fiddy22 This chapter is for you dearest Yinmu🤗😍😘

It is funny how life goes on with or without you. It doesn't matter how loved you are or how great you've been. People will grieve over your loss and probably hurt forever but their lives go on, they keep doing what they've been doing when you were alive, they will eat, smile, laugh, cry and do it over and over again sometimes missing you, sometimes forgetting that you existed and there will come a time when you'll just be a memory, someone who was in their lives but not anymore and that's practically it.

If you're lucky, they remember you and include you in their duas, asking Allah to have mercy on you and grant you repose from the torments of grave, they may whisper it or say it in sujood. It doesn't matter how though, because that's the ultimate form of love; to be prayed for long after you're gone.

Rufaidah got over her grief weeks after Mommy's death and went back to work, she often visit her dad who no longer stays at home but travels round the world thinking it might make him forget or lessen the pain he feels. Al'amin got a job offer in one of his Father's friend's company and he's more than ecstatic to start because he has been dreaming about working there for ages. Most of the maids in the Sa'ad's mansion were dismissed leaving only a few behind since there's no one to take care of when daddy is around and Shams has packed out to Uncle Jibran's.

A year ago, if you tell the siblings that they will miss their mother, cry and grieve over her demise, they will deny vehemently and tell you they will not, that she means nothing to them but now they are regretting the years they spent apart, hating and blaming her for the mistakes she made. Realizing just how short life is. As easy as it is to forgive than forget, they've forced themselves to forget the past, to wear their scars like a crown and move on.

Mas'ud went back to the states to pack his belongings and finally come home. Saying he can't be happy anywhere but where he has his siblings and extended family around. He calls and texts Rufaidah and Shams everyday to catch up on lost time.

Al'amin came home to a far away looking Rufaidah with hands on chin.

"Hey babe! How was work?" A'amin brought Rufaidah out of reverie handing her a tube of ice cream he grabbed on his way back home from work. He had been saying the Salam for long which she didn't hear at all.

"Uhh! Hello. Alhamdulillah. When did you come in? Welcome back how was yours?" She asked, collecting the tube from him and avoiding his eyes.

Al'amin sat beside her drawing her close. "A while ago, what were you thinking of? You seemed loss" he enquired, kissing her forehead.

"Life in general I guess" she replied with a shrug taking a spoonful of her favorite flavor.

"You shouldn't be thinking all the time whenever you are alone okay? In shaa Allah mommy is in a better place. Allah loves her more than we do, she was a gift to us, we all are a gift to others which will be taken away someday, don't you think it is better if we pray for the ones we've lost and enjoy the time we have before we finally leave this world too? Thinking, grieving and crying won't bring her back but at least our duaas will in shaa Allah give her repose in grave and Allah may accept it and have mercy on her" he consoled tracing invisible circles on her palm.

"I know Malik, I do know that and am trying. I was even thinking about Yaya Mas'ud, how it will be good if he gets married. I don't want him to come back and stay in that house all alone with no one to take care of him but maids. Considering his past life, he might relapse"  She confessed her fears.

"You're right Noor, Mama was saying the same thing the last time I went to see her. Let him come home first, I'm sure he will love the idea but who are we going to marry him to? You know his past and it will be unfair to lie about it, the truth will come out one way or another"

"We will tell them everything. It is their choice to give him a chance or not but we are not going to lie simply because no sane family will give out their daughter to a former drug addict, petty thief and whatever he had been doing" she flail her arms in frustration.

Al'amin tried his best to calm and pacify her before he finally left to the masjid leaving her at home to offer her salah.

*

Zubaidah called later that day telling her that her wedding day has been fixed with the love of her life and she should come over to start the wedding preparations.

"That's the duty of your big sister young lady. You can't stress me, I refused to be stressed. I almost died before my wedding" She grumbled.

