Rosh Hashanah 2001

Allah is Laughing

Dec 15

It was hard to get into the joy of the holiday season after the attacks. Zainab had to navigate through the various religious practices and celebrations of the three major monotheistic religions while trying desperately not to smack everyone in the back of the head. She was beyond frazzled and Ibrahim did his best to get her through it all.
When an employee of a nearby suite popped in to wish Ibrahim a happy Rosh Hashanah, Zainab felt like a moron.
I am so sorry, Ibrahim. I didn’t even notice. Happy Rosh Hashanah.
Thank you. It’s okay. It’s not your religion.
I know but I try. I have my mind so full of everything else that I can’t even remember which holiday Rosh Hashanah is. A little help, please.
It’s the new year, Tina.
Thanks. Do you have any special plans?
We’re going to visit family and the kids are coming in.
Does that mean that you get to see the grandbaby again?
Yes. He is so adorable and he’s so excited about being a big brother soon.
I bet everyone is overjoyed. They are both amazing parents.
Yeah. They are good kids.
David and Lily burst through the office door on Friday with little Max. David was loaded down with diaper bags and accessories. Lily was heavily pregnant and holding Max’s hand.
They shouted hello as they made their way in with huge smiles. David dropped his baggage to shake hands and give hugs to Ibrahim and Zainab. The pair then hugged poor Lily with great care as David scooped up Max so that he was on the same level as the adults who all gushed over him and sung his praises.
Zainab went back to work as they chatted, occasionally chiming in. Father and son became engrossed in their conversation and walked away with Max. Once the testosterone was gone, Lily set her sights on Zainab for some girl talk.
Lily went over to Zainab’s chair looking at files while keeping an eye on the men. Zainab noticed and kept watch with her. As soon as the men were sufficiently out of sight and ear shot, the women turned to each other.
‘So, Tina,” Lily said in a normal but slightly loud voice given in the direction of the men. She paused momentarily to listen for a reaction. When none was given she bent over next to Zainab and asked, “How’s Mohamed? Dish, girl!”
Zainab laughed before the pair got into all the details. Children, annoying habits, in-laws, parents, family, friends, community and more. When the men came back, they were in for a bit of a surprise.
Ibrahim immediately went over to Lily’s huge stomach to gush, “How are you doing?”
Lily replied, “I’m a bit tired and ready for Chloe to arrive but fine.”
Oh, you poor thing. Is there anything you need?
No but Tina and I were just talking and thought that this place could use a daycare.
The men gave a slight chuckle before her words sunk in. Ibrahim did the honors of making a jackass out of them both, “What would we need daycare for? Unless…” He slowly turned to Zainab hoping for something but got nothing. He then looked at Lily in the slim hope that she would save him.
The women looked at each other with huge grins. The men weren’t getting anything from them. They had to ask. Ibrahim sighed and turned back to Zainab, “Are you pregnant?”
Since Zainab never discussed children with him, he wasn’t sure what reaction he should have. He just knew that he had a 50/50 shot and was desperate to hedge his bets.
Zainab smiled, went back to her work and said, “No. You never know though.” She looked at Lily and gave her a wink. The American Princesses were Queens and the Kings knew it.
The Kings turned to each other and smiled proudly. The Queens were a unified front for love, laughter and the good of all. The New Year was already a sweet one.
Would the new year remain sweet though? Nobody knew for sure but they remained hopeful for a sweet and peaceful one. Inshallah, God willing, it would be.