Against The Tide

84: Triumph And Tragedy

Najah's heart pounded with excitement as she put on her dress; the dress she had specifically bought for the occasion. It was a purple gown with a matching scarf. A final glance at the mirror revealed a woman brimming with confidence and anticipation. She couldn't wait to share the momentous day with the one person who had always believed in her; Hajiya.

Quickly, Najah made her way to Hajiya's room. The first thing she heard was her cough which bothered her a lot. She had noticed that Hajiya had been coughing a lot the past few days, she even offered to accompany her to the hospital, but Hajiya reassured her that she was okay and that she shouldn't worry. "Hajiya," Najah ventured, her voice laced with concern. "Your cough is getting worse. We really should go to the hospital. I'm not comfortable with this at all. I don't want you to be sick. It doesn't matter if it's only just a cough. I won't take chances."

Hajiya shook her head as she sat upright. She waved her hand dismissively, her eyes filled with a stubborn glint. "I have told you to stop worrying so much about me, Najah. I'm really okay. Don't you trust me?" 

Najah heaved a sigh of relief.  "Alright, Hajiya, if you say so. You can't blame me for worrying about you. You're literally the only family I have."

Hajiya's expression softened. "Come here," she said, patting the space next to her on the bed. "Sit."

Najah did as told, a bright smile plastered on her face.

Hajiya reached for her hand, and caressed it gently.

That simple act sent a warmth that soothened Najah's anxious soul.

"My dear daughter," Hajiya called, her voice soft. "Today is the day you get your certificate, right?"

"Yes, Hajiya," Najah said, her eyes sparkling with joy. She still couldn't believe the fact that three years had passed. She had already obtained her masters certificate a year ago, and now, she was finally going to obtain her counseling association of Nigeria (CASSON) certificate. She had taken the examination and passed with flying colors.

Hajiya smiled, her eyes filled with pride. "I'm so proud of you. You don't know how much. Your dedication to help people is everything. You've worked so delligently, Najah. You're a gem, I won't get tired of saying this to you again and again. Congratulations, my dear. May Allah fulfill all of your dreams. Keep soaring higher. The sky is your starting point."

Tears prickled Najah's eyes as she listened to Hajiya's supportive words. Her gratitude for this particular woman couldn't be conveyed with mere words. How could she even explain to the world that this wonderful woman she considered her brith mother was indeed her ex husband's mother? Her ex mother-in-law? Who would even believe it? The irony was almost too much to bear. 

The bond she shared with Hajiya was so strong that she couldn't imagine living her life without her. She thought they were close but after living under the same roof with her for three years, she was certain that no one could come in-between them. Not even her son. Hajiya had become her guiding star, her confidante and safe haven.

"Thank you so much, Hajiya," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I couldn't have done this without your support."

"Don't underestimate yourself. With or without me, you'd have achieved this. You know why? It's because you're a go getter. You're a force to be reckoned with."

Overwhelmed by Hajiya's unwavering support, Najah threw her arms around Hajiya, her silent sobs echoing the depths of her emotions.

"Stop," Hajiya said, gently pulling back, and wiping away Najah's tears. "Your pictures won't come out fine if you keep crying. You want to look your best for your big day."