concluding part


Hidden Feelings
Episode 17:

The burden on my heart was lifted. I could sense better days ahead of me as its fragrance muskily scented . It's true when there's life there's hope.. The consent Uthman gave on my marriage to Mahmoud was like a dream to me. I was expecting someone to tap me to wake me up from my sweet dreams the day he freed me... But his spontaneous confirmations shocked me to a dazzling reality. That response of his, still lingers in my heart as it cleave unto my memory 'Maa sha Allah I'll give your hand in marriage to him.' he affirmed to me that Saturday...

The following day, I was glued to the television in my room watching a sport programme. Hauwa showed up and informed me that Uthman was at living room waiting for me. I took my exist immediately to see him. I was stunned to see the four of them. Heaped of thoughts pervaded my mind. I was extremely shy, seeing Mahmoud fixed an intent stare at me... I said the tesleem and they all responded.

Uthman cleared his throat.

"Muslimah, my friend sitting beside me here wants your hand in marriage. Mahmoud am I right?" He asked fondling his wife's fingers.

"Maa sha Allah, you are right brother. I'm here to seek for Muslimah's hand in marriage. And I hope she agrees because I've long and eagerly await this day for a long time. Though I'd lost hope after her marriage but I was very surprised to see brother Uthman at my house early this morning, asking me if I truly love his sister. I couldn't give a response until he told me she's been divorced. My joy knows no bound when he also confirmed her purity and needless to iddah (waiting period) to me.
Muslimah, will you be my partner in this life and hereafter?" He asked surprisingly.
I couldn't give a response as I left for my room with my skipping heart and my bashful demeanor. Zahra followed me. Ummy couldn't stop laughing as well. I got to my room gasping.

"Muslimah, what happened now? Is this not your dream?" Zahrah jested.

"Can you explain the whole scenario to me? Ummy was also part of this right?" I inquired.

"Yes, she was. We planned this to surprise you." She replied amidst laughter.

"How did your husband got Mahmoud's address."

"Ummy called him to ask for his address and Uthman went there to see him." Zahra chipped in.

Your love will always increase in your husband's heart insha Allah!" I prayed for her as my heart swam in river of peace and love.

Mahmoud and I were given the chance to talk and I gave my consent to his proposal. He was asked to come with his family members. My eldest uncle did some findings on him and his family. Then, our Nikkah date was fixed to take place in our house a month after.

That day was a memorable one for everyone. Solemnization took place between the two of us and I went with him to his house after the occasion . Though it was a mini flat with a bedroom but was decorated as a newly wedded couple's house should. What determines a home is not the size but where you can find inclination to intimacy and serenity. The fundamental of building a home is to sweep away loneliness and tilting to solitude. It should also be an atmosphere of bearing fruit of loins that will be the cynosure of eye and would eventually permeate positive effects into the society. Two people come together after Allah Has placed love and affection into their hearts for each other... Money is not everything, it can't buy happiness nor vanish misery.. I'd always confine myself in life of luxury and comfort but yet, it couldn't help fill the vacuum in me.
After concluding my Insha prayers.. Mahmoud returned from the masjid and we...