Still with you.

It was raining heavily.

Salim was sleeping when he woke up. Laying down on the bed,he stretched his hands to wrap Asiya in his arms but to his surprise, Asiya was not on the bed.

Salim immediately stood up and looked around and still Asiya was not in the bedroom. He went out to the living room and saw Asiya looking through the windows.

*Hey! So before we go far, Salim calls Asiya "sweetie"and Asiya calls alim "hubby". Okay? Let's continue...

Salim slowly walked through and grabbed Asiya from behind by surprise.

"Hah!"exclaimed Asiya scared.

"Hey calm down. It's just me". said Salim calmly.

"You scared the soul in me."said Asiya.

"I am so sorry sweetie. Hey, Why do you have tears in your eyes?"asked Salim.

"I thought you were sleeping."replied Asiya wiping her tears.

"You didn't answer my question sweetie and I should be asking you that . What are you doing here all alone?"asked Salim.

"Look through the window."replied Asiya.

"I see nothing."said Salim looking through the window.

"Urgh! Don't you see? The rain falling, the clouds, the lightning, the sky it just looks beautiful and satisfying."replied Asiya.

"But I see something more beautiful. It blinded me from seeing the beauty outside."said Salim.

"Where? I don't see anything else "said Asiya looking through the window.

"It's you sweetie. I couldn't see the sky when I saw you because you blinded me with your beauty. So now my love why were you crying?"asked Salim grabbing Asiya.

It was then Salim saw Asiya's eyes filled with tears once again and falling down.

"Sweetie?"said Salim in shock.

"Hubby, I am sorry but I... I can't hold it anymore."said Asiya in tears.

"What... what can't you hold anymore? What are you hiding from me?"asked Salim curiously.

"I... I..."tried to explain Asiya in tears.

"It's okay. Let's have a seat."said Salim.

"O... okay hubby."said Asiya still in tears.

Salim turned on the light in the living room and went to Asiya who was already sitting on the couch crying.

"Sweetie, what's wrong?"asked Salim with concern.

"I am sorry to trouble you hubby "replied Asiya in tears.

"It's fine sweetie. I am here for you now. What is wrong with you? I don't like it when you hide things from me."said Salim.

"It's just that hubby we have been married for three...three years now and..we still don't have a child."said Asiya in tears.

"Sweetie... it's fine. One day inshallah."said Salim gently patting Asiya's back.

"You just don't get it do you? The doctor said nothing is wrong with the both of us but then he is not sure if I can give birth or not. I... I... I want to know how it feels like to be pregnant. I want a baby to move in me. I want to feed my baby with my milk, I want to know how difficult it is to give birth. I want my child to make me mad and I want to scold them. But.... unfortunately, I don't have one."explained Asiya crying.

"Sweetie, calm down first."said Salim.

"Hubby I want someone to call me mom, mother, mummy,ummi, or even mama. And you, you lost your father at a young age and your mother passed away just last year. You too need to be called father. You have no one you can call your close family. And I am at fault here to be unable to conceive. I am so sorry you are stuck here with me. I am feeling so lonely now. I never saw my father. He passed away before I was born. I... I am feeling down. I don't... I don't know how to explain how I feel. All my friends that got married after have given birth but I... I still don't have a child."explained Asiya crying profusely.

"Are you done?"asked Salim.

"I am sorry hubby to trouble you."replied Asiya.

"Unbelievable! So I mean nothing to you sweetie? You said you are lonely and down. Am I invisible to you or am I not good enough? Have I ever said I was stuck with you? I didn't marry you to just use you and then forget about you. I married you to be with you forever and after death, you are still the one I want to be with in Jannah. But you, you think I am stuck with you?"asked Salim.

"No. No. Noooo. Noo hubby. You mean a lot to me. I am so sorry hubby even I am disappointed in myself. I shouldn't have said such things to you. I... I was just feeling hurt and I don't know how to put it to you."replied Asiya still in tears.

Without saying a word, Salim stood up and left to the kitchen.

It was still raining heavily.

He got a glass of water and went back to Asiya in the living room who was still in tears.

Salim sat beside Asiya and gave her the glass of water.

"Here. Have a glass of water ."said Salim handing the glass of water to Asiya.

"Thanks."said Asiya taking the glass of water from Salim.

After taking the glass of water, Asiya felt better.

"Sweetie. I understand how you feel and I know it's not easy on you but it's not over yet. You still have a chance to have a child. The doctor just predicted what he thinks but only Allah knows all. Allah gave prophet Zakariya(A.S) a child who is  also a prophet known as Yahya(A.S) at a very old age. He and his wife were very old but Allah still granted them a child because they trusted Him. Allah gave Maryam (R.A) a child without the interference of a man known as prophet Isa(A.S). You see Allah can do anything when he wishes to. Now if Allah can do all that then without a doubt He can give us a child too. Maybe this is not the right time and what if we get a child who cause troubles in our lives. We want a blessed child not any child. Anyone can leave you but Allah will never leave us. And remember you are studying medicine, a six years course and you are in your final year of becoming a medical doctor. Maybe it will be easier for you to have less responsibility for now and for sure this is a test for us. Why do you want to fail? Your mother is still alive and you have an elder brother Yusuf. What about me? Both my parents are no more and I don't have a sibling but I am still happy not because I don't miss them or because I don't want to have a child obviously I do but because I have you and that alone makes me feel blessed. You are just twenty five years old and I am just thirty years old. Come on we still have time. Some become parents in their fifty's. I don't like what you are doing to yourself at all I don't like it. Now wipe your tears away and give me that beautiful smile of yours."explained Salim in a soft tone.

