Kismet Bonus Chapter 1
This bonus chapter has been published to commemorate the first anniversary of Kismet – For roses to blossom on 4 February.
Petals of Promise
Ahmed watched the ships in the distance as he stood at the window of the room that used to be Zainub’s sanctuary. His gaze fixed on the city lights below him that stretched out like a canvas beneath the night sky. The cool breeze carried distant sounds of the waves, crashing menacingly against the rocks – a symphony of life that seemed to harmonise with the rhythm of his thoughts.
A year had passed since that fateful trip to Greytown, when he had walked into Zainub’s life – an unexpected twist that now felt like the most natural turn of fate. The echoes of their first months together filled the air as they celebrated the joyous occasion of their first anniversary.
The apartment, adorned with a warm glow, radiated an air of celebration. Zainub moved gracefully between the rooms, meticulously arranging roses – petals of promise that mirrored the blossoming love that had unfolded over the past year.
As the aroma of a special anniversary dinner wafted from the kitchen, Ahmed found himself drawn to the Lazy Boy armchair, now taking pride of place in their living room. Each crease in the worn leather captured memories of Uncle Uthmaan on the evening of their nikah, and of the quiet victories that they had overcome in the past year. He was certain that the supple fabric held much more reminiscence for Zainub – of her father, and of the life she left behind. Her sentimental attachment to that armchair was apparent on their last trip to Greytown.
His gaze moved to find Zainub, staring back at him lovingly. Their eyes reflecting similar sentiments.
Zainub joined him, “Can you believe it’s been a year?” she remarked, her voice carrying a blend of wonder and contentment.
Ahmed smiled, enveloping her in a tender embrace. “A year filled with chapters we never could have predicted,” he replied, his gaze lingering on the framed picture which Aunty Rashida had gifted – a large commissioned painting of Zainub’s childhood home. It was the ultimate gesture of kindness from the woman who had been a guiding presence in her life.
Dinner unfolded as a symphony of flavours – a reflection of the varied notes that composed their shared experiences. Conversation danced between lighthearted banter and reflective moments, creating a tapestry that celebrated the ordinary yet extraordinary nature of their love.
In the moments that followed, Ahmed found himself reflecting on the lessons he had learned. The early struggles, the moments of doubt – they were now etched with the impression of growth and understanding. The thorns they once faced had transformed into tender petals, each representing a shared triumph in their joint history.
Zainub fidgeted with the hem of her blouse, a nervous energy bubbling within her as she looked at Ahmed across the table. The apartment was bathed in a warm, cozy glow, setting the perfect ambiance for what she was about to share.
Ahmed, engrossed in the sumptuous meal on his plate, looked up, catching the subtle shift in Zainub’s demeanor. “Everything okay?” he asked, setting his fork aside.
Zainub’s cheeks tinged with a rosy hue as she met his gaze. “Well, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you,” she began, her voice a delicate melody of excitement and bashfulness.
Ahmed’s brow creased as his interest unfurled, and he looked at her in wonder, a gentle smile playing on his lips. “What is it?”
She took a moment, inhaling deeply, gathering the courage to unveil the news that would change their lives. “Ahmed, we’re going to have a little addition to our story,” she whispered, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of joy and anticipation.
Ahmed’s expression shifted from curiosity to realisation, and a profound warmth enveloped the room. “You mean?” he trailed off, his eyes meeting hers with an understanding that transcended spoken language.
Zainub nodded, a radiant smile breaking free. “Yes, Ahmed. We’re expecting.”
In that moment, the room seemed to exhale with joy, the air charged with the magic of a new beginning. Ahmed pulled Zainub into an embrace, and they shared a tender moment that spoke volumes – of shared dreams, of the beauty in life’s unexpected twists, and the promise of a future filled with the laughter of a new chapter unfolding.
***
The night sky seemed to shimmer with promise. Ahmed took Zainub’s hands in his, a gentle squeeze conveying a depth of emotion that words could scarcely capture. The city lights below mirrored the glow in their hearts. “To many more chapters, my love,” he whispered, the words carrying the weight of gratitude and commitment.
The evening unfolded with a dance, their laughter echoing through the apartment. The clock struck midnight, marking not just the end of a day but the beginning of a new chapter. Together, they stepped into the future, where the roses of their love would continue to bloom, each petal a testament to the timeless journey they had embarked upon.
In the quiet hours of the night, as they embraced in a room adorned with candles, Ahmed and Zainub knew that their story was far from over. It was a narrative woven with love, resilience, and the unwavering promise of a future blooming with the petals of their shared dreams.
***
Man and wife in embrace
Shared dreams and blessings giving chase
New adventures, high and low
Where patience
Prayer
And gratitude flow
Toughened hearts
Heavy sighs
To trust the One in heaven high
Every day a delicate feat
Where what is sown is what is reaped.
END