The Asr adhan could be heard loud and clear from the kitchen whose worktops were filled with different kinds of food.There was samosas, spring rolls,halwa,cinammon rolls and many other dishes.

Yumnah scurried around the tiny kitchen arranging everything.She wanted everything to be simply perfect.She had dreamt and prayed for this day every night and today it was finally here.

She already had a really really long list of questions she wanted to ask him but then again she wasn't sure if she would have the guts to speak to him.She already felt extremely nervous.She just hoped that she would not start babbling infront of him.

"Yumnah beta, go get ready,they will be here any minute now," said her mother, as she walked into the kitchen.

Her mother too, had been extremely ecstatic about the proposal much to Yumnah's surprise.She had always thought that her parents would not approve of him but maybe she had always thought wrong.

It was true that nothing surpassed the greatness of Allah, and this was one miracle that she would never ever forget nor would she ever stop thanking Him for.

"Okay mum, please do remove the cookies from the oven in the next five minutes, i think they should be done by then."

"Okay dear, now hurry up."

Yumnah quickly raced up the stairs, did her wudhu,a big smile on her face.She then quickly stood for her Asr prayer and during each sujood, a tear would trickle down her face and stain the prayer mat.

This was it for her.This is what she had always wanted and Allah had granted it to her.She did not want anything else now.No big house, no cars, no riches.All she wanted was this one man's love.

The one and only man she had ever loved.

And now, he was coming.

Coming to finally take her.

***************

Khaleel pulled up in the drive way and one by one everyone got out of the car.He let out a large breath.To say that he was confident about today would be a total lie.Right now,he felt like running away.

He hoped that her father was not intimidating.Did she have brothers as well?He gulped just at the thought of being under the scrutiny of her family members.

"Akhi,relax.If you don't know the answer to a question or if you don't like a particular question, just frown or cough.It helps.Take it from me," said Hisham.

Khaleel turned to look at Hisham with a horror filled face.

"Did you do that with Zulekha?"

"Yep, and it worked.Trust me."

Yasir let out a small laugh.What was Hisham even saying.

"Hisham.He is not going for a job interview.He is actually going to ask for someone's hand in marriage," he said an amused look on his face.

Hisham could be unbelievable at times but that is what made his Akhi unique.

As they all made their way inside, Hisham looked up to scrutinize the two storey house and he immediately turned to look at Khaleel and Yasir, a mischevious grin on his face.

"Bro,i think your masjid girl is peeping at us from the top window," he said.

Khaleel and Yasir both looked up at the same time, poor Yasir not knowing in which particular direction to look at.

Khaleel immediately cleared his throat and followed his Khalo and Khaltu inside,his face all red.Yasir held on tighter to his brother as they moved forward.He was feeling dizzy all of a sudden and why was his heart beating so fast almost threatening to pop out of his chest?

*********

Khaleel let out a sigh of relief.Her father was the friendliest man he had ever met and from the looks of it,he had already won her mother's heart.

Now for her heart.

"Here Khaleel, have some more cookies,Yumnah has cooked everything herself," said her father as brought forward the tray containing cookies.

"JazakAllah, but Alhamdullilah i am now quite full."

"You should have some Akhi, these are the best cookies i have ever tasted.In Sha Allah if you get married, tell Yumnah to send me some," said Yasir as he brought another cookie to his mouth.

"In Sha Allah, i will remember that," said Khaleel.

"Okay Khaleel, i think its time you meet my daughter,"said her father as he stood up.Khaleel timidly followed him to the next room,not before receiving a thumbs up from Yasir and a wink from Hisham.

Two chairs had been placed opposite each other, and just a few metres from them he could see his Khaltu and Yumnah's mom animatedly talking.He smiled to himself very well knowing that their ears would be very much fixed on his and Yumnah's conversation.

"Asalam aleikum."

Khaleel immediately turned to look at her and their eyes met.For a second he saw shock register all over her face followed by confusion.

"Waleikum salam."

Yumnah could not understand what was going on.She recognized him alright.He was the guy from the masjid.But what was he doing here?Where was Yasir?She had seen him come in.Was this guy going to be their chaperone?

A million thoughts flooded her mind.Poor Yumnah was confused at the same time an ill feeling was settling in her stomach.

"Yumnah dear, this is Khaleel, uncle Hussein's nephew.Talk to each other but remember that your mom and aunt are an earshot away," said her father, afterwhich he walked away.

Yumnah slowly put two and two together and tears immediately stained her eyes.What had she done?This was a big mistake.

Khaleel nervously cleared his throat as he sat up straighter in his chair.All this time Yumnah had her head lowered,tears threatening to spill out of her eyes.

"Yumnah, i know everything about you from your father.Would you like to ask me anything?"asked Khaleel.

Silence.

"Yumnah?"

Silence.

Khaleel sighed.He could understand her, it was really awkward for him too but they had to try at least.

"Your father told me that its a yes from you and i think its also a yes from me.Would you like another meeting?"

Silence.

Khaleel slowly glanced at her to try figure her out but her head was lowered.He guessed she was too shy.

"Are you sure you don't want another meeting?"he asked looking at her.

Yumnah shook her head.That was the only question she had heard so far.Her mind was all boggled up, she felt breathless.Another meeting?Definately not.Never.

"Okay then, guess we are done.See you soon In Sha Allah," he said as he stood up.

As soon as Khaleel left, her mother squeled and ran to engulf her.Yumnah just stood there lifeless.

"My daughter is finally getting married."

Yumnah looked up at her mother confused.Who was getting married?She had just told him no.Hadn't she?This was all too overwhelming for her.

Yumnah ran upstairs to her room tears streaming down her now pale face.How could she have been so stupid.She had been blinded by her love and had ended making a hasty decision.

A decison that might ruin her life and also break Khaleel's heart.

She quickly got up from her bed when she heard them once again in the driveway.She wanted to catch one last glimpse of him.

Yasir walked to the car with Hisham's help, a really wide smile on his face.He was so happy for Khaleel.His cousin indeed deserved it.But then why was he feeling sad deep inside?Why did he feel like something precious was being snatched away from him?

Yumnah watched his retreating back,her already broken heart breaking into a million more pieces.

*****

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