"I am sorry hubby for doing all this. You are right. Allah can do anything I was just over taken by my emotions. I feel ashamed of myself."said Asiya wiping her tears away.

"Come here. It's okay sweetie. Glad you got the point."said Salim hugging Asiya.

"I love you hubby."said Asiya.

"Now my smile."said Salim letting go of Asiya.

"How do I look?"asked Asiya with a smile.

"Beautiful as always."replied Salim.

"Thank you"said Asiya.

"Well, it's late. We should go back to bed."said Salim.

"I feel so weak now. I don't want to stand up."said Asiya childishly leaning on the couch.

"Good thing I visit the gym."said Salim and then carried Asiya in his arms.

He took her to the bedroom and gently dropped her on the bed.

"Lazy girl."said Salim.

"I am not lazy!"said Asiya annoyed.

Yes you are!"said Salim.

"I am not!"said Asiya.

"Whatever. Well it's raining and our beloved prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him said: Two du'as are not rejected : du'a at the time of the call to prayer and du'a at the time of rain." So let's make du'a"said Salim.

"Yes you're right. Let's ask Allah."said Asiya raising her hands up.

Afterwards, they prayed and laid down to sleep.

"Good night hubby."said Asiya.

"Sweetie,"said salim.

"Yes hubby."answered Asiya.

"Tomorrow is Jumu'ah. I want you to dress good for me."said Salim.

"Inshallah I will look my best."said Asiya.

"Good night."said Salim.

And with this, they went to bed.

After a few hours,it was time for fajr prayer.

Salim wore his boots because of the rain and went to the mosque while Asiya prayed at home .

After prayers, Salim came home and met Asiya sleeping on the prayer mat.

"I am sure she is tired. She didn't get enough rest at night."said Salim to himself.

He gently picked her up and laid her down on the bed and covered her with a blanket.

He then opened the windows for fresh air to circulate the bedroom as it has stopped raining.

Salim finished his morning azkar and went back to bed too setting an alarm to wake up by 9:00 am.

After a few hours, the alarm clock rang and Salim woke up and still beside him was Asiya sleeping.

He quietly went to the kitchen and started to make breakfast.

Back in the bedroom, Asiya slowly opened her eyes and saw it was already morning and the sun is already out.

She checked the time and saw it was 10:05 am. She quickly stood up and headed to the kitchen where she found Salim making bread toast and tea.

Asiya slowly walked towards him and gave him a hug from behind.

"Oh sweetie! You are awake."said Salim turning around to Asiya.

"Yap. Good morning hubby."said Asiya with a smile.

"Good morning sweetie. So, how are you doing today?"asked Salim.

" I am good Alhamdullilah. What about you?"replied Asiya.

"Well if you are good, then I am also good."said Salim.

"Awwn. But why didn't you wake me up to help you with breakfast?"asked Asiya.

"You were tired and you needed some rest so I didn't wake you up."replied Salim.

"Thank you hubby. Soooo... what are you making?"asked Asiya.

"Nothing much, just toasted bread and tea."replied Salim.

"Oooo. Yummy."said Asiya.

"You are a spoiler alert sweetie."said Salim adding some bread to the toaster.

"Me? What did I do?"asked Asiya surprised.

"I wanted to take your breakfast to you on bed but you spoiled my plans."replied Salim with a long face.

"Awwn. I am so so sorry hubby. I had no idea. But we are still together, you can do it another time."said Asiya.

"Fine. Now do one thing for me. Go and take a shower and get dressed up. I will arrange breakfast on the dinning table okay?"asked Salim.

"But I want to help you."said Asiya.

"No. No. No. Leave. I don't want your help."said Salim gently pushing Asiya out of the kitchen.

"Okay fine! I'll leave."said Asiya raising her hands up in surrender.

"Thank you. Bye."said Salim.

Soon, Salim was done making breakfast.

He cleaned up the kitchen and arranged breakfast on the dinning table.

He then went to the bedroom call Asiya.

"Assalamualaikum."said Salim as he opened the bedroom door.

"Wa alaikum assalam."said Asiya in front of the mirror wearing earrings.

"I... I... I..."stammered Salim.

"Yes, you what?"asked Asiya turning around to Salim.

"You look gorgeous."replied in admiration.

"Thanks."said Asiya.

"You made my heart skip a beat."said Salim.

"I did?"asked Asiya surprised.

"Of course. I can't believe you are the one."replied Salim.

"I am feeling on top of the world now. And yes I chose something for you to wear. Do you like it?"asked Asiya.

"I love it sweetie."replied Salim.

"Glad you do. Can we eat breakfast now?"asked Asiya.

"Yes of course. You first my lady."replied Salim.

At the dinning table...

"Yum. It tastes good. I am jealous now."said Asiya after taking a bite.

"I am jealous too."said Salim taking a sip of tea.

"Oh really! So what are you jealous of ?"asked Asiya curiously.

"I won't lie to you. You look so beautiful, gorgeous and cute."replied Salim.

"You are making me blush hubby. It's just a dress, earrings and head tie."said Asiya.

"You forgot one."said Salim.

"What else?"asked Asiya.

"Your lips."replied Salim.

"Hubby it's just lip gloss I added to my lips."said Asiya.

"Whatever it is sweetie, you look perfect."said Salim.

