Against The Tide

86: Blindsided

Hajiya's death came as a shock to Afrah because she still had a lot she wanted to do with her. Though their reconciliation had healed past wounds, Afrah was acutely aware of Hajiya's lingering discomfort around her. Despite her earnest efforts to be the ideal daughter in law, the connection between them had always felt strained. It just wasn't there to begin with. It couldn't be forced either. Hajiya didn't like her but was trying her best to be respectful. The only person she ever loved and wanted as a daughter in law was Najah.

Afrah knew she shouldn't feel bad about it anymore as Najah was no longer Jameel's wife but she couldn't get rid of the feeling. Even after their divorce, Najah was still whom Hajiya considered a daughter. The old preference persisted. What shocked her even more was the fact that Najah had been living with Hajiya all these while. It was a bitter pill to swallow. While Afrah was aware of Najah's presence in Hajiya's house, she didn't know it was a permanent thing. Najah even had a personal room in the house whereas, she didn't. Afrah never fully comprehended the extent of their bond until now.

The sound of Jameel's footsteps echoed through the room, startling Afrah from her reverie. She hastily brushed off her tears but it was too late. Jameel had already seen her.

He sat beside her on the bed, his eyes all red and puffy.

Afrah's heart ached for him. She knew how much Jameel loved his mother. She was the most important person in his life, a truth she had finally come in agreement with after years of denial. She knew he was trying so hard to appear strong but deep within him, he was breaking apart. Afrah had her own worries too but as soon as she saw him, they faded into insignificance. Jameel needed her the most now.

With gentle tenderness, she wrapped her arms around him. "You're going to be fine," she whispered in his ear softly. "This pain will subside. I'm here for you. Always."

Jameel's arms tightened around her, his tears soaking her shoulder.

Afrah held him tightly, her embrace a silent promise of her support and love.

"Don't hold back. We'll get through this together," Afrah promised. "I'll be your strength in this difficult time."

•

In what seemed like a blink of an eye, four days had passed and it was finally time for Afrah, Jameel and Fawaaz to return to their own home. Jameel, despite his desire to stay longer, knew that life must go on. Work and Fawaaz's education called, and Hajiya would want them to focus on living. What she needed the most from them how was their prayers.

"So," Afrah began as Jameel finished dressing.  "You're going to lock the house now that we're all leaving?"

Jameel paused, adjusting the collar of his shirt. "No, I won't be locking it because Najah is staying."

Afrah's heart skipped a beat as she processed Jameel's words. Najah? Staying? The words echoed in her mind. What exactly did he mean by Najah was staying? Was he even serious? Even in the midst of grief, Afrah couldn't fathom the logic behind allowing his ex wife to stay in his late mother's home. It was a different case when Hajiya was alive. And why hadn't he mentioned it to her? Did he have a motive?

Confusion and a hint of resentment bubbled within her. Jameel had been grieving, so had she, trying to support him in his trying times, and now this? It felt like a betrayal to her because he didn't tell her about it until she asked. If it was the case of Najah not having a place to stay, she would understand if he decided to get a house for her, but staying in his mother's house was a whole different level of honor. It was as if he didn't care about how her feelings and the delicate balance they were trying to maintain.

"I don't understand," she said, finally finding her voice. "She's staying here?"

"Yes," Jameel replied, his tone flat. "I asked her to stay."