“Nothing. We’re just saying,” Mr. Haroun said.
“Saying what?”
“We… wouldn’t want Zainab to hear about it. What would she think?” Mr. Abdul said.
“Oh, give it a break, you two,” someone said behind me, and I turned to find Imam Rajab.
“Imam Sahib,” I said with a dip of my head.
“Hello, Samir. Haroun, Abdul, are you two gossiping by any chance?” Imam Rajab said, raising an eyebrow.
“No,” Mr. Haroun said.
“We’re just concerned,” Mr. Abdul said.
“About?”
The two uncles stayed quiet.
“First of all, what Samir does is no one’s business but his and Allah’s. Second of all, how many times do we have to say it before you get it? Samir and Zainab are divorced. They’re no longer together. Zainab even has a girlfriend. So stop bothering Samir and spreading whatever concern you think you have and let the man be. Gossip is haram. You wouldn’t want to be caught gossiping, now, would you?”
The uncles shook their heads and apologized to the imam before making their exit, and I was left alone with him.
“Are you okay?”
I glanced at the uncles practically running with their tails between their legs and nodded.
“Yeah. I’m fine. I’m used to those two by now.”
“But you shouldn’t. It’s not nice what they’re doing. I’ll have another talk with them next time I see them.”
“Oh no, it’s okay.”
The imam shook his head and put a hand on my shoulder.
“It’s not. Don’t worry. They’ll listen to me.” He smiled, and I couldn’t help but reciprocate. “How are you? Is it true? Are you dating someone?”
I pursed my lips and glanced back at Imam Rajab.
“I thought gossiping is haram.” I chuckled.
The imam gasped.
“I’m simply taking interest in one of my brothers.”
“Well,” I said, “if it’s an interest. I am… sort of dating someone. It’s complicated.”
“Well, then. Uncomplicate it for me.”
I took a deep breath and told him about the auction, the arrangement, and the dates. It felt like I did so in one single breath because I was panting when I finished, which entertained the imam more.
“Hmm. I might not agree with Zainab’s ways, but I’m glad you stepped out of your comfort zone and decided to live a little.”
“I was living before,” I complained.
“Yes, you were.” He chuckled. “But you were stuck, weren’t you? Zainab moved on, she’s happy and all, and you…”
“I’m happy!”
