!
i smiled at her gratefully as I ate and she quietly whispered that she was so glad I was okay and she left.
Once I was done, Imraan tucked me into bed like a small child and he held me close, I tried to talk but he ssshed me, "Tomorrow....now you sleep..."
I couldn't argue...
I was okay, I was loved, I had an amazing husband, I was beyond tired...i was snoring before I even closed my eyes!
There were two accidents on the freeway on the way home and something major ws going on too...a helicopter was hovering over traffic and kept zoning in on my car it seemed...it kept the boys very entertained but was freaking me out.
On the way home I managed to get the full story out of Yusuf and Yusair, as scary as today was, I already knew that this would be a family tale we would tell for many years to come...
The boys told me they really wanted to go to the park but because mummy didn't want to take them they decided to take a bus like nazley and reyaan do.
Nazley and Reyaan are the children of a lady Shireen befriended at the park named Layla.
From the snippets I heard from MiL, she lived in Sydenham and came to the park in our area because the one near her wasn't safe. She was a 'coloured Muslim' so ofcorse MiL didn't approve of her.
"where did you get money for the bus fare?", I asked them.
"Dadi!", replied one in a sing song voice.
"she gave us R100!", said the other
"yah buses are expensive coz they so big."
The boys told me they that they were on the bus the 'whole day' and Yusuf needed to pee and the money man was asking them where they were jumping off and they kept saying park and he said no park...
"we got scared", Yusair told me
"so when we saw Mr price, we jumped off...coz mummy always takes us to Mr price", Yusuf said.
These two have no idea what kind of trouble they going to be in...ah the innocence's of youth...
When I finally pulled into our driveway, it was close to 7pm, I was physically and mentally exhausted!
All the lights in the house were on, Imraan's car was already in the driveway, the police cars were still there, so was my mamagee's...
I knew I was in more trouble than either of the boys...i didn't think I had the energy left to deal with any of this now...
As soon as I parked the boys shot out off the car, running towards the house...shireen and Bilal where already outside waiting for them...even from inside the car, I could hear Shireens relief, I shook my head as she chided her two rascals...i slumped against the seat and closed my eyes'...
It wasn't even a second when my car door was flung open. I smelt him before I even saw him...i braced myself for his anger...
"baby I'm so glad you okay! I was so worried!", Imraan said.
Imraan's words almost broke my heart...i felt him gently tug my arm, I got out of the car and collapsed against my husband.
i hadn't even realized I was crying until Imraan wiped away my tears. He held me tight against him for a minute and then without a word he scooped me up and carried me into the house.
As soon as he set me down, my MiL started up, "Fatima! How could you do this, you know how worried we were! We thought something happen to you, you just went, no phone nothing...gandi jeewi...no answer we had for Imraan when he came home!
Becharo Imraan was so worried we couldn't find you and the twins! Imraan had to pay for that helicopter to come check on you! Waste of money!"...
What! Paid for a helicopter!
But before I could even ask, Imraan scooped me up again.
" Fatima doesn't need to hear this, you'll should thank her for bring those two home safely...and I'd like to give an earful to the idiot who left two five year olds unattended that long!", Imraan said it calmly but sternly then he carried me all the way to the room.
He laid me on the bed as my mamagee knocked at the door...
"Fatima bethi! What you doing to an old man like me!"
Seeing him made me think of my parents! Oh-No! I hope nobody told them...i looked at Imraan but he seemed to read my mind..." I didn't phone your parents. I didn't want to worry them unnecessarily coz they so far, so I called uncle Doc instead.", Imraan said
..oh my husband is a rock star!
I relaxed against my pillows..." Go ahead Dr, give her few injection's or something for this little stunt of hers!", Imraan said...
" I'm just going to check your vitals and the babies heart beats", my mamagee laughed at the look of terror on my face...i HATE needles!!!!!
Imraan disappeared into the bathroom after my uncle confirmed that all seemed fine.
Once my uncle left, Imraan sent me in for a warm bath and had my favourite PJs out for me, I felt human again after that.
I was about to ask him about the helicopter again but a knock on the door stopped me short...
Imraan let Sumaya in with a tray of tea and a sandwich and biscuits.
I was suddenly famished!!!
i hadn't eaten since lunch!
i smiled at her gratefully as I ate and she quietly whispered that she was so glad I was okay and she left.
Once I was done, Imraan tucked me into bed like a small child and he held me close, I tried to talk but he ssshed me, "Tomorrow....now you sleep..."
I couldn't argue...
I was okay, I was loved, I had an amazing husband, I was beyond tired...i was snoring before I even closed my eyes!
Tuesday, 23 September 2014
Part 38: Kidnapped!
Today I got home from work and once again there was nowhere for me to park!
The yard was jam-packed with cars. Bilal was home and so were his in laws it seemed...but that's not what had me worried...the two police vans parked haphazardly across the front yard is what me hurry inside!
What on earth was going on!
Imraan was in PMB today to sort out some stuff at the new office premises.
I rushed inside to find shireen hysterical!
Bilal was ranting and raving...
my MiL and Shireen's mother were crying...
Shiraans Dadi was sitting the couch reading Izaa jaa in some kind of a trance...
It didn't take much to figure out that the twins were the cause of all this, but where were they?
Its only when I heard Bilal shouting at the men in blue that , ' he was sure they were kidnapped because of the business', that when I really started panicking!
Kidnapped!
The twins!
OMW!
Yah Allah...i thought I was going to faint...why hadn't anybody phoned me!
Shireen was getting hysterical, she kept repeating "I should have taken them to the park...they wanted to go so badly! Then none of this would have happen"
I rushed to Shireen offering her a tight hug, saying every comforting thing I could think off.
"Don't worry, they won't harm them...just pay the ransom, whatever they ask for...if you don't have enough Imraan and I can try and help, anything just ask...i'll start a yaseen khatam right now..."
I held my poor SiL tightly as she wept copiously in my arms...over her shoulder I saw Sumaya beckon me into the kitchen.
I left shireen to continue the interview with the police and went to see what Sumaya had to say...i knew she would have the details that I can't ask anybody in the other room for...
I was right...
Sumaya immediately began by telling me that this little drama may not be a kidnapping...Shireen was looking for the two about 2 hours ago and after searching the entire house and yard she found no sign of them she started panicking...it all escalated into an alleged kidnapping once the police got here, there was no evidence...just assumption and drama...
Isn't that like the main theme of this house?
Still! Two little boys were missing...kidnapped or not, where were they?
before I could get my thoughts straight, Tumi came hurrying through the kitchen door shouting frantically...
"Madaam!!!madaam!!!", she called.
Seeing us she immediately asked for Shireen, we pointed towards the lounge, following her as she flew through the door way...
"Madam...Madaam!!!!", "Baas???", she tried to get Shireens attention, then Bilal's, they waved her off, my MiL shooed her away...
She came back towards us, Sumaya quickly asked her what was up.
" the other maids, some that sit on the road waiting for the children after school...they said they see the twins gebala the bus", Tumi said.
What!!!!!
The bus!....
No freaking way!!!!
I jumped to action.
(....to be continued...)
The yard was jam-packed with cars. Bilal was home and so were his in laws it seemed...but that's not what had me worried...the two police vans parked haphazardly across the front yard is what me hurry inside!
What on earth was going on!
Imraan was in PMB today to sort out some stuff at the new office premises.
I rushed inside to find shireen hysterical!
Bilal was ranting and raving...
my MiL and Shireen's mother were crying...
Shiraans Dadi was sitting the couch reading Izaa jaa in some kind of a trance...
It didn't take much to figure out that the twins were the cause of all this, but where were they?
Its only when I heard Bilal shouting at the men in blue that , ' he was sure they were kidnapped because of the business', that when I really started panicking!
Kidnapped!
The twins!
OMW!
Yah Allah...i thought I was going to faint...why hadn't anybody phoned me!
Shireen was getting hysterical, she kept repeating "I should have taken them to the park...they wanted to go so badly! Then none of this would have happen"
I rushed to Shireen offering her a tight hug, saying every comforting thing I could think off.
"Don't worry, they won't harm them...just pay the ransom, whatever they ask for...if you don't have enough Imraan and I can try and help, anything just ask...i'll start a yaseen khatam right now..."
I held my poor SiL tightly as she wept copiously in my arms...over her shoulder I saw Sumaya beckon me into the kitchen.
I left shireen to continue the interview with the police and went to see what Sumaya had to say...i knew she would have the details that I can't ask anybody in the other room for...
I was right...
Sumaya immediately began by telling me that this little drama may not be a kidnapping...Shireen was looking for the two about 2 hours ago and after searching the entire house and yard she found no sign of them she started panicking...it all escalated into an alleged kidnapping once the police got here, there was no evidence...just assumption and drama...
Isn't that like the main theme of this house?
Still! Two little boys were missing...kidnapped or not, where were they?
before I could get my thoughts straight, Tumi came hurrying through the kitchen door shouting frantically...
"Madaam!!!madaam!!!", she called.
Seeing us she immediately asked for Shireen, we pointed towards the lounge, following her as she flew through the door way...
