THE LOVE 12

May's s sleep broke with the morning Ray hitting her face. She raised her hand to cover her face from the sun's glare. Took a few minutes to realize that she is sleeping on the floor. After tahajjud and morning prayer, she didn't feel like going to bed. The mind became heavier than the body could bear. Getting up from the floor, May gathered everything and tucked them away. 

" I have a decision to make" she said to herself. The prayer really helped to clear up her mind but she still needs to talk to someone. The friend who has always been by her side and guide her through the critical situation, Sarah. 

"I hope she is up by now."

---------

With three rings, Sarah picked up the phone. 

. "Assalamualaikum, sweetheart. How are you? How is everything in Brooklyn?"

- "waalaikumsalam, alhamdulillah! We are fine. How are you?" A sigh escaped May's lips.

. " Your words don't match your voice, May. Tell me what's going on? You sound stressed."

- After a brief pause, " I am. I don't know what to do. I never thought that life would bring me to this point. Sometimes, I wonder whether I really have any relationship with anyone at all. Mom, she never understands me or vice versa. Dad, he tries to support me anyway he can but sometimes it doesn't feel enough. Sometimes, I wish to have a soulmate, then I remembered Farabi. He was the worst nightmare of my life. It's been some time that we are separated but I feel like I am still stuck there. I never moved on."

- " You have to move on dear. The almighty tests us so many ways. These tests are there so we can prove ourselves as a believer. And of course, learn a lesson which will help us through our life. You are taking this whole situation as a tragedy only. You are not noticing how it has changed you for the better. Look at yourself, you have become a confident young woman compared to the girls your age. This is a tremendous achievement. May be one day you will be able to find your true soulmate as well. But that time you will be able to make wise choice. So, be positive sweetheart."

-" Thanks. It always helps to talk to you."

-----------

"Dad, I need to talk to you."

Shuruq dropped the magazine on the table and turned to May.

"Yes".

-"Can you arrange a meeting with Zakaria? I need to clear some things out before I make any decision. "

Surprised Shuruq looked at May. 

-" Look, you don't have to rush making any decision. It doesn't matter what your mom says or thinks. You don't need to listen to her. You are my daughter and that is the most important thing."

- Holding Shuruq's hands, " Dad, can you tell me how long a person can tolerate humiliation and blame? I know she is my mom but sometimes it's really unbearable. Moreover, I want Tareq to have a great dad like I do. Farabi was never a dad to him. I know I probably have high hopes about Zacharia. May be he is the right person, may be he is not. I don't know! But I want to give it a thought. That's why I need your help."

---------

May and her dad came to the restaurant that Zacharia picked. But he is nowhere to be found. Unintentionally, May keeps looking at the entrance every time someone swings the door open. 

"Anticipation is indeed the hardest in the world." May told herself. " Am I really doing the right thing or it will be another chapter of mistake in my life?"

To be continued......