CHAPTER NINE

I woke up to the feeling of warmth beside me. It felt as if i was sandwiched to a bed. I tried to move but it felt like an impossible task.

I froze when i heard the husky voice of my husband "It's still early to be up. You should go back to sleep."

I then realized why i was finding it difficult to move, his legs were on mine and his arms were draped over me while my head was on his chest.

"I...i gotta pee." I said the first thing that came to my mind.

"Wait a little more." His hot breath was on my ear. My eyes widened when i realised i was without a hijab then i remembered that he was my husband and he had the right.

He finally let me go and i moved

to the edge of the bed. I settled on the floor and stood up. I had forgotten about my leg because my leg gave up under me and i fell back on the bed with a soft thud.

"Ouch!" I cried out.

"What? What is it? Are you okay?" Ali was by my side in a flash.

"It's my ankle, i...i hurt it last night while waiting for you."

"I am so sorry." He started. "I fell asleep in the masjid after praying, i don't know how but it was even the Imam that woke me up."

I rubbed my ankle in response, it was sour.

"Let me see it." I felt his hand on my ankle and i took in a sharp breath.

"It's swollen, it looks bad." He massaged gently and i yelped in pain.

"I'm sorry. We should go to the hospital."

I shook my head "It's not that bad. I can manage."

"It's a sprain, and it looks bad."

"Just get me ice and a towel."

"I'm sorry, this happened because of me." I felt his lips on my forehead and he was gone before i could reply.

I did want to blame him for it because a small part of me believe it was his fault but to be honest, it really wasn't. If i had been patient enough, this wouldn't have happened.

I sighed and waited for his arrival which wasn't long. After placing the ice on my leg, he wrapped it with the towel and i laid back on the bed.

"What time is it?" I asked breaking the silence.

"Past 1 in the morning."

"I'm sorry for waking you this early." I didn't know it was still that early, it felt as if i had been sleeping for hours.

"No. I'm sorry for causing you pain."

"It's not your fault."

"It is and i'm truly sorry for that."

I sighed "It's okay. I'm fine now."

"Get some sleep then."

I nodded "Okay, you too."

The next morning, i felt much better. Ali woke me up for Salah, he even led us both in prayer. After praying, i went back to sleep.

"Hey! It's time to get up." I heard his voice close to my ear and i frowned.

"Just a minute." I whispered sleepily.

"Come on, baby. You've got to eat breakfast!"

I snuggled more into the comforter "One more minute."

"As much as i would love that, you need to eat. It's past nine in the morning."

My eyes shut open "Oh Allah!" I quickly rose colliding with a wall.

"SubhanAllah!" I rubbed my forehead.

"You're so cute." Ali whispered into my ears and i blushed.

I straightened my back "I...i need to excuse myself." I stated and started standing up.

"Let me help you." Ali said, his hand already on mine, guiding me to the bathroom.

"Thanks." I said once i was inside.

I quickly brushed my teeth again and sprinkled water on my face.

I walked out and frowned when i remembered that i had walked into the bathroom without covering my head. I quickly asked for Allah's mercy.

"You okay?" I didn't know he was still in the room.

I nodded "Yeah! Alhamdulillah!"

"I made breakfast." He said, sounding happy.

I smiled "That's great." Running a hand through my black locks, i packed it into a loose ponytail.

"You look pretty even when you just woke up." I froze when i felt his breath on my ear, i almost shivered.

"T...thanks." I stammered, taking a step back.

His hand clasped mine "Let's go eat, beautiful." He started dragging me with him and we were out of the room.

"Is there something you're not good at?" I moaned in delight as i chewed on my pancake. It was the best pancake i had ever tasted.

He chuckled "Maybe. I'm not good at making friends."

I frowned "Seriously?"

"Seriously."

"Why?"

There was silence for a few seconds

"I prefer being alone." He said softly. I really felt bad for him. Iman did tell me a few things about him, like how lonely he had been for a long time. He was the only child, his mum died after his birth and his Dad, when he was twelve.

He went to stay with his aunt who wasn't the best and had made his life miserable. At the age of sixteen, he left for Boston and started his own life, alone.

"You won't be alone after now." I whispered.

"Yes, i won't." He stated as a matter of fact.

After eating, he cleared the dishes and we sat in the living room afterwards. I called Dad and Noor, after talking for a couple of minutes, i called Norah. We talked for a long time before i finally hung up.

Ali had been by my side all through, either playing with my hair or doing something else. I liked his company.

"I can't get tired of staring at you all day long. You're so beautiful!" His voice broke my thoughts.

"Hmm...thanks." I didn't know what to reply him with.

In a flash, his fingers were on my face. I inhaled sharply as he traced my nose and eyes.

"What did the doctor say?"

Stunned, i asked "What?"

"I mean what did the doctor say about your eye?"

I didn't expect him to ask such question. No one had asked something like this from me in a while. It was a sensitive topic to me, really sensitive.

"Is...is there still hope?" He asked when i didn't reply.

I shook my head "I don't think so. I...i really don't know, i haven't asked my Dad about it...probably because i know there isn't hope for me."

"Why do you think so?"

I wanted to tell him all my worries, my stupid thoughts but i decided against it. I wasn't ready to share something that personal with him.

"Are you not supposed to go to work today? It's Monday, right?" I purposely changed the topic.

His finger stopped on my lips "It's Sunday, and no, i get a whole week off work. Though, there is a party organised for us by my coworkers this weekend."

Sensing my tensed posture "Don't worry, it's just a small party at my boss's place and we won't stay long."

"Okay." I whispered.

"What would you like to do, today?"

I searched my brain for something.

Watch movie? That's a no for me. Play a game? Can't see. Go out for sightseeing? My sight is bad.

I sighed "I don't know."