"Madam...Madaam!!!!", "Baas???", she tried to get Shireens attention, then Bilal's, they waved her off, my MiL shooed her away...
She came back towards us, Sumaya quickly asked her what was up.
" the other maids, some that sit on the road waiting for the children after school...they said they see the twins gebala the bus", Tumi said.
What!!!!!
The bus!....
No freaking way!!!!
I jumped to action.
(....to be continued...)
Friday, 12 September 2014
Part 31: You want my husband? Take his mother too!
I spoke to Sumaya today and I couldn't help myself but ask her what made her agree to letting Muhammad marry for the second time...
She said at first she was so upset and hurt she couldn't think straight, once she had calmed down she realized who Neelofah was. She called Muhammad and told him to meet her to talk.
Muhammad explained that he just felt sorry for Neelofah and how tough her life had been and by talking to her again, he somehow got caught up in her issues and he felt like he could make her life better. He wasn't in any relationship with her and only wanted to offer her marriage in hopes of gaining sawaab for marrying a widow.
When Sumaya asked him how he intended for this to work out, he said Neelofahs needs were simple, she just wanted a little flat and a small stipend every month.
Sumaya said that while taking to him she suddenly had a crazy idea...she felt sure of it at the time that she didn't even stop to think, she told her husband that she will give him permission to marry Neelofah on one condition...
Sumaya's condition was simple, she would move out into a flat, maintain the same allowance she has now and Neelofah must move into the main house...if Neelofah or him don't like the idea, then he can't marry her.
Sumaya knew Neelofah would never agree to that, unlike Muhammad Bhai, she could see that Neelofah was just looking for a soft target and playing on Muhammad's sympathy. His soft nature had made him the prime candidate.
When Muhammad phoned Neelofah with the conditions of their Nikkah, she went from sweet to sour in less than half a second...that's when the penny dropped for Muhammad Bhai. Sumaya said it was almost as if he woke up from a deep sleep.
Last night at supper, Muhammad wasn't announcing his Nikkah, he was announcing his pride at his wife's willing sacrifice and making a public apology to her for his error in judgment...ofcorse, MiL hadn't given him a chance to complete his announcement ...
Thank Allah Sumaya wasn't like most people who rush to demand a divorce in such circumstances...she used wit and tact to diffuse the situation...
However, I couldn't help but tease her...she would have saved herself alot of tears and pain if she just went straight to MiL...
She giggled with glee...
ah, atleast that drama is over...i have Nasreen's baby shower this weekend, I can't wait!
Sabera and Dilnaas are coming down this evening, we hosting it at dilnaas's family flat in Musgrave...
things are so much better between Dilnaas and I after I decided to treat her with the same understanding I expect, its influenced the way I relate to her and as our interactions changed it has impacted on her relationship with my mum and sister too...amazing!
She said at first she was so upset and hurt she couldn't think straight, once she had calmed down she realized who Neelofah was. She called Muhammad and told him to meet her to talk.
Muhammad explained that he just felt sorry for Neelofah and how tough her life had been and by talking to her again, he somehow got caught up in her issues and he felt like he could make her life better. He wasn't in any relationship with her and only wanted to offer her marriage in hopes of gaining sawaab for marrying a widow.
When Sumaya asked him how he intended for this to work out, he said Neelofahs needs were simple, she just wanted a little flat and a small stipend every month.
Sumaya said that while taking to him she suddenly had a crazy idea...she felt sure of it at the time that she didn't even stop to think, she told her husband that she will give him permission to marry Neelofah on one condition...
Sumaya's condition was simple, she would move out into a flat, maintain the same allowance she has now and Neelofah must move into the main house...if Neelofah or him don't like the idea, then he can't marry her.
Sumaya knew Neelofah would never agree to that, unlike Muhammad Bhai, she could see that Neelofah was just looking for a soft target and playing on Muhammad's sympathy. His soft nature had made him the prime candidate.
When Muhammad phoned Neelofah with the conditions of their Nikkah, she went from sweet to sour in less than half a second...that's when the penny dropped for Muhammad Bhai. Sumaya said it was almost as if he woke up from a deep sleep.
Last night at supper, Muhammad wasn't announcing his Nikkah, he was announcing his pride at his wife's willing sacrifice and making a public apology to her for his error in judgment...ofcorse, MiL hadn't given him a chance to complete his announcement ...
Thank Allah Sumaya wasn't like most people who rush to demand a divorce in such circumstances...she used wit and tact to diffuse the situation...
However, I couldn't help but tease her...she would have saved herself alot of tears and pain if she just went straight to MiL...
She giggled with glee...
ah, atleast that drama is over...i have Nasreen's baby shower this weekend, I can't wait!
Sabera and Dilnaas are coming down this evening, we hosting it at dilnaas's family flat in Musgrave...
things are so much better between Dilnaas and I after I decided to treat her with the same understanding I expect, its influenced the way I relate to her and as our interactions changed it has impacted on her relationship with my mum and sister too...amazing!
Wednesday, 10 September 2014
Part 29: Over my dead body...
This morning before Imraan went to work, I asked him why he had placed his office key in that envelope the other night...i had completely forgotten about that.
"oh you know how in movies the husband buys a house or car and gives the wife the key as a surprise...well I wanted to do something like that, except I wouldn't buy a house without you, I want us to choose it together...so I put my office key instead.", Imraan shrugged as if it now seemed so lame to him
I had to laugh...Imraan can be so whacki sometimes...
"there was a real estate leaflet in there too...have a look and see what you like, we can talk about it tonight, Il call the agent and ask her to line up a few places for us to see based on our preferences...we can drive up next weekend or something.", Imraan said.
"speak to mummy and daddy first.", I told him...i was still very nervous about that.
"don't worry about that...i know what I'm up against, remember...i lived on Rez for four years."
With a smile,he was gone for the day...
All my prep for Nasreen's baby shower was done, so after I showered and got dressed, I wondered what to do for the day...
There was a quiet knock on my room door, "Fatima are you here", Sumaya whispered.
I opened the door to,find Sumaya looking deathly ill...Sumaya, are you okay! Omw, you look sick.
On closer inspection she looked like she was horribly upset and had been crying all night!
Her eyes were filling with tears right now...
I pulled her into the room and closed the door, I offered her a seat on the kist at the foot of my bed, i poured her a glass of water and I took Tariq from her arms,I sat on the desk chair and waited as she tried to compose herself...after an eternity she spoke...
"Muhammad wants to take a second wife..." she whispered in tears.
I never saw anybody look so shattered before, she was falling to pieces and my heart just broke for her, I didn't understand and I didn't want to ask...it was obvious that her life was falling apart at this moment...i rolled my chair closer to her and placed my hand on her knee.
Seeing his mother upset, upset Tariq and he too started to cry, I tried to bounce him and soothe him but he wanted his mother. Sumaya just clutched him against her and cried, I didn't know what to do...
"I'm so sorry...so sorry to dump this on you...i had to tell somebody...you pregnant, I shouldn't have brought my problems to you...im sorry", she struggled to speak.
Sumaya was devastated, she obviously never saw this coming, quiet frankly, I can't imagine it from Muhammad Bhai either!
" don't be silly Sumaya, I just wish I knew what to say or do to make you feel better, I feel so helpless", I told her honestly.
" can you keep Tariq for a few hours for me please...i need to clear my head." she asked
" yes, yes ofcorse!, no problem" I said.
"thank you", she looked so sad, so broken...
I watched her as she explained to her one year old son that he must stay with Fati-mamee and play nicely and if he is a good boy then Fati mamee will let him play with the Ipad.
"No, no, no, no", Tariq insisted, he only said a few words, No seemed to be his favorite.
Sumaya left shortly after...3 hours later, she wasn't back, my MiL was looking for her, it was her turn to cook.
I had my hands full trying to keep Tariq out of harm and making sure he did not cry for his mum, I also didn't know what to feed him, he had had Nido almost 2 hours ago because I knew were that was kept in the pantry, Sumaya hadn't left any instruction for me. I decided to wait a little longer, I'm sure she would be back soon.
Another 2hours passed and my MiL was getting very cross.
"where did she say she's going!", MiL demanded from me for the 50th time.
I honestly didn't know, I hadn't asked her, I thought she wanted a break for a hour or two...i was getting worried too now.
I asked Tariq what he wanted to eat and he said chick rice, I remembered seeing him eat chicken and rice sort of smashed together, last night. So I took out the left overs and warmed them and fed him.
I didn't know how to bath him so I went to the ironing room and found some clothes of his, in my room I just washed his hands and face, changed his nappy again and freshened him up with powder and dressed him.
I tried calling Sumaya again but her phone was still off...i was so worried, I didn't know what to do...
should I phone Muhammad?
Or Imraan?
And tell him the whole story?
Maybe Sumaya will fetch Talha one time and come home then...
I dug out a story book from my school supplies and read for Tariq when I was done, he crawled to the middle of my bed, pulled my throw over himself and fell asleep...he looked so cute and sweet...but an active one year old that wanted his mother was no easy task. I was exhausted!