"You can't do that to me sis! I was there for you, I made sure you had a perfect dress, a perfect wedding and all and now you're talking about stress? Rufaidah Noor Sa'ad don't get me angry okay? I might just come drag you out of your house right this instant, kidnap you to do my bidding and only release you when am done "stressing you out" witch " Zubaidah bellowed, fuming with anger.

"I will love to see you try sister dearest" Rufaidah said, hanging up the phone to laugh to her heart's content. She can't miss planning her favorite girl's wedding, she just loves riling her up.

"We have a wedding to plan babe" she announced to Al'amin who is doing some work on his laptop.

"Mashaa Allah, May Allah spare our lives till then. Am sure am going to be seeing and having less of you until it's over" he pouted

"No one is going to take me away from you. I can't afford to miss you too remember? I will always be here" She assured, giving him a flying kiss from the bed she is lying in.

"I know" he reciprocated back the kiss and went back to work.

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It is a few weeks to Ramadan and their anniversary will fall in it. Rufaidah is beyond ecstatic to have her first Ramadan with the love of her life, he is making her happy, happier than she ever thought she will be, she is still making entries in her journal and not a single day passes by that she doesn't make duaa for her mother.

Zubaidah's wedding preparation has been set in motion while Shams and Hajar's love is blooming everyday. 

A week to Ramadan, Al'amin surprised Rufaidah by picking her from office after working hours.

"What's the occasion babe?" She asked with an amused look on her face seeing how he held her bag in his hands, opened her door and even asked what she'd love to listen to on the radio.

"Can't a husband pamper his wife once in a while?" He raised a brow, giving her his million dollar smile.

Rufaidah coughed laugher, before saying " A husband is allowed to pamper his wife always. Thanks babe. I love you" she professed entwining their hands.

It turned out that Al'amin wanted them to shop for Ramadan and gifts they will give to their families. Rufaidah welcomed and loved the idea. She called Hajia Samira for advice on what to get as they arrived at the market.

He bargained better than she did, he bought the things she needed but forgot to add to the impromptu list she made in the car, he held her close when someone passes by so as not to graze shoulders or bump into her, he ask her to add more to the things she bought in small quantity. He was a gentle man in general and she loved him more for that.

They were so tired by the time they get home.

"Yah Rabbi, gaskiya mata kuna kokari, so this is how hard it is to shop" he exclaimed with a tired sigh flopping on the couch.

"I know right! but thank you for going there with me Maalik. You're the bestest. You make me fall more in love with you everyday that my heart is all swelled up. May Allah bless you for me, I will keep striving to be everything you're to me and more. Thank you and you earned yourself a massage" she mocked saluted him on her way to the kitchen to drop the last package they bought.

"Amin habibty. You deserve more than I can ever give or do to you" he hollered back sinking deeper into the couch.

Rufaidah quickly whipped up fried cous cous with the left over sauce they had the other day which they washed down with ginger drink before Maghrib.

Before going to bed, they made a list of the people they are going to help with foodstuffs and those they are going to give some gifts. True to her words, Rufaidah gave Al'amin a befitting massage that almost drove him crazy.

They visited Mama and the Jibran's including some extended family. They managed to coax Daddy into spending Ramadan in Nigeria with everyone. Mas'ud is back and staying with the Jibrans too. Ummi will spend Ramadan with Rufaidah which is a suggestion made by Hajja since Rufaidah doesn't have a maid. The duo were excited to be together because they are too busy with work and school they hardly meet.

"Hope you're going to host iftar for us in your humble abode?" Zubaidah asked Rufaidah shortly after they arrived at their house.

"I wanted to, but babe said he doesn't want me to stress too much " Rufaidah said with a poker face.

"Ohh okay... You're talking about stress a lot these days, don't tell me it's what am thinking?" Zubaidah squealed out loud. Startling everyone.

