Beneath Guarded Hearts - 78

Previously…

Sul6an

I strode off arrogantly, a posture I used one too many times when I wanted to piss people off. As I opened the main door of the house to take my leave, I snuck a glance at her, standing in the doorway of the majlis, and ignored the tears that I pretended not to see streaming down her reddened cheeks. I closed the door loudly behind me.

_______________

Asma

            I took in all the features that seemed to shift on his face, but his eyes were blank, intense, eying me as I did him. Had I heard what I had correctly? How could he know but not I? Wasn’t it usually the other way around?

Me: “3bdulla…”

            My lips trembled, my voice brought down to a low whisper. He waited.

Me: “But I would’ve known, you must be wrong. I, I did a test and the result was negative…”

            I didn’t know why but I was starting to panic. I hadn’t been prepared for this kind of news. Sure, when I took the test and waited for two anxious minutes, I was panicking as well. But I had been prepared for both results.

Me: “So stop this nonsense.”

            I started to get up, but his hands tugged me back down as he braced his shoulders.

3bdulla: “I know you did a test. I saw it in the garbage bin when I accidentally tipped it over and all of its contents had fallen out. I didn’t trust what I saw though. I wanted to make sure. That was the day I took you to the doctor.”

Me: “And you said that it was because you found out I was throwing up every morning. I knew that you were overreacting even though I told you I sometimes had morning sickness when I traveled…”

            As I said the words, the flashbacks of that day danced into my gawking gaze. My body shook.

Me: “How did you find out?”

3bdulla: “I told the nurse to add a pregnancy check to your blood test. The results came out just yesterday.”

            He waited for me, waited for a reaction. When I dropped my face and tried contemplating the fact that I was carrying a baby, I noticed his trembling hands, the veins evident as he played with his fingers nervously. He was anxious too.

            Tears filled my eyes.

Me: “3bady.. I’m pregnant!”

            He appeared horror-stricken, mistaking my tears for sadness. I hugged him tight and took in his scent as I whispered into his ear.

Me: “3bady.. I couldn’t be more happy..”

            I kissed his ear lightly and rubbed away the fountain of tears that fell endlessly, hiding my face in his arms and chest. He took my face in shaken palms, his eyes finally looking fiery and alive. He wiped my tears with the tip of his thumb.

3bdulla: “You're happy?”

            I could have sworn his eyes watered, but he simply wouldn’t let himself cry. His ecstasy glowed off his face, his blissful expression a breathtaking vision that left me speechless.

Me: “How could I not be! I love children!”

3bdulla: “Asma, you have no idea how much you’ve made me… I… Ya Allah, I love you!”

            He gave me a tight but gentle hug, his arms circling around my back as he rested his chin on my shoulder. The tears I held back germinated at the surface of my eyes as quick as ever. Some would say I had a tragic honeymoon, but I was going to go home boasting about how it was one of the best moments of my life.

3 days later…

Sul6an

            She stood in front of me, a wide, and for once arrogant, smile stretched along her cheeks.

Me: “Asma! You’re home!”

            She knew. I was a little worried that I would have to explain myself, and knowing Asma, her series of scheming tricks and questions were bound to get something to slip out of me. I may have been stubborn, but Asma was clever. And she knew me better than anyone, to my disadvantage.

Asma: “Surprise!”

            She came over to hug me, and as we always did since we were both younger, I would hug her tight and lift her into the air whenever she came back from a long trip. I couldn’t help but miss that annoying little creature, even as kids. But this time, she hugged me cautiously and as I braced myself to lift her up, she quickly retreated and pushed me away.

Asma: “No no no, you can’t do that anymore. At least, not for a while.”

            She smiled arrogantly once more. I glanced confusingly at her bemused husband. What was going on? And was it just me, or were they both radiant like never before?

Me: “Sho? Laish inzain?”

Asma: “It’s just for 9 months, I think you’ll be able to handle it.”

            She looked at me expectantly and grinned, waiting for me to connect the dots. My eyes suddenly widened.

Me: “WHAT? You’re pregnant?!”

            She merely nodded in shied amusement. I bellowed in glee.

Me: “Asma! That’s amazing! Yaraby ma9adig! My little sis is pregnant!”

Mama: “Sho esalfeh? Why are you all screaming… Asma! 7bibty you’re home! Why didn’t you tell us, we would’ve picked you up from the airport!”

Me: “Mama! Asma 7amil!”

            I blurted out in joy. I wanted to tell the whole world that I was going to be an uncle. And of course, being the overdramatic mother that she was, mama mutely squealed in shocked exhilaration at the joyful news and attacked Asma with questions, advice and complimentary comments all at once. I, for one, winked at Asma in mockery as our mother preached personal subjects and Asma glared at me. I gestured 3bdulla after a few moments to leave, saving her only after a little damage has already been made. After all, what was marriage without a little mischievous teasing?

I imitated a very serious expression as I sat in front of 3bdulla when we entered the living room.

Me: “I know that this is probably the worst timing ever, but there are some things that we need to discuss.”

To be continued…