My phone rang and I dove for it and answered without checking the caller identity, I didn't want it to wake Tariq.
It was Imraan..." Hi love, can you check where Sumaya is, Talha's school phoned, they can't reach Sumaya or Muhammed and nobody has picked up Talha yet...im the emergency person but I'm in the middle of a meeting right now, it would take me over an hour to get there with traffic...", Imraan said in a hurry
" baby she's not here, I'm trying her all day, she left in the morning she was very upset about erm...a fight she had with Muhammad and she is still not back.", I said
" what! That doesn't sound like Sumaya, you sure?", Imraan asked in disbelief
"yes, she left Tariq with me", I said
"okay, okay...can you manage to go fetch Talha? Il come home soon as this thing wraps up...im sure she's just stuck in traffic some where, her battery must have died.", Imraan said reasonably.
" okay, sure..."
I went looking for Tariq's car seat but then I realized it was probably in Sumaya's car!, luckily Tariq was up from his nap, so I got Tumi to come with me and hold him in the back seat...no the safest option, but better than nothing.
Talha seemed okay when I fetched him, he wanted to know where his mother was but he wasn't overly concerned, he told me excitedly about his day.
Sumayas car wasn't back when we got home, I took the boys in and sent Talha to change and wash up...now what do I feed him?
By 4pm Sumaya still wasn't back, both boys were over the novelty of being with me, they just wanted their mum.
Tariq especially was getting very crabby now. I was so worried.
They cheered up abit once Imraan came home, but he soon got distracted by my livid MiL, she wanted Sumaya home, now and now!
She was demanding to know what was going on...poor Imraan, he didn't know,himself.
Finally Sumaya texted me...full of apologies she asked if Imraan had fetched Talha and if the boys were okay, she said,she would be home with Muhammad soon.
Sumaya and Muhammad came in one after the other shortly before supper, I hoped they managed to sort things out...the boys ran to her and she was trying to field off MiLs questions while seeing to them, I just backed off.
She didn't need to answer to me too.
At supper, Muhammad Bhai cleared his throat, nervously he asked for everybody's attention...
I glanced at Sumaya, she was looking down into her plate.
Muhammad Bhai cleared his throat again and said, " last night I asked Sumayas permission to take a second wife, she is a widow who lost her husband recently, she has two small children, we use to school together..."
The table was died silent...not even a breath could be heard...i felt cold...
"Sumaya was very upset, understandably, but today she gave me permission to make Nikkah to Neelofa..." Muhammad Bhai continued
I don't know what happen next...or how...one minute Muhammad bhai was talking, the next he was splattering and drenched in water,as the sound of breaking glass filled the dinning room...
MiLs chair scraped against the floor as she stood up...
"OVER MY DEAD BODY YOU WILL MARRY THAT GIRL!!!!!!!!!,she shouted!
"oh you know how in movies the husband buys a house or car and gives the wife the key as a surprise...well I wanted to do something like that, except I wouldn't buy a house without you, I want us to choose it together...so I put my office key instead.", Imraan shrugged as if it now seemed so lame to him
I had to laugh...Imraan can be so whacki sometimes...
"there was a real estate leaflet in there too...have a look and see what you like, we can talk about it tonight, Il call the agent and ask her to line up a few places for us to see based on our preferences...we can drive up next weekend or something.", Imraan said.
"speak to mummy and daddy first.", I told him...i was still very nervous about that.
"don't worry about that...i know what I'm up against, remember...i lived on Rez for four years."
With a smile,he was gone for the day...
All my prep for Nasreen's baby shower was done, so after I showered and got dressed, I wondered what to do for the day...
There was a quiet knock on my room door, "Fatima are you here", Sumaya whispered.
I opened the door to,find Sumaya looking deathly ill...Sumaya, are you okay! Omw, you look sick.
On closer inspection she looked like she was horribly upset and had been crying all night!
Her eyes were filling with tears right now...
I pulled her into the room and closed the door, I offered her a seat on the kist at the foot of my bed, i poured her a glass of water and I took Tariq from her arms,I sat on the desk chair and waited as she tried to compose herself...after an eternity she spoke...
"Muhammad wants to take a second wife..." she whispered in tears.
I never saw anybody look so shattered before, she was falling to pieces and my heart just broke for her, I didn't understand and I didn't want to ask...it was obvious that her life was falling apart at this moment...i rolled my chair closer to her and placed my hand on her knee.
Seeing his mother upset, upset Tariq and he too started to cry, I tried to bounce him and soothe him but he wanted his mother. Sumaya just clutched him against her and cried, I didn't know what to do...
"I'm so sorry...so sorry to dump this on you...i had to tell somebody...you pregnant, I shouldn't have brought my problems to you...im sorry", she struggled to speak.
Sumaya was devastated, she obviously never saw this coming, quiet frankly, I can't imagine it from Muhammad Bhai either!
" don't be silly Sumaya, I just wish I knew what to say or do to make you feel better, I feel so helpless", I told her honestly.
" can you keep Tariq for a few hours for me please...i need to clear my head." she asked
" yes, yes ofcorse!, no problem" I said.
"thank you", she looked so sad, so broken...
I watched her as she explained to her one year old son that he must stay with Fati-mamee and play nicely and if he is a good boy then Fati mamee will let him play with the Ipad.
"No, no, no, no", Tariq insisted, he only said a few words, No seemed to be his favorite.
Sumaya left shortly after...3 hours later, she wasn't back, my MiL was looking for her, it was her turn to cook.
I had my hands full trying to keep Tariq out of harm and making sure he did not cry for his mum, I also didn't know what to feed him, he had had Nido almost 2 hours ago because I knew were that was kept in the pantry, Sumaya hadn't left any instruction for me. I decided to wait a little longer, I'm sure she would be back soon.
Another 2hours passed and my MiL was getting very cross.
"where did she say she's going!", MiL demanded from me for the 50th time.
I honestly didn't know, I hadn't asked her, I thought she wanted a break for a hour or two...i was getting worried too now.
I asked Tariq what he wanted to eat and he said chick rice, I remembered seeing him eat chicken and rice sort of smashed together, last night. So I took out the left overs and warmed them and fed him.
I didn't know how to bath him so I went to the ironing room and found some clothes of his, in my room I just washed his hands and face, changed his nappy again and freshened him up with powder and dressed him.
I tried calling Sumaya again but her phone was still off...i was so worried, I didn't know what to do...
should I phone Muhammad?
Or Imraan?
And tell him the whole story?
Maybe Sumaya will fetch Talha one time and come home then...
I dug out a story book from my school supplies and read for Tariq when I was done, he crawled to the middle of my bed, pulled my throw over himself and fell asleep...he looked so cute and sweet...but an active one year old that wanted his mother was no easy task. I was exhausted!
My phone rang and I dove for it and answered without checking the caller identity, I didn't want it to wake Tariq.
It was Imraan..." Hi love, can you check where Sumaya is, Talha's school phoned, they can't reach Sumaya or Muhammed and nobody has picked up Talha yet...im the emergency person but I'm in the middle of a meeting right now, it would take me over an hour to get there with traffic...", Imraan said in a hurry
" baby she's not here, I'm trying her all day, she left in the morning she was very upset about erm...a fight she had with Muhammad and she is still not back.", I said
" what! That doesn't sound like Sumaya, you sure?", Imraan asked in disbelief
"yes, she left Tariq with me", I said
"okay, okay...can you manage to go fetch Talha? Il come home soon as this thing wraps up...im sure she's just stuck in traffic some where, her battery must have died.", Imraan said reasonably.
" okay, sure..."
I went looking for Tariq's car seat but then I realized it was probably in Sumaya's car!, luckily Tariq was up from his nap, so I got Tumi to come with me and hold him in the back seat...no the safest option, but better than nothing.
Talha seemed okay when I fetched him, he wanted to know where his mother was but he wasn't overly concerned, he told me excitedly about his day.
Sumayas car wasn't back when we got home, I took the boys in and sent Talha to change and wash up...now what do I feed him?
By 4pm Sumaya still wasn't back, both boys were over the novelty of being with me, they just wanted their mum.
Tariq especially was getting very crabby now. I was so worried.
They cheered up abit once Imraan came home, but he soon got distracted by my livid MiL, she wanted Sumaya home, now and now!
She was demanding to know what was going on...poor Imraan, he didn't know,himself.
Finally Sumaya texted me...full of apologies she asked if Imraan had fetched Talha and if the boys were okay, she said,she would be home with Muhammad soon.
Sumaya and Muhammad came in one after the other shortly before supper, I hoped they managed to sort things out...the boys ran to her and she was trying to field off MiLs questions while seeing to them, I just backed off.
She didn't need to answer to me too.
At supper, Muhammad Bhai cleared his throat, nervously he asked for everybody's attention...
I glanced at Sumaya, she was looking down into her plate.
Muhammad Bhai cleared his throat again and said, " last night I asked Sumayas permission to take a second wife, she is a widow who lost her husband recently, she has two small children, we use to school together..."
