•AN OBLIVIOUS ONE•

ISLAM🤍

It was a Thursday morning. I sat by the window, my thoughts drifting like the gathering twilight outside. The events of the past days had been a whirlwind of emotions, and I found myself wondering about Farid. His demeanor had been distant, and I couldn't shake the feeling that he was resolute in his rejection of me.

As I contemplated my situation, there was a knock on the door. Startled, I rose to my feet and opened it to find Farid's mother, a graceful woman with a warm smile. I welcomed her inside and went to bring refreshments before we sat together in the dimly lit room.

"Thank you once again, Ma, for the money. I really appreciate it. May Allah reward you," I said gracefully.

"Enough of the thanking. How many times do you want to thank me? I've already told you, it's your right, so enjoy it," she replied with a warm smile.

"So, how's married life treating you?"

"Alhamdulillah," I responded with a short but genuine smile.

"Masha Allah," she said approvingly.

Farid wasn't around; he had gone out to meet his friends.

Farid's mother spoke with a reassuring tone, "Islam, my dear, I wanted to have a heart-to-heart conversation with you. I know my son can be quite... difficult at times, and I want you to understand him better."

I listened intently, my curiosity piqued by her words.

"He may appear tough and unyielding on the outside," she continued, "but there's a part of him that cares deeply."

I nodded, sensing there was more to Farid than what I had seen so far.

"He may not show it openly, but I've seen glimpses of his kindness," she went on. "Give him time, Islam. Sometimes, people build walls around themselves to protect their vulnerabilities. But with patience and understanding, those walls can come down."

Her words offered a sliver of hope.

I felt a newfound empathy for Farid as his mother spoke. Her words made me realize that beneath his tough exterior, he might be grappling with his own inner battles-ones I couldn't fully understand yet. Her reminder that Farid carried his own burdens offered a sliver of insight into his behavior.

"Thank you for sharing this with me," I said sincerely. "I will try my best to be patient and understanding."

Farid's mother smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting hope. "I believe in both of you. Sometimes, all it takes is time and a willingness to see beyond the surface. You two have the potential to create something beautiful together."

"Insha Allah, ma," I assured, though I wasn't entirely sure myself.

I hesitated, my nerves getting the better of me. "Um, ma..."

"What is it? Feel free to speak," she urged kindly.

"It's actually about the school," I began, my voice trembling slightly.

"Oh, about that. You don't have to worry," she reassured me. "The vice chancellor of Greenfield University is a friend of mine. I've already spoken to her, and your admission is being processed."

I felt a wave of surprise and gratitude when my mother-in-law told me that my admission was already being processed. I hadn't expected things to move so quickly, and knowing that my educational goals were on track was a huge relief. Her support was a reminder that I was fortunate to have such a kind and helpful mother-in-law.

As I hugged her, tears of joy began to fall. These tears were a heartfelt expression of my appreciation and overwhelming happiness. In that moment, I felt a deep connection and a sense of having gained a motherly figure, even though I knew no one could ever replace my real mum.

When Farid arrived home, I could barely contain my excitement. I had spent the afternoon preparing dinner, hoping that a warm meal might help bridge the gap between us. His mother had told me that Rice and Stew with fried plantain was his favorite, so I made sure to prepare it with care. However, I had forgotten one crucial detail-Farid hated fish.

I was just about to head upstairs for a quick shower when I heard him moving around downstairs. Taking it as my cue, I made my way to the dining room, my heart racing with anticipation. I greeted him with a bright smile, but he didn't respond. Despite the lack of reaction, I was determined to stay positive.

I carefully arranged the food on the dining table, trying to steal glances at Farid. His sideburns, tracing a bold path along his face and blending seamlessly with his well-maintained beard, added to his rugged charm. I couldn't ignore the way his eyes blinked and seemed to hold a pool of dark secrets I couldn't yet understand.

I hoped and prayed inwardly that I could leave the dining room without any chaos. As I opened the warmer to reveal the stew, I noticed Farid's head snap towards it. His brows furrowed, and his jaw clenched tightly. The sudden change in his demeanor made me tremble.

When his gaze finally met mine, I felt my heart sink. His eyes, normally so unreadable, now seemed to hold a storm. I didn't understand what I had done wrong. My hands trembled as I tried to keep my composure.

Then he spoke, his voice low and dangerously calm. "How dare you?"

"W-what did I do?" I asked

"Fish? You dare serve me food with fish?!" He bellowed.

I didn't know he didn't like fish.

"I'm sorry....I didn't know" I whispered.

"Get out of my face, now!" He yelled

I didn't even wait a second, I left for my room. I wasn't in for any Wahala.