Part 46. {Careema} The day my Iddat was over, my mummy called me, and asked me to come to Azaadville. The girls were ecstatic. I still had a bit of a funny nervousness. When we got there, my whole family was there, and much like Suhailas inlaws, it turns out that once a week, they all get together for supper. I doubt Ill be able to make it a weekly occurrence, its quite a drive, but at the very minimum, once a month,mum said not to worry,well have it on Saturday nights,that way I can just sleep over ! My daughters and Sadeks daughter are almost the same age. They get along so well, as teenagers do, discussing shoes, and hair and movies and phones. The little ones seem to all gravitate to Raeesah, with her gentle personality. My sister Salma and Amarah are chatting away. Then she gets out the family albums, and we laugh and tease each other about the olden days hairstyles, and clothes, and silly poses.Amara says haha mum you were taking a lot of selfies in the old days :D I look up and catch my parents watching me. I silently mouth I am so so sorry My daddy shakes his head, and nods to call me over Its finished, no more sorry he says. Again, my eyes fill with tears, and as mummy hugs me, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around and its Salma. I was so angry at you, for so long! she says. I couldnt understand why...but now I do. Im sorry, and Im so glad to have you back. Youve raised beautiful girls, and, and... You know I do... I missed you so much! I used to stalk you on facebook, and I wanted to phone you so many times! I was just so ashamed, Im so sorry What about me? Asks my younger brother Ebrahim. You didnt stalk me? Im insulted! We all start laughing, and Daddy says Whats with you people? Since when did I have such a bunch of cry-babies as family, but I must say I love having the family all together,may Allah keep us united ! Its these moments that I missed most. I was also just glad to be out of the house again! Even though I kept myself busy by reading and doing things about the house, I have to admit I got very restless. After a few weeks, I started swimming, and its become addictive. It doesn’t matter whether its sunny or gloomy, I try to swim everyday. I’ve lost such a lot of weight that most of my clothes don’t fit me anymore. Saj actually got a shock when she came to visit me last week. She thought it was depression, lol! Imagine that!!! But no, I’m in a better space than I’ve been in years, and probably in the best shape that I’ve been in years as well :D We spent the night there and then drove back to Joburg the next morning. I really need to think of a way to generate an income. I dont even have a matric certificate. I could try selling Avon, Justine,herbalife, Tupperware...but theres so many of those aunties. I dont want my parents and family to know whats happening with my finances. I need to make a plan for myself. Maybe I should go back to school, do a course, get some sort of a qualification... I start listing the things I can do: •look after kids •cook •maybe do school transport Hey, thats it! I could start a catering company. My kitchen is for sure big enough, I have so much equipment, and lots of experience too! But not regular function type of catering. I remember Suhaila saying at work meetings, she has to have crackers and cheese because none of the food is halaal. Maybe corporate halaal catering :D the first real idea that could, maybe, possibly work. I have to go shopping for a pressie for our new handsome little man. We still having Nuhas baby shower, and its still a surprise, just that the baby is already here. I wear a skinny jeans,butterfly top that flows and pumps,which could never fit me before,I must say I look very nice,I dab some lipgloss and ghd my hair but wear my hijaab. The girls are going to watch a movie with their friends, so after they leave, I start with one baby store after the other. They have the most adorable things these days. I got this adorable babygrow that looks like a tuxedo, a playmat thingie, few more vests with cute slogans, a towel, and some bath toys. I think its enough. I go to a coffee shop, and am about to order myself the usual large latte and choc cake, but opt for ice tea and fruit salad instead.Azra would be so proud of me,that reminds me I need to ask to help me draw up a eating plan,shes brilliant with diets,calories and portions. I have my large notebook out and start scribbling ideas from the menu for my maybe-business. Just as the waiter brings my order over, I hear a familiar voice shout For goodness sakes Abby, make him stop! I look over and see this tiny girl, in sky high heels, desperately trying to get a baby to stop crying. So thats Ani I say to myself. I sit in my quiet corner watching them. She cant maneover the pram into the crowded coffee shop, then the other baby starts crying. Aslams phone rings, and he walks away,seems nothing has changed ! I walk up to her, say Hello, do you need some help? Shes so frazzled, she doesnt even look up, and says yes, gosh babies are hard work hey? I pick the little guy, theres a very distinct similarity to my girls. I put him on my shoulder, and gently rub his back, a few seconds later, hes out. I place him back into the pram, as Aslam returns and says Careema, what the hell?! He looks at me in shock, like he cant believe its me...but then again, I never bothered looking good for him. Now I do it truly for myself! Then I remember he hasn’t seen me since that first meeting with the mufti, so he’s probably in shock about how much weight I’ve lost as well and how Im dressed,he usually only used to see me in tent like clothing :D Slm Aslam, how are you I smile. Im doing the macarena on the inside. I was just helping Ani out with the babies. She wasnt quite managing She looks up at me, and her face is a weird mix of burning red but sort-of pale. Im sure the girls are done with their movie now... Take care They just stand there and stare at me Now its whopa gangnam style! I turn and walk away,with my head held high. Aslam the ass: -10 points Careema the awesome: 100000 points........... :D
Posted on: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 07:59:32 +0000