Rufaidah face palmed before whispering aggressively into her ears " you're a total psycho. You people only think about pregnancy all the damn time like it's the only reason why people marry. He doesn't want me to stress because he loves me. If you shout out loud again I will castrate you. Dumb girl"

Zubaidah kept mum about the pregnancy issue the whole time the couple stayed until the moment they are seeing them off.

"Yaya Al'amin your Noor said that you will not be hosting Iftar for us poor souls simply because you don't want her to be stressed. Is that so?" She batted her lashes for theatrics.

"Yes, I said so. You all can bring your food on a day that's convenient for you. My babe can't cook for your hungry stomachs" he replied giving his wife a wink. Rufaidah mentally high fived him for saving her the trouble before they zoomed off.

"Thank you for what you did back there. That witch is out to get my life"

"I got you babe. Always. And am serious about not wanting to stress you. We will only host it if you're up for it"

"We will do that in shaa Allah. Ummi will be here, Zubs and Hajar will lend a hand too. Am thinking of making pap or beans cake for the Almajiris everyday. What do you say?" She asked

"That's a good idea babe. Mama use to do that every year. But instead of pap and beans cake why don't we make something different like a drink with cold water and some snacks on Fridays ?" He suggested.

"That's perfect babe. We will buy different flavors of Tiara with Hibiscus,ginger and what not" she replied sliding to the edge of her seat excitedly. They looked so happy and fulfilled you'll think that they were planning something that will benefit them alone.

"May Allah reward you with jannah Noor. May He give me the ability to keep you happy always. Whenever you smile or sound genuinely happy, my heart gets warm knowing that am the reason behind it. I can't believe it's almost a year since the day we become one. Looking back, I know it will remain the best and most important day of my life because I have you. You complete me Noor, you make me realized just how bland is without you in it.

Thank you for treating my family with respect and humility, thank you for bringing out the best in me. Thank you for being my wife, my Malikah, my Noor and my Rabbaitul bait" his speech took her off guard rendering her speechless.  She kissed the back of his hands lying her head on his shoulders as they drive back home. Sometimes, we portray how we feel with actions and we appreciate by giving more, doing more and being the best we can ever be.

Rufaidah sent Al'amin a heartfelt text message telling him how his words made her feel and how grateful she is to have him as her husband. They kept exchanging texts as they lay in bed, her head on his chest and his hands tracing her corn rows.

"This is a waste of data and energy love" Rufaidah teased looking up at his hooded eyes.

"Nothing is a waste when it comes to you. Enjoy and shut up" he put his finger on her lips to keep her quiet. Rufaidah agreed and they had a swell time. They planned on the meals they are going to make for Iftar and Suhoor, the ones they are going to send to his house, daddy and the Jibrans, adhkar timetable when they are at work and at home, it was a beautiful sight to behold as they cling together, crossing the T's and dotting the I's dead into the night.

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Ummi arrived at the house on the first day of Ramadan. The couple were both at work making her have the house to herself to do some cleaning even though the house is spotless. She commended Rufaidah for her growth and maturity. she often wondered what a waste it will be if she hadn't turned for the better, they will never know the wonderful woman she is deep inside. She will forever be grateful to her because she gave her the best gift; education which she will never take for granted. There are days she spends hours in sujood praying for her happiness and she will never stop doing that.

Rufaidah came back at noon happy to have Ummi at her house. She briefed her on the menu before going into her room to get some rest. Ummi is almost done preparing the things needed by the time Rufaidah woke up and she almost topple her for that.

"You're such a blessing darling. Am happy to have you here. Is Maalik back ?" She asked, looking around for her husband.

"He came back a few minutes ago but he forgot something in the office so he left to get it" Ummi replied marveling at how a few days to their anniversary they are still so much in love with each other. Al'amin didn't even reply to her greetings before asking after his wife whom he was told is having some rest.

"Alright. Allah dawo min dashi lafiya. I kinda miss him today" she pouted.

"You miss him whenever you're not joined to the hip" Ummi teased earning herself a whack.