"But hubby, nobody is perfect."said Asiya.

"I found my definition of perfect in you sweetie."said Salim.

"Thank you hubby."said Asiya.

"It's a pleasure my queen."said Salim.

"Well we should finish breakfast so you can get ready and leave for the mosque."said Asiya.

"Right sweetie."said Salim.

Soon, They finished breakfast. Asiya took cleared the table while Salim went to the bathroom to take his bath.

Salim came out from the bedroom and found his clothes ironed on the bed.

He wore his clothes and went to the living room where he met Asiya looking through her phone.

"Hey beautiful. So how do I look?"asked Salim.

"Hi handsome. You look stunning."replied Asiya.

"So, Am I set to go?"asked Salim.

"No wait. I will be right back."said Asiya heading to the bedroom.

Asiya came back with a perfume.

"Here. I got this specially for you."said Asiya.

"Thanks sweetie."said Salim.

"Let me put it on you."said Asiya spraying the perfume on Salim.

"Ahh. I love the scent. It smells so good."said Salim.

"Knew you would like it."said Asiya with a smile.

"I truly appreciate sweetie. I have to leave now before the khutbah starts."said Salim.

Yes hubby. I polished your shoes for you. They are ready. You can wear them and leave."said Asiya.

"May Allah bless you abundantly sweetie."said Salim with a smile.

"Ameen ya rabbal alamin hubby."said Asiya.

"I will take my leave. Bye."said Salim.

"Bye."said Asiya.

And with this, Salim left.

Asiya prayed her Zuhr prayer and went to the kitchen to make lunch.

After some hours, Salim was home and was caught up with a nice aroma coming from the kitchen.

"Assalamualaikum."said Salim walking towards the kitchen.

"Wa alaikum assalam dear. I am in the kitchen."said Asiya from the kitchen.

"So what are cooking?"asked Salim.

"Nothing special. Just jollof rice."replied Asiya.

"And?"asked Salim with enthusiasm.

"Urgh fine. I made some s too."replied Asiya.

"Woooooow really. No denial. Movies! movies! movies. What do you say?"asked Salim excited.

"Of course yes. But after we eat lunch."replied Asiya with a smile.

"Yes you're right because I am so hungry."said Salim.

"Well I am done already. I will serve us right away."said Asiya.

"Okay then . I will wait for you in the living room."said Salim.

"Be there in a jiffy."said Asiya.

Asiya came to the living room but Salim wasn't there.

She arranged the food and went to check up on him.

"Knock! Knock! Knock!"knocked Asiya on the bedroom door.

"I am coming."said Salim from the bedroom.

"Okay then."said Asiya.

Asiya turned around and was about to leave when she heard Salim saying:

"Hello. Can you hear me? Okay then I said I love you.Yes please. Okay then I will call you.Thank you bye."

In shock, Asiya went back to the living room.

"Is he talking to another...no..no..no. But what if he has another woman in his life? But he...he never told me about it. I... I will ask him when he comes."thought Asiya to herself.

After a while, Salim came to the living room.

"Hey sweetie. Sorry for making you wait. We can eat now."said Salim.

"It's no problem. Let's eat."said Asiya in a low voice.

After lunch, Asiya cleared the table and washed the dishes still thinking about what she heard earlier.

When she went back to the living room, she met Salim already choosing a movie for them to watch.

"Hey. Glad that you are here. I found this movie and I am sure you will love it."said Salim looking at Asiya with a smile.

"Okay then. I will go and get the popcorn."said Asiya.

Asiya got the popcorn and sat down beside Salim.

"Here. You can start the movie."said Asiya.

"Yeah. It's time to have fun."said Salim excited.

The movie started.

Salim brought Asiya closer to him and placed her head on his chest.

They were watching the movie and eating the popcorn.

"Mmm. So so yummy. I must admit it tastes good sweetie."said Salim.

"Thank you hubby."said Asiya.

"Love you sweetie."said Salim.

"Hubby?" Said Asiya looking at Salim.

"Yes sweetie. Are you okay?"asked Salim.

"I just want to know. Do...do you want to get married again?"replied Asiya.

"Hmm. Why are you asking?"asked Salim in curiosity.

"Nothing, I just wanted to know if you want to."replied Asiya.

"We are missing out in our movie."said salim.

"Right."said Asiya deep down accepting the fact that she is not the only one.

Soon, it was time for Asr prayers.

Salim got ready and was about to leave to the mosque.

"I will be going to the mosque."said Salim.

"Safe journey."said Asiya.

"And please don't cook dinner. We are going out tonight."said Salim.

"Where?"asked Asiya.

"Just be ready."replied Salim.

As Salim was about to leave, He got a call.

"Hello. Okay then. I will send you the location. Don't be late please. Thank you."said Salim and left.

" Don't blame him. I mean three years is a long time. He obviously wants to have children and you can't conceive. What do you expect? For him to be stuck with you forever? You are dreaming. It's hurts... but what can I do?"thought Asiya to herself in tears.

After praying Asr, Asiya read suratul kahf and send prayers upon our beloved prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

Soon, it was time for maghrib prayers.

Asiya prayed and was on the prayer mat when she got a call from Salim.

"Assalamualaikum sweetie. My love, my peace of mind, my everything."said Salim.

"Wa alaikum assalam. Is everything okay?"asked Asiya.

"Nothing. How are you doing?"replied Salim.

"Alhamdullilah and you?"asked Asiya.

