The next day after breakfast, Saleem wanted to call Salamat but couldn't summon up the courage till noon, after his prayers. He recharged his line and tried composing himself before dialing her number.
When Salamat picked at the third ring, he lost his voice.
"Peace unto you bighead", Salamat's voice came through from the other side.
"And unto you too, small head. How are you doing?", he asked her when he found his voice.
"I am fine and you?"
"I am ok, how is mum and dad?", he asked her.
"They are fine, mum is here and she sends her greetings. How is your dad's health now?"
"He is fine now, we thank the Almighty."
"Okay, my regards to everyone. So whatsup", she said.
"I miss you", Saleem said feeling emotional.
"Uh...oh I wish you know how much I miss that bighead of yours too", Salamat said laughing.
Saleem was silent and Salamat said, "Hello, are you there?"
"Yeah, are you still with your mum?"
"Not really, she just steps out now to receive a call. Is everything Ok? Why is your voice down?"
"Nothing really, it's just that I have something to tell you", he said.
"Ok, I am all ears", she replied.
Saleem's heart was breathing fast and he changed his mind. "Never mind dear, it's nothing."
"Don't do that Saleem... I know it's something, so tell me what it is. Say whatever you want to say now or else I will break your head."
Saleem smiled and said, "Okay give me a minute."
He breathes in and out and finally blurted out. "Salamat, what I want to say is a thing of the heart. I don't know how it will sound to you but I just feel you must know. I will respect whatever decision you make concerning this issue", he said in one breath.
"We have been friends for 2 years now and I feel I know you well enough. You are religious, modest, kind, decent, and intelligent and I see a queen in you. I like your personality and I will like you to be the mother of my unborn kids. I care and adore you Wumi...I... I will like to ask you to give me the go-ahead to come to ask for your hand in marriage from mum and dad", he finished and exhaled the air he had been holding in, while Salamat was quiet all through.
"Saleem, I am highly disappointed in you", she finally said and ended the call.
Saleem was hurt and sad. He felt ashamed of himself and regretted voicing out his feelings.
"If I had known, I would have kept it to myself, he told himself.
'Now I doubt if she will ever want to see me again or continue being my friend'.
Saleem was moody throughout the day and when Hadiza noticed the moodiness, she guessed Salamat must have rejected him. She did not bother to ask him but stayed out of his way so he wouldn't pour out his frustration on her.
Saleem went back to school a week later and tried keeping himself busy. After two days in school, he received a call from Salamat.
"How are you doing", she asked him.
"I am fine, thank you", he replied in a low tone.
"I...I am so sorry about what happened the other day", she structured. "I think I overreacted."
"It's ok, I should be the one apologizing. I am sorry for being too forward and for taking our friendship for granted. It won't repeat itself again", he promised.
Salamat was silent before saying "I'm sorry once again. I don't know what came over me and besides, I never expected it. It's just that I value our friendship more than you can imagine. What you said to me isn't going to be possible because there are a lot of things you don't know about me", she explained.
"Salamat, don't use that as an excuse because I know you well enough, even more than you can imagine. And there is nothing about you that can change what I feel, so forget it", he uttered.
"I agree that you know me but not everything about me and I am not willing to share that part of my life with you. You told me to forget my past and that is the exact thing I am doing."
"You are wrong... You are still dwelling in the past, that's why it's affecting you. Remember I once told you that the past can be used to shape the future by bringing it to the present. Anyways, whatever it is, you don't have to tell me... I am ok with that, being friends with you satisfies me", he told her.
"Thanks for being understanding.... so are we still friends?", she asked with mixed feelings.
"Of course we are", he said.
"Thanks, bighead."
"You are welcome, princess Salamat."
"Hey, don't be a thief... why are you using my dad's word", she said and laughed. "I need to go now, see you in school tomorrow."
"Alright, bye and take care of yourself", he said and disconnected the call.