"Bazaki gane bane kawai " Rufaidah mumbled before ambulating to the kitchen to start making Iftar.

They work in harmony as they talk about work and school. How everyone is coping at home now that it is almost empty and how it's good to have Mas'ud back.

"I don't understand o. The way you speak about my brother as if he's this dream guy baffles me " Rufaidah couldn't help but voice out her thoughts.

"Kai aunty Rufaidah. He's just so nice to me and I like his accent. He speaks hausa as if he wasn't raised here and he always say thank you, God bless you and kind things like that. Is it a crime to appreciate people who see you as a human being other than a maid?"

"So We treat you as a maid huh? He's the only decent human being in our house right?" Rufaidah decided to drag the issue, enjoying every bit of it.

"No! I didn't say that. All of you are nice to me and I appreciate you too. It's just different with him considering the fact that he lived most of his life abroad. I was expecting a condescending treatment from him. Am just surprised that's all"

"I see" She smirked and kept mum for a while. Inwardly praying that her hunch is right.

Al'amin came in with fruits and dates and she welcomed him as usual.

"You look tired babe. Go in and take a shower, I will come get you when it's a few minutes to Iftar"

"But I want to help Noor. I told you I won't let you gather all the rewards alone" he protested.

"This is the first day babe, we have twenty eight more days to go. Besides Ummi is here and we are almost done. Get some rest I promise that you will set the table. Cool?" She stretched her hands for him to take before leading him to the room and locking him inside.

"I know how stubborn you can be. Stay right there until I tell you to come out" she shouted as she moved back to the kitchen.

They were done 45mimutes to Iftar after which they freshened up and Ummi took out the large container with ginger drink to the guy Al'amin tasked with taking it to the Almajiri school nearby. Rufaidah handed him his own package with a token to buy chilled sachet water for the Masjid.

Ummi insisted that she will leave the couple alone and have her Iftar in the guest room. They adamantly reject the idea saying she's family too.

"Don't be shy to eat in my presence. I'll be busy gawking at my wife to even notice you" Al'amin teased finally weakening her resolve and she is forced to witness a rare kind of love she prays to have someday.

They packed everything away before heading to the masjid for Ishaa and Taraweeh prayers. Rufaidah enjoyed every bit of it, she even shed some tears of joy. She was overwhelmed by the feeling of peace and contentment as she joined other Muslim sisters in salah, worshipping and praising Allah The Almighty, seeking for His mercy and forgiveness. It was a feeling she will live to cherish till they day she died.

Al'amin waited for them outside the Masjid after Salah. Sensing that he wanted to have a word with his wife in private, Ummi walked ahead of the duo.

"How was your first day of Ramadan as Mrs Al'amin Muhammad?" Al'amin asked, collecting her Duaa book and praying carpet.

"Alhamdulillah it was the best. I can't believe I've been missing this special moment babe. Alhamdulillah for Islam. May we witness many more Ramadan to come in good health and wealth" He mumbled an Ameen as they lazily strolled back home.

They woke up as planned by 3am to offer some Nawafils before sahoor.

*

Time flies especially when you're enjoying the peace and spirituality of Ramadan and today marked the 20th day of the holy month. The couple had invited their immediate family members for iftar. There was chaos as the ladies keep making preparations for delicious meals since morning. There was so much food, love and laughter at Iftar as they share private jokes, reminisce on old memories and making new ones.

"Thank you so much guys for hosting us.  This is by far the best gathering I've attended in ages" Mas'ud said as they were leaving. Rufaidah noticed how his eyes were glued on Ummi.

"My sis is becoming a pro at being a wonderful cook, a housewife and a host" Shams whose attention had been on Hajar throughout Iftar complimented with a mock salute.

"Aye aye lover boy, you better send your elders for introduction before you totally lose your sanity. It seems like it will be better to marry you off with Zubaidah" Al'amin chipped in giving his best friend a smack on his back.

