Naureen

I was finally home after my meet with Ayaan. I felt good after meeting him.We had coffee together after a long time.

I greeted my aunt as I entered the house. She was in the kitchen. she replied to my salam.

"You're back, so how was your day?" she said while stirring something in a pot.

"Pretty good" I replied walking in her direction.

"Go get fresh, I'll make a nice coffee for you." she said.

"No, I already had coffee. I and Ayaan went to Harold's today after work." I replied.

"Oh, good"
I could see the change in her expression. I avoided the topic about what Ayaan and I have talked about neither did she ask about it.

"I'll just freshen up and come."

I walked to my room and changed into a maroon long sleeved top and black sweatpants. I then headed towards the kitchen to help aunt with dinner.
"What are you cooking?"

"Chicken lasagne and fried rice" she replied smiling.

"Let me help you with it" I offered politely.

"No, it's alright I'll manage. You must be already very exhausted"

"No aunty I'm not tired and by the way I'll get bored, I don't have any work to do"

"Ok then, as you say" she moved aside giving me some space.

I helped her by chopping the veggies and then helped with the salad dressing.

"Where's Ali?" I asked

"He's at his friends house to complete a project. He will be having dinner there"

"hmm...okay"

"Assalamu alaikum ladies" a voice greeted.
We turned our heads to see the owner of the voice and it was uncle Usman.

" Walaikum assalam" we said in union.

"Mhmm.. The food smells like heaven. what are you ladies cooking by the way?" he asked

"Chicken lasagne and fried rice" aunt replied.

"Yay!" He squealed like a little kid then hurriedly left the kitchen to go to his room. aunty smiled, shaking her head at him.

After finishing cooking, all three of us recited bismillah and devoured the 'Mashallah' food laughing at uncle Usman' s jokes and antics.

I then washed the dishes, well after a childish fight over 'who washes the dishes' with aunty, and headed to my room, saying my salam and good night to both of them.

Aunt Shaheen's POV.

It was quite a beautiful day today. I was worried for Naureen these past weeks, and today was the day I had been waiting to. She had been almost herself and anyone, including my childish husband could see the improvement. I didn't ask her anything about what Ayaan said because I already know that he is the reason behind her being the way she was.

I truly appreciate that boy. He is a dear. May Allah keep all of us happy. Ameen.

Naureen's POV

I enjoyed having dinner with my family and yeah Ali missed it though. Aunty and uncle seemed happy. I felt that I'm returning back to myself. It was a good start. I can see the bliss in aunt's eyes. She was happy seeing me this way. I will try my best to always keep them smiling.

I offered my Isha salah and made dua" Ya Allah, Please help in my aim. I'm trying but I'll need your help. There's nothing I can do without you. I just want everyone to be happy, I want to live my life; the way it was before. Please help me in moving on and also provide me peaceful sleep. Ameen."

I then recited Quran, Surah Al-Mulk. It offers protection from the punishments in the grave if one recites it at night, before going to bed.

After finishing I folded my prayer mat and drew myself towards the bed. I was about to close my eyes to find some sleep, when my ringing phone disturbed me.
I groaned and took the phone. Who must calling me at this hour?

I glanced at the screen and saw it was a video call from Sidra.
Why is she calling this late?
I turned on my room's light and received the call.

"Assalamu alaikum" I said

"Walaikum assalam, Noor!" she said with a wide smile.
Look on her face stated that she was in a happy mood.

"You look so exited. What's the reason?" I asked curiosly

"Guess what?" she smirked

"Uh..We have a holiday tomorrow? I asked enthusiastically
I just loved holidays. A break from all the work feels so good.

"No! It's not that. Guess again" she

"Oh..then... Did you ride a flying unicorn!!?" I asked sarcastically.

"No!! Could you please guess something sensible" she rolled her eyes, giving me a look.

I chuckled at her look.

"Ya Allah!! Don't tell me you bought a Ferrari?" I exclaimed

I was messing with her, saying random things that came in my mind. I'm not good at guessing.

"Seriously Noor! You're very bad at guessing" she scowled.

"I don't know. So now will you spit it out? I'm getting all inquisitive." I said

"Okay....okay..so..I " she say clearing her throat

"Just say it"

"I AM...GETTING MARRIED THIS FRIDAY!!" she said jumping in joy

"REALLY?WOW!" I squealed in enjoyment. "Masha Allah! Im SO excited!" I sang.

"Yay!!" Sidra was dancing with her cheerful face. I joined her too.

"Sid. Congratulations! I'm so happy for you."

"Jazakallah, Noor."

"I see the bride is very happy to leave her home" We were interrupted by Sidra's mum aunt Asma who just entered her room.

"Ma! It's not like that. I'm happy that I'm getting married but I'm sad to leave this house too" Sidra said in a low voice.

"I know dear, I was just messing with you" She said with a smile.

"Ma" Sidra said as she hugged her tight.
Aunt Asma too embraced her.

"How fast you grew up, my little girl is now going to get married" she said, while fresh tear rolled down her cheek.

I sat their staring at my phone screen, I didn't say anything. I didn't disturb their mother and daughter moment.

I wished my mom to be there with me. I wished we were hugging just like them. I wished my parents would be there with me when I get married. But it can't be. My parents have returned to Allah (SWT).
My mum died because of cancer, when I was 3 years and after few months I lost my dad too. He had a heart attack.
I was their only daughter. But then I was not alone, Allah(SWT) gifted me with another mother, my aunt Shaheen and my dad, Usman uncle. They always treat me as their own child. They are always by my side, in my ups and downs. And Ali, their son, he is like my own brother. I'm very grateful to have them.

"There are still seven days. So don't start crying from now. And you're on call with Naureen " Aunt Assma said wiping out Sidra's tears.

"Ah..Yes. I'm sorry Noor, for-" Sidra said

"No, no. why are you apologising." I interrupted her.

"Okay girls, I'll take a leave now. And you can continue with your jumping now." Aunt Asma giggled and left.

I and Sidra chatted for some time and then I was back to bed.

Lying down on my comfy bed, I started reciting few Surah's I know, when my eyelids became heavier and sleep overtook me.

********

Done with chapter 5.
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love,
TheHijabQueen