Clueless Love

Last night the men took us out for that dinner we extorted. Udar and Ismail did manage to get us a booking at the restaurant. We all had a great time until it was time to pay. Fatima and I were only joking about making them pay, but they took it seriously. In the end, Fatima and I graciously allowed them to pay, not wanting the evening to end on a sour note.

Fatima and I plan to go to the spa for a good massage after our two weeks of work in Iceland. Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah), we are through with advertising our app to all the hotels and tour guide companies in various countries. Some did not sign with us, but overall, it was a success. And I am sure once others see its success, we will get more interest.

While I am getting my massage, my phone starts buzzing with text messages. I put my phone on silent so no one would disturb me, but it seems this person found another way to get my attention. I pick up my phone to find out who is disturbing me when my phone starts ringing. Ismail is the one calling.

“Umit, I am sorry to disturb you while you are at the spa, but it’s urgent,” Ismail says as soon as I answer.

“It better be important for you to disturb me. So, what is the problem?” I reply.

“We don’t have fireworks,” Ismail sounds very worried.

“How can we not have fireworks? We ordered them earlier this week and were assured they would be delivered today.” I say panicking because it’s the most important thing we need for tonight.

“Yes, we did, but the delivery boy fell sick, so they don’t have anyone to bring it to us. We have to go and get them ourselves,” Ismail says, pacing up and down. I can hear him pacing through the phone.

“Why can’t you go and get them? Why are you calling me?”

“Because the hall we booked is being used.”

“What do you mean, being used?” I say feeling like today is not just our day.

“They made a mistake and double booked the hall. A couple booked it for a wedding before us, so we have to look for another venue.” Ismail says sounding stressed.

“Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah)! Why are these things happening today.”

“I don’t know, but we have to do something and fast.”

“Alright, this is what we are going to do. I am going to get the fireworks while you look for another hall for tonight. Make sure not to tell Udar. We don’t want him getting nervous about tonight,” I say praying we will be able to make everything work in time.

“Alright I won’t, and I am guessing I will see you in an hour or two.”

“Yes, see you later,” I say hanging up.

I make up an excuse to Fatima before leaving her at the spa. Fatima is not meant to know about the fireworks so I can’t tell her that I am going to get them. I have to drive to another city not too far from where we are. Luckily for us, we still have plenty of time before the dinner.

I arrive at the store in time. Ismail called them before I arrived, so they had the fireworks ready for me when I arrived. I quickly collect them and start driving back so I have enough time to get ready for tonight. While driving, I call Ismail to find out how everything is going.

“Ismail, please tell me you have good news,” I say as soon as he picks up.Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

“Yes, I was able to get us a hall. What about you?” Ismail says sounding relieved.

“Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah), and I have the fireworks. I should be back in half an hour.”

“Masha Allah, till you arrive,” Ismail says hanging up.

I went to the hotel first to drop off the fireworks and give them instructions for when they should set them up. Now I am on my way back home to get ready.

Once I get home, I pray Asr, eat, then take my bath and start getting ready for the night. I am wearing a silver-blue dress with lace embroideries and a cut-out with geometrical shapes. I am using a silver scarf for my hijab. I am also wearing a pair of black ankle strap high heels with white triangle knot ear studs. Fatima is wearing a black dress featuring leaves embroidered on tulle and organza bands on the skirts. She is using a white veil for her hijab with charming crystal square stud earrings. She is also wearing a pair of black, pointed-toe, ankle wrap, stiletto high heels.

Fatima does our makeup because she is much better at makeup than I am. I am about to put on my rings when I remember I have not given Ismail his wristwatch. I plan to give it to him today as a thank you gift for bringing me on this trip.

After I finish putting on my rings, I leave my room to look for Ismail so I can give him the wristwatch before we go. I find him in the entryway fixing his cufflinks looking handsome as ever.

“Ismail,” I say, getting his attention away from his shirt sleeves. He lifts his head to look at me.

“Umit, you look gorgeous tonight,” Ismail says, which causes my heart to skip a beat. Ya Allah, this man makes my heart feel a lot of things that I can’t explain. I wonder if I will ever get used to how he makes my heart beat quicken.

“Thank you,” I say blushing.

“You are welcome and are you ready to go?”

“Yes, I am. But first I want to give you this,” I say handing him the bag with the wristwatch.

“What did you get me?” he asks taking the box out of the shopping bag and opening it.

“Umit, you have to be kidding me! I can’t believe this! You got me the wristwatch I have been looking for…, for months.” Ismail exclaims wide eyed, sounding very happy. I don’t say anything but nod my head choked up at his response and how happy it makes me.

“Thank you so much, thank you so much. I don’t even know how to thank you,” Ismail smiles beautifully at me.

“I am happy you like it,” I say smiling back at him.

“Like it? No, I love it! And the fact that you got it for me, just made it more special to me.”

“You are welcome,” I say feeling very happy that he finds it special. I did not even tell him why I got it for him. I don’t think I have to because him loving the gift and accepting it, is enough for me.

We arrive at the hotel after driving for a few minutes. Udar, Ismail, Fatima and I all came in one car. We all step inside the hall and take our seats with other people from the company. Udar and Ismail give their thank you speech to everyone. While we are eating, it’s show time for the thing Ismail, Udar and I have been planning all week. I give a go signal to Udar before playing my part in everything.

“Fatima, can you come with me?” I ask standing up.

“Sure, where?”

“Just follow me.” I walk out of the hall and step into the elevator.

“Umit, why are we going up so high?” Fatima asks, wondering what is going on as we take the elevator to the rooftop where the helipad is.

“You will see,” I say excited for what is in store for Fatima.

We step out of the elevator on the rooftop where the helipad is. Fatima is about to ask me again what is going on but stops when she looks at the sky. Fireworks are going off. They light up the sky displaying lovely colors, but they also spell out something. Udar planned to propose to Fatima tonight and decided to use fireworks to ask her. The fireworks read ‘Will you marry me?’

“Umit, what is going on,” Fatima demands confused.

I don’t need to answer because Udar is here to do that. He is kneeling in front of Fatima with a beautiful ring. It is the same ring I showed Ismail that Fatima would like. It is a pear cut diamond halo ring; it is so gorgeous. I can’t believe Ismail told Udar about it, but I am happy he got her a ring she would love. And that also means Udar does truly love my friend. I step away to give them their moment.

“Fatima my angel, the woman I love with all my heart. You are the reason I wake up every morning feeling like the luckiest man alive. You are my joy, my hope, my courage, my strength and most importantly, you own my heart. I love you so much that words can’t describe it. I know the reason why you are not mine is because of Liz, but ‘In Shaa Allah’ we will find her soon, and we will be happy together once and for all. But before that, I would like to ask you, ‘Will you be my wife?'” Udar says with so much sincerity in his voice. Fatima does not say a thing but nods with tears in her eyes, while smiling brightly.

I am so happy for Fatima and Udar, they have been through so much. We were all scared Fatima was going to say no because of Liz, but Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah) she said yes. Udar was not sure about proposing to Fatima at first because Liz might want to harm her again. But he decided since she is not in Iceland, she won’t know they are engaged. And, to keep Fatima safe, we are not going to tell anyone until they find Liz. I pray we find her soon, so they can be together in peace.