Risha sat on the sofa in the parlour, her legs crossed as she rested her head on the chair, occasionally, she opened her eyes to check the time on the wall clock before confirming on her wrist watch. As if not convinced the old thing on the wall was walking correctly. She had been like this for the past 30 minutes, it was Saturday, and hence she had nowhere to go, right now it almost was 4:30pm. And still, he was not back, Farhan had been out since around 10am in the morning. He was dressed casually, so it meant he had not gone for, “so where is the he?” she thought, her feet and tapping rapidly, her irritated mood getting the better of her. “Maybe something happened to him” her mind suggested “or maybe he finally decided to run away,” her deceptive mind continued to suggest, both thought sent fear down her spine, she didn’t know why she was scared or why the hell she felt so tensed and irritated in the first place, “what’s up with me” she thought “so what if he goes out? I have lived alone these years haven’t I? I can manage on my own” she tried to convince herself. “Besides, his things are still inside so he couldn’t have left for good right? He wouldn’t dare, he wouldn’t” she whispered clenching her fist.
Although she tried her best to deny it, it was obvious even to her that she was worried sick about him. The annoying guy was slowly becoming a part of her life she didn’t want to part with, however much she disliked that fact. Her fun times was when she pranked or joked around with him, their little conversations always left her with something to think about long after they had had it, she found herself often reminiscing about his calm critical statements, his undeniable words of wisdom, his own silly subtle pranks and his rare ironic jokes. Unconsciously, Farhan was already becoming the closest person in her life whenever he was out, she found herself waiting in frustration for his return, always with the lame excuse that she had some evil plan she couldn’t wait to hatch, if he was late, she would be angry and worried, if he went out without her knowledge, like today she would worry herself sick.
On weekends she was her liveliest, she had him all to herself, but apparently not today. Feeling exhausted, Risha exhaled deeply going to sit again on the sofa, today has been so boring for her. Nothing she did so far had cheered her up. “The idiot” she thought “I will pay him right back, think he can make me worry huh, he even left his phone behind,” she thought in frustration, “just where the hell could have gone to?” she wondered, it wasn’t his habit, he hardly stepped out except for prayers “what if something really happened to him” she thought. Making up her mind to go round the neighbourhood to search for him, she just stood up when she heard the door open gently and she stopped, her first urge was to run over and see if he was ok, but she suppressed it. Farhan looked around with his usual calm, a smile permitted his lips as his gaze met hers, she stood glaring at him, her hands resting on her hip, her jaw raised in protest.
“Assalamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakat”, he said walking in consciously, his smart eyes searching for expected traps, he held a nylon bag and a little Carton.
Risha walked up to him slowly glaring at him “So?” she demanded as if she expected him to read her mind.
“Huh” he inquired confused “what was she up to now?” he thought. To be on the safer side, he ventured “Hi.”
“To hell with your silly greetings” she snapped angrily, “where have you been? Do you know what the time is?” she asked pointing at her wrist watch and worst you left your phones at home, just what the hell is wrong with you huh?”
Farhan started to speak then thought against it and kept quiet, judging by her tantrum at the moment, this crazy girl was really angry, her beautiful eyes burned with fire, her cheeks raised in challenge as her childish nose twitched, her pretty lips trembled as they pressed together. it had been a while since he last saw her like this. “Puff,” he thought, “just when I thought she was getting over this anger of hers.”
“Well?’ she demanded when no reply came “speak up.”
It was a funny sight, seeing her scold him like that and how confused she could make him, almost like a sheep scolding the lion. Farhan thought about it, she had a point he hadn’t told her he was going out, hadn’t taken with his phone either, she had every right to be angry. He decided to play safe.
Assuming the puppy look, he said “oh, I forgot my phone here?” he asked as if he didn’t already know “Oops, sorry for leaving unannounced, I had to step out for something…”
“what?” she demanded clearly not appeased.
"Well, about that” he said then stepped, “well it’s not very important don’t worry.”
“Whatever it is, I want to know” she demanded not giving in an inch.
“Risha come on” he said.
“Don’t Risha me one bit, tell me where you went now, I mean it?”
“Okay” he said finally, I joined a Quran and hadeeth class at the local masjid, it holds every Saturday, today was my first class, since I missed the earlier two classes, I had to stay for a private lesson to catch up with the others, sorry I didn’t tell you earlier, I didn’t want you to react,” he said.
She observed him keenly, his words diffusing some of her anger “well you should have told me, and you did that without my permission,” she glared.
“I am sorry” he said smiling at her. next time, I would take my phone along, so, am I forgiven?” he asked, hopefully. In his mind, he knew there was no way he could escape without some punishment from this crazy girl.
She only smiled wickedly, “what do you think?” She asked sarcastically.
