Hidden bonds of love

1

Not edited
Sorry for any mistakes or errors.
Hidden bonds of love
Written by Firdausi Musa.

Not edited.

Feel free to correct me if you come across any mistake. Correction is allowed.

Mrs. Fatima, an elegant and successful woman, relaxed in her plush office chair, enjoying the cool breeze provided by the efficient air conditioner. A playful glimmer danced in her eyes as she engaged in an animated phone conversation, her chair swaying gently from side to side. Just as she was about to conclude the call, her assistant briskly entered the room, bearing the news that her upcoming meeting was scheduled to commence in a mere five minutes.

With a sigh of resignation, Mrs. Fatima ended the call and glanced at her phone, which now displayed another incoming call. The name that flashed on the screen made her inwardly groan—her stepson. Suppressing her annoyance, she silenced the device and placed it on the desk before gracefully rising from her seat. She made her way to the door, heading towards the hallway where the impending meeting awaited.

After the meeting, Mrs. Fatima returned to her office, feeling tired and exhausted. Today, she had planned to go home early. As she sat down on the couch, she couldn't help but think about her daughter, Maryam.

Despite her busy schedule and constant dedication to her work, Mrs. Fatima cherished her daughter, Maryam. However, the demands of her job often left her with little time for quality moments with her daughter, Maryam understanding her mother's dedication to her career, often wished for more moments of togetherness.

As the day wore on, Mrs. Fatima decided to head home. She drove up to the gate of her house, and the gate man swiftly opened it for her. As she parked the car, she felt the exhaustion weighing on her shoulders. She pressed the doorbell, eagerly waiting for her daughter, Maryam, to open the door.

Finally, the door opened, and Maryam welcomed her mother with a smile, helping her with her handbag. Mrs. Fatima returned the gesture with a loving kiss on her daughter's forehead. She was grateful for her daughter's presence and support.

"Mommy, you came back home early," Maryam remarked as she brought a cooled water bottle and a cup for her mother.

Mrs. Fatima let out a soft sigh. "Yes, I'm so tired and exhausted. I badly need some rest. I haven't had enough sleep for a week now," she replied, glancing at Maryam.

Maryam felt a twinge of sadness, knowing how hard her mother worked and how little time she got to rest. She had often encouraged her mother to take a break and relax, but Mrs. Fatima was passionate about her work and took great pride in it.

After Mrs. Fatima freshened up with a quick bath and performed her Isha prayers, she came downstairs to find Maryam already done with cooking. They sat together at the dining table, eating their meal in a quiet moment of togetherness.

"I will be having a celebration at the office next week, and I would like you to join me. Trust me, it's going to be fun," Mrs. Fatima mentioned, holding a cup of drink in her hands.

"Mommy, you know I don't like going to things related to your office or work," Maryam replied, fixing her gaze on her mother, hoping for a moment of undivided attention.

Mrs. Fatima's attention was still partially focused on her phone as she sipped her drink. Maryam sighed, realizing that her mother's dedication to work sometimes took precedence over their bond as mother and daughter.

"Please, Mommy, at least look at me when we're talking," Maryam gently requested.

Mrs. Fatima's heart softened as she noticed the longing in her daughter's eyes. She put her phone aside and looked directly at Maryam, promising to be more attentive.

Maryam, however, hesitated to commit to attending the celebration at the office. Their bond, while affectionate, had been affected by her mother's constant focus on work. She longed for more genuine moments of connection.

As the evening progressed, Maryam excused herself and retreated to her room. From her window, she gazed at the serene moon and twinkling stars, seeking solace in their silent beauty. She prayed to Allah to mend the disconnect she felt with her mother and wished for more caring and affectionate moments.

In her thoughts, she couldn't help but reminisce about her stepbrother, Ahmad, who was her senior and a source of comfort. Ahmad had always been supportive and caring, and she missed him dearly. The absence of her father, who had two wives living in separate houses, further accentuated her yearning for a stronger family bond.

❀

"Mustabshira, dressed in her school uniform, was sitting at the dining table, having her breakfast while scrolling through her phone. She is Maryam's stepsister; they share the same father but have different mothers. Mustabshira doesn't seem to like Maryam.

Khadija is Mustabshira's mother and also Ahmad's mother. She is the second wife of Uthman, who is Mustabshira's father. They usually call her 'Mommy Beauty,' a name given to her by Ahmad because of how beautiful she is.

Mommy Beauty walked out of the kitchen, holding a tray of bread and a cup. She went to the dining table and sat down opposite Mustabshira, facing her. She informed Mustabshira that she had called Maryam yesterday, and Mustabshira frowned, her gaze still fixed on her phone.

"And so what if you called her? Did something happen? You usually call her, so why are you telling me?" Mustabshira retorted in an indifferent tone.

"While we couldn't talk well yesterday due to bad network, I want you to tell her that your father will soon be back from England. Ask her to visit the house, so we can have dinner together and welcome your daddy. It has been a long time since she visited," Mommy Beauty said.

Mustabshira sighed as she put her phone on the dining table and fixed her gaze on her mother. "Mommy Beauty, I am not going to be the one to deliver your message. You know how much I dislike her," Mustabshira replied.

"Mustab, how dare you refuse to go? Rashin kunyan ki ya fara yawa fah. You don't show any respect to me when it comes to your sister. What is wrong with you?" Mommy Beauty said, her tone filled with anger.

Mustabshira didn't even pay attention to her mother's words. She simply stood up, grabbed her school bag, and left the dining table, heading out of the house. Mommy Beauty was surprised by Mustabshira's attitude."

🔆

Mrs. Fatima woke up the next morning feeling a mix of exhaustion and anticipation for the day ahead. As she got ready for work, she couldn't help but think about the conversation she had with Maryam the previous night. The pang of guilt tugged at her heart as she realized how little time she spent with her daughter, and how distant their relationship had become.

After finishing her morning routine, Mrs. Fatima decided to make a change. As she stood before the mirror, adjusting her outfit, she promised herself that she would be more present in Maryam's life. She realized that her work had consumed her so much that she neglected the most important person in her life—her own daughter.

With a renewed sense of determination, Mrs. Fatima entered the dining room and found Maryam already there, having breakfast. She approached her with a warm smile and said, "Good morning, my dear. I hope you slept well. I wanted to talk to you about last night."

Maryam looked up from her plate, surprised by her mother's change in demeanor. "Good morning, Mom. What do you want to talk about?" she asked cautiously.

Mrs. Fatima took a seat next to her daughter and gently placed a hand on Maryam's. "I want to apologize, Maryam, for not being there for you as much as I should have been.Your feelings matter to me, and I want to change things between us. I'll make time for us to spend together and talk about anything you'd like."

Maryam's eyes filled with tears of relief and happiness. She had longed for her mother's attention and affection for so long, and now, seeing her mother's sincere effort to mend their relationship, she felt a glimmer of hope. "Thank you, Mom. That means a lot to me," she said, trying to hold back her tears.