Umar's pov.
   I was patiently waiting for her in the car wondering what's  keeping her so long when I sighted her.... I mean them.  There she was,  walking towards me with a guy by her side.  She turned around and faced him. I was shocked.  Does that mean what Hajiya and Amma says concerning the relationship between she and her numerous  boyfriends are true. She said something which made him smile and came forward with her tagging along. 
     "Assalamu alaikum " he greeted extending his hand. I hesitated  "wa'a laikumu As salam" I responded.
He told me he was just passing by when he saw her and then felt interested in her. He said her response was that "she came with her brother and he should please leave her alone and not cause her any trouble ". I collected his number promising she would call him and thankfully,  he left. 
    There she was,  standing beside the car looking as  though,  she committed a crime. I judged her wrong  I thought  but just then,  another thought came into my mind.  What if she gives attention to other guys and failed to do so to this one because of my presence?

  "Are you going to keep standing there staring at your boyfriend or get in?" I asked sternly.  Was I harsh?   The way she quickly looked up at me made me feel kind guilty. 

"Faruk wallahi it isn't what you think.  I don't know him he just... " she started and I quickly interrupted her.

"...why are you telling me? " I asked.

We drove home in silence and after dropping her off in front of the  gate,  I drove off. I just wanted to be alone at that moment.

*         *        *         *      *         *         *      *
   "And why do you care so much about her?" Al_Amin my best friend asked.   After dropping Jiddah,  I came over to his house and narrated everything to him?.

I cringed at his question. " I don't know what you mean.  Everyone who has a heart is definitely going to care about her .She needs help ."

       "I agree with you Faruk but that wasn't the caring I was talking of.  You  seem frustrated just because a guy stopped her. I will call that Jealousy ".

Was I jealous?  Isn't it love that leads to Jealousy?  I hardly know her and we just met barely a week ago.  I can't love her. I just care.

  "I  am not jealous Al-Amin . I wouldn't have listened to the guy and even think of helping him if I was." He laughed so hard and I just sat back watching him.  "Time will tell. " he finally said and we changed the topic. 

   I left Al-Amin's house after Isha prayers . The whole family were in the sitting room when I got in. I was beyond surprised when I saw Jiddah also present beautifully dressed.  I joined them sitting beside Jiddah on the carpet.

     "What are now your plans Faruk? " he asked  when the ladies retired to bed. "Daddy I want to do my  service then start working ".  "Masha Allah.  May Allah help us through." 

   Salim also retired to bed leaving Abba, Daddy and I  alone.  After chatting for a while,  Abba  brought up Jiddah's topic.  He told dad everything that happens behind his back and dad was really angry.  "She sleeps in the kitchen? " he asked.

"Thanks for informing me Abba. We'll talk tomorrow. Good night " he said leaving for his room. 

    Abba and  I looked at each other for a while.  I can't remember ever seeing Daddy this angry. " Only God knows what is going to happen tomorrow " I said breaking the silence.

" They should be ready to face it.  I do wonder how some people can be so heartless " Abba said.

    I could barely sleep as I kept on thinking of all that happened today. Do I like her?  I asked my self for the hundredth time that night.  Jiddah is beautiful but she doesn't have all the qualities I want in a female.  Saying she is beautiful is an understatement. She has outstanding features.  Her big eyes that are always bringing out tears and looking at someone with fear,  her  pointed nose, her brown lips 💋. Masha Allah

    She is tall and slender and I really love the way she walks. She walks  slowly and majestically as though she is counting her steps. She has all the physical features I want in a lady including her complexion.  But I barely know her and no one knows of her family.  Liking her isn't the best  I could. I should probably treat her as my baby sister. I called mum and told her what happened and she was angry at why we told Dad.

" You would have looked for a better way to deal with this and not report his wife and kids to him. You know how Hajiya can be. " 

"It's going to be alright mum.  I don't think anything bad is going to happen." .

   The next day after breakfast,  we all waited for Daddy in his sitting room as he instructed. We were talking in low tunes because everyone is aware of his anger but only Abba  and I knew the reason. You could hear a pin drop the moment he entered the sitting room.

    "Someone should go and call Jiddah" he ordered  and since I was closer to the door,  I went.  She wasn't in the kitchen so I decided to check in her room.  There she was,  on sitting on the prayer mat reciting the Holy Quran. She stopped when she heard my movements but didn't look back. "Daddy is calling you " I simply said then left.

     We sat in silence as we waited for her.  She came in walking like someone whose legs aren't functioning well.

  "Come and sit on the Couch" dad instructed and I could see the fear in her eyes as she glanced at Hajiya.

     She sat down beside Abba  and I silently wished I was the one Sat there. Dad cleared his throat and started........

Wow!!  Do think Jiddah is finally going to have peace of mind.  Do you think Daddy will be able to mend things calmly?  Pls do comment on your views and  vote.
Jzk khrn.