The table was died silent...not even a breath could be heard...i felt cold...
"Sumaya was very upset, understandably, but today she gave me permission to make Nikkah to Neelofa..." Muhammad Bhai continued
I don't know what happen next...or how...one minute Muhammad bhai was talking, the next he was splattering and drenched in water,as the sound of breaking glass filled the dinning room...
MiLs chair scraped against the floor as she stood up...
"OVER MY DEAD BODY YOU WILL MARRY THAT GIRL!!!!!!!!!,she shouted!
Monday, 25 August 2014
Part 22: Mountains out of Molehills...
On Friday afternoon I had back to back lessons. I kept checking my phone for any calls or messages from Imraan. I was so worried...
finally, just after home time I got a text message from him to say he was still in the meeting and he would see me at home later.
Argh! How vague is that...but at least he sent something. No news is better than NO news...
I stopped at the supermarket on the way home to get some weekend junk food for us, at the magazine rack I couldn't decide between two different pregnancy magazines, I went between them for over 15mins, then I felt for ice cream so I left the magazines and went back to get a tub of my favourite frozen dessert.
Back at the magazine rack, I still couldn't make up my mind..suddenly my phone started ringing, I thought it would be Imraan.
"Hi baby...", I answered.
"Hi baby yourself!", came a giggle, it was Sumaya.
" sorry, sorry, I thought you Imraan.", I apologized wondering why Sumaya was calling me.
"no problem, its nice to be called baby, Muhammad never calls me that anymore", "Anyway, just a heads up, MiL is pacing here, she thinks you forgot about supper.", Sumaya said.
"Omw! Its my turn isn't... I completely forgot Sumaya!", I said in a panic...
What on earth was I going to do...
" I thought so...don't worry, we got your back, I took out chicken for you, you can make that saucy one, sharp sharp.", Sumaya said.
" Shew, thank you...il be home in 5...", I was so grateful.
I rushed home and made my famous 3 sauce chicken, Sumaya had made a salsas and Shireen set the table quickly while I toasted garlic breads. Between the three of us we had supper ready way ahead, much to my MiLs surprise.
I was so lucky to have their help, that's the upside to joint family living, I couldn't thank them enough!
Shireen was teasing me about having a pregnancy brain, a condition of forgetfulness that is very common in pregnancy, when MiL came in...when she saw the chicken dish, she had a fit...
"Fatima! How can you make that! You know Dadi is here, she only eats tarkaree...what is she going to eat now.."
Oh-0
"aye, nevermind nevermind, Il go find something for her", my MiL said.
At supper time, much to my surprise, Dadi was the first person to reach for the saucy chicken saying how,nice and tempting it looked...to which my MiL jumped in...
"Nay nay, Ma you don't eat all that, here I got Moothia for you.."
"Ma hando kaysaki, oh pasta ne hando kaai... dhooro sauce be", Dadi said as she served herself.
Later that night, I unintentionally overheard Dadi on the phone as I passed her room,
" Khatija Bhen, yah maarah waste booh agru che...thoo nee kaabar...Kayroon Gori mara wastai waahi waahi Mootia, freezer ma kaaro...kamkaanari ne kawanu mana kawaach.
Oh-0, dadi is complaining to her daughter that MiL is taking out food fit for the maids...this can't be good...
It wasn't good at all! Her little complain created enough drama over the weekend...
finally, just after home time I got a text message from him to say he was still in the meeting and he would see me at home later.
Argh! How vague is that...but at least he sent something. No news is better than NO news...
I stopped at the supermarket on the way home to get some weekend junk food for us, at the magazine rack I couldn't decide between two different pregnancy magazines, I went between them for over 15mins, then I felt for ice cream so I left the magazines and went back to get a tub of my favourite frozen dessert.
Back at the magazine rack, I still couldn't make up my mind..suddenly my phone started ringing, I thought it would be Imraan.
"Hi baby...", I answered.
"Hi baby yourself!", came a giggle, it was Sumaya.
" sorry, sorry, I thought you Imraan.", I apologized wondering why Sumaya was calling me.
"no problem, its nice to be called baby, Muhammad never calls me that anymore", "Anyway, just a heads up, MiL is pacing here, she thinks you forgot about supper.", Sumaya said.
"Omw! Its my turn isn't... I completely forgot Sumaya!", I said in a panic...
What on earth was I going to do...
" I thought so...don't worry, we got your back, I took out chicken for you, you can make that saucy one, sharp sharp.", Sumaya said.
" Shew, thank you...il be home in 5...", I was so grateful.
I rushed home and made my famous 3 sauce chicken, Sumaya had made a salsas and Shireen set the table quickly while I toasted garlic breads. Between the three of us we had supper ready way ahead, much to my MiLs surprise.
I was so lucky to have their help, that's the upside to joint family living, I couldn't thank them enough!
Shireen was teasing me about having a pregnancy brain, a condition of forgetfulness that is very common in pregnancy, when MiL came in...when she saw the chicken dish, she had a fit...
"Fatima! How can you make that! You know Dadi is here, she only eats tarkaree...what is she going to eat now.."
Oh-0
"aye, nevermind nevermind, Il go find something for her", my MiL said.
At supper time, much to my surprise, Dadi was the first person to reach for the saucy chicken saying how,nice and tempting it looked...to which my MiL jumped in...
"Nay nay, Ma you don't eat all that, here I got Moothia for you.."
"Ma hando kaysaki, oh pasta ne hando kaai... dhooro sauce be", Dadi said as she served herself.
Later that night, I unintentionally overheard Dadi on the phone as I passed her room,
" Khatija Bhen, yah maarah waste booh agru che...thoo nee kaabar...Kayroon Gori mara wastai waahi waahi Mootia, freezer ma kaaro...kamkaanari ne kawanu mana kawaach.
Oh-0, dadi is complaining to her daughter that MiL is taking out food fit for the maids...this can't be good...
It wasn't good at all! Her little complain created enough drama over the weekend...
Tuesday, 19 August 2014
Part 18: Bruised egos and high, high heels.
We got back to such a lovely scene on Sunday evening.
Everybody was crowded around the table having coffee, tea and dippers. The conversation was animated and punctuated with roars of laughter. It looked like the work function had went off perfectly.
It only took me a moment to realize that MiL wasn't amongst the merry-makers. I wasn't the only one that noticed...
"where's mummy?", asked Imraan, dragging up chairs for me and him.
"oh come I tell you'll what happen!", said Dadi
Oh-0 I thought...what now...
Sumayas expression was unreadable...no help there.
"she broke her leg!", said shireen quickly.
"no she didn't, she fractured her ankle.", said Bilal.
"I think she sprained it." , said my FiL.
" Wait wait wait! I want to,explain to them.",Dadi began, from the beginning ofcorse, as old people always do...
" Fatima and Imraan, lucky you bought me the healthy shoes...otherwise I too would have been like bechari kayroon Gori.
Yesterday at the function Kayroon stood one place by the door saying "welcome, come in come in" to all the noorkers and their families."
"Then when everything started she sat chupchapti down and was listening, anything she wanted to say or do she send message with twins for Sumaya and Shireen. Ma bee, I'm thinking why she don't going here and there, you know she don't sit quietly...but I never ask her anything."
" Then it was time for her award...the man was telling about the award and called Kayroon Gori to come up to the stage."
"Kayroon Gori woke up slowly, smiling smiling ne hando at everybody."
Dadi explained that as MiL got to the top step, the MC asked everybody to put their hands together for her...Dadi says she don't know what exactly happen but one second MiL was standing, next thing she was a puddle of fabric on the floor...
OMW!!!! How awful!
"I think her egos more bruised than her ankle, but we must all be sensitive to her." my FiL said.
I could only imagine! The overtime award was MiLs proudest moment at the annual function, she looked forward to it the most.
She told me before, that she just loved hearing the story every year.
When Imraan's parents were newly married, my FiL worked very hard to build his business,when it was finally off the ground and established,Imraan's father decided to have a function after Eid to celebrate with his business family.
One night while planning the function he thought of including awards as he mentioned categories my MiL pip'd in that she needs and award for the time she's alone with the children while my FiL is working....
That year, at the very first function, my FiL surprised my MiL by calling her on stage to give her a gift for putting up with his long hours and standing besides him through the toughest years, he presented her with a beautiful watch. He then,joked that he hopes she won't expect one every year...
The following year Imraan was born, that year my FiL got very ill and was unable to be at work for an extend period of time, my FiLs friend stood in for him and really held the business together, he himself was newly married.
once my FiL recovered, he wondered how to thank,his friend for his generous help, it was my MiL again who said that the wife deserve the thanks more. At that years function, my FiL had my MiL present their friends wife with a watch for her patience...and thus, the award was born.
Every year, a watch is presented to the spouse of the employee who has the most overtime hours, however it has to be a different employee every year, once you have received it, you can't receive it again.
every year, my MiL is called up to present the watch and the story behind it is told.
After Dadi told us what happen, Imraan and I went to check in on MiL, as I had assumed, she was more beat up over the embarrassment than any physical injury.
as she told her version of the event, I spied the pair of extremely high, high heels near the cupboard, my word! What had she been thinking!