“I think you would forgive me just like the nice person that you are,” he said smiling.
“Not in a million years.” she countered seriously.
“I know,” he replied reluctantly, “I was just checking, sometimes, Allah works in strange ways.”
His statement made her smile a little, “this fellow” she thought, “does he ever get serious?”
“I bought snacks and drinks” he continued, indicating the stuffs he was holding, “it’s your favourite chocolate cake and rebinna juice.”
“I am not hungry,” she countered coldly turning her back to him and folding her arms, unfortunately the growling sound from her hungry stomach said the opposite, she hadn’t had any food; she had been too worried.
Smiling, he stepped forward, standing close he dangled the leather “are you sure?”
Subconsciously, she found herself smiling, embarrassingly turning her face to hide the blush, she walked away still feigning anger.
Farhan smiled and followed her, “this stubborn girl” he thought cheerfully, nothing about her was easy. She had such dynamic mood swings, her moods and reactions were still unpredictable, but at least she didn’t get angry as much anymore and whenever she did, it was for something he did that she didn’t like, and that happened rarely of late. Considering the progress, he had made so far, he didn’t want to lose grace in her favour now.
Walking up to her, with her back still turned to him, she pretended to examine her nails.
“Common Risha, really I am sorry, I really am, I admit you are right and I am wrong, in fact, I think you should prank me, I deserve it. Just please, have something to eat okay. You are no fun when you are hungry, you get cranky and angry, then I suffer for it.”
Subconsciously, she laughed at his statement before she could stop herself, turning to face him, her beautiful eyes sparked with mischief, instantly, Farhan stepped back, recognising that evil smile, “I won’t prank you, but you will have to do something for me” she said smiling.
“What?” he demanded, instantly becoming suspicious.
“First promise, then I will tell you” she said mysteriously.
Reluctantly, he said “okay, I promise.”
“Good” she said clapping her hands playfully, “you will go out with me tonight and be my body guard and driver.”
“What? No way” he said, shaking his head determinedly.
“Too late, you already promised remember?” she smiled content with herself, “now give me my cake, be ready by 8pm” she said as she grabbed the nylon and carton from his hand, going to sit on the dinning, she quickly opened the box and inhaled deeply the whole parlour was immediately filled with the scent. “Well” don’t just stand there,” she called amidst mouth full, “I will finish it if you don’t want to join me.”
Grumbling his protest, he went over to sit beside her, they ate in relative silence. “Where are we going?” he spoke, finally breaking the silence.
“Why do you ask? Just wait and see” she chuckled “oh and make sure you dress in something formal but casual, jeans and t-shirt would do and please don’t put that ustaz cap or whatever you guys call it.
He said nothing, observing her closely, reluctantly he shrugged his shoulders getting to his feet; he made his way for the stairs. “Don’t forget” she called after him, “8pm.”
By 8pm after his ishaa prayer, Farhan was in front of the mirror observing his image, he didn’t much like what he saw, it had been a while since he dressed like this, plain blue jeans with a fitted long sleeved T-shirt, he shook his head disapprovingly, at his reflection, if only he could wear his cap or something, but she specifically said no cap, he preferred his suit, kaftan or jalabiya. They made him look matured and always added that Islamic touch. He was just about to take of the shirt in place of something not so fitting when the door busted open and she came in without knocking or asking. Farhan just smiled, “this girl,” he thought, “would she ever learn?” Ever since their agreement to try on improving her character, he had taken conscious efforts to explain some things to her, like privacy, respecting other peoples’ space, politeness and all that. But clearly non had sank in, she reminded him of her, the thought sent such heart gripping pain down his chest, they had that in common, total disregard for personal space. Quickly, forcing the thought out of his mind, he worked changing his facial expression and hiding what had just went through his mind.
Risha walked straight up to him, took a second to observe the room, before making a bad mouth. “Why are you so neat?” she commented thoughtfully, as if it was a bad thing.
“And why aren’t you?” he wanted to ask but thought better of it.
“I see you are ready” she said observing him, he looked better than she expected. The slim shirt emphasizing his tallness, he looked slimmer today, she observed, in a nice way though. His well combed hair looked shiny and stylish. When he turned to face her, she had to admit, he did look nice. Swallowing the lump that formed in her throat, she tried to hide what she was feeling inside with a sneer.
“What are you doing?” she asked when she realised he was unbuttoning his shirt.
“I need to change this”
“Why?”
“I don’t feel comfortable in this”
“No way” she said coming to stand in front of him. “This is ok.”
“But…” he tried to protest.
“No buts” she cut him off, as she folded the sleeves of the shirt. “Now that’s better” she commented stepping back to observe to him, with his arms bare, he did look stylish, may be even a little rugged.
