The days that followed were the most beautiful and memorable in their time together so far. Her transformation was nothing short of miraculous. It seemed from that day onwards, the old Risha was dead and gone, she held on to her promise with a fierce and silent determination, it wasn’t just about Farhan anymore, it was much more for her, deep down she didn’t want to let herself down also, despite his protest, she insisted he stayed home till she was satisfied that his wound was properly healed, she took care of his every need with such dedication and care that Farhan found it hard to believe.
She dressed his wound every two days, ensured he took his drugs and most importantly fed him constantly. She also made great efforts at keeping to her religious duties, on some days, Farhan awoke to hear her praying at night or just reading the Quran, whenever they were not together talking, she practiced her qur’anic recitation and hadeeths with a certain kind of silent determination. They spent much of the time together just taking about different topics, sharing views and exchanging ideas, there was hardly any topic they didn’t discuss, getting to know each other’s habits, likes and dislikes. Even Hanifah couldn’t help notice the tremendous improvement in her student and told her just impressed she was.
But perhaps the most important decision Risha made was to reconnect with her father. To Farhan’s surprise and joy, she called him up and chatted without his even suggesting it and she kept up with it, at random times, she would call to check on him or to just chat.
Risha so was pleased with her improvement and the turn her life had taken that she almost wished Farhan’s wound would heal slower, that things should stay the way they were, like that forever. But he was much better already and kept protesting that he wanted to return to work. She sat in the parlour, her eyes closed deep in thought, it was no use denying it anymore, what she never thought could happen had come to pass, what she never thought possible had happened, she had fallen in love, she had come to love him in such a fierce way that even scared her, she didn’t know when, didn’t know how but it had happened. She couldn’t sit in his presence now without blushing, she had become so aware of him that she found herself staying up deep into the night, thinking of him, but whenever she thought about how mean she had been to him, her heart ached and she would cry, that was why she was determined now to do right by him, to make up for the pain, to earn his respect, his love, to be worthy of his trust, his love. Many times, she found herself wondering what he really thought about her, but she couldn’t bring herself to ask.
“Hey there” she heard his voice close. Smiling instantly, she opened her eyes to find him walking towards her from the stairs.
“Hey” she whispered shyly.
Farhan smiled as he sat on the chair, “good morning” he said resting his head on the chair.
In reply, she just smiled, taking the opportunity to stare at him, he was dressed today in a cute short sleeved t-shirt and blue jeans. As he sat, his slim arms folded behind his head to make a pillow, his long legs crossed. She marvelled at just how cute he was looking today, her attraction for him only increased with time, he appeared younger, the many days indoors had improved his milky complexion, he had even gained a little weight and he did look the better for it.
When did he become so handsome? she wondered unable to look away “How are you feeling today?” she asked.
“Much better than yesterday, and the day before that, and the day before…”
She laughed softly, “OK, I get the point”
“My injury is healed yet you don’t let me do anything, I feel so spoiled and pampered” he complained.
“Stop complaining” she scolded good naturedly, “your doctor has spoken, and that’s final. Besides, you deserve the rest considering everything.”
Closing his eyes, he smiled but didn’t say anything to that. Then suddenly, he sat up straight, startling her in the process.
“What day is today?” He asked in a strange voice full of anxiety.
Looking worried, she told him, then asked, “what is it, any problem?”
“Subhanallahi, I can’t believe I forgot,” he said standing up.
“What is it Farhan,” she stood up now, looking scared, “please tell me.”
He looked at her in weird way for a long time.
“Farhan! Talk to me, you are really scaring me now.”
“I need you to do something for me.” he said in a grave voice.
“Anything” she said quickly, “just tell me.”
“Close your eyes.” he said.
“Sorry?” She was confused.
“Your eyes Risha, I need you to close them.” he said in a grave voice.
“Ok” she said and obeyed.
“Don’t open them till I tell you to do so, ok?”
“Ok” she answered trying to guess what he was up to.
She jerked a little as she felt his hand hold hers delicately, “just follow my lead” he said “and don’t open your eyes.”
“I won’t, I promised.” she said.
He led her and she followed, they walked for about a minute, then he stopped. Then, in a dead serious voice, he said. “Risha I need you to prepare yourself for what I am about to show you.”
“Farhan, you are scaring me, tell me what’s going on,” she was almost crying now.
“Open your eyes” he said.
She did, but it was pitch dark so she couldn’t see anything, she felt his hand slip away from her and heard him walk away.
“Farhan?” she called not sure of what to do. She heard a click and the lights came on. Risha sucked in breathe deeply, her sharp eyes taking everything in slowly. The walls were covered with pictures, pictures of her, as a kid, as a teenager as an adult, pictures of her with mummy and daddy, it was arranged in order of her life’s story, her as a baby, her first birthday, her second birthday and so on, pictures of her at the zoo, with mummy and daddy, pictures of the house with her, mummy and daddy in front, pictures of her as a kid playing in the yard out front, covered in dirt, there were some pictures that looked quite recent, of her in the kitchen covered in flour, of her in the parlour, with her eyes closed, of her when she was praying, it was such a breathtaking view, it told her life’s story in such a beautiful way. when had he taken those pictures, she wondered? the room was decorated with flowers and little light bulbs that glittered on and off.