"Alhamdullilah. I am good too. Sooooo, are you ready?"asked Salim in enthusiasm.

"Yes I am."replied Asiya.

"I am on my way. Meet me outside the gate and don't forget to close the doors and windows okay?"asked salim.

"Okay then. I will meet you outside the gate."said Asiya and hung up the call.

Asiya got up, folded the prayer mat and got ready.

She then closed the doors and windows and went outside the gate where she met Salim already waiting for her.

She entered the car and sat in the front seat.

"Why are you wearing sunglasses? It is already dark now and the sun is not here."asked Asiya.

"Well the rays from your face almost blinded me earlier so I am protecting my eyes now."replied Salim.

" Mmm"sighed Asiya.

"Why are you moody? You have been acting weird. Is everything okay with you?"asked Salim with concern.

"Why did you say that?"replied Asiya.

"You are always excited to go out especially for dinner but you are acting different tonight. I wore the sunglasses to make you laugh but you seem annoyed about it."explained Salim.

"Where are we going tonight?"asked Asiya.

"It's a new fancy restaurant for special people like you."replied Salim.

"Oh. Let's go then."said Asiya uninterested.

Without saying another word, Salim started driving.

There was silence in the car for a while.

"I didn't get an answer to my question earlier. Is there another woman in your life?"asked Asiya.

"Why are you asking me this?"replied Salim.

"It's fine. I get it."said Asiya.

"No you don't get it but don't worry you will soon understand."said Salim.

Soon, they arrived at the restaurant and Salim parked the car in the the parking lot.

"Here we are."said Salim.

"Nice."said Asiya with a long face.

Salim got down the car and opened the door of the car for Asiya.

"You first my lady."said Salim.

"Thank you."said Asiya and got down of the car.

Without minding about Asiya's attitude, Salim held her hand and they both went inside the restaurant.

It was a classy and fancy restaurant.

As soon as they got inside, They felt like they were in a different world.

The restaurant had a satisfying atmosphere with air conditioners and love songs playing. Each table had two chairs with a beautiful flower vase containing fresh flowers letting out a refreshing scent.

"Do you like it?"asked Salim.

"Yes I do."replied Asiya.

"Have a seat."said Salim pulling out a chair from one of the empty tables.

"Thank you."said Asiya and sat down.

"It's a pleasure my love."said Salim sitting down too.

A waiter came to them to take their order.

"What should I get you?"asked the waiter with a smile.

"What do you want sweetie?"asked Salim.

"I want ice cream."replied Asiya.

"Okay then. Get her strawberry ice cream, get me a banana smoothie and get one medium size pizza for the both of us."explained Salim.

"I will be back in a short while with your order"said the waiter and left.

"I didn't say I wanted to eat pizza."said Asiya.

"Yes I know you didn't say you want to eat pizza . But love I know you love to eat pizza and strawberry ice cream so I ordered that for you."said Salim.

"Thank you."said Asiya.

"It's my duty to make you happy."said Salim.

"I want you to know that I over heard you talking to another woman on the phone earlier telling her you love her. You tried to hide it from me but...."

Before Asiya could finish her statement, Salim got a call.

"Sorry excuse me."said Salim and went out of the restaurant.

Asiya was sitting alone when the waiter returned with their order.

"Here is your order ma'am. Is there anything else I can help you with?"asked the waiter.

"No thank you."replied Asiya.

Asiya was waiting for Salim with fear in her heart that her doubts may be true.

"Hey sweetie. Sorry for making you wait."said Salim hiding something behind his back.

"It's fine. Hope everything is okay?"asked Asiya.

"Everything is fine sweetie. You asked me if there is another woman in my life and my answer is...yes. There is a woman in my life. She took my heart at a first sight.

Her smile takes my breath away and I can't imagine how miserable my life would be without her. If I had to choose someone every second of my life, it would be her. And it's only fair if you meet her."explained Salim.

At that moment , Asiya's heart began to beat faster and tears filled up her eyes and her hands were shaking.

"Really? and you felt now is the right time to..to let me know when I... I asked myself?"asked Asiya in tears.

"We are in the public sweetie. Calm down first."replied Salim.

"Ho... how do I begin to calm down?how?"asked Asiya.

"Here. Have a look at her."said Salim handing his phone to Asiya.

In disbelieve, Asiya took the phone from Salim but to her surprise...

"Why is it in selfie mode?"asked Asiya confused.

"Who do you see?"replied Salim.

"Me. I see myself."said Asiya as her tears start to draw back.

"Because you are the only woman in my life. You are my past, you are my present and you alone will be my future. If all the women from the past, present and future were to be assembled before me, I swear I will still choose you. I don't know why you would ever think I will hurt you but what you over heard me saying earlier has nothing to do with another woman. I just wanted to get you a bracelet as a gift because you have been stressing yourself out and I was telling the delivery guy that I wanted the one with I love you written on it. I don't know what you heard but I am sorry if you misunderstood the situation but I want you to know you are the only one I want to be with forever and nothing will ever change that."explained Salim.

Asiya was so overwhelmed and ashamed of what she did.

"I.. I am so sorry for suspecting you hubby. You know all this pregnancy stuff makes me feel worthless and unworthy. I am sorry for everything hubby."said Asiya in a low tone.

"Is it so difficult for you to trust me? You know what, it's fine. Here is the bracelet. I hope you will love it."said Salim handing the bracelet to Asiya.

"I am sorry."said Asiya in remorse.

"Your ice cream is melting. Take it before it finish melting."said Salim taking a slice from the pizza.