On the dresser was the watch she had been gifted originally, I admired the classic design.
I know that both Sumaya and Shireen
had been recipients of the award previously. I knew it was unlikely that I ever would be, Imraan was not part of the family business...he actually worked very hard not to be!
...but that too, is a story on its own.
Everybody was crowded around the table having coffee, tea and dippers. The conversation was animated and punctuated with roars of laughter. It looked like the work function had went off perfectly.
It only took me a moment to realize that MiL wasn't amongst the merry-makers. I wasn't the only one that noticed...
"where's mummy?", asked Imraan, dragging up chairs for me and him.
"oh come I tell you'll what happen!", said Dadi
Oh-0 I thought...what now...
Sumayas expression was unreadable...no help there.
"she broke her leg!", said shireen quickly.
"no she didn't, she fractured her ankle.", said Bilal.
"I think she sprained it." , said my FiL.
" Wait wait wait! I want to,explain to them.",Dadi began, from the beginning ofcorse, as old people always do...
" Fatima and Imraan, lucky you bought me the healthy shoes...otherwise I too would have been like bechari kayroon Gori.
Yesterday at the function Kayroon stood one place by the door saying "welcome, come in come in" to all the noorkers and their families."
"Then when everything started she sat chupchapti down and was listening, anything she wanted to say or do she send message with twins for Sumaya and Shireen. Ma bee, I'm thinking why she don't going here and there, you know she don't sit quietly...but I never ask her anything."
" Then it was time for her award...the man was telling about the award and called Kayroon Gori to come up to the stage."
"Kayroon Gori woke up slowly, smiling smiling ne hando at everybody."
Dadi explained that as MiL got to the top step, the MC asked everybody to put their hands together for her...Dadi says she don't know what exactly happen but one second MiL was standing, next thing she was a puddle of fabric on the floor...
OMW!!!! How awful!
"I think her egos more bruised than her ankle, but we must all be sensitive to her." my FiL said.
I could only imagine! The overtime award was MiLs proudest moment at the annual function, she looked forward to it the most.
She told me before, that she just loved hearing the story every year.
When Imraan's parents were newly married, my FiL worked very hard to build his business,when it was finally off the ground and established,Imraan's father decided to have a function after Eid to celebrate with his business family.
One night while planning the function he thought of including awards as he mentioned categories my MiL pip'd in that she needs and award for the time she's alone with the children while my FiL is working....
That year, at the very first function, my FiL surprised my MiL by calling her on stage to give her a gift for putting up with his long hours and standing besides him through the toughest years, he presented her with a beautiful watch. He then,joked that he hopes she won't expect one every year...
The following year Imraan was born, that year my FiL got very ill and was unable to be at work for an extend period of time, my FiLs friend stood in for him and really held the business together, he himself was newly married.
once my FiL recovered, he wondered how to thank,his friend for his generous help, it was my MiL again who said that the wife deserve the thanks more. At that years function, my FiL had my MiL present their friends wife with a watch for her patience...and thus, the award was born.
Every year, a watch is presented to the spouse of the employee who has the most overtime hours, however it has to be a different employee every year, once you have received it, you can't receive it again.
every year, my MiL is called up to present the watch and the story behind it is told.
After Dadi told us what happen, Imraan and I went to check in on MiL, as I had assumed, she was more beat up over the embarrassment than any physical injury.
as she told her version of the event, I spied the pair of extremely high, high heels near the cupboard, my word! What had she been thinking!
On the dresser was the watch she had been gifted originally, I admired the classic design.
I know that both Sumaya and Shireen
had been recipients of the award previously. I knew it was unlikely that I ever would be, Imraan was not part of the family business...he actually worked very hard not to be!
...but that too, is a story on its own.
Monday, 4 August 2014
Flash Back Mini Series-Part 2 : Still Reminiscing...
I never expected him to reply immediately , it was passed midnight already, so I just browsed my news feed and got ready for bed.
Just before I switched my phone off, my messenger alert beeped, we got talking and I ended up telling him the entire Nas&Mo drama that night. we talked about his job, my studies, our families...we just kind of clicked. I don't know how but it was soon fajr, so I just logged off.
Over the next few weeks Imraan and I chatted quiet frequently, in my heart I knew it was wrong but I couldn't pull away. Sometimes Imraan spoke of marriage and proposing but I didn't know what to make of it. he had a great sense of humour which I enjoyed but it also made it hard for me to see if he was joking or serious about some things so I just brushed those subjects off. My time in Durban was also coming to an end.
On the second last day at school the principal called me in and offered me a job for the following year, once I qualified. I was stunned, but I had no plans to move to Durban permanently, I thanked her profusely and she told me to think about it and give her an answer by mid year.
When I went back to the staffroom there was a velvet gift box placed at my usual spot, I thought it was for somebody else but the card on the single rose, said 'Fatima'.
I hesitated then open it. Inside was a folded page, I lifted it out and opened it. My heart did a flip-flop.
It was a Nikkah Details form from the Marburg musjid in Port Shepstone, the field for Brides name was filled in neatly with my details. The rest of the form was completely empty.
Under the page was a silver Parker pen, crystal incusted, a diamond ring was pushed into the pen clip...it was beautiful.
I sat down and wondered what to do...after a long while, I picked up the pen, and filled in just two fields...
Then, I replaced everything exactly how I had found it, put it into a large envelope which I labelled as Imraan and went in search of Talha, I told him to tell me when his mummy comes to fetch him.
When I saw Sumaya at home-time I wordlessly handed it to her. Then I put my phone off for the rest of the day.
I went home and baked a ton of cupcakes to give all the kids,tomorrow was my last day!
The Sunday after my teaching practice had ended my parents drove down to fetch me, as soon as I saw them I knew something was up! My mother had a jumpy look in her eyes and my father refused to meet my eye.
Nani must have noticed it too, coz she kept asking if everything was okay. They were kind of quiet. It made me feel nervous and afraid.
I said a tearful goodbye to Nani, it was so sad to leave after spending the entire month with her. I would be back soon enough though, Nasreen had set the date for her wedding for before Ramadaan and I wanted to come back and help her closer to the date.
The drive home was strange, my parents remained a little quiet. I hadn't had contact with Imraan since I sent his gift back, so I didn't know if he had anything to do with their mood, the quietness and gentle drive soon lulled me to sleep. I awoke when we where almost home.
At home I went to my room after one month, I realized I had missed it. Fatima!!! My father called, my heart jumped...I knew this was it! Time to face the music, I took deep breath and went to speak to my parents...
Just before I switched my phone off, my messenger alert beeped, we got talking and I ended up telling him the entire Nas&Mo drama that night. we talked about his job, my studies, our families...we just kind of clicked. I don't know how but it was soon fajr, so I just logged off.
Over the next few weeks Imraan and I chatted quiet frequently, in my heart I knew it was wrong but I couldn't pull away. Sometimes Imraan spoke of marriage and proposing but I didn't know what to make of it. he had a great sense of humour which I enjoyed but it also made it hard for me to see if he was joking or serious about some things so I just brushed those subjects off. My time in Durban was also coming to an end.
On the second last day at school the principal called me in and offered me a job for the following year, once I qualified. I was stunned, but I had no plans to move to Durban permanently, I thanked her profusely and she told me to think about it and give her an answer by mid year.
When I went back to the staffroom there was a velvet gift box placed at my usual spot, I thought it was for somebody else but the card on the single rose, said 'Fatima'.
I hesitated then open it. Inside was a folded page, I lifted it out and opened it. My heart did a flip-flop.
It was a Nikkah Details form from the Marburg musjid in Port Shepstone, the field for Brides name was filled in neatly with my details. The rest of the form was completely empty.
Under the page was a silver Parker pen, crystal incusted, a diamond ring was pushed into the pen clip...it was beautiful.
I sat down and wondered what to do...after a long while, I picked up the pen, and filled in just two fields...
Then, I replaced everything exactly how I had found it, put it into a large envelope which I labelled as Imraan and went in search of Talha, I told him to tell me when his mummy comes to fetch him.
When I saw Sumaya at home-time I wordlessly handed it to her. Then I put my phone off for the rest of the day.
I went home and baked a ton of cupcakes to give all the kids,tomorrow was my last day!
The Sunday after my teaching practice had ended my parents drove down to fetch me, as soon as I saw them I knew something was up! My mother had a jumpy look in her eyes and my father refused to meet my eye.
Nani must have noticed it too, coz she kept asking if everything was okay. They were kind of quiet. It made me feel nervous and afraid.
I said a tearful goodbye to Nani, it was so sad to leave after spending the entire month with her. I would be back soon enough though, Nasreen had set the date for her wedding for before Ramadaan and I wanted to come back and help her closer to the date.
The drive home was strange, my parents remained a little quiet. I hadn't had contact with Imraan since I sent his gift back, so I didn't know if he had anything to do with their mood, the quietness and gentle drive soon lulled me to sleep. I awoke when we where almost home.
