Chapter 67

"Mama, I'm going to go buy something now. I will be back soon." Her mother looked at the wall clock before she turned her gaze to dalia and nodded. "Don't stay long and be careful." Dalia nodded her head before she walked out. Her mother sighed and shook her head. If only dalia would actually open up on what exactly was bothering her but she was very stubborn and strong headed. With each stride, her mind became more clear, more resolute, as if the growing physical; distance between them had now become an emotional chasm. As the orange looking sun sets, it caressed her pale face, promising a happy ending. She entombed her memories of him in thick walled ice. Then, abruptly pausing to close her tired eyes and take in a deep breath of dewy air, she steeled herself to only think of her future from here on, her future without him. A future she would mould, build, direct. Then with each stride after that she felt more in charge, in command of her own mind, body and soul. She was a girl walking into her own destiny, a destiny that lay squarely in her own hands. From absolutely nowhere, she heard a car honked behind her. She quickly shifted from the road and continued walking, not turning back. The car honked twice that she had to turn her gaze to see who was distracting her peaceful walk. Her heart and stomach fluttered as her lips curved upwards. She squealed as he dropped out from the car. He gave her a bright smile, more like a chuckle. "Is this how much you missed me?" He laughed warmly. She crossed her arms on her chest as she frowned and turned her head away. How didn't she manage to hide her feelings? She suddenly felt embarrassed for what she had done just few seconds ago. Now he would know she had missed him or even worse, she liked him. He chuckled softly and shook his head. "Okay, I'm sorry, you don't miss me, I know. Now can you please get into the car? We need to talk." She gazed at his way and their eyes locked. She lowered her gaze from his pleading eyes before she hesitantly walked to the door and opened it. He heaved a sigh of relieve before he also entered. He set his eyes on her. "Look at me now, please," he pleaded. She slowly turned her gaze to him, "why don't you want to marry me? Don't you love me?" She heaved a sigh and looked away. "That's not my reason." "So you do love me?" He asked before he smirked. She briskly glared at him and looked away, "I still won't answer this question." He threw his head back laughing. She looked at his smiling face and realized she had missed him a lot. How could she say no to him again now? "Okay tell me your reason for rejecting me." "Well.... It's just that.... I am really afraid of mommy and then your wife... I just...." "But no one would dare hurt you dalia. Daddy has approved of this, your uncle and mama too. So why are you even afraid?" He asked her. Her eyes bulged out, her uncle knew too? She turned her head away smiling sheepishly. "Okay listen to me; I love you. That means I would defend you with my life even if the odds were insurmountable. It means I will comfort you in the difficult and painful times. It means I will dance and rejoice with you when times are good. It means I will never betray you, never give up on you. I will never abandon you and I am yours for eternity." He stared at her unblinking eyes for moments. Minutes passed but she never uttered a word to him. Why wasn't she saying anything? She was going to reject him again, he declared in his mind. He raised his brow, "so? Do I get a yes or I have to go back home bleeding?" He spoke teasingly. She blinked her eyes as she smiled, her cheeks flushing and warm. She lowered her head and slowly nodded her head. His eyes bulged open as his mouth hung open. She said yes? "Yes? You will marry me? That's what you mean right?" She chuckled softly and nodded again. "Uh... ya Rabb.... Alhamdulillah... thank you, thank you for saying yes. In sha Allah I will make you the happiest wife ever." She smiled at him, "I pray so." He continued soothing her till they arrived home. "Can I come in? I need to talk to mama about this." He looked around their neighbourhood before he settled his gaze on her. "I will go tell her you're here." She dropped down from the car and ran off. He also got out go the car knowing she wouldn't come back. Dalia ran passed her mother to her room. Amina looked at the door when she heard his voice. She stood up from the stool as she answered his greetings. "Muhsin, you're welcome." She spread the weaved mat for him. They exchanged pleasantries before he started off with what brought him. "She had finally came back to her senses. No wonder she came in and ran off to her room." He ducked his head more as he smiled sheepishly. "I am very glad she has accepted it. I will tell her uncle and they will discuss everything with Alhaji. May Allah bless you and protect you." He thanked her before he announced he was leaving.