They silently ate their order up,Salim paid and they left.

On their way back home, it started to rain heavily. There were few cars on the road and Salim was driving slowly.

"Why are you driving slowly?"asked Asiya.

"I will drive fast then."replied Salim.

"No that's not what I meant." Said Asiya.

"You are too late now."said Salim speeding.

"Hubby please stop driving this fast."said Asiya scared.

"How about this?"asked Salim increasing the speed of the car.

"I am sorry."screamed Asiya.

But Salim continued driving at a high speed.

At this point, Asiya couldn't talk.

When they came close to their house, Salim slowed down and started driving slowly again.

When he looked beside him, He saw Asiya's whole body shaking.

"Sweetie, Are you okay?"asked Salim.

"L...le.. leave mme alone!"stammered Asiya.

"I am sorry. I just wanted to have fun with you that's all."said salim.

Asiya didn't say a word.

Soon, they arrived at their house and it was still raining.

Salim took an umbrella and went to open the gate.

He came back and drove the car inside.

Salim went down the car and opened the door of the car for Asiya but she couldn't walk because she was still in shock.

"Sweetie, let's go in."said Salim.

"J..just leave me alone. I am feeling very dizzy."said Asiya.

"Okay then. I will have to do this myself."said Salim.

Salim carried Asiya in one of his arms and held up the umbrella with the other.

He took her to the bedroom and laid her down on the bed.

He then took a night gown from her wardrobe and gave her to wear.

"Here have this. Can you put it on or should I help you with that?"asked Salim.

"I can do it myself please and leave me alone!"said Asiya annoyed.

"Fine."said Salim raising his hands in surrender.

Asiya stood up to go to the bathroom but she fell down because she was still dizzy.

"Urgh! I knew it. I don't know why you are naughty sometimes."said Salim.

" You are the naughty one. I am not naughty."said Asiya trying to get up.

"Nanananana."mimicked Salim.

At that moment moment, Asiya burst into tears.

"Why do you have to put me in this situation? I told you you to slow down but you refused and now I fell down and you are making fun of me. Is this the way you want to punish me for suspecting you?"asked Asiya.

"Well you asked me why I was driving slowly so I showed you my driving skills. Is not my fault you woke up my inner drifts. So now keep your mouth shut and allow me to help you in peace. It's already time for Isha prayers."replied Salim.

Asiya didn't say a word. Salim picked her up, sat her on the bed and helped her changed her wet clothes to a night gown. He then carried her to the bathroom to make wudu.

"Make wudu and pray. I will leave for the masjid."said Salim and left.

Asiya made wudu and walked herself out.

She covered herself up and prayed.

After a while, Salim returned from the masjid and went to the kitchen.

After a while, he came to Asiya in the bedroom with a cup of hot  tea.

"Sweetie, Here I got you a hot cup of tea to warm you up. The weather is cold."said Salim giving the cup of tea to Asiya.

"I am satisfied."said Asiya pushing the cup of tea away from her face.

" You know you look cute when you are angry with me."said Salim.

"Leave me alone."said Asiya.

"Okay who started this? You suspected me first."said Salim keeping the cup of tea on the bedside drawer.

"And I apologized."said Asiya.

"You woke up my inner drifts and gave me attitude today."said Salim.

"You drove very fast with me that you almost made me throw up."said Asiya.

" I carried you back inside in my arms."said Salim.

" Is this a debate? Well you made fun of me when I fell."said Asiya.

" You refused to drink the tea I made for you."said Salim.

" You said I look cute when I am angry with you."said Asiya.

" It's a good compliment tho."said Salim.

"You made me cry."said Asiya.

"Look, I accept defeat and you won the debate. I am sorry. Can you please forgive me?"asked Salim.

"I am not forgiving you easily."said Asiya folding her arms and crossing her legs.

"Yes ma'am. What should I do to earn your forgiveness?"asked Salim .

" Whatever. Just try."replied Asiya.

"Okay then. Here I got this beautiful bracelet for you."said Salim giving the bracelet he bought for Asiya earlier.

" Nah, I already saw that."said Asiya keeping the bracelet beside her on the bed.

"Okay taste the tea I made for you."said Salim giving the cup of tea to Asiya.

"Nah, it's cold and it doesn't taste good."said Asiya after taking a sip.

"But you refused to take it when it was hot."said Salim.

"So I am at fault here."said Asiya.

"No ma'am. I am sorry. Let me tell you a story."said Salim.

"Better."said Asiya.

"Once upon a time, there lived a big frog and it hopped up and down like this."explained Salim hopping up and down in the bedroom.

" I hope you know that will cause pain in your legs right."said Asiya laughing.

"Am I forgiven then?"asked Salim.

"No. We are just starting. Give me all you got."replied Asiya.

"Yes ma'am. When I was a child, this is how I ride my bicycle."said Salim riding an invisible bicycle.

"Nah, not this."said Asiya sipping the tea.

"Should I kneel down then?"asked Salim.

"Yes let's try that. Kneel down,raise your hands up and close your eyes for five minutes."replied Asiya.

"Come on. I am not a child."said Salim.

"Okay fine. But don't talk to me again."said Asiya folding her arms.

"No ma'am. I am sorry. I'll do it."said Salim kneeling down. He closed his eyes and raised his hands up.

"And your time starts now."said Asiya checking the time.

Just a minute later, Salim opened one of his eyes and Asiya saw it.

"It's zero now. Let's start again."said Asiya.