"My point exactly! They are literally glued to each other. They have no shame at all. Whenever he's at home, you'll find them whispering in the living room. He takes her to and from school, they spend the whole night on phone I wonder if they are talking about love or how to save the world" Zubaidah rambled on like she's waiting for an opportunity to run her mouth.

"I will talk to daddy about it bro. Don't worry I got you" Mas'ud said after sending a quick text message on his phone.

Al'Amin's brothers joined in the banter too before they finally left for prayers after which they will proceed back home. Everyone was happy but the ladies were tired. Rufaidah took a quick shower and called it a day leaving Al'amin and Ummi to clean off the mess.

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On the morning of their anniversary, Al'amin woke up to huge balloons saying Happy 52 Weeks of love and happiness Malik. He was taken by surprise because he never expected to be surprised by his wife with anything. He only knew about the journal he can't wait to read and that's it. He broke into full blown smile hugging his wife to himself, telling her just how much he loves her and how their 52 weeks together were the best days of his life, days he won't trade for anything.

"I love you Noor. I've loved you through the good and bad days we had and I promise to love you for the rest of my days till jannah in shaa Allah. May Allah bless you and forgive your shortcomings. I pray that you never feel sad because of me and whenever you're going through a rough phase, I will be the one to make you smile and make things right.

Am sorry if I ever hurt you or make you feel like you're not the most important person in my life after my parents. I promise to be a better husband, a better confidante and a better soul mate. May Allah shower His immense blessings upon you and yours because they've blessed me with a kind soul like you. Happy anniversary Babe, I love you more than words can ever say" He kissed her forehead before heading to the bathroom to make wudu for Tahajjud.

Rufaidah was rendered motionless as she stood there like a statue waiting for her husband. She had so many things to tell him, practiced how to say them even but now he has formatted her brain leaving only his words running through every part of her being. He led them in prayers as the bowed down to Al Jabbar, Al Gafur Al Rahim. One who has written their names next to each other. Who gave them the strength to fight for each other and the ability to portray their love in a way they will get reward and be happy. They stayed longer in sujood praying for each other, asking Allah for many more happy years ahead, asking Him to bless them with children that will be the coolness of their eyes, to forgive their shortcomings and give them the best of both worlds. They asked for khair and Allah's barakah in everything that they lay their hands on and they prayed for their parents both dead and alive, for their family and the world at large.

A barrage of text messages were sent to them at Sahoor from family members wishing them happy anniversary. The group chat created by Shams is also bombarded with messages congratulating and teasing them for surviving each other after a year. There are also so many heartfelt messages saying how ideal their relationship is, how perfect they are for each other and how they can't wait to have mini them in the family. It was an intimate, simple and glorious affair.

After subh,Al'amin demanded for his anniversary gift from Rufaidah who told him to go back to sleep and rest, she has one more entry to make before finally allowing him to see through her pain and healing process. He reluctantly obliged saying she needs rest too.

"My lovely brother gave me the day off to enjoy my anniversary" she stuck her tongue out sashaying out of the room to the study to gather her thoughts and write for the last time before baring her soul out to her beloved husband.

She is thankful for all the days they've spent together. The good and bad moments and everything in between. His patience on days she felt like hurting him and herself and many more. She sealed everything up in a beautiful gift box including a handcrafted letter.

There's something about genuine love that mend the most broken of hearts. You've understood my silence more than my words. You've seen my pain  through my eyes and you've selflessly accepted the broken pieces of me trying to make me whole everyday. You've been my rock, my pillar and ray of sunshine. i don't deserve the name Noor but you do.  My life before you makes me cringe but Alhamdulillah it's what brought you to me, my life with you is what makes me better, the best part of my day is always with you. I can't imagine a life without you but it's something I can't control so am going to love you everyday like it's our last day together till the day I die.