At home I went to my room after one month, I realized I had missed it. Fatima!!! My father called, my heart jumped...I knew this was it! Time to face the music, I took deep breath and went to speak to my parents...
Friday, 1 August 2014
Flash Back Mini Series Part 1 - A touch of Nostalgia...
Seeing Nasreen and Muhammad on Eid day got me thinking of how I met Imraan since it was around the same time as their engagement...
It also reminded me of my Nani. Nasreens engagement was the last family function she preceded over with all her skill and Nani-isms.
In my fourth year I had to do a major prac at a recognized ECD facility for special needs, Port Shepstone has one or two only so I decided to find one in Durban that catered for children with Autism, Cerebral palsy, hearing and speech difficulties, etc. I came and stayed with my Nani for that month...my Nani was thrilled.
The Friday before Nasreen's engagement I was sitting in the office working on some resource's when a guy came in saying he was there to fetch his nephew early. He gave his name and the name of his nephew and waited while the secretary called the parents to confirm and authenticated the leave.
I noticed the guy as he looked around, you know those times when you see somebody for the first time but you notice everything in one glance, well this was that kind of time...only problem is, he noticed me noticing him and I felt my give away blush rising to my cheeks. Luckily the secretary distracted him by asking for his signature and I used the moment to escape.
A few moments later I looked out of the staffroom window only to catch HIM looking at ME while he walked his nephew,Talha-a little boy who had hearing difficulties due to an illness after birth, out. Shew, I was glad to see the door close behind him...okay maybe not glad, but you know...that was too embarrassing for one day.
The following Monday I was still wondering about HIM much to my own annoyance while I watched the children as they waited to be picked-up. "Excuse me...are you Fatima ma'am?", a voice asked me.
I looked up into the face that disturbed me, nothing like the one I was dreaming off, but I quickly realized, this lady was holding onto the hand of the same little boy I saw HIM fetch yesterday. Oh-0...
I nodded my head, not trusting my voice, what did she want?
"salaams, I'm Sumaya, Talhas mother, my brother-in-law saw you yesterday and asked me, no wait, forced me, into asking you for your number" she said it fast , all in one breath.
She took me completely by surprise, I cleared my throat and quietly said, "I'm sorry I can't do that"
"okay no problem, please make maaf, I hope I haven't offended you" and she quickly turned and walked away, her face red.
I almost felt sorry for her as I heard her mutter, "I told your stupid uncle not to make me do this, he just embarrassed her and me now, he doesn't listen"
I almost laughed, she was cute, in all her pregnant huffiness and irritation.
That evening I saw an email on my blackberry in the school email account I had set up for sponsorships. Thinking I finally had a sponsor, I opened up excitedly, even when I saw the name Imraan in the address bar it didn't click, the subject was 'just one question'.
I opened it immediately still thinking its a possible sponsor.
"if i sponsor the event will I get your phone number?"-whaaat the...
I read the senders name again and realized who it was.
"pretty persistent you are" I replied
"I know, never did this before but there's just something about you...that sounds so lame"
"never did what before?" I texted back
"never bribed a preschooler for his homework record book, never read through every note hoping to find a way to contact somebody."
"you sound like a stalker quiet frankly, and I have enough going on, I don't have time for this"
"I'm sorry, I'm not a stalker, I just want to get to know you, can I please invite you on Facebook"
Something told me that this guy was serious, weird but serious... I didn't have time to deal with him now, I need to sort things with Nasreen first. The rumour mill was working hard after yesterdays engagement.
"yah whatever, if you can find me, add me"
After things had sort of calmed down that night and my Kala and Nasreen had left, I logged on to Facebook and ofcorse there was an invite waiting for me, the invite message said simply, "found you".
I accepted and typed back, "ofcorse you did, that's what stalkers do"...
It also reminded me of my Nani. Nasreens engagement was the last family function she preceded over with all her skill and Nani-isms.
In my fourth year I had to do a major prac at a recognized ECD facility for special needs, Port Shepstone has one or two only so I decided to find one in Durban that catered for children with Autism, Cerebral palsy, hearing and speech difficulties, etc. I came and stayed with my Nani for that month...my Nani was thrilled.
The Friday before Nasreen's engagement I was sitting in the office working on some resource's when a guy came in saying he was there to fetch his nephew early. He gave his name and the name of his nephew and waited while the secretary called the parents to confirm and authenticated the leave.
I noticed the guy as he looked around, you know those times when you see somebody for the first time but you notice everything in one glance, well this was that kind of time...only problem is, he noticed me noticing him and I felt my give away blush rising to my cheeks. Luckily the secretary distracted him by asking for his signature and I used the moment to escape.
A few moments later I looked out of the staffroom window only to catch HIM looking at ME while he walked his nephew,Talha-a little boy who had hearing difficulties due to an illness after birth, out. Shew, I was glad to see the door close behind him...okay maybe not glad, but you know...that was too embarrassing for one day.
The following Monday I was still wondering about HIM much to my own annoyance while I watched the children as they waited to be picked-up. "Excuse me...are you Fatima ma'am?", a voice asked me.
I looked up into the face that disturbed me, nothing like the one I was dreaming off, but I quickly realized, this lady was holding onto the hand of the same little boy I saw HIM fetch yesterday. Oh-0...
I nodded my head, not trusting my voice, what did she want?
"salaams, I'm Sumaya, Talhas mother, my brother-in-law saw you yesterday and asked me, no wait, forced me, into asking you for your number" she said it fast , all in one breath.
She took me completely by surprise, I cleared my throat and quietly said, "I'm sorry I can't do that"
"okay no problem, please make maaf, I hope I haven't offended you" and she quickly turned and walked away, her face red.
I almost felt sorry for her as I heard her mutter, "I told your stupid uncle not to make me do this, he just embarrassed her and me now, he doesn't listen"
I almost laughed, she was cute, in all her pregnant huffiness and irritation.
That evening I saw an email on my blackberry in the school email account I had set up for sponsorships. Thinking I finally had a sponsor, I opened up excitedly, even when I saw the name Imraan in the address bar it didn't click, the subject was 'just one question'.
I opened it immediately still thinking its a possible sponsor.
"if i sponsor the event will I get your phone number?"-whaaat the...
I read the senders name again and realized who it was.
"pretty persistent you are" I replied
"I know, never did this before but there's just something about you...that sounds so lame"
"never did what before?" I texted back
"never bribed a preschooler for his homework record book, never read through every note hoping to find a way to contact somebody."
"you sound like a stalker quiet frankly, and I have enough going on, I don't have time for this"
"I'm sorry, I'm not a stalker, I just want to get to know you, can I please invite you on Facebook"
Something told me that this guy was serious, weird but serious... I didn't have time to deal with him now, I need to sort things with Nasreen first. The rumour mill was working hard after yesterdays engagement.
"yah whatever, if you can find me, add me"
After things had sort of calmed down that night and my Kala and Nasreen had left, I logged on to Facebook and ofcorse there was an invite waiting for me, the invite message said simply, "found you".
I accepted and typed back, "ofcorse you did, that's what stalkers do"...
Tuesday, 29 July 2014
Part 12-Maru naam, Tahru kaam (your hard work, I take the credit)
Today at sehri Imraan and I were like love sick teenagers...we had a secret and it made us feel closer than ever.
After sehri nobody went back to sleep, there was tons to be done. Imraan warned me to take it easy and gave Sumaya instructions to watch me carefully because I was still 'not completely recovered."
Sumaya took over the mithai1 making for which I was grateful, my burfee was too hit-or-miss and I didn't want to 'hit a miss' and face MiL.
Shireen was still recovering from the 'shock' but said she wanted to make mini cakes and desserts.
My mother-in-law insisted that chevroo2 and the biryani3 was her forte every year and shouldn't be touched.
That left biscuit making for me...something I was very good at! I had a secret for making tons...
Dadi Ma presided over the kitchen, watching Sumaya and I...that left MiL free to torment Tumi and Thembi.
'Sula lapa, shiya la, Anza lo, boyica le inntor...' could only be heard from her lips...kitchen Zulu at its best.
Dadi entertained us as we worked with stories of the 'olden days' which made us laugh, baby Tariq was content in his playpen in the corner, I kept looking at him, wondering what my baby would be like...
As I pulled my last batch from the oven I remembered I hadn't bought serviettes and table decor for the lunch tables yet.
"Sumaya do you want to come with me to china mall?"
"oh no, Fatima I have so much still to do...i need to get everything ready for the chevroo and biryani for mummy still" she replied.
Whaaaaat
"Haa! Taru kaam-Inu naam "4, Dadi said crossly...
"wait wait Fatima, I'll come with you"...
Okay, now this was going to be interesting...
Surprisingly, Dadi was great company and didn't slow me down at all, we were done in record time and she had great taste. I actually really liked her!
As I was driving out of the mall parking, Dadi hit me for a six..." so you pregnant Fatima...when the batchoo going to come"
I slammed brakes so hard and fast without thinking...what kinda spooky intuition dose this women have!!!
Before I could reply, the car behind me rammed into us, causing us to jerk forward...
