Hidden bonds of love

3.

Maryam closed her eyes, basking in the enveloping warmth, and allowed herself to drift into a state of calm. Her thoughts floated between memories of her father, the love and happiness they had shared, and the precious moments she longed to create during his visit. The familiar sounds of the house—the faint rustling of leaves, the distant laughter of family members—formed a soothing symphony that lulled her into tranquility.

Time seemed to pass slowly as Maryam lay there, caught between wakefulness and drowsiness. The minutes ticked by, each one bringing her closer to the long-awaited reunion with her father. The anticipation bubbled within her, filling her with a renewed sense of energy and excitement.

Eventually, the sound of her phone's ringtone broke the peaceful silence of her room. Maryam's eyes fluttered open, and she quickly reached for her phone, eager to answer the call. It was Mommy Beauty, informing her that it was time to start preparing for her father's homecoming.

With a contented smile on her face, Maryam rose from the bed and made her way to the door. As she stepped into the hallway, the vibrant colors of the house seemed to come alive, echoing the joy that filled her heart.

Maryam descended the stairs, her footsteps light and filled with anticipation. The clinking of utensils and the rhythmic chopping of vegetables greeted her ears as she entered the kitchen. Mommy Beauty stood at the stove, tending to a pot of fragrant soup, while Ahmad was busy chopping vegetables, a smile playing on his lips.

"Welcome, Maryam! We're so glad you're here to help us," Mommy Beauty exclaimed, her voice brimming with warmth and affection.

Maryam joined them in the kitchen, eager to lend a hand. The familiar routine of preparing her father's favorite dishes enveloped her, and a sense of belonging washed over her. As she mixed the flour and stirred pots, she couldn't help but feel a deep connection to her family, despite the challenges they often faced.

❀

Mustabshira lay on her bed, engrossed in chatting on her phone. She didn't bother to help her mother in the kitchen, being a lazy girl. This time, her willingness to help her mother diminished because Maryam was present. The hatred she harbored for Maryam made her even angrier and more uncomfortable, and she disliked being under the same roof with her.

Maryam noticed all of this and, as a result, chose not to join them whenever her dad returned. But this time, she missed her daddy so much, and all she wanted was to see him. She had only learned about her father's imminent return when they arrived at the house, and Ahmad informed her.

Mustabshira kept hearing the distant laughter of the three of them from the kitchen, and it pained her even more. She felt like Maryam was there to steal her mother away from her.

The kitchen buzzed with activities, filled with laughter and shared stories. Maryam and Ahmad reminisced about their past adventures, recounting mischievous antics that often left Mummy Beauty exasperated but with a twinkle in her eye. The atmosphere was alive with love and togetherness as they worked as a team, creating a feast fit for a king.

As the dishes neared completion, the aroma grew richer, enveloping the house with a tantalizing fragrance. Maryam's excitement mounted, knowing that her father's return was imminent. Each passing moment brought her closer to the long-awaited embrace, the warmth of his presence that she had yearned for.

It was already time for Maghrib prayer as the food was all set and ready. Everyone went to do their salah.

❀

Mrs. Fatima was walking out of her office when she heard someone calling her, "Mrs. Kitty! Mrs. Kitty!"

She stopped walking and turned around to see who was calling her by that name.

It was Jennifer, one of her employees. Mrs. Fatima gave her an annoyed stare.

"First, nobody has the right to call me 'Kitty' except my stepson, and second, when we are at work, we don't need to act like we know each other. And thirdly, is that paper for me?" Mrs. Fatima asked, fixing her gaze on the paper Jennifer was holding.

Jennifer looked a little uncomfortable with Mrs. Fatima's response and replied, "Yes, ma'am, it's yours."

Mrs. Fatima snatched the paper from Jennifer's hands and maintained her gaze on her, said, "Call me Mrs. Fatima. And Let me remind you, you have a job opportunities here just as a favor. The next time you call me 'Kitty' again, you're going to be fired. Did I make myself clear?" Mrs. Fatima's tone grew harsh as she uttered those last words.

"Yes, Mrs. Fatima," Jennifer answered.

❀
After they did their salah, everyone returned to the living room, waiting for their father to arrive, with all attention on the television. Mommy Beauty was dressed beautifully for her husband, wearing a stunning Abaya that complemented her fair skin. She was a true beauty, resembling a Fulani woman.

Mustabshira entered the sitting room and joined them. As she admired her mother's beauty, she complimented her. Ahmad and Mustabshira started teasing Mommy Beauty. "Mommy Beauty" was the nickname Ahmad had given her when he was little, and it stuck. He knew his mother was a very beautiful woman.

Despite Ahmad and Mustabshira having fun, Ahmad was angry with Mustabshira for not helping in the kitchen and for making Maryam feel uncomfortable. He kept his anger to himself, maintaining a calm demeanor as they continued their conversation. Mustabshira didn't even glance Maryam's way.

Maryam remained calm and smiled as the conversation went on. She felt a tinge of sadness that she couldn't fully engage in their conversation due to Mustabshira's presence, but she didn't express it. She was just happy to be with them and excited to meet her father.

Finally, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway reached their ears, causing a ripple of excitement to course through the house. Maryam's heart skipped a beat, and she exchanged a knowing glance with Ahmad. The time had come—their father had returned.

With joyful anticipation, Maryam and Ahmad rushed to the front door, their smiles radiant and their eyes gleaming. Mommy Beauty and Mustabshira followed closely behind, their hearts brimming with love for their children and husband. The door swung open, revealing a figure silhouetted against the fading sunlight, and in that moment, all worries and hardships melted away.

As their father stepped into the house, he enveloped his children in a warm embrace, and Maryam's heart swelled with happiness. The love and warmth that radiated within their home were undeniable, a testament to the strength of their family bond.

They collected his belongings and suitcase, eagerly assisting their father. He gave his wife a light kiss on her cheek, expressing his affectionate reunion. Mustabshira, ever the playful one, hugged him tightly and refused to leave his side, purposefully holding his hand to make Maryam jealous.

Maryam and Ahmad took some of their father's belongings inside while the driver carried the rest. Once inside, they gathered in the living room after exchanging proper greetings. Their father, still tired from his journey, excused himself to take a refreshing bath.

Meanwhile, Ahmad proceeded to the mosque to observe his Isha salah, seeking spiritual solace and gratitude for his father's safe return.