Farhan observed himself in the mirror, all the time shaking his head in disapproval.
“Oh, stop that,” Risha said good-naturedly, “You look just fine, now let’s go already” making her way to the door, when he did not follow, she grabbed his hand and pulled him along
Farhan sat behind the stirring wheel like a lost puppy, it was just some minutes past eight and the temperature had dropped to its usual chill, he shuddered and shivered a little as a cold wave of wind hit his face, shaking his head and wishing he could mutter out his frustration, he wine-up the glasses and put on the heater.
As for Risha she was in high spirits, she smiled, feeling good about herself, it had been quite a while since she went night driving and best of all it felt like ages since she had visited where she had in mind today. Taking a side glance at Farhan, she observed him with interest. The fool did look good in casual wears she thought, “not that he didn’t look good in anything he wore,” her teasing mind chided her, he wasn’t very muscular but he wasn’t badly built either he looked slimmer than he actually was because of his above average height and long slender limbs. She observed the calm with which he gripped the wheel, firm but gentle, “just like his personality,” she thought, he had very strong and unshakable beliefs, firm values and yet she could remember no one gentler than him in applying his principles. And then it dawned on her that whatever the relationship they now shared, he had the advantage, with his characteristic calmness and firmness, he had created for himself an undeniable place in her life and much to her fear, in her heart. He had never forced her to do anything, yet she found herself compelled to listen when he spoke, to ponder over his words, to do as he advised. Whether she liked it or not, he had influenced her more than she had influenced him. Getting to know him had been a totally shocking experience for her, he had challenged and was successfully changing her core values and beliefs, her total perception of men. Prior to knowing him, the one thing, the one predominant belief she held about men was that they were evil, wicked, cruel, selfish, arrogant, proud, self-cantered and all such dark aspect of human nature, in fact in her thinking, men were the embodiment of all things evil in human nature. Until Farhan, every man she had met had help reinforce and consolidate a part that belief. Now, she was beginning subconsciously question her own beliefs, to wonder that maybe she didn’t know all there was to know about men. And more importantly, knowing him had made her realise that she wasn’t much different from the men she despised so much, that she herself had subconsciously developed those traits she hated so much, these days, it wasn’t so easy looking into the mirror or reminiscing about the past. Deep down, she knew she was ashamed of who she had become. And that realisation was all because of the man sitting beside her now. But still, like everything else in her life, she stubbornly refused to accept, she had realised, she has agreed, but still she refused to accept. Her pride wouldn’t let her. It just wasn’t easy, she knew she had to change, but it just wasn’t easy, she knew she needed to evolve, but she just couldn’t bring herself to commit, she enjoyed this life style far too much to risk changing. So, what if she was wrong? What was she expected to do? Be remorseful? Apologise, admit she was wrong and become an ordinary woman? No never, she thought, hating the thought immediately. Trying to push the this out of her mind. She looked out the window, realising they were close. “Take the bend to your right.” she instructed.
Without a single word, he obeyed.
Trying to break the silence, she commented, “don’t worry about the cold, there is enough heat in where we are going”, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.
“It would really help if you just told me where we were going, I am not very familiar with the city, and it’s easy to get lost in the night.”
“Stop here,” she pointed to a somewhat hidden space under a large tree.
“Here?” he asked looking around confused “this is in the middle of nowhere”
“Yep, and that is exactly where you want it, if you want to still own it by tomorrow.”
“I don’t get you” he said clearly confused.
“You will see,” she said getting out come on she urged gesturing for him to follow suit.
Farhan did, sceptically. Risha led the way without any doubt; clearly she knew where she was. Few minutes later, they began to pass a line of cars parked in similar fashion as theirs, under trees or with some scary looking guard stationed to some. Farhan could hear the sound of music not too far away; the streets were eliminated by street lambs from both ends of the road as they went further down. The sound of the music getting louder and louder.
Farhan’s steps got slower as he realised where Risha was headed. “Where exactly are we going” he asked in a cool hard voice, he had stopped walking.
“Are you blind?” Risha demanded coldly, “I am going to party, and you are going to be my escort.” she said nonchalantly.
“I am not going in there.” He said gesturing towards the lights of what clearly was some sort of club.
“You will,” she said confidently, “you won’t dear refuse, just because I let you do whatever you want these days does not mean you should forget who is in charge and what I can do,” she said scowling at him as her anger began to surface.
She didn’t like speaking to him like that, didn’t want to threaten him, but it was the only thing she could think of at the moment to get him to follow her.
But as expected, he showed not the slightest hint of fear or worry at her threats, without so much as flinch he repeated coolly, “I am not going in there.”
Risha had known him long enough to know when he wouldn’t give in no matter her threats. She decided to try another tactic, one she rarely opted for.
