8 Months Later
Zahra's POV
Being too busy with chores, I told Jamal to help the kids pack their luggage. They were supposed to travel months ago, but it was hard convincing them. They've finally agreed to attend madrasa but of course, with conditions. The biggest one: the Amir family has to visit them every month. Dad blindly agreed, even though I said no. I feel like they'll get distracted, but... it's none of my business.
Abdul Hamid just came home from school smiling until I asked him to help me cook dinner. It wasn't his turn, but I really needed his help. Tomorrow is finals, and I've got my last and hardest paper.
I still can't believe that in just four months, I'll be attending university. I'm praying I get into the school I want. I'll also be turning sixteen next month alhamdulillah for life and health. Duhh!
"Samira, can you let Jamal know you're ready?" I shouted from the kitchen.
"Where's Amir? Is he set?"
"Yesss Zahraaa! Just two minutes Amir wants to pack some shoes!" she yelled back.
These kids! I knew they were up to something.
I climbed the stairs and walked into Amir's room. He was stuffing brownies, chocolates, and brand-new shoes into his bag even though I packed everything last night.
"Amir, are you okay?" I asked, confused. Is he going to madrasa or a fashion show?
"Uhm... yeahhh I guess? Why?"
I knelt beside him.
"Listen baby, I know all this stuff is yours and you want to take it, but I'd advise you to leave some things behind."
"It's okay if you don't. I just want what's best and I love you both either way."
"It's okay, sis. Don't remind me of Mummy, please. I love you too. I'll do as you said," he replied, eyes watery.
"Why, sweetheart? Don't cry." I pulled him into a hug.
"Because... you're talking just like Mom, and I miss her."
He hugged me tighter, crying into my shoulder.
"I miss her too, Amir. Don't say that, akhi," Samira said, joining the hug with tears.
I wiped their faces and gave them a little pep talk. I reminded them how lucky they are to still have a dad some children don't even know what that's like. We should always be grateful to our Rabb.
Later... At School
Since I was born, I've never taken an exam as brutal as today's. SubhanAllah, I wanted to cry. I regretted everything but it was too late, I was already in the exam hall.
I wish I hadn't chosen this major. It might destroy my GPA. Physics nearly put me in the hospital today! Maybe engineering isn't for me.
Jamila texted that she's taking me out to cool off since I'm done with finals. I did the same for her when she finished hers. That's what besties do we show up.
"Zahra, come out! I'm not coming inside it'll get late!" she called from outside.
I grabbed my purse and dashed down the stairs. But as I reached the last step, I saw Jamila and Baraka sitting in the dining room, waiting patiently.
"You didn't tell me she was coming," I said, smiling.
"It was supposed to be a surprise," Jamila replied.
Baraka got up and hugged me.
"I missed you, sis."
"I missed you too! How were exams?" she asked, playfully pinching my cheek.
Baraka wore a loose dark blue abaya with a black veil. I had on the opposite—a dark blue veil with a black abaya. Jamila wore a simple dark green dress and white veil that matched her shoes. She looked really pretty.
"Let's go," I said, and we all headed to the door.
Khalid's POV
"Ya akhi, why are you doing this to yourself?"
Hasan entered my room and sat beside me, patting my shoulder. I had sensed him at the door earlier, but I stayed quiet. He must've seen I was holding back tears.
"What?" I said flatly.
"Why don't you just let it go? You're hurting yourself too much."
"But I loved her first. It's not fair," I said, almost in tears.
"Nothing's fair in this world. Life is a test. We'll get what we deserve on Judgment Day," he reminded me gently.
"But Hasan..."
He cut me off and pulled me into a hug. He rarely showed emotions but today, he knew I needed it.
"Shhh... calm down. Just pray to Allah. What's yours will come to you."
He pulled back and looked me in the face.
"He looks okay but I can tell he's broken inside," he muttered.
"Make lots of du'a. And listen to Mom. Zahra's not the only girl in the world. Jamila's nice, kind..."
"It wouldn't hurt to give her a chance. Besides, you're just 18. You've got time," he said as he walked away.
Zahra's POV
The sound of the waves drowned out everything. The view was breathtaking. I couldn't look away from the sea.
"SubhanAllah," I whispered. Our Lord is truly great.
After soaking in the moment, I walked back to Jamila and Baraka. We were chatting about random things, when I brought up Jamal.
I regretted it the moment Baraka's face changed.
"Nothing, Phatimah... I just can't understand your brother," she said quietly.
"Today he's blue. Tomorrow he's white."
"What do you mean?" we asked together, eyes wide.
"He's pushing me away. I thought he still loved me. I even came back to make things halal. My brother made me believe Jamal still liked me but I was wrong. Jamal is a whole different person now."
She sounded broken.
"Be patient, ya ukhti," I said, squeezing her hand.
"I've been patient for a long time. Maybe we were never meant to be," she whispered, burying her head on Jamila's shoulder.
"But... he still loves you," I said softly.
Her eyes widened.
Peace ✌
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Written by ✏️ Khadija Uthman (Haddy Nyang)
YOU ARE READING
married at 16: Scars that bloomed into strength.
General FictionHe married her out of pity. She married him to please her parents. Will they ever grow to love each other-or is this just another story that ends in separation?
