Against The Tide

85: A Broken Circle

"Afrah," Jameel called, buttoning up his shirt. "Isn't Fawaaz done eating?" He asked, his voice carrying a hint of impatience. "We're going to be late."

Afrah shook her head, taking a seat on the bed. "He's almost done. Are you sure you don't want to eat? You don't want me to pack it for you either?"

Jameel nodded. "I'm already late for work as it is. I'll drop Fawaaz off at his school, then go to work. Don't worry, I'll be fine," he said, leaning in to plant a quick kiss on her lips. "I'll be back early today so that we can all visit Hajiya. It's been almost two months since she last saw Fawaaz."

"Alright," Afrah replied.

"I spoke to her yesterday. She can't wait to have us."

Afrah simply smiled.

Jameel smiled back. The relationship between his mother and wife hadn't been the best but he was grateful for the progress they had made. The shared respect meant everything to him. Afrah had also made it a duty to call Hajiya regularly to greet her. Jameel was deeply appreciative of her efforts.

He was still speaking when his phone began to ring. He flashed Afrah his screen. "Speaking of Hajiya, she's calling."

"Go ahead and answer before it ends," Afrah replied, her voice soft and caring.

Jameel nodded.

Immediately he did, his smile morphed into a frown. It wasn't Hajiya. It was Najah. Why was she calling him? And through Hajiya's phone?

"Assalamualaikum," Najah's shaky voice filled his ear.

Jameel's mind blanked. He couldn't even bring himself to speak.

"Jameel, please come quick... it's Hajiya..." Najah's voice was barely audible, her sibs muffled.

Jameel's heart skyrocketed in his chest, his blood running cold. He could swear his heart stopped breathing. Hajiya was sick? Why wasn't he informed earlier? How serious was it? "What's... What's wrong with her?" He managed to stammer out.

"I don't know," Najah burst into sobs. "I don't know, Jameel. She's not responding. I think she's dead..."

The room seemed to tilt as Jameel processed Najah's words. The phone slipped out of his hand and shattered on the floor.

Afrah's voice was a distant echo, lost in the chaos of his mind. He couldn't comprehend what she was saying even though he could see her lips moving. Najah's words replayed in his mind like a broken record.

Jameel's vision blurred, the room spinning faster around him. Hajiya was gone? How could this be? He had just spoken to her yesterday, her voice filled with anticipation for their visit.

"What's happening?" Afrah asked, her voice filled with concern as she shook him aggressively. "Please talk to me, Jameel! What's going on."

"Hajiya..." A tear slipped from his eye. "Hajiya... Is."

Afrah's hand flew over her mouth, tears brimming up in her own eyes. She wrapped her arms tightly around him. Then, she picked up her own phone and dialed Hajiya's number. No response.

Jameel's knees buckled making him stagger backwards. He collapsed onto the floor, his body shaking uncontrollably.

Afrah knelt beside him, her heart aching with pain as she held him close.

"I have to go," he said, his voice trembling. "I have to go to her right now."

Afrah nodded, her eyes filled with tears. "Let us come with you."