Against The Tide

87: Closed door

A week had passed since Hajiya's passing, and three days since Afrah and her family returned to their home. Things hadn't exactly been the same. Afrah didn't even expect it to because Jameel lost a major person in his life. But his energy towards her had been weird. It was as if he had retreated in a shell. She understood his grief, but she couldn't help but feel isolated as he seem d to distant himself from her as well.

She tried to be understanding, offering comfort and support in ways she knew best. But her efforts were futile. Jameel's responses were always so curt that Afrah began to wonder if her presence was a burden rather than a comfort.

Then, one evening, as she finished preparing dinner and went to Jameel's room to call him, she overheard him speaking on the phone with someone. She didn't mean to eavesdrop but his words caught her attention. His voice was hushed, but the words were clear. "Has she left? Do you know where she went to? I'm worried because she has one one. She's still my responsibility because of Hajiya."

That was it. Afrah lost it finally. She wouldn't tolerate this anymore. She had overlooked his actions at Hajiya's house thinking she was only overthinking his care, but it was crystal clear now. Jameel hardly even spoke to her anymore. Yet, there he was, pleading to talk to the person who clearly didn't want him anymore. She had done everything to support him in his trying times and this was how he repaid her?

"Jameel," she called, walking into the room. "Who are you speaking to?"

Jameel looked at her for a second, as if wondering why she would even ask him that. But he answered anyway. "Aunty Zainab. She's Hajiya's closest friend and neighbor."

"Oh," Afrah remarked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "So you were asking her about Najah?"

"Precisely," he answered, his gaze unwavering. "You were eavesdropping on our conversation, why?"

"Was it supposed to be a secret?" Afrah asked, swallowing a ball of nerves in her throat.

"Secret?" Jameel scoffed. "And why would it be a secret?"

"I should be the one asking you," Afrah scoffed. "It's so funny that this is the first time in a week that we're having an actual conversation and it's all because of your ex wife?" She shook her head in disbelief.

Jameel massaged his temples, frustration shimmering in his eyes. "What do you expect? I just lost Hajiya!"

"I definitely didn't expect you to be chasing Najah everywhere. Is it too soon though?"

"What?" Jameel scoffed. "Chasing Najah? Really?"

In that moment, Afrah wished she could take back her words and suffer in silence for she knew the argument was about to escalate. She didn't want to push him further. At least not now. "How is she still your responsibility, Jameel?"

"She was my wife, and don't act like you didn't know what we passed through together—"

"Was!" Afrah said, her voice rising. "She was not wife. She's not your wife! Past tense! Can't you tell the difference? What's your business with her?"

Jameel shook his head in disbelief. "I thought you've changed, I guess not. I won't be having this conversation with you."

"Of course," Afrah said, vigorously wiping away her tears. "Run away! Why would you even bother having this conversation with me when you're not being truthful even to yourself. Do you think I didn't see how you looked at her at Hajiya's house? You even asked her to come to you if she needs anything."

"Shouldn't that prove to you that I'm just being a kind person? I said that to her in your presence, didn't I? Besides, Najah is family. Hajiya was like a mother to her."