Chapter 3 Meeting Cousin : Rehmat

Never end a relationship due to a few minor issues.

It is not worth holding grudges because life is too short.

***

Zainab Hassan:

"On my first day, how much more cleaning are they expecting me to do? It is no surprise that their former maid left," I mused to myself. They simply carried on living their lives, not caring or realizing what was going on around them. For them, business comes first.

I was so tired that I almost fell asleep on their opulent leather Chesterfield sofa, but I forced myself to resist the urge. What if I got caught red-handed? Whether or not I was related by blood, I am sure they will give me a hard time. One scratch, and my job is gone; be careful, Zainab.

I was only a child when I last saw my cousins, so I do not remember much about them, and they are unlikely to remember me, let alone accept me into their family. Do they even realize I am now a maid in their home? Friends used to say it was great to have cousins, but I disagree.

Will they ever accept me as a cousin?

A white wooden door caught my attention, and after what seemed like an eternity, I heard someone ask, "What has this girl even been doing for so long anyway?" from the other side.

"Some people are so impatient," a girl's voice said as I knocked again, unsure if I was heard.

I was about to raise my hand for a third knock after feeling ignored for minutes when the door unexpectedly opened wide. "Do you even know how to wait?!" The girl spat rudely.

Be patient. Zainab—patience. When it comes to rude people, I hardly ever have patience.

Exhausted, I remained silent and took a deep breath of frustration as I pushed the cart containing cleaning supplies into her room. I could not help but gasp in silent amazement at how tastefully, yet simply, her room was designed. Greys and purples together created a luxurious atmosphere and upscale aesthetic in her space.

Her king-sized bed, which had a tufted purple heart-shaped headboard and exquisitely decorated valance canopy lace curtains supported by silver poles, was truly stunning. It was really lovely, and it made me wonder if I were Sleeping Beauty—I would definitely never want to be awakened. A light grey three-bedside drawer complemented the two double wardrobes and the mid-sized chest of drawers, which were all perfectly arranged throughout the space, on either side. She even had a private bathroom. 

The air was filled with a divine aroma as an oversized purple lounge chair was positioned next to a glass vase filled with colorful assorted Dutch freesias. White roses and purple freesia flowers were arranged on one side of her bed.

I heard whispers and turned to look at the girl on the phone. She was grinning at something the person on the other end of the call was sharing with her, and I could not help but notice how breathtakingly beautiful her smile was. With her round face and green eyes, which are extremely uncommon to find these days, she had fair skin and was extremely attractive. Her body was flawlessly formed, dressed in the newest styles, and her jet-black hair fell to a mid-length that fell just below her shoulders. She looked like such an innocent person, but looks can be very misleading.

I shook my head, thinking, "I wonder who she is talking to to have her smile break through," since girls these days.

She was dressed in something I have never tried on before—tight blue jeans and a long white blouse. Her lack of a hijab makes it unlikely that we will share many interests!

Why do many girls these days not wear a hijab all the time?

"Does she have any idea who I am? I hope that one day we will become close, go on trips together, and exchange a ton of stories. appears to be around my age."

"Perhaps you should start cleaning after you have stopped daydreaming!" Her harsh and obnoxious tone abruptly interrupted my train of thought. Not even a hello?

I looked away shamefully and apologized, wondering when the call had ended.

Curious, I assumed it was okay to sneak a peek at her while she was facing away, but she had to have realized I was ogling her in the mirror.

"Have you finished staring yet?" "I guess you are the new maid everyone is talking about?" she continued. Was it just my opinion, or was she asking questions?

All I did was nod. I had to maintain my composure. Maybe I can get them to see me differently and welcome me into their family once I get to know them and they start getting to know me. May God will it, Insha'Allah.

"Look, please pick up the pace! She was complaining about many things rather than the blessings she already had as she sat on the luxurious bed. "I have to go to a party," she said.

Gatherings?That word instantly stopped me in my tracks. I tried to gather my thoughts while my hands shook in terror.

Now that her ensuite and bedroom were finally spotless, I took a chance and delicately mentioned, "You know, you should try wearing a hijab around you." Your hair will be protected and you will look even more gorgeous than you already are."

"Well, I do not wear hijabs!" Carelessly adding, "I have never worn one and it will not suit me anyway," she shrugged her shoulders and carried on with her work.

"Besides, you're just a maid and have no opinion," she said in disbelief over my suggestion, whilst suspiciously eyeing the hijab neatly covering my hairNever end a relationship due to a few minor issues.

It is not worth holding grudges because life is too short.

***

Nobody is correct and nobody is perfect and in the end, affection is always greater than perfection.

***

Remember if you are praying for it, GOD is working on it always have faith and patienceNever end a relationship due to a few minor issues.

It is not worth holding grudges because life is too short.

***