NADIYA'S STRUGGLE

Chapter 14

"Your mom is back"

Those were the four words that kept echoing to her ears until she reached home. She didn't even spare Zaliha and Umar a glance when they were calling her worriedly. Immediately Khadijah told her that her mom is home that time, she didn't know exactly what to do than rush back home immediately. She didn't know exactly why she rushed back home because she doesn't care, but she understands her mother, she knows she wouldn't come from afar just like that without a reason.

There she stood, by the doorway, finding it hard to enter the house. She's having an impression that something is wrong or is definitely about to happen which is really bad because whenever she has a feeling about something bad happening, it happens.

Finally, after standing by the entrance for what seemed like ages, she mustered the courage to walk in, ready to face anything that's about to happen whether to act kindly or bratty.

"Assalamu Alaykum." Nadiya entered frivolously, aware of the intense gaze her mom is giving her but she totally ignored.

"Oh Nadiya my dear. Welcome home." Her Aunt said while her mom is sitting in the living room speechless, obviously filled with joy to see her daughter after a very long time.

"Thank you Aunt." Suddenly Khadijah approached Nadiya and hugged her. She has been staying in her room ever since she saw Nadiya's mother and gave Nadiya a call. She knows something is wrong and even though she wants to stay and listen to whatever it is her aunt wants to say, she's afraid to hear.

"Thanks for calling me Khadijah. Though you scared me a bit." Nadiya whispered to Khadijah while hugging her.

"Sorry." Khadijah apologised with a pout and Nadiya smiled at that.

The room suddenly became awkward. Nobody spoke a word. Nadiya's mother kept looking at her daughter and Hajiya A'ee is feeling scared of what will happen. Nadiya also doesn't know what to say exactly. Khadijah is also contemplating whether to leave the living room or to stay. Suddenly, Nadiya's mother said something which shocked everyone present especially Nadiya.

"Haiiya A'ee ki bamu wuri dan Allah" (give us space please). Hajiya Hadiya said, also referring to Khadijah because she was looking at her. Hajiya A'ee left the place disappointedly, because Hajiya Hadiya has never send her away to say something. In fact, she tells her all of her little secrets but today, it's the other way round which kept her thinking what could be the reason.

Khadijah also left the parlour, not before giving Nadiya a tender glance indicating to her that everything will be fine. Nadiya smiled at that and Khadijah left the living room, living only Nadiya and her mother.

Nadiya was stunned about why her mother sent her aunt away. They are like two souls in one body. For all this time, she has been trying to be strong and act nonchalant about the matter but now, as her mother asked her aunt to leave, she has become more scared than ever. Though Nadiya felt bad about it. Whatever it is she's going to say, she shouldn't have told Aunt especially to leave the place. Only God knows what the heck is going to happen now.

"So mother why are you back?" She asked her mother while looking into her eyes straight.

"Dear, I came to protect you...

Nadiya cut her off. "To protect me? Did you realise what you just said!? Where were you two years ago and you are talking about protecting me all of a sudden? Unbelievable!"

"Just listen to me for once. I have my reasons and that's why I came back to explain everything to you and protect...

"I beg you stop saying you want to "protect" me because it sounds pathetic to my ears! You don't mean what you are saying mother because if you do, I would've seen a bit of remorse in your eyes but no, there's nothing."