Of all the times for them to go for a holiday!!
Muaawiya was happy, but at the same time, that meant that he would not be able to go through with his plan to tell Azra how he felt…
He couldn’t explain it; something was bothering him about the situation…
Nevertheless, he put on a bright smile and shared in his mother’s excitement…
She had worked hard for this, and she definitely deserved it, and while he had his reservations and fears, he wasn’t going to ruin it for her…
“That’s great Ma, where are we going?” he asked, carefully hiding his negative thoughts and feelings…
“To the east, it’s a place called Crystal Springs… My friend was telling me it’s very nice there, and the drive, although it’s long, is very scenic” his mother told him…
She cleared the table and washed the dishes…
As was his habit, Muaawiya proceeded to dry and pack them away…
He’d heard of the place…
It was far from Jo’burg, but quite worth it…
If only Azra could tag along, it would be perfect!
While Muaawiya thought this, he knew it wouldn’t happen…
Azra’s father allowed him time with his daughter, but he would never allow them to go away together, even if his mother would be around…
Muaawiya smiled to himself as the thought crossed his mind, it was a ridiculous thought indeed…
Rabia caught the smile, but said nothing…
She hadn’t spent much time with him, and she knew very little about him…
But this holiday afforded them some much needed mother-son bonding time…
Not to mention, a much needed rest…
Since she’d gotten back on her feet, it seemed that she constantly worked.
She time for nothing else! And while it pained her; feeling that she was neglecting Muaawiya, she knew that all this was For him…
He needed an education, and hopefully that would lead to good things…
After having been kicked out by his father, Rabia had very little contact with him…
It took her nearly five years to call him and ask for child support…
Farhaad didn’t provide any, complaining that he now had other kids to take care of…
A year later, Rabia tried again; she knew she couldn’t keep relying on her friend for support, especially for her son when he had a father…
Once again she was denied, and was promptly divorced…
She received a call from the other woman a week later, telling her to stay the hell away from her husband…
Rabia was distraught…
That was her husband, First!
How dare that woman….!!
But she left it, and never bothered to call Farhaad again…
Their ties were now forever severed, and she would never allow him to destroy Muaawiya the way he had destroyed her…
Muaawiya surprisingly never asked about his father…
She didn’t know if it was because he knew how much it hurt her to talk about him, or if he was too hurt to bring it up…
She only hoped that one day it would no longer hurt either of them…
That a day would come, and they would look at the scars, and there would be no pain…
It had been a long time since they’d been anywhere…
A few years ago, Hawa and her family had invited them for a weekend to Bela-Bela, and since then they’d been nowhere…
It wasn’t that they didn’t want to go, but with the move, and Muaawiya’s university fees, it was impossible…
At least they would get these next two weeks to spend in a beautiful place, and hopefully restore their bond…
The drive, as was expected, was long, hot and tiring.
Muaawiya drove all the way, stopping only for Salaah, and to eat…
His mother had packed them some delicious ‘padkos’ and Azra had sent some snacks.
She was excited for Muaawiya’s trip, but also seemed a little eager to see him off.
Muaawiya couldn’t help but wonder why…
They arrived early in the evening, just as the sun began to set…
Muaawiya got off the car and stretched…
He stopped, and stared at the scenery before him…
It was truly breathtaking!
Azra would love this, he thought, taking out his phone and taking a quick picture.
He smiled, thinking that she was going to be so jealous!
“The drive was so tiring hey, but at least it was lovely. These mountains are so beautiful!” his mother chimed, getting off the car..
“Let’s go check in then we can have a rest” Muaawiya said, appreciating the look of the place…
As they were checking in, another family entered the reception building…
There seemed to be so many kids, two were crying and making a fuss, and the shouting father just added to the noise.
Suddenly, Muaawiya felt happy that he was an only child!
They received their room’s keys, and made their way to the exit…
Amid the noise stood a young girl, trying furiously to calm her siblings.
For a brief moment, she looked up, and caught Muaawiya’s eye…
This unexpected glance made her blush and she quickly looked away.
As she turned to steal a second glance, she realised that he had already left.
Just then, her little brother, in a fit of anger, bolted towards the door…
It’s what he did, he’d run, and run until he couldn’t anymore..
“Catch him!” her mother yelled, and she was after him in a heartbeat…
He was seven, but he had the tenacity of a wild dog.
He would most likely run, until who knows when!
When she came outside though, she was quite surprised.
He hadn’t gotten very far…
There he was, being clutched by none other than Muaawiya.
She walked slowly towards them, both a little shy and a little cautious.
Her brother had stopped screaming, and all the anger seemed to be drained out of him.
“He tripped, I think he scraped his knee, but he’ll be okay” Muaawiya said, patting the little boys head.
She should have been concerned about her little brother, but the girl couldn’t take her eyes off of Muaawiya…
His hair, his eyes, the way his lips curled when he smiled…
“Anyway…” Muaawiya said, waving and turning to leave…
She didn’t want him to go just yet, she wanted to look at him some more!
What was wrong with her!??
Red faced and shy, she thrust out her hand.
“I’m Naseema!!” she shouted…
(Hey guys, apologies for the lateness of the post, needed to do some catching up… Big shout out to all the single parents!! You do a great job!! 🙂
Anyway, enjoy! )
❤
Tales Of A Raconteur 