"Ohwowo."murmured Salim standing up.

"Well you spoilt it for yourself."said Asiya taking another sip of the tea.

"Look I admit I lost the argument but please I beg of you have some pity towards me and forgive me. I am sorry for everything. Look I am holding my ears. I am so so so very sorry sweetie. Can you please find it in you to forgive me?"asked Salim holding his ears.

"Well let me see."said Asiya holding her invisible mustache.

"Yes. I will be washing my hair tomorrow. If you can help me do that, then I forgive you but if not, then no forgiveness for you."added Asiya.

" Yes I will. Am I forgiven now?"asked Salim.

"Yes you are."replied Asiya.

"Why do you have to make me do all that if you already know what you want me to do?"asked Salim.

" Nothing. Just wanted to have fun that's all."replied Asiya.

"I am not letting you go Scot free. I will get back at you for doing this to me."said Salim.

"If you are done blabbering about you can go and take a shower because you are sweating a lot."said Asiya.

"You made me sweat like this with all those things you made me do. A cool guy like me did all that for you."said Salim.

"Who is the cool guy here?"asked Asiya raising one of her eyebrows up.

"Yeah. You know you are right. I am not a cool guy. I am hot as you can see."said Salim showing off his muscles.

"I am sorry. Calm down take it easy. I mean cool guys are always calm and patient."said Asiya.

"You better be."said Salim.

"Cool guys!"said Asiya laughing.

"Mtchew."hissed Salim and went to the bathroom to take a shower.

Asiya continued laughing as she made her way to the kitchen.

Soon, Salim came out of the bathroom.

He got his pyjamas from his wardrobe and wore it.

He then realized that Asiya wasn't in the bedroom.

"Where is that creature now?"said Salim applying perfume in front of the mirror.

"Are you talking about me?"asked Asiya hugging Salim from behind.

"You know you scared me right? Where did you come from?"asked Salim combing his beard.

"From....wait, where did I come from? I forgot but all I know is that I was caught by a scent and I am under the control of the scent now."replied Asiya still hugging Salim.

"Really?"asked Salim turning around to Asiya.

"Hubby, you know you may have lost the argument but you are the overall best in winning my heart."replied Asiya letting go of Salim.

"Oh really, I never knew."said Salim.

" You should have known by now."said Asiya.

"Hmm. Okay then."said Salim sitting on the bed.

"Look I am so sorry hubby. I am serious here. I just want to tell you how remorseful I am for ever suspecting you. It's just that I feel insecure. I don't know.... I am just so sorry. I don't have any excuse to defend myself because what I did is not right and I accept my mistake."explained Asiya sitting beside Salim on the bed.

"I never said I was angry with you. Why bother?"asked Salim.

"We both know that you prefer to keep quiet when you are angry. I know I hurt you but you let it go and I am sorry."replied Asiya.

"It's okay sweetie. It's just a misunderstanding. And I am glad you care enough to be worried. You know they say a woman Stop caring when she is not jealous."said Salim.

"Thank you hubby. Why do you keep quiet when I hurt you and why do you do unnecessary things I ask you to do? Like why do you obey me if I ask you to do things just for my forgiveness?"asked Asiya.

"First of all, I prefer to keep quiet when you hurt me because I don't want to do or say something that will make me lose you. Secondly, you what they say, Love makes you a slave so I have to be punished when I do something wrong."replied Salim.

"Why don't I get punished when I hurt you?"asked Asiya.

"I don't know. Maybe because you are special."replied Salim.

"Woah! I am getting pink over here. I am blushing."said Asiya with a pink cheeks.

"Why are you asking me all these questions?"asked Salim.

"Nothing. And here I also made some tea for you."replied Asiya giving a cup of tea to Salim.

"Oh.that's so nice of you. Thank you."said Salim taking the cup of tea.

"It's a pleasure my love."said Asiya with a smile.

"It tastes good unlike mine. You said it didn't taste nice."said Salim after taking a sip.

"Awwn hubby, I was just kidding. I was trying to hide the fact that you are better than me."said Asiya.

"Really?"asked Salim.

"Of course. Look I finished it since."said Asiya showing an empty cup.

"Thank you but I hope you know I will get back at you for making me do all those punishments right?"asked Salim.

"It's okay then."replied Asiya.

"So you prefer to just let me do it rather than  apologizing to me?"asked Salim surprised.

"Yap. I want to see you try."replied Asiya.

"Fine. So what are we doing tomorrow?"asked Salim.

"Oh my hair. Nothing much, just wash it, steam it, oil it and that's all."explained Asiya.

"All these? I don't understand any of them.. I see you doing it but I have no idea how to do any of it."said salim .

"Well you will learn how to do it tomorrow."said Asiya.

"Aren't you plaiting the hair?"asked Salim.

"Of course I will but I will be doing that myself. Just twisting the hair. I don't want to go to the salon for that."replied Asiya.

"Okay then."said Salim taking the last sip of the tea.

Salim was watching his phone while Asiya took the cups to the kitchen.

She came back and met Salim still watching his phone.

Without saying a word, Asiya sat beside Salim and kept her head on his shoulder.

"Are you okay?"asked Salim.

"I am fine. You worry too much hubby."replied Asiya.

"Fine."said Salim.

"Hubby, there is something on your forehead."said Asiya staring at salim's forehead.

"Oh please take it off."said Salim.

"Okay."said Asiya kissing Salim's forehead.

"Really?"asked Salim.

