[New] Our Forever After

Chapter 8: Love Amidst the Chaos

The jazz club had become their refuge, a place where Djena and Malik could escape the weight of the world, if only for a little while. That night, they danced together until the late hours, their worries and fears melting away with each note of music that surrounded them. In Malik's arms, Djena felt safe, protected from the storm of family drama and the ghosts of Khalil's manipulations.

But reality was waiting for them outside, and Djena knew it couldn't be avoided forever.

The next morning, as Djena lay in bed, the events of the previous night replayed in her mind. Abdoulaye's words had stung, cutting deeper than she had let on. The thought of being considered a burden to Malik's family haunted her, no matter how much Malik reassured her otherwise. She loved him deeply, but the fear that her family's issues, and the drama with Khalil, would weigh him down refused to leave her.

Malik had spent the night at his own place, needing some time to cool off from his confrontation with Abdoulaye. Djena knew he was still angry, not just at his brother's overstep, but at the way his family was being dragged into a mess that wasn't their fault.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. It was a message from Malik.

Malik: "How are you feeling this morning? Last night was amazing, but I know it was tough too. I'm here if you want to talk."

Djena smiled at his thoughtfulness, but her heart still felt heavy. She replied, letting him know she was okay, but she wasn't ready to talk about the deeper issues just yet.

Meanwhile, Malik sat at his kitchen table, his mind still reeling from his argument with Abdoulaye. He had always looked up to his older brother, respected his advice and guidance. But the way Abdoulaye had treated Djena last night—it crossed a line. Malik couldn't stand the thought of anyone, especially his own family, making Djena feel like she didn't belong.

He knew he had to talk to Abdoulaye, to clear the air and set boundaries. But the conversation wouldn't be easy. Malik respected his brother, but he wasn't going to let him dictate his relationship with Djena. This was his life, his future, and Djena was a part of that future, no matter what anyone said.

Later that day, Djena found herself back at Amina's house. She needed the comfort of her friends, a space where she could talk openly about everything that had happened. Amina welcomed her in, offering her the usual warm tea and a seat on the couch where they had spent so many afternoons talking about life.

"So, how did last night go?" Amina asked, her eyes filled with concern.

Djena sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It was amazing... and awful. Abdoulaye basically said that I'm a burden to Malik, that my family drama is too much, and that if I stay with him, my father will disown me. It was brutal."

Amina frowned, shaking her head. "That's awful. I can't believe he would say something like that to you."

"Yeah," Djena said softly. "Malik was furious. We left the dinner early, went to the jazz club to clear our heads. But I can't shake the feeling that Abdoulaye might be right. Maybe I am bringing too much baggage into Malik's life."

Amina placed a hand on Djena's shoulder, her voice gentle but firm. "Djena, you can't think like that. Malik loves you. He's shown you time and time again that he's willing to stand by your side, no matter what's going on with your family. Don't let Abdoulaye's words get into your head."

"I know," Djena said, her voice trembling slightly. "But I just don't want to be the reason Malik gets hurt. I don't want to cause problems between him and his family."

Amina gave her a reassuring smile. "You're not causing problems. Abdoulaye's the one who's overstepping. Malik's an adult, and he's making his own choices. He chose you, Djena. Don't forget that."