Anas
"Ummi how about a last tour of Egypt? Mostafa can take you." I suggested when Mostafa came back with the pomegranate fruits I asked him to get. Ummi was craving them.
"No,thank you. It's going to make me miss it more." She got up from her bed and disappeared into the bathroom to take her usual afternoon bath. Which reminds me that I haven't had my bath today and it was almost Asr time. Good thing is, I don't stink.
"Ehm about that sir, is there any possible way you can take me with you to Nigeria?" Mostafa asked in a low voice. He fidgeted with his fingers as he talked.
"To Nigeria? You want to follow us to Nigeria?" I asked twice, just to be sure I heard him well
"Yes sir. I'm afraid I won't get another job easily." He plays with his full, silky hair. Mostafa shifted the weight of his body from one foot to another while I tried to think about his offer.
I hope I can manage to get him a ticket before the end of the day. I and Ummi's flight leaves tomorrow in the afternoon.
"We'll see about that Mostafa. You can pack up your belongings before tomorrow right?"
"Of course! I don't have much anyways." He chuckled at the last statement and so did I.
"Superb. Now that you've said it out, I myself would like to take you with me." We exchange handshakes and he bolted out, undoubtedly ecstatic.
In fact, I would love to take Mostafa with me. He has been my driver for the past five years that Ummi has been admitted here in Egypt; I see no reason why he can't continue with his work.
Luckily I could secure a flight ticket for Mostafa. That night, Ummi was discharged and we moved to a hotel to spend the night. Mustafa came along.
Come morning, we were all up and ready to go.
Mostafa went out for about two hours to put up his car on rent. The money would be given to his aunt, the only relative he has grown to know. She would either keep or transfer them to him based on what he wants.
We hit the road to the airport and we arrived some minutes to twelve.
The announcement to board the flight to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was made not long after we were settled in the departures.
I gestured for both Ummi and Mostafa to get up but I only get puzzled looks in return.
"They're gonna leave us here." I warned.
"They said Saudi Arabia. Sit back down." Ummi dismissed.
"Yeah, I know. I thought you'd love to perform Umrah my dear Ummi."
"Habibiii!! Ya Allah!" She wrapped me in a tight hug and kissed me on my forehead. The way she screamed Habibi earned us some stares so everyone stood and watched my mom bless my forehead with a kiss.
She picked up her handbag and lead the way. So eager I see.
Mostafa shot me a 'what are you going to do with me' look. It cracked me up. I held out my hand and he grabbed it. I pulled him up and guided us. I could see tears pooling in his eyes.
"I never knew I could be offered a free Umrah at the age of 21." Mostafa hugged me too when we were inside the plane then stepped aside to find his seat.
Ummi was already seated. Luckily for her, she got to sit by the window. I made myself comfortable beside her before pulling out my phone from my pocket.
"Change of plans. We're going to perform Umrah first. Take care sweet sis."
I tap on the send button and it got delivered to Safiyyah.
Ten minutes after we're settled,
".......Please turn off all personal electronic devices, including laptops and cell phones. Smoking is prohibited for the duration of the flight. Thank you for choosing Flyegypt Airlines. Enjoy your flight" part of the announcement registered in my brain while Safiyyah viewed my message at that same time.
Typing
It showed below her name.
I'd rather deal with this later. I switched off my phone and slipped it into my pocket.
Someone's gonna die of frustration today.
~â¢â¢â¢~
This chapter feels rushedð
I was bored.
Have you performed Umrah before?
What was it like?
How did it feel when you were leaving? I heard somewhere that you always yearn to go back no matter how many times you've visited
For those of us who never had the chance, May Allah call us to His house, soonestð¤