"Yeah. Nothing was on your forehead.

"Hmmph"sighed Salim shaking his head in disbelieve.

After a while, Asiya was asleep on his shoulder.

Salim gently laid her down on the bed and afterwards prayed and went to bed too.

The next day, I mean the hair care day.

After breakfast, Asiya brought out all the tools needed for her hair care day.

"This is calling the hair dryer and this is called the streamer cap."explained Asiya showing Salim the tools.

"Oh great. So what are we starting with?"asked Salim.

"Well my hair is already loose. So the next thing to do is to wash the hair using warm water. I already boiled the water with the kettle. I'll go and get it from the kitchen."explained Asiya.

"Okay then. I am waiting."said Salim sitting on the bed.

" I will be right back."said Asiya as she made her way to the kitchen.

Salim was sitting on the bed when he heard a scream from the kitchen.

He quickly went to the kitchen and met Asiya standing at the door.

"What's wrong? Are you okay?"asked salim concerned.

"Look there."replied Asiya pointing at the wall.

"What is there?"asked Salim confused.

"A grasshopper. It's there don't you see it?"replied Asiya.

"So? They always roam about during the rainy season."explained Salim.

"Yeah I know but this is very big."said Asiya.

" And what's wrong in that?"asked Salim.

"Look. I get the point but please take it out of the house."replied Asiya.

"Are you scared?"asked Salim.

"N...no I am not."replied Asiya.

"Ooooh. Okay then."said Salim nodding his head.

He slowly walked towards the grasshopper and gently picked it up.

He then turned around and gave Asiya a mischievous smile.

"What are you trying to do?"asked Asiya with a serious face.

"You know what they say: what goes around comes around."replied Salim.

"What are you trying to do? What do you mean?"asked Asiya.

"I told you I will get back at you didn't I?"replied Salim.

"So?"asked Asiya confused.

"You either obey me too or I put this huge grasshopper on your loose hair."replied Salim.

"You are not going to do that are you?"asked Asiya scared.

"Sweetie. I am going to do it trust me."said Salim with a dead stare.

"Okay. Okay I get it. I am sorry."said Asiya.

"Too late sweetie. Too late for this."said Salim shaking his head with a smile.

"Fine. What do I have to do?"asked Asiya.

"Well.... let's see. Yes. I want you to do fifty pushups right now."replied Salim.

"Hubby, you know I can't do five pushups let alone fifty."said Asiya making a baby face.

"You can't fool me. Just get to it. NOW!"said Salim.

"Yes sir."said Asiya going down.

"And..... start!" Ordered Salim.

"One...twooooo...."counted Asiya struggling.

"Go on."said Salim.

"I... I can't go any further."said Asiya falling flat on the floor.

"Okay fine. I will let this one go. At least now you know it's not easy as it looks to do hundred of pushups a day."said Salim.

"Yes sir. I understand now."said Asiya nodding her head.

"Good. Now you should kneel down, raise your hands up and close your eyes."said Salim.

"But.... I am not a child."said Asiya.

"I was in your shoes yesterday and you asked me to do it. Sooo..... it's your turn now. Do it and stop wasting time."said Salim.

"Nhn,nhn,nhn"cried Asiya with crocodile tears as she went down on her knees.

"Did you say something?"asked Salim.

"No sir."replied Asiya.

"Good. And your time starts..... now."said Salim checking the time.

"Okay sir."said Asiya kneeling down, raising her hands up and closing her eyes.

Salim was quietly laughing looking at Asiya kneeling down.

"You really did good to me little fella."said Salim to the grasshopper.

"Are you laughing at me?"asked Asiya kneeling down.

"No...no I am not. I am serious here. And don't talk again."replied Salim.

"Sorry sir."said Asiya.

Salim continued laughing at Asiya.

Two minutes later....

"Hubby, I am so sorry. I am tired now. I am sure you don't like seeing your sweetie suffer right?"asked Asiya still kneeling down.

"Well of course I don't like to see you suffer but your time is not up yet. You have three minutes left."replied Salim.

"Fine."said Asiya in a low tone.

"Sweetie,"said Salim in a calm voice.

"Mmmm."answered Asiya.

"Stand up and open your eyes.."said Salim.

"Really?"asked Asiya in joy.

"Yes and be fast before I change my mind."replied Salim.

"Thank you. What...why are you still holding the grasshopper?"asked Asiya upon opening her eyes.

"Look, I know you are scared but there is nothing to be scared of here. It's just a grasshopper. Just try holding it yourself."replied Salim.

"But... but it's creepy. I don't want to."said Asiya.

"Okay then I'll be right back."said Salim going out through the back door.

After a while, he came back with a leaf and the grasshopper.

"Look."said Salim feeding the leaf to the grasshopper.

"Awwn. So cute."said Asiya looking at the grasshopper chewing on the leaf.

"Want to try?"asked Salim.

"Yes please."replied Asiya.

"Here."said Salim giving the grasshopper and the leaf to Asiya.

"No.no I changed my mind. I don't want to."said Asiya walking back.

"Come on. Just try. Okay let's do it together."said Salim.

"Fine."said Asiya slowly taking the leaf from Salim.

"Eat little fella."said Salim taking the grasshopper close to the leaf and it started chewing on the leaf.

"Hubby I want to try."said Asiya slowly taking the grasshopper from Salim.

"Good."said Salim handing over the grasshopper to Asiya.

"Look hubby. I am doing it!"exclaimed Asiya in excitement.