“Ok, suit yourself, don’t come in if you don’t like, but I am going in anyway, if anything happens to me, it’s all your fault, you agreed remember? You promised to do whatever I asked.” She said in an accusing tone.
“But…,” he said clearly affected by what she had just said.
“There are no buts,” Risha cut in, “go if want take the car even, so I would be stranded here, all I know is I am going in. period.” With that, she turned and majestically walked into the club, leaving Farhan to struggle with his dilemma. Everything in him wanted to turn and leave, but he couldn’t bring himself to move, “what if something really happened to her? If he left, how will she get home?” Looking around, he observed the cars parked in the surroundings and the scary looking guys that guided some of them, they didn’t look at all friendly, no they looked hardened and dangerous, each had a dark shade on despite the darkness, he shuddered at the thought of leaving Risha in a place like this. Still he couldn’t bring himself to walk in.
As for Risha, she was already busy getting reacquainted with old party peeps, she had never had friends in any real sense, and that never bothered her, back then when she was really the party girl, she had her clique, they were not friends and they all knew it, they simply had a lot in common; like wealth and class in fact, she didn’t even know the real names of some of these girls, but everyone knew Risha, the ice queen, the iron lady, the cruel goddess of beauty as she was popularly known, almost every girl there hated her, because she stole their shine without even trying, yet they still liked to be seen hanging out with her, guys flocked around her like chickens flocked around grains. And Risha? She didn’t seem to care one bit about this. She spoke to only a select few she considered brattish enough, no one had ever seen her dance with a guy, yet, every guy wanted to dance with her. She hardly ever spoke to any guy, but on the rare occasions when she did, he sure would wish she hadn’t. That was how it was back then, and clearly, things hadn’t changed one bit.
As soon as she stepped in, guys began flocking around her, those unfortunate enough to not have the luxury of knowing who she was tried to make a pass at her before being pulled back by their friends, who knew better, those smart enough to stay away simply winked or waved at her, others ventured to exchanged pleasantries as quickly as she would allow. Other ladies looked at her enviously as they failing tried to pull the gazes of their guys away from that walking enigma, it was obvious to most, there was no competition, such shape, such rugged grace, such style, such beauty, God, such a beauty. It was like dropping a golden egg among brown ones.
And Risha, she acted as always, like she didn’t even realise the effect she had on the people around her, almost like she was alone was there, she walked up to the bartender ordered her usual, always, wine, never with alcohol, it wasn’t the drink that brought her, in fact she didn’t know why she came here, perhaps, it was to forget, to escape, just a few moments, to forget her pain, her hate, it was not fun, not even close, but it wasn’t so bad either. All the while, she kept glancing towards the door “he wouldn’t leave, he wouldn’t dare leave,” besides, she was confident that tactics would work, making him feel responsible and guilty, that always did it with him. She smiled thinking just how gullible he was, she alone was responsible for their being here, yet, look how she could easily turn things around.
She smiled inwardly as moments later, she saw him walk in, the way he looked around, like some kid going to school for the first time, it almost made her laugh, he kept staring around self-consciously, his gaze falling to the ground every few seconds, feeling totally out of place, not knowing what to do with his hands, he stuck it into his pockets self-consciously. Risha observed, much to her anger that many of the girls were checking the cute guy out, if she Risha got guys to turn their heads without trying, certainly, the case was no different for Farhan. She could see some ladies size him up expertly before smiling or winking in a typical “I am available way”. To all this attention, he just lowered his gaze, occasionally looking around in search of her. For some weird reason she felt proud to watch him from a distance, nothing felt more annoying than seeing your guy being checked out by another lady, even more annoying, was if he responded, still also, nothing gave more pride when watching all eyes on a man you knew was yours, all yours and it was more than enough revenge to watch him shun and ignore their silly gestures watching him lower his gaze and avoid the eyes and smiles of all those ladies did make her feel a sense of pride. At that moment, she realised something that shocked and damn right scared her, “did I just refer to Farhan as my man?” even though it was just a passing thought, she shrieked at how naturally it came to mind, even more scary was how comforting it felt.
Getting a hold of her thoughts, she raised her hand and waved at him as he looked up again. Seeing her, he made his way through the crowed, Risha observed how tensed he was when he reached her.
“See, it’s not that bad is it?” She commented smiling at him a little. He just looked at her but said nothing, he had that look that she couldn’t read, no matter how hard she tried. His expression was straight, but his eyes, she had never seen that look before and for some reason, it worried her. “drinks?” she asked gesturing to the bottle on the table, when he didn’t reply, “its non-alcoholic” she added as if that one statement justified everything. Still no reply, he just kept looking at her in that strange way.