I didn't forget

Chapter 33

Waking up in the studio the next morning I found Zafar standing at the door.

“ what were you thinking, disappearing like that…what if something happened!”

“ can you pipe down a little…my body is sore. Besides I’m not obligated to tell you everything.” I say walking towards him, “ so don’t worry about me.”

“ fine then I won’t, ” he says leaving

Brushing my hair back I kick the cans of soda to the side of the room, my phone rang…it was Zafar’s birthday today…his mother had called to remind me of how forgetful he can be.

I rushed home and began preparing for tonight, making a few sweet dishes as I watched the cleaning service do their job...

After setting the table I rush over to his room looking for him...i had to swallow my foolishness, everything was set downstairs with everyone waiting for him to arrive.

“ Zafar I apologize okay…I won’t do it again.”

He came out holding out his pinkie, “promise me.”

“ Is this really necessary?”

“ do you want me to go back in?” he said attempting to walk away...i quickly pulled his hand sealing the deal with my pinkie. “ I promise, now for the sake of Allah can you come and eat.”

“ sure, if you carry me downstairs.”

“don’t push it, pretty boy.”

“ yes, mam.”

I managed to keep it a surprise. a perfect birthday plan …it will also be the first time Zafar meets my elder siblings who insisted on coming over. I know he preferred an intimate get-together filled with a small crowd but me being as extra as I am I always make a fuss.

Everything in place he walked down questioning why the lights were off, a house full of people, with no facial expressions being shown immediately questioned if I made a mistake.

I noticed how he lightened up upon seeing me walk over with his cake and candles, as everyone sang for him, he probably forgot his own birthday…i know he did

The night went on. My brother introduced himself to him…I was relieved seeing that they clicked well, my sister was missing in action. After a few hours, everyone went home, it wasn’t a gala like party but a decent get together with good food and company.

“ Thank you for tonight," he said smiling

“ I thought you'd freak out i guess you liked it. one more thing, here’s your present.”

“there’s more?” he says grabbing the small bag.

“ yes, I mean duh, I hope you like it I mean what's a birthday without presents.”

“ it’s a key, is it to your heart?” he says pressing it on my chest.

"Wow, no time for your cheesy jokes, press it," I say holding my hands together.

“ psst you know you like it.” he says pressing the button on it,“ wait is that a new bike!”

“ tada, the latest one, take me for a ride when your free," I say patting his shoulder.

He rushed towards me hugging me, “ thank you for everything Nura, even if the greatest present you’ve ever given me, is you.”

“ see what I mean when I say you're cheesy.”

Adorable, I found him attractive all of a sudden…he made my heart flutter…I wanted to make him just as happy as he makes me.

“ let’s go for a ride?”

“now?”

“ when then?” he says picking me uprushing out the door on that cold night.

With my head laid on his back and my arms holding onto his leather jacket, my heart felt like it was dancing on the stars present on that night.

Our relationship was slowly healing, Zafar got better at work and the art studio construction continued...

One evening I received a letter from the military service I had applied for a few years back, looking into it I was shaken at the fact that I got in. The latest I could be there is next year…afraid of another split I toss the letter into a box full of clutter reminding myself of wanting to do things the so-called normal way, I would still be living out my dream by continuing to teach Karate...and running a studio showcasing my passion and talent.

Occasionally I trained here and there for namesake and recently started volunteering at sensei’s Hamah’s dojo.

I was pretty well known for bagging a gold in the nationals three years in a row...so it was easy teaching...as I had a few tricks up my sleeves that sensei Hamzah hadn't known as well.

" jazakallah for helping out, especially since my partners have been injured recently."

"No need, I love teaching the kids now I know how you felt teaching us. It's a rewarding thing to see them progress."

" I see you all grown up, looks like my effort wasn't wasted...Zafar's outside don't keep him waiting."

"Jee ( yes), I'll see you tomorrow then."

I quickly put my shoes on rushing over to Zafar...who was flexing his new motorcycle.

We arrive home and start cooking lunch together before laying on the couch watching a few Islamic lectures...perfect, that is what everything felt like.