"Yeah I can see. I always knew my darling wife is brave."said Salim.

"Well. We should keep it."said Asiya still feeding the grasshopper.

"I wish we could but the grasshopper won't be happy. It wants to be free and hop around with the other grasshoppers."explained Salim.

"Yeah you're right hubby. I will let it go."said Asiya.

"That's so nice of you."said Salim.

"Alright little friend. Bye."said Asiya letting the grasshopper free through the back door.

"Bye."added Asiya looking at the grasshopper hopping.

"Well if you are done with your little farewell,  I will be waiting for you in the bathroom with the hot water"said Salim making his way to the bathroom with the kettle of hot water.

"Okay hubby."said Asiya still looking at the grasshopper.

Salim was adding water from the tap to the hot water in the bucket to make it warm when Asiya came out of nowhere and hugged him from behind.

"Be careful sweetie."said salim.

"I will be fine as far as you are together with me."said Asiya still holding Salim.

"You will get hurt. The water is still hot!"exclaimed Salim.

"Thank you hubby."said Asiya letting go of Salim.

"For what?"asked Salim touching the water in the bucket.

"For making me face my fears."replied Asiya.

"You're welcome."said Salim.

"And this for making me do pushups."said Asiya punching salim in the tummy.

"Ouch! that hurts."exclaimed salim holding his tummy.

"Sorry."said Asiya.

"The water is warm now. Let's start washing the hair before it gets cold."said salim.

"Right. Let's start."said Asiya sitting on the bathtub.

Salim gently raised Asiya's head backward and poured down the warm water in her hair.

He then added the hair shampoo to the hair when it got wet and gently scrubbed through her hair with his hands.

"Ahh! So relaxing."said Asiya feeling relieved.

"Well keep shut and enjoy."said Salim pouring water down the hair.

"Okay hubby."said Asiya.

"What next?"asked Salim.

"Add the hair conditioner and cover the hair with the hair Cap."replied Asiya.

"Okay."said Salim adding hair conditioner to the hair and covering it with the hair cap."

"What next?"asked Salim.

"We then go to the bedroom and put the hair steamer on to steam my hair."replied Asiya.

"Let's go then."said Salim.

They went to the bedroom.

Asiya Sat on the bed while Salim Put the hair steamer on her head and switched it on.

"For how long are we leaving it?"asked Salim.

"Ten to fifteen minutes."replied Asiya.

"Okay. I will set the timer then."said Salim.

Fifteen minutes later....

"It's time."said Salim.

"Okay then. Let's go wash it off."said Asiya standing up.

They went back to the bathroom and Salim washed off the hair conditioner.

"Done!"alarmed Salim.

"Nice. Let's go back to the bedroom and dry the hair with the hair dryer."said Asiya.

"Okay then. Wait for me there before I keep everything back to it's place here."said Salim.

"Okay hubby."said Asiya tying her hair with a towel.

After a while, Salim went to the bedroom and met Asiya sitting on the bed connecting the hair dryer to the switch.

"Let's dry the hair."said Salim.

"Yes please."said Asiya loosing the towel.

Short after, Salim finished drying off the hair.

"What next?"asked Salim.

We comb the hair and oil It but I will divide the hair into four first."replied Asiya dividing her hair.

"Okay."said Salim.

"You can start now."said Asiya.

"Here we go."said Salim gently combing the hair.

"You're doing great."said Asiya.

"Does it hurt?"asked Salim.

"No it doesn't."replied Asiya.

Soon, Salim was done with the whole hair.

"Nice."said Asiya touching her hair with a smile.

"Thank you."said Salim.

"Now I just twist my hair."said Asiya twisting her hair in different parts.

"Woah. Can I try?"asked Salim.

"Okay then. But it's not as easy as it looks."replied Asiya.

"Whatever."said Salim trying to twist the hair.

Asiya has twisted more than half of her hair but Salim was still on the first one he started.

"Not as easy as it seems right?"asked Asiya.

"But... but I want to do it too."replied Salim.

"But you can't."said Asiya.

"Then teach me."said Salim.

"Okay I will teach you but using your beard."said Asiya.

"No. No no. Not my beard. I love my beard."said Salim.

"Well I love my hair too."said Asiya stil twisting her hair.

"You know what? I don't care. Do your hair and I will go take a bath. I am tired of all this hair care day stuff. Don't even know how I started all this."said Salim taking his towel annoyed.

"Well I used my charms on you."said Asiya.

"You're not serious. I'll go take my bath."said Salim and left to the bathroom.

When Salim came out from his bath, Asiya was already done with her hair.

"Sooooo.... how do I look?"asked Asiya.

"Cute. So cute."replied Salim with a smile.

"Thank you for everything especially the hair."said Asiya.

"Well I guess I am a good hairdresser."said Salim.

"Yes. But mine alone."said Asiya.

"Woah take it easy sweetie. What's with the jealousy?"asked Salim.

"Just reminding you."replied Asiya.

"Okay then. But if you can do all these at home,why do others bother to go to the salon?"asked Salim.

"Because some don't have the tools and some just don't want to do it themselves."replied Asiya.

"Well I will be getting ready. What should I wear?"asked Salim.

"Here. Wear this."replied Asiya dropping a cloth on the bed from the wardrobe.

"Thank you."said Salim.

"I will go and make lunch now."said Asiya.

"Okay I will be with you in a while."said Salim.

"No problem hubby. I am waiting for you."said Asiya and left to the kitchen.