There was a subtle defect in the married couple's manner. Even stealing a glance at the other felt forbidden
In some way, an uneasy sizzle of awkwardness lingered between them.
Thankfully, the table wasn't silent, all thanks to Zayne and the calm and composed Naima.
"Are you three from the same major?" Zayne voiced out curiously.
"No, but we were lucky enough to be in the same institution."
Naima answered with a smile on behalf of the other two.
She was a woman who could be the definition of independent and sensible.
A ripened fruit compared to the other two.
With the six people sitting around the table, each carrying distinct traits and thoughts. Some hesitated to speak, others spoke on their behalf and one in particular was intrigued without the other's knowledge.
Ireen almost gaped as she studied the man in front of her. He was frowning, mistaken for anger, and his arms were crossed, not a single thought about feasting.
The dark brown jubah that trailed just above his ankles and the perfectly groomed hair.
Rather than the looks, she was interested in something beyond that.
His shoulders are massive.
She thought to herself shamelessly.
For an instant, his daring gaze met hers and she was startled. Immediately, she stared down, sipping on her water.
She was caught red-handed. But that didn't mean that she wouldn't attempt stealing another few cautious glances.
She swiftly lifted her gaze and providentially for her, his gaze was still fixed on the same spot.
A sharp pain struck her heart, and she cowardly lowered her eyes.
Naima and Ariya were quick to catch the shift in behaviour. Ariya, who was sitting right next to her, nudged her shoulders and enquired about it.
Ireen softly shook her head, still under the illusion that he was watching.
The man named Yusuf actually never intended to meet her gaze. He was simply looking ahead to the menu on the giant boards behind her.
He was a picky man, the food on the table wasn't his cup of tea and he was growing hungry.
After all, he was dragged away from his mosque, literally opposite to the direction of his friend's workplace.
He was understandably annoyed and appeared angrier than usual. Moments ago, he had been ready to lash out, but they interrupted.
He thought.
Ishould at least eat since I'm here anyway.
In reality, Yusuf still hadn't noticed the stare from the woman sitting right across from him.
He got up, ignoring everyone's presence, and went up to place his order.
He remained aloof and distant when he returned and took his seat.
His friends didn't question anything, but it wasn't the same for the women.
Specifically, Ireen was concerned.
Her eyes occasionally wandered towards Yusuf, trying to figure out what had put him in such a foul mood.
Nevertheless, Naima turned towards Ariya with a teasing smile.
"Aren't you gonna say something, Ariya?"
Ariya turned towards her with an expression that warned her friend to stop.
Her eyes could convey a thousand words.
"Ariya?"
Zayne called out after the silence stretched on.
"Oh- we have to head back. It's almost class time!"
"But there are still twenty min- mueem!"
Ariya quickly clamped a hand over Ireen's mouth before she could say anything more and stood up, still tightly gripping onto her.
"Then we should leave too."
Haider spoke for the first time.
And right away- Ariya's heart throbbed.
She could feel the warmth rushing back into her face.
The meal itself had been awkward and tense, especially since only moments ago, they had been acting like an ordinary couple.
"Now that I think about it, you were in a hurry this morning too."
Naima spoke as she began getting up.
"Eh- even Haider, this morning he was in a daz-"
"Ah! You ladies are getting late, right? Then we will take our leave!"
Haider suddenly exclaimed, drawing everyone's confused stares towards him.
Zayne and Naima exchanged glances. A subtle smirk played across their lips. Without a single word, an alliance had been formed between them.
They gathered in front of the shop, where they would part ways.
Haider fixed his glasses while Zayne was busy bidding his goodbyes with his bubbly personality.
He was a man, people would feel comfortable around. He was rather easy to talk to, even for Ariya, who had limited interactions with the opposite gender.
"Then I hope to see you again!"
Zayne yelled out while waving his hand in the air.
Haider gave a small bow, while Yusuf didn't even consider bidding farewell. He believed it would be the last time he would see them.
But even with his back turned, her eyes followed him.
Ireen couldn't hold herself back and kept staring.
Without revealing her secret to anyone, she prayed.
InshaAllah, I will see him again.