OMW...
I got out on shaky legs, Dadi was already busy with her phone...i felt dizzy...
I heard her say, " Imraan betha, its Dadi, you must come quick...Fatima and I had an accident at china mall..."
Oh! 0...
The driver of the other car, a Muslim man, was walking towards me, red in the face...
He was already screaming and swearing at me...
"you stupid young girls don't deserve cars!..who taught you to drive like this, you must be bought your license .."
"as salaamu alaikum, I'm Fatima...my husbands on his way, his a lawyer...I'd like to wait for him"
The man said, maaf maaf, you okay? And he went to sit in his car...
if My husband wasn't a lawyer, he would probably still be hurling abuse me...agh some
people!
I moved my car to the side and slumped back against the seat, Dadi put her hand on mine, she was reading Ayatul Kurse5...I closed my eyes and waited...i could only imagine the state Imraan was driving in...
Glossary
After sehri nobody went back to sleep, there was tons to be done. Imraan warned me to take it easy and gave Sumaya instructions to watch me carefully because I was still 'not completely recovered."
Sumaya took over the mithai1 making for which I was grateful, my burfee was too hit-or-miss and I didn't want to 'hit a miss' and face MiL.
Shireen was still recovering from the 'shock' but said she wanted to make mini cakes and desserts.
My mother-in-law insisted that chevroo2 and the biryani3 was her forte every year and shouldn't be touched.
That left biscuit making for me...something I was very good at! I had a secret for making tons...
Dadi Ma presided over the kitchen, watching Sumaya and I...that left MiL free to torment Tumi and Thembi.
'Sula lapa, shiya la, Anza lo, boyica le inntor...' could only be heard from her lips...kitchen Zulu at its best.
Dadi entertained us as we worked with stories of the 'olden days' which made us laugh, baby Tariq was content in his playpen in the corner, I kept looking at him, wondering what my baby would be like...
As I pulled my last batch from the oven I remembered I hadn't bought serviettes and table decor for the lunch tables yet.
"Sumaya do you want to come with me to china mall?"
"oh no, Fatima I have so much still to do...i need to get everything ready for the chevroo and biryani for mummy still" she replied.
Whaaaaat
"Haa! Taru kaam-Inu naam "4, Dadi said crossly...
"wait wait Fatima, I'll come with you"...
Okay, now this was going to be interesting...
Surprisingly, Dadi was great company and didn't slow me down at all, we were done in record time and she had great taste. I actually really liked her!
As I was driving out of the mall parking, Dadi hit me for a six..." so you pregnant Fatima...when the batchoo going to come"
I slammed brakes so hard and fast without thinking...what kinda spooky intuition dose this women have!!!
Before I could reply, the car behind me rammed into us, causing us to jerk forward...
OMW...
I got out on shaky legs, Dadi was already busy with her phone...i felt dizzy...
I heard her say, " Imraan betha, its Dadi, you must come quick...Fatima and I had an accident at china mall..."
Oh! 0...
The driver of the other car, a Muslim man, was walking towards me, red in the face...
He was already screaming and swearing at me...
"you stupid young girls don't deserve cars!..who taught you to drive like this, you must be bought your license .."
"as salaamu alaikum, I'm Fatima...my husbands on his way, his a lawyer...I'd like to wait for him"
The man said, maaf maaf, you okay? And he went to sit in his car...
if My husband wasn't a lawyer, he would probably still be hurling abuse me...agh some
people!
I moved my car to the side and slumped back against the seat, Dadi put her hand on mine, she was reading Ayatul Kurse5...I closed my eyes and waited...i could only imagine the state Imraan was driving in...
Glossary
- indian sweetmeats
- spicy cerel and nuts snack
- rice and lentil dish
- her name, your hard work
- prayer of protection
Tuesday, 22 July 2014
Part 7- Double Trouble and Saat piece luggage...
Dadi-in-law arrived in a tornado of talcum powder and a rainfall of gujirati even I couldn't understand. Poor Tumi and Thembi broke their backs offloading her seven piece luggage set and lugging it in. "Deekreek raak, saat saat che"1 she greeted me...
I dutifully stood and counted the bags that looked like she brought enough to move in permanently! One look at my MiLs face, told me she thought the same.
Soon as the Moti MiL caught sight of her DiL the terrorizing began..."Kayroon Gori its so garaam garaam2 in here, you don't open windows? I'm getting gabraat3 just standing here!"
My MiL hopped to it..."nay Ma, aww aww, Tamara room ma aircon ne handoche che, aww aww4.
Tameh cheir jwech?5"-"Sumaya don't just stand there, go put the kettle on!"
"...and let the fun times roll" Sumaya whispered as she walked passed me.
This time, I know I didn't imagine it!
I giggled to myself, I could still hear Dadi lecturing my MiL on the importance of keeping the house well aired even in winter...it keeps all the karaab waah6 out.
When Dadi came back out she was in a much better mood, " kaache pooira lorko7?"
"the boys are all at work, Ma-you want a naan khatia8?"
"nay nay, oh boor sukaar ne khay se Kai9, sugar is too bad for my health. ooh Ayesha ne Shireen kache?10"
"Ayesha can't come today, it's too hard with the boys and Qasim works till late in the dookaan11 too. She'll come in the weekend."
"and Shireen is gone to her mothers house, today is her day there..."
The better mood was short lived.
"jaja..hoo hundi wakaat tha doori12, she keep going mothers house, mothers house, once you get married you must forget all that! Jaja, ma ke ghaar13, thats why you have all those problems"
I had to escape to keep from laughing...my MiL was totally breaking a sweat! I caught Sumayas eye as I was leaving and I gave her a sly wink...she beamed me a smile in return!
I dutifully stood and counted the bags that looked like she brought enough to move in permanently! One look at my MiLs face, told me she thought the same.
Soon as the Moti MiL caught sight of her DiL the terrorizing began..."Kayroon Gori its so garaam garaam2 in here, you don't open windows? I'm getting gabraat3 just standing here!"
My MiL hopped to it..."nay Ma, aww aww, Tamara room ma aircon ne handoche che, aww aww4.
Tameh cheir jwech?5"-"Sumaya don't just stand there, go put the kettle on!"
"...and let the fun times roll" Sumaya whispered as she walked passed me.
This time, I know I didn't imagine it!
I giggled to myself, I could still hear Dadi lecturing my MiL on the importance of keeping the house well aired even in winter...it keeps all the karaab waah6 out.
When Dadi came back out she was in a much better mood, " kaache pooira lorko7?"
"the boys are all at work, Ma-you want a naan khatia8?"
"nay nay, oh boor sukaar ne khay se Kai9, sugar is too bad for my health. ooh Ayesha ne Shireen kache?10"
"Ayesha can't come today, it's too hard with the boys and Qasim works till late in the dookaan11 too. She'll come in the weekend."
"and Shireen is gone to her mothers house, today is her day there..."
The better mood was short lived.
"jaja..hoo hundi wakaat tha doori12, she keep going mothers house, mothers house, once you get married you must forget all that! Jaja, ma ke ghaar13, thats why you have all those problems"
I had to escape to keep from laughing...my MiL was totally breaking a sweat! I caught Sumayas eye as I was leaving and I gave her a sly wink...she beamed me a smile in return!
glossary for my terrible attempt to transliterate guji:
- keep your eyes open, there is seven...meaning make sure the maids don't steal.
- very hot
- hyper ventilate due to heat
- come to your room, there is an aircon and 'everything'
- do you want tea?...said to pacify
- bad wind
- where are the boys
- indian ghee biscuit
- no, i cant have too sweet things
- where are A & S
- shop/business
- what does she run there for all the time
- mothers house...said mockingly
Monday, 21 July 2014
Part 6- Chicken Soup with a helping of Suspicion
The weekend passed in almost a blur, I spent most of it sick and in bed. This flu really got me messed up. Every time I thought I was feeling better and tried to get up, the nausea and vomiting would return. To top it all of, I was cranky and moody and bloated too, my period was also due.
My mother was very worried, I had to insist that she doesn't need to come from Port Shepstone to see me. Luckily my father was already sitting for Itiqaaf and she also needed to be home to prepare the supper basket for him so my brother could take it after Magrib.
Imraan was worse than my mother, he was insisting I go to the doctor, but really I hate tablets especially antibiotics so it would just be a waste. I wouldn't take them anyway. I'm very stubborn when I want to be.
To pacify everybody I called work and asked for 2 days off, I must have sounded very bad because the secretary didn't even try to guilt trip me...in a small school like ours, they can't afford to let the children catch anything. Germs spread like wildfire! That's probably why I got sick so fast, all the snotty noses and grubby fingers all day, but shame, I love my job. I hope they get somebody nice to sit with my kids.
My MiL has surprised me beyond measure, she and Sumaya have been up to my room so often to check in with me and take care of me. My MiL even brings me tea and soup in bed. Not 'cup-a-soup' too, real chicken invalid soup from Indian Delights!