Slowly she turned to face him.
Farhan smiled, “do you like my surprise?” He winked.
There were tears in her eyes as she tried to control her emotions, “why all these?” she asked, when she finally could speak.
“You really don’t know?” He asked sceptical.
“No,” she said shaking her head.
“Ok, maybe this will help,” he said walking pass her and to the large object on the wall that was covered with a white sheet. Slowly he pulled the sheet away revealing the frame.
It was the portrait of her as a child the one he had seen earlier.
“Happy birthday Farisha.” he whispered.
She held her hands to her mouth to stop the gasp of surprise that choked her. She walked to it slowly, it was then she saw the writing below the portrait, engraved in her mother’s writing. “I never knew she draw this” she cried.
“I know,” Farhan said coming to stand beside her, “you knew nothing of it portrait when I inquired about it from you. I thought as much since you said you haven’t been here since your mum passed.”
“How did you know? She asked facing him, how did you know today was my birthday?”
“that’s my secret, can’t tell you that” he winked.
Without even thinking, she stepped closer and hugged him, her heart felt like it would burst from all the emotions she was struggling with.
Farhan hesitated a little before bringing his arm to wrap around her.
“Thank you so much” she whispered nudging in closer.
“You are welcome”
Slowly she stepped away and cleaned her tears, “where did you find it? When did you do all these?” she asked.
“It wasn’t easy, hiding all these from you but I can be smart when I determined you know.” He winked.
She laughed.
“I found it in the gallery, I think she intended to gift to you as a birthday gift”
She went to stare at it, slowly she moved her fingers over it.
Farhan just stared in awe at her beauty and charm, and then he observed something, there was no longer that difference between her and the little girl any more. The peace, the innocence and charm, it was there right now with that smile, she was such a breathtaking sight, the twinkling reflecting in her eyes of joy. She was in all aspects the a bigger more beautiful version of the angel in that portrait.
“You really are beautiful Risha” he found himself saying without even realising it.
She blushed instantly looking down to hide it.
“Come with me” he said with renewed exciting, coming to grab her hand again and leading her to another room. There was a medium sized cake, with her name on it.
“See?” He said proudly, “I had a cake made for the occasion.”
But it seemed she had passed the stage of being surprised anymore, she just smiled, and squeezed his hand fondly. She looked at him and there was no hiding the love and longing that lay in her eyes. She wanted more than anything to say how she felt, more than ever, she wanted to say I love Farhan, but she could find the courage.
Happy birthday he whispered once again. Then after a short while, he said in a loud voice, startling her a little. “well come on, don’t just stand there come blow the candle and make a wish.” He lit a match and lit the candle.
Getting in the mood with him, she clapped excitedly, closed her eyes, then blew out the candle.
“What did you wish for?” He whispered.
“Something, that if I am lucky is already mine,” she said smiling at him.
“May your wish come true” he said, “now enough of the ceremony, let me help myself, you don’t know how hard it has been not been able to take a bite”
She laughed as he took a big bite from the slice he had cut, “hey, it my cake, I should get first bite,” she protested coming forward to slap him on the shoulder fondly.
“Ok, hear you go,” he said offering her the slice he was holding.
She didn’t take it, instead she just opened her mouth and let him feed her.
For the next few hours, they had so much fun eating drinking, playing around and teasing each other, running round the house.
After the fun and play, they sat down to rest on the sofa. Farhan lay lazily with a plate of cake close at hand.
As for Risha, there was a look of pure joy on her face, she looked at him and their eyes held. They both smiled in familiar awareness as they always did of late, he made a funny face at her and she smiled.
“Let me take you out” she whispered, in a small voice.
“Hmmn?” he inquired not getting her.
“Let me take you out” she repeated a little louder this time, “you need the fresh air.”
Farhan sat up a little, “where are we going?” he asked casually.
“You will see” she said in a quiet voice, “promise you will come, then I will tell you” she said.
Farhan observed her closely, she was looking at him intently. He remembered she had used the same words that day, the day he got injured and now she was asking with the same words, “what is she up to now?” he wondered. Then he realised it, she was not only asking to go out, she was asking if he could trust her also, that is why she choose the same words, she was asking if he trusted her enough to give her a second chance. He smiled broadly. “sure, why not? I promise.”
She nodded, pleased with his reply. “It’s a certain place I go to when I am happy or sad, or worried or when I just want to be alone and think, it’s really beautiful, especially during the sunset, I think you will like it.”
“I am sure I will” he smiled.
She nodded, smiled mischievously and quickly reached for his plate of cake, hers already empty.
“No way” he said reaching for it at the same time, in the process, he over stretched and strained his wound a bit, instantly, he winced reached to feel the dressing with his hand.
