Ramadan: Day Two

"Thank you, sir. Shukran'lakh," Safeenah murmured gratefully as Prince Abubakar scooped her up and held her close against his chest. She breathed in his musky scent and asked, "What's your name, sir?" She inquired with a slight giggle.

"I am A—" Abubakar began, but Safeenah interrupted him impatiently, "I like guessing, you are Ali?" She suggested.

"Yes, I am Ali," Prince Abubakar lied smoothly.

As they strolled through the vibrant iftar point, the air filled with the aromas of freshly prepared delicacies and the hum of excited chatter, Safeenah grasped Prince Abubakar's thumb with her tiny hand. "Why are you here alone? Where is your mother?" he asked gently, his voice filled with concern.

"My mother is working, and I don't want to disturb her. I'm on a secret mission," Safeenah replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"And what mission is that?" Prince Abubakar asked, his curiosity piqued by her playful tone.

"I want to kick Prince Abubakar really hard on his leg," Safeenah whispered, leaning in as if sharing a great secret.

"Wow, thank Allah I am not the prince," Abubakar sighed with a smile, playing along with her game.

Twelve hours later, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the landscape, Zarah emerged with a radiant smile that quickly vanished when she caught sight of Dale's worried expression near the blue Tesla.

"Where is my angel?" she demanded, her voice trembling with anxiety.

"She was right beside me, but I got distracted. I've searched everywhere, but it's hopeless. Don't worry, I'll make an announcement," Dale stammered, wiping the sweat from his brow with a trembling hand.

"You had one job: to look after my daughter. And you failed. You lost her!" Zarah's voice escalated in fury as she stormed away towards the iftar point, her eyes scanning the crowd desperately while shouting her daughter's name.

"Salaam, sir. Have you seen my daughter?" Zarah asked a nearby worker, thrusting a picture of Safeenah towards him.

"I haven't seen her, I'm sorry," he replied politely, offering a sympathetic smile before hoisting his basket of blueberries and continuing towards the fruit stall.

Despair washed over Zarah as she sank into a black plastic chair, her mind racing with fear. Her eyes then fell upon a woman hurrying by. "Salaam, miss. Have you seen my daughter?" Zarah pleaded, her voice breaking.

"Go away! Do I look like I stole your daughter?" the woman snapped, shoving Zarah aside.

Zarah landed on the pavement, tears streaming down her face. "Oh Allah, help me. I don't want to be a bad parent," she whispered hoarsely, her throat constricting with emotion.

♣♣♣

The garden was a kaleidoscope of colors, filled with an array of blooming flowers. Their intoxicating fragrance wafted through the air, creating an enchanting atmosphere. In the center of the garden stood a majestic baobab tree, its thick branches home to playful monkeys swinging energetically. Butterflies in a spectrum of colors fluttered gracefully, adding to the garden’s idyllic charm.

"My ummi is the best in the world; she loves me so much and cherishes me," Safeenah remarked, her eyes shining as she complimented Zarah. Just then, the Adhan, the call for prayer, echoed through the air.

"It's time for iftar," Prince Abubakar announced, standing up and brushing the dirt from his sparkling robe.

"I am sorry for wasting your time, Uncle Ali. Your master will be searching for you," Safeenah apologized, mistaking Abubakar for a servant.

"You didn't waste my time. Always be careful. If you need anything, just tell me. I'll be there for you — take these," Prince Abubakar said, offering her two fresh strawberries.

"My ummi said it's bad to accept things from strangers," Safeenah hesitated.

"Am I one? I'm your friend, right? Friends?" Prince Abubakar asked gently. Safeenah nodded meekly.

"I'll take my leave now," Prince Abubakar waved goodbye.

Safeenah continued to play with the animals, eventually cutting a beautiful rose for her mother. She left the garden and walked towards the iftar point, her eyes searching for her mother. She knew she was late, and her mother would be worried. Clenching the two strawberries in her small hands, she pressed on.

She spotted her mother crying on the pavement and rushed over, jumping into her arms. "Oh, angel, I'll never let you out of my sight again," Zarah exclaimed, holding her tightly.

"But Mum, I am not lost. I am six, for God's sake. I met a new friend; he helped me," Safeenah explained. "This is for you, ummi," she added, handing her mother the rose she had taken from the royal greenhouse.

"Did you enter the royal greenhouse?"

"Yeah, my friend took me there. It was like a mini zoo."

"Who is your friend? All this could land us in trouble," Zarah said dramatically, crushing the rose in her hand. She forgot roses had thorns, and one pricked her finger.

"Ummi, are you okay?" Safeenah asked, cleaning her mother's wound with the edge of her dress. "Have you had iftar?" she inquired.

"No, but now I have; you are my iftar," Zarah replied, with affection.

"Silly mum. Take this," Safeenah said, offering her mother a strawberry while she ate hers.

"Where did you get that? Did you steal it?" Zarah frowned.

"No, Uncle Ali gave it to me. He is kind. He is as kind as Uncle Dale."

"Next time, don't take things from strangers!" Zarah warned but ate the strawberry, unable to resist due to her hunger.

"I am famished. Let's go meet Uncle Dale," Safeenah yawned, covering her mouth with her tiny palms.

"He's gone. We'll go home on our own. Let's get a cab," Zarah said as she stood up. She took Safeenah's hand, and they walked away together.

Author's note

Prince Abubakar is the cutest, him and Safeenah makes a great duo. What do you think?

Glossary

1. Shukran'lahk: means 'thank you so much' in Arabic language.

2. Iftar: is the meal eaten by Muslims to break their fast at sunset during Ramadan.