Settled
Chapter 21
“ I’ve always had a crush on you since we were kids and when I met you again after so many years I went completely insane for you. I’m the happiest when you around me, and all my clouded days feel much better once I’ve seen you smile…I've done it right this time, so please accept me.”
She knew that she was crushing over Aiden as well, but religion above anything else…
She accepted the ring laughing away the tears of joy that filled her eyes.
“ how long were you planing this?”
“ it’s been a few years…I know Muslims won’t date. And I wanted you by my side, I am a little amazed that you didn’t reject me.”
“ grandmother did mention in her note that someone worthy of me will come into my life soon…besides, no one has given me much love and affection over the years besides you.”
He smiled, “ even if I bullied you.”
“fighters become lovers, besides…people cope with their past differently. I’m lucky to have you fall for me.”
The night went on as they caught up with each other and her sister squealed over the news once she arrived home.
“ what’s all the noise about?” Yasmin asked rushing downstairs.
Arylan jumped up to her showing her the ring as she told her stories about Aiden…
“ When do I get to meet him?”
“soon, of course. Grandmother planned everything…sad how she isn't here to make sure everything went well.”
“ she's watching over you, and is celebrating with you…shes not completely gone, ” she said holding her hand close to her chest, “ she lives inside of us, in our hearts as long as we cherish her memory.”
“You're right…mummy.”
“you finally called me mother, I missed that…”
A little bit of happiness doesn’t mean that you're not grieving, it doesn’t mean that you’ve forgotten about the ones who are gone. It’s a way of showing the one whom you lost that you do think about them and that you're doing what they’ve always wanted you to do. So that they can rest peacefully.
Something that grandmother once told Aiden after hearing the news of his only lost guardian…
Aiden waited in the restaurant for Eric, he handed him his file, “ I take an oath, that I will never…ever do this to Arylan.”
“you have to, your firm already accepted the case.”
“ I resigned. Find another lawyer… I'll be representing them instead.”
“ Why are you doing so much for her…”
“ because unlike you, I appreciate her company, all the love, and concern that she gave me while I was facing the most difficult part of my life. I owe her a lot more than I can give.”
He left the restaurant.
Eric sat there rubbing his forehead, wondering about how a man Arylan has known over a few years surpassed him in so many ways…
“ How are you?” Arylan asked walking into his workshop
“ I’m okay dear, it feels good seeing you after such a long time,” uncle Tim said fetching something from the tiny kitchen, “ here, it’s hot these days so stay hydrated. How are you?”
“me, I’m well. I just miss her…miss her beyond missing.”
“it will get better soon. I see the ring there, ”he said pointing towards her finger
“ oh, jee me and Aiden are engaged…”
“Aiden, isn’t it Eric…grandmother arranged you with Eric right?”
“I don’t recall that, she mentioned Aiden's name in her letter.”
“ that must be recent, I’ll be paying for the wedding as promised.”
“believe you me I know you have all the money in the world but you’ve already done so much for me.”
“Why do you keep count, I do it for the love I have for Biel…let this be my proper goodbye to her, so she can rest assured.”
“if it makes you happy, then go ahead.”
With the wedding preparations slowly taking place and Aiden continuing his study, Eric still had a decision to make.
***
“ mummy,” Arylans sister, Aleema says storing the food. “ why did you lie and say that she died with our father?”
“ it’s a way of protecting both of you, I know how rebellious you can be. You would’ve gone searching for her.”
“ so you knew where she was?”
“Of...of course…I always observed her secretly…it was the only way I could cross paths and care for her without disturbing her peaceful life.”
“ I see, ” she nods, walking up into her room as Arylan walked into the house with bags of groceries.
“im cooking today, Aidens coming over with his brother.”
“ the murder brother.”
“Jee, and before you say something, don’t.”
She packed away the food before clearing out the counter where she began chopping and slicing veggies…a few hours later with everything baked and set, she opened the door to her future husband and brother in law, they sat down together, ate harmoniously before Aiden went over to do the dishes.
“ your Aiden, ” Yasmin said walking towards him
“jee,” he said turning towards her.
“ take care of Arylan…she seems to trust you more than anyone…I've watched you two over the years.”
“ rest assured, I only want to give Arylan the best.”
She shook her head leaving at the sight of Arylan walking towards them.
“ I’ll walk you to the bus stop, your brother said he needs to run to a pharmacy before heading home.”
“awsome… I can’t believe that I get to spend time with you.”
She smiled leading the way.
" Have you spoken to Eric recently?"
" I haven't why?"
"Just asking, he looks like he could use some company...this whole father thing isn't sitting well with him."
"He knows that I'll always be here for him..."
"How, if you're still mad at him."
"Just change the topic okay, his changed...i don't know who he is anymore."