The morning played out in the same manner as yesterday.
He left me breakfast...
And then he left.
A sunny-side-up egg with buttered toast.
I noticed a few burnt spots on the toast, and the butter tasted slightly strange.
Oh!
So he makes mistakes too?
The thought strangely comforted me.
Not to mention, the hangers near the entrance were slightly messy.
It suggested that he had left in a hurry.
From tomorrow onwards, I should at least prepare him some lunch.
Only Allah knows what he has been eating all this time.
Now, onto the important matter...
What should I wear?
I expected many people to be present, and I had only visited his house once before-and even then, it was only for a brief moment.
Ariya: What should I wear to his house?
Naima: Something formal. Like that black outfit you have.
I replied with a thumbs-up and began preparing.
The outfit resembled an abaya, except it ended around right below my knees. It was more like a black coat, with buttons running down the front and long sleeves.
Paired with a black hijab and a long-strapped bag...
Formal, modest, and elegant.
That was the image I wanted to present.
The time drew closer as I stared at the clock.
TING.
My phone vibrated.
Haider: I'm waiting downstairs.
Ariya: Okay.
The elevator began descending as my heartbeat rose once again.
I still wasn't used to seeing him.
Every time I stood near him, my heart felt as though it was trying to escape my chest.
I didn't understand why I was so nervous.
Perhaps it was because I didn't know what to expect.
Anything could happen.
As I reached the parking lot, I could see a faint shadow resting by a car, flipping through his phone.
It was him, standing near his BMW M5, dressed in a neat formal suit.
He noticed me and put away his phone before quietly opening the passenger door for me.
"Assalamualaikum."
I sat down while avoiding his gaze and replied softly.
"Waalaikumsalam."
He sat right after and began driving without another word. I could probably count the number of times I had heard him speak on both my hands.
Gently, I lifted my eyelids and glanced in his direction.
He wore a restrained expression, woven with hints of aloofness. Even his blinking was calm and perfectly measured.
Is he a robot?
No, how could that be? Even robots contained more emotions than him.
I should really ask his sister today if he was made of metal and wires.
The ridiculous thoughts in my head brought a slight smile to my face. However, I quickly tried to hide it from him.
But the moment I remembered where we were going, the smile disappeared.
I became cautious, making sure my back was straight as soon as I stepped outside. I adjusted my expression to match his, letting my cheeks fall and keeping my lips firmly in place.
He was probably startled by my new demeanour because, right after, he asked in a worried manner,
"Are you alright?"
"Yes."
I was like a military soldier preparing for war. I needed to build a shield to prevent myself from breaking down or acting out because of the aunties' remarks.
He rang the bell, one of his hands shoved into his pocket. He remained two steps away from me.
Instantly, the door burst open, and a flock of women squealed excitedly upon seeing me.
He immediately lowered his gaze and stepped farther back as another pair of hands pulled me inside before I could process anything.
My eyes widened, and the women began swarming me with questions, all of which became inaudible amidst their excited screams.
"Gosh! Move away from my sister-in-law!"
"Joyah!"
Relief washed over me as I saw her. She came running into my embrace, and it was comforting to see a familiar face.
"Assalamualaikum, Ariya!!"
"Wailaikumsalam Joyah"
Her joy was remarkable as she jumped around, completely ignoring her brother, who looked genuinely startled.
"Ooh! My dears are here."
His mother soon appeared, wearing a warm smile as she greeted me.
"What are you doing over there?"
she asked, looking at her son, who resembled a whimpering cub.
He slowly walked inside, and for the first time, I noticed that he was embarrassed.
A faint pink flush rested upon his cheeks.
My mother-in-law sighed before saying,
"Look at him, being all giddy and awkward."
I awkwardly chuckled under my breath and, with a confident smile I had practiced countless times, asked,
"How are you, Mother?"
Her eyes began to fill with tears, taking me aback, but Joyah quickly cut in.
"It's so nice to hear you call me mother..."
She sniffed.
"Ugh! Mom! Can't you see that Ariya is cold? Now let's take her inside."
I giggled.
"It's okay, Joyah. Mother, I hope my Lord has kept you well."
"Oh! Yes, He has kept me well, Alhamdulillah. Now tell me, my daughter, did you face any difficulties?"
Before I could answer, a man's voice interrupted.
"Look who it is- our newest family member."
It was his older brother, carrying his four-year-old daughter in his arms.