In a flash, she was beside him, concern showing on her face. “Are you okay? Let me take a look. I am so sorry, I was only playing around, does it hurt?” she asked affectionately, her hand reached out to caress his face tenderly.
Farhan froze, a little startled by the contact, he looked at her in a strange way. His thoughts seemed to be clouded.
Risha did not even notice his expression, “Let me examine it” she was saying, it might be bleeding”.
He said, self-consciously. “It’s ok really, it’s almost healed fully, I just stretched a little too much, its ok I promise”
“Sure?” she asked not convinced.
Slowly he nodded.
It was then she realised that her hand was still on his cheek, feeling a little awkward, she drew away, becoming cautious. An uncomfortable silence followed. “Here” she gestured pushing the plate to him “I wasn’t really hungry; I was just playing around.”
Thankful for something to distract him, he smiled and said, “You have it, I am full, I don’t think I can eat anymore.” They stole glances at each other, another awkward silence followed.
“I will just go and get ready,” she said standing up.
“Me too” he said doing the same.
They started at the same time and almost bumped into each other, she had to rest her hand on his chest to stop herself.
“Sorry” he whispered looking into her beautiful eyes, they stayed that way for a while, before he stepped back giving her enough space to pass.
“Thanks” she barely whispered, feeling as she always did when close to him, her legs feeling weak, all of a sudden. She hurried upstairs.
After a few minutes, he followed suit, the strange and confused expression back on his face, he walked the stairs deep in thought.
***
Farhan sat on the bench, he smiled a little, relaxing even more. A bird flew in close around Risha, before doing a circle round her head and flying away again. The sound of the waves echoed beneath the rocky shores, the sun was almost setting, a cool breeze blew with a gentle caress, the ever-aware leaves moving around in a lazy dance.
He smiled even more, resting his head back and gazing into the clear blue sky. “You were right Risha, this is absolutely beautiful, breathtaking, I love it” he said in a dreamy voice.
“Daddy and mummy use to bring me here when I was little, when we were still a family, those were the best days of my childhood, we would sit right here, on this very bench and hum or sing along with the birds, sometimes, daddy and I would run around playing with each other while Mummy watched from here or joined in the fun” she smiled sadly. “We loved to sit here and watched the birds fly home, I used to wonder at that, how almost a thousand birds that flew in different directions in the morning would return to the same place at night.” And mum would tell me, “that is what home means Risha, despite we have different characters, different wants and desires, no matter where life takes us, no matter how far away we go, home is what unites us, home is where we all return when the days and times are dark.”
She felt Farhan’s hand cover hers and squeeze affectionately, only then she realized there were tears in her eyes.
He smiled at her in understanding before gently pulling his hand away.
A few minutes later, as the sun began to set, they stood at the steep end of the rocks, looking into the horizon as the waves splashed lazily over the rocky shores below.
“I miss them Farhan” she whispered, “so much.”
She looked so sad at that moment. His heart ached and for once, there was nothing he could say to ease her pain, the feeling was terrible for him.
They stayed into the night, walking down the shores, under the stars and the moon, it was truly a beautiful night.
As he walked beside her slowly, their shoulders would brush occasionally, she longed to reach out and hold his hand, wished with all her heart that she had that right, but she didn’t, couldn’t, she knew deep down that despite they were husband and wife, it had only been a formality, an arrangement on paper and nothing more. She longed talk to him about it, to ask him what he thought about their future, to ask him to stay by her side forever, but she was scared he would say no, that he would refuse and she couldn’t bear the thought of it, couldn’t imagine a life without him anymore. “The time wasn’t right yet” she thought. Just a little bit longer and she would be worthy of him, she would earn his respect, his love, she would make him happy. She smiled remembering the diary that lay under her pillow. “That is the key” she thought, “I will know him through his own words, through his own experiences, know his desires, dreams and I will make them come true” she smiled again. The future really looked bright for her and she was grateful to God for it.
******
“Did she really apologise?” Risha asked as she drove.
“Yes,” Hanifah replied smiling, “she called yesterday and apologised for herself and on behalf of the others.”
“Wow!” Risha said truly surprised. “I didn’t expect that at all.”
“Yea, they are not bad people Risha, just morally flawed like the rest of us, though I was really disappointed in how they behaved, I think they deserve a second chance,” Hanifah said then smiled.
Risha nodded and drove in silence. She had thought the issue earlier marked the end of her cooking lessons in that place, but apparently, she was wrong. When they arrived this time, the reception was a lot more pleasant than the first. This time, Risha was dressed in a full Abaya and her hair was covered modestly. Some of the ladies came to apologise for their treatment the other day. The elderly lady gave a speech about preconceived notions and judging people without knowing them. Once again stating that she and the others had been wrong, she apologised and welcomed Risha into their midst.
Much to her delight and pleasure, Risha found that most of the ladies were fun to talk to, she even exchanged numbers with some of them. It was all a pleasurable experience and she knew she that Farhan and Hanifah were to thank for all these.