She has been forcing me to eat and drink a little every few hours, "You need the taarkit1 Fatima, thoo boor paatri che2"
My MiL has been so caring I'm actually suspicious, after the steak fiasco last week, I didn't expect this!
She's been in a bit of a panic mode this weekend too, cleaning every inch and square inch of the entire house, poor Tumi and Thembi must be finished!
This week Imraan's Dadi will be coming to stay, she'll be here till after Eid. Its fun to watch my MiL turn into a stressed DiL for a little while, but I know from the last visit Dadi spent here, the minute Dadi around my MiLs big girl champals3 come back on and she tackles us with new energy. Okay,maybe I exaggerate a little...
I can't believe that we days away from Eid already, I still have a few Paras left to finish my Quraan Khataam. I also have so many recipes I want to try for Eid.
I'm a bit nervous and excited for this Eid, it is my first Eid married, so it's the first one Imraan and I will be spending together.
My cousin Nasreen told me that on her first Eid married last year, all the old aunties kept touching her tummy asking when she's bringing one Baba and coming...Nasreen's very mischievous, she had gotten married just a month before Ramadaan so she kept telling them, "Oh, still 5 more months before my due date!"
I laughed myself silly when she described the look on their faces when they did the Math...it helped that she's a bit on the chubby side too, plus she had worn an Abayaa for Eid!
Neither less to say, her MiL didn't see the funny side to that story, she was fuming the next day after fielding off calls of 'concern' all morning...which was like a double win for Nasreen, ofcorse.
This Eid falls exactly a month before my first wedding anniversary and when we got married, Imraan and I agreed to start talking about having a family once we pass the one year mark...
Looks like alot of 'first' on the horizon, waiting for me...
Glossary:
My mother was very worried, I had to insist that she doesn't need to come from Port Shepstone to see me. Luckily my father was already sitting for Itiqaaf and she also needed to be home to prepare the supper basket for him so my brother could take it after Magrib.
Imraan was worse than my mother, he was insisting I go to the doctor, but really I hate tablets especially antibiotics so it would just be a waste. I wouldn't take them anyway. I'm very stubborn when I want to be.
To pacify everybody I called work and asked for 2 days off, I must have sounded very bad because the secretary didn't even try to guilt trip me...in a small school like ours, they can't afford to let the children catch anything. Germs spread like wildfire! That's probably why I got sick so fast, all the snotty noses and grubby fingers all day, but shame, I love my job. I hope they get somebody nice to sit with my kids.
My MiL has surprised me beyond measure, she and Sumaya have been up to my room so often to check in with me and take care of me. My MiL even brings me tea and soup in bed. Not 'cup-a-soup' too, real chicken invalid soup from Indian Delights!
She has been forcing me to eat and drink a little every few hours, "You need the taarkit1 Fatima, thoo boor paatri che2"
My MiL has been so caring I'm actually suspicious, after the steak fiasco last week, I didn't expect this!
She's been in a bit of a panic mode this weekend too, cleaning every inch and square inch of the entire house, poor Tumi and Thembi must be finished!
This week Imraan's Dadi will be coming to stay, she'll be here till after Eid. Its fun to watch my MiL turn into a stressed DiL for a little while, but I know from the last visit Dadi spent here, the minute Dadi around my MiLs big girl champals3 come back on and she tackles us with new energy. Okay,maybe I exaggerate a little...
I can't believe that we days away from Eid already, I still have a few Paras left to finish my Quraan Khataam. I also have so many recipes I want to try for Eid.
I'm a bit nervous and excited for this Eid, it is my first Eid married, so it's the first one Imraan and I will be spending together.
My cousin Nasreen told me that on her first Eid married last year, all the old aunties kept touching her tummy asking when she's bringing one Baba and coming...Nasreen's very mischievous, she had gotten married just a month before Ramadaan so she kept telling them, "Oh, still 5 more months before my due date!"
I laughed myself silly when she described the look on their faces when they did the Math...it helped that she's a bit on the chubby side too, plus she had worn an Abayaa for Eid!
Neither less to say, her MiL didn't see the funny side to that story, she was fuming the next day after fielding off calls of 'concern' all morning...which was like a double win for Nasreen, ofcorse.
This Eid falls exactly a month before my first wedding anniversary and when we got married, Imraan and I agreed to start talking about having a family once we pass the one year mark...
Looks like alot of 'first' on the horizon, waiting for me...
Glossary:
- strenght
- you very thin
- sandals
Friday, 18 July 2014
Part 4-Two twins and Masaala steak
I got home to chaos in the kitchen, it was Sumaya's turn for savoury and Shireen's turn for main dish.
Sumaya had spring rolls out that she was crumbing and frying and 1 dozen mince samoosas ready to fry for her husband, I smiled to myself when I saw them. Her baby was parked in his pram in one corner, I went to tickle and coo at him, he is just too cute!
Shireen was frantically trying to put her chicken tarkaree together, she was loudly complaining to Sumaya that there is just no barkaat in time now days, "I don't know if these aloos will even get done, lucky Bilal won't eat curry, you know how he likes soft soft aloo only"
A loud yell sent her scurrying from the kitchen, she just knew her sons were up to no good.
I quickly got out my marinade ingredients onto the furthest counter top when MiL dearest walked in..."Sumaya leave all this and go see Talha, he was fighting with the twins! You only making one savoury? Bilal can't eat one type only, poor man is rozdaar too you know. Leave it, leave it...too late now, we'll just make do...
Let me check this tarkaree, bechari shireen, she got her hands full with those 'two twins' of hers, areh areh"
I could have sworn I saw Sumaya roll her eyes and wink at me as she left the kitchen...did she? Must be my imagination!
"Fatima what you doing with all that khatbhat there, don't you want to go read Quraan before iftaar..." (guess with nobody else left in the kitchen, it was my turn now...)
"Gee mummy, I just want to marinate some steak for Imraan then Il go"
"oh I already gave masaalah to that steak, you have to masaalah steak early, then its hawaat...Imraan likes my crushed chille masaala from small too"
Nasreens voice shouted 'say something, say something' in my head.
But my MiL had already moved on to complaining about Sumaya , "so much teel Sumaya frys in, well all will get jara jara...not enough her rung is all wrong now she wants to get jari too...lucky her two didn't get her complexion"
I just mumbled thank you and walked out. (Score: MiL-2, Me-Nil)
After iftaar I could barely keep my eyes open...I was just beyond tired. Imraan came into the room and saw me laying down, "You oki TiMwah?" he asked touching my forehead lightly.
"Gee baby, just so so sleepy."
"You must take it easy..why don't you sleep early, leave those steaks out for me, I won't wake you up later"
I smiled sleepily in thanks , only after he left for tarawee I dragged myself to retrieve the old ice cream container of steak from the fridge, (guess you can't put that much arad in real tupperware) and then I realised I forgot to tell him its not BBQ...ohh 0!
Sumaya had spring rolls out that she was crumbing and frying and 1 dozen mince samoosas ready to fry for her husband, I smiled to myself when I saw them. Her baby was parked in his pram in one corner, I went to tickle and coo at him, he is just too cute!
Shireen was frantically trying to put her chicken tarkaree together, she was loudly complaining to Sumaya that there is just no barkaat in time now days, "I don't know if these aloos will even get done, lucky Bilal won't eat curry, you know how he likes soft soft aloo only"
A loud yell sent her scurrying from the kitchen, she just knew her sons were up to no good.
I quickly got out my marinade ingredients onto the furthest counter top when MiL dearest walked in..."Sumaya leave all this and go see Talha, he was fighting with the twins! You only making one savoury? Bilal can't eat one type only, poor man is rozdaar too you know. Leave it, leave it...too late now, we'll just make do...
Let me check this tarkaree, bechari shireen, she got her hands full with those 'two twins' of hers, areh areh"
I could have sworn I saw Sumaya roll her eyes and wink at me as she left the kitchen...did she? Must be my imagination!
"Fatima what you doing with all that khatbhat there, don't you want to go read Quraan before iftaar..." (guess with nobody else left in the kitchen, it was my turn now...)
"Gee mummy, I just want to marinate some steak for Imraan then Il go"
"oh I already gave masaalah to that steak, you have to masaalah steak early, then its hawaat...Imraan likes my crushed chille masaala from small too"
Nasreens voice shouted 'say something, say something' in my head.
But my MiL had already moved on to complaining about Sumaya , "so much teel Sumaya frys in, well all will get jara jara...not enough her rung is all wrong now she wants to get jari too...lucky her two didn't get her complexion"
I just mumbled thank you and walked out. (Score: MiL-2, Me-Nil)
After iftaar I could barely keep my eyes open...I was just beyond tired. Imraan came into the room and saw me laying down, "You oki TiMwah?" he asked touching my forehead lightly.
"Gee baby, just so so sleepy."
"You must take it easy..why don't you sleep early, leave those steaks out for me, I won't wake you up later"
I smiled sleepily in thanks , only after he left for tarawee I dragged myself to retrieve the old ice cream container of steak from the fridge, (guess you can't put that much arad in real tupperware) and then I realised I forgot to tell him its not BBQ...ohh 0!
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