Against The Tide

83; Love Wins Again

Afrah's heart pounded like a drumbeat in her chest, each throb echoing the anxiety coiling within her.  She'd convinced herself that she was emotionally prepared for whatever Hajiya might throw at her, but sitting on the floor, knees tucked beneath her, she realized that her mental armor was as flimsy as a tissue. She wasn't prepared. Hajiya had never really liked her. it was a known fact. But she also accepted her mistake, she should have been more patient and respectful.

"Assalamualaikum, Hajiya," Jameel began, his voice a gentle ripple in the tense silence. "Good morning..."

Hajiya's face was a mask of stony silence, her eyes fixed on a distant point. The lines on her forehead deepened with disappointment and disapproval. From her facial expression, Afrah could tell that she was extremely angry with them.

"Wa alaikum salaam," Hajiya replied curtly. Finally. Then, she averted her gaze, her eyes scanning the room as if seeking refuge from the uncomfortable confrontation. "What are you here for?"

"Hajiya..." Jameel's voice trailed as he tried to gather his thoughts and not ramble on. "I know you're mad at me... At us but please listen to me. You've not been replying my texts, you don't even call to check up on us anymore."

"Of course," Hajiya replied, finally meeting Jameel's gaze. "When you've shown me that your wife is much more important to you than me. It's fine, you don't have to apologize for it."

Afrah felt a sharp pang in her heart at Hajiya's words. She, for one, knew it wasn't true. She knew just how important Hajiya was to Jameel. How much he loved and respected her. "Ha—" she wanted to speak, to defend her husband but a warning glance from Jameel made her swallow her words.

"I'll handle this," he mouthed to her then shifted his attention back to his mother. "The love I have for Afrah is different from the one I have for you. We've always only had each other. The sacrifices you made for me while growing, the sleepless nights, the care, I don't take them for granted. I respect you a lot, Hajiya. You're the most important person in my life, Afrah is here, she can attest to it."

Afrah nodded in agreement.

"I'm sorry if I made you feel that way. It's not true. I'll never intentionally do anything to hurt you," he shifted closer to her, his voice soft and sincere. "Please forgive me, Hajiya. I promise to do better. I'll try to be the son you deserve."

Hajiya reached for Jameel's hand and squeezed gently. "You've always been a good son to me, Jameel but your wife came into the picture and changed everything. Her opinion now matters much more than mine. You don't even consider how I'll feel when making certain decisions. You weren't like this."

Afrah felt another pang in her heart, a sharp bitter taste rising in her throat. Hajiya's hatred for her was deep-rooted. It saddened her that she was being talked about like that as if she wasn't even there. Her presence didn't matter at all. She felt like standing up and walking out of the room but she had to remind herself that she was there for Jameel. To make things right again. She'd endure the visible hatred, swallow her pride, and fight for their love.

"This was the reason I never wanted you to marry her. No one has ever disrespected me the way she did. That's why I always tell you that what an elder sees while standing, a youngster cannot see even after climbing a roof. She's never been good for you. She'll never be."

Jameel swallowed, then nodded. "I understand what you're saying, but I love her, Hajiya. I know she's also made mistakes. She deeply regrets how she treated you."

"So you're now her mouthpiece? She can't talk?" Hajiya fired, her voice laced with venom.

Afrah swallowed a painful lump in her throat. She was remorseful, yes, but Hajiya's words were getting to her, making her want to retaliate. She was only human afterwards. Not everyone would be able to sit through the disrespect. Respect was a two-way street.