Love,
Malikaah Noor❤

She wanted to get a thoughtful gift for him but was out of options as what to get him so she ordered a beside lamp which is a Quran reciter with different options. It's cute, fancy and a perfect gift for someone who lives a contented life.

She found him in bed waiting for her with a smile on his face.

"Finally, you get to read the gory details of the things no one knows about. Am happy that I get to trust you with this despite the fact that you might use it against me but I don't care whether you will or will not because I've given you my heart, my body and my soul malik" she said handing him the box before going into the bathroom to catch her breath.

"I realized that I have never bought an expensive gift for you and you never demanded anything from me. This life we have is far less glamorous than the one you're used to but you never complain. I've racked my brain on what to get you today to compensate for all the times I failed to spoil you rotten and I decided that we should go for Umrah and Hajj to the Holy land because it will please you the most than a ticket to any other country" he said waiving the tickets.

"Subhanallah! Babes! This is the best gift ever. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love you so much" she jumped on him forgetting that she's in a bathrobe. She peppered kisses all over his face giggling and thanking him over and over again. Her excitement made him so happy he gathered her in his arms inhaling her scent.

"There are some new Abayas and Hijabs in the closet for you, those brooches you were ogling at online the other day and some lingeries for your majesty" he gave a mock bow before leaving the room.

True to his words, Rufaidah hardly recognized her side of the closet because it looks like everything in there is new. She squealed happily picking out a beige colored abaya to dress in even though she's sleepy and in need of rest.

Al'amin laid down on the couch in the living room and skimmed through the thick journal given to him by his dearly beloved. He hoped she isn't panicking but getting some rest after all the hassle she went through preparing for their anniversary surprise. He wondered if she has slept a wink the other night. He is going to show her just how much he loves her during Iftar and he can't wait to see her face when the real anniversary gift finally gets delivered.

He cried, he smiled and he marvel at how strong his wife is while reading her journal and he didn't regret joining his life with hers for the rest of his life. He closed the book he is going to cherish forever because in it are boldly written strengths and weaknesses of his Maalikah, her scars and the reason why she is such a phenomenal woman. He could go to any length to make her happy because she deserves nothing short of it. He whispered a silent dua for her and them both before he started writing a letter in reply to the one she handed him earlier.

You came into my life like a ray of sunshine. Even though you think you're broken, something to be mended, I know deep inside that you're the strongest woman I've ever come across in life. Reedah used to sing praises of you everyday saying you need a little push to be better, Mama loves you like her own and never for once gave up on you and I on the other hand is the luckiest to have you as my wife, as beautiful and strong and valuable as you're, I get to call you mine Noor and that's the greatest gift in this life and for that , I whisper in sujood everyday for Allah to bless you for me and grant us jannah so that even then, I'll be your one and only till infinity.

I love you Maalikah, I've gone through your journal and it made me love you more. I am happy that we get to grow together and that being with me is speeding up your recovery. You're a superwoman wifey. Happy 52 weeks of love and blessings. I wish to spend more days, weeks, months and years for you till I can't stand straight, until I breath my last knowing that I've been the happiest when you're around me.

With gratitude and love;
Maalik ❤

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Alhamdulillah ! Alhamdulillah!! Alhamdulillah!!! After the long wait, so much hassle on my side, so many trashed out drafts and beating myself up for being the worst writer on planet earth, the last chapter of 52 weeks is here.

Thank you for your patience and support. I hope ya'all are in good health and best of Iman and you've had the best Ramadan and Eid with family and loved ones during this lockdown. May Allah continue to guide and protect us all. May He bring an end to this pandemic and all the unfortunate occurrences around us.

There is going to be an Epilogue but am not promising an early update but it will come whenever I get the time and peace of mind to write.

Stay beautifully blessed. Sakumullah khair for all the touching comments. I see them all and they motivate me to write more.

Until then in shaa Allah.

Lot's of love;

Aisha🤗❤