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!
Showing posts with label talha. Show all posts
Showing posts with label talha. Show all posts
Wednesday, 10 September 2014
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"...
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