Against The Tide (Formerly Two Tribes)

88: His Present And Future

Jameel stood outside Najah's house, his heart pounding in his chest. The moment aunty Zainab informed him that Najah had moved, he couldn't stop himself from traveling there just to ensure that she had a good and safe place to stay. The divorce had been final, yet he couldn't shake off the feeling that a part of him was still tied to her. As strange as it was, he still hadn't accepted the fact that she was longer his wife. It didn't feel right at all. But more than anything, he wanted her to be safe. She had been his responsibility, then his mother, now she was back to being is. He simply couldn't just ignore her like she didn't exist. She had done a lot for his family. For his mother.

A small smile tugged at Jameel's lips as Najah stepped out from the gate. She looked so beautiful in her sky blue hijab. She had always been. "Najah..." He called softly, his voice barely audible.

Her eyes widened in surprise. It was as if she wasn't expecting him even after the had called and informed her of his presence.

"Your house looks good," he continued.

Her expression hardened, her anger evident. She really didn't want him there. "What do you want?" She demanded, her voice cold and detached.

Jameel had expected her to be angry but her emotion still caught him off guard. He wasn't used to her speaking to him in such a tone."I stopped by at Hajiya's because I miss her so much," he informed her, his heart tightening at the fact that he would never see her again. "I was told you've moved here. I wanted to see you, and to make sure the place is safe. Are you living alone?" He inquired. The thought of her living alone was unsettling. His mind would be more at ease if she had a friend with her or a house help.

"Respectfully, it doesn't concern you, Jameel," she said, her voice firm. "I can take care of myself. I have been doing it for years."

Jameel swallowed hard. "I know you can, but you can't stop me from caring. I still care about you," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. The truth was, he had never stopped. Even after she requested for a divorce, even after she blocked him on all social media platforms, even after she avoided him like the plague. He still wished to be in her life. If not ad her husband, at least as a protective shield. He knew he cared for Najah but he didn't know just how much until she left him.

Najah chuckled, a hollow sound that watched his own pain. "You don't have to."

Her words struck him like a dagger, twisting and turning in his heart. He could remember how she used to be so happy whenever he gave his attention to her. Things had truly changed. For the worse. "But I do. I can't help it."

"What do you want?" She asked, annoyed. "Does your wife even know you're here?"

Afrah. His thought suddenly drifted to her. She'd definitely made a big deal out of the visit. She didn't have to know.

"Like I said, I just want to make sure you're fine," he said, ignoring her second question. "I'm not only doing this for Hajiya." I'm doing this for the relationship we once shared. He wanted to add that part but he knew he had lost the right to utter those words to her.

"We're divorced. You're no longer my husband. I'm not your wife. Direct your care to your wife. She needs it more. I'm really trying my best to keep this respectful because despite every, I still haven't lost my respect for you. Please," she begged. "Don't call me anymore. Don't come to my house again. Don't care about me."

With that, Najah stormed back into the house, slamming the gate shut behind her.

Jameel stood outside, shocked by her behavior. He only wanted to show his concern. He had hoped for a different outcome, a more civil response. But Najah's anger was so massive, even his presence infuriated her. Her words cut deep. He knew he had caused her pain, but he never intended to hurt her. He had loved her, and he probably still did.