I could see his eyes grow large as he saw me in that state.
I rudely shut the door in his face before even letting him speak.
This was not okay.
I quickly looked at myself in the mirror.
It was a mess.
My hair was dishevelled, and my face was oily.
No way... I just showed him this? This monster?!
I didn't know what to do. I was screaming internally.
My heart refused to stop racing; it felt like it was about to burst from my chest.
Wait-
No! He was still outside the door.
I quickly grabbed my hijab and opened the door once more.
"I will be there shortly."
I didn't even have time to see his expression before I closed the door in his face again.
For the second time.
While making wudu, I could feel my soul leaving my body. I was exhausted from fighting against my own thoughts.
That face...
He looked so surprised.
He probably saw something he never expected to see.
Sigh.
My appearance must have been a disappointment.
I felt sorry for him.
He was unfortunate to have married someone like me.
I slowly opened the door and stepped outside.
He was already prepared, with the prayer mats placed down and directed towards the Kaaba.
His back was facing me again.
He and I matched.
He wore a white robe that reached his ankles, while I wore a long white hijab.
I walked closer and softly spoke, a hint of sadness woven into my voice.
"We can start."
He didn't move.
He remained in his position.
No movement.
I began to worry.
Was he still shocked by my face?
What if he thought he had seen a jinn?!
I walked closer and glanced at his face.
He quickly hid his face away from me and cleared his throat before standing to give the Takbir.
What's wrong with him?
He cleared his throat once more before beginning.
"Allahu Akbar."
Immediately, my eyes widened.
My heart skipped a beat at the sound of his voice.
He began reciting the surahs, and I stood behind him, following his lead. I think I finally understood why those girls would go to the mosque.
Because this voice...
It was breathtaking.
A voice so soothing, perfect, and captivating.
I regretted never having heard him lead the prayer before. It was beautiful.
I started becoming greedy.
I wanted to pray every day with this voice leading me.
As I went into sujood, I made a quiet wish in my heart.
Please allow me the chance to pray with him again.
"Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh."
The prayer ended, yet his broad back remained unwavering.
I began reciting some dhikr.
Then-
He turned towards me, his gaze never lifting from the ground.
His face was filled with guilt. His brows furrowed, and he appeared nervous.
"I'm sorry..."
He apologised in a soft, gentle tone.
"For what?"
"I didn't mean to barge in..."
He fell silent, guilt written across that handsome face and he is kneeling.
My chest filled with warmth, and a small smile crept onto my lips.
"No, it's alright. You have the right."
His eyes lifted to meet mine.
"But I scared you."
"I was just startled."
I let out a small giggle.
Another brief silence followed.
This time, I was the one who broke it.
"Thank you."
"Hmm?"
"For making me breakfast every day. I'm not really a morning person."
A quiet chuckle escaped him as he avoided my gaze.
"No... that's the least I could do."
I was happy to see that faint smile.
If only I could tell him how beautiful he looked when he smiled.
He gave a slight bow before getting to his feet, taking the prayer mats with him as he walked towards his door.
However, before entering, he turned to me one last time.
"Goodnight."
A smile tugged at my lips as I softly replied,
"Goodnight."
And then he was gone.
I stood up and slowly walked towards his door before gently resting my back against it.
It was my quiet attempt to let the weight of everything finally settle.
Everything had happened so quickly.
I had barely found a moment to breathe.
I made him apologise again...
At least this time, I was able to clear the air immediately.
He was a strange man.
At times, he felt so distant...
Yet somehow, he always seemed just beyond my reach.
I whispered beneath my breath, my back still resting against his door.
"Thank you."