Against The Tide

89: A Twist Of Fate

"Your place is cozy," Halima remarked, her gaze traveling around. The place had a warm and inviting atmosphere. "The interior design is impeccable."

Najah blushed, feeling a surge of pride. "Really?" She smiled. "And I thought it was a bit plain. I was planning on rearranging everything by next week, when I get more stuff."

"It's perfect just the way it is," Halima insisted. "Don't change anything."

Najah heaved a sigh of relief. "I guess I'll leave it then."

As they continued to chat, Halima's expression turned serious. "How are you adjusting with the loss of your mother and having to stay here all alone?" She asked, her voice filled with concern.

Each time Najah got reminded of Hajiya's loss, it felt like old wounds being reopened. She still hadn't healed at all but she was trying her best to move on. "Alhamdulillah, I'll be fine," she replied, her voice steady.

"Just take it easy on yourself. Remember that prayer is what she needs from you now."

Najah nodded, her eyes filling with tears. "You're right," she sighed. "About what we talked on phone. Have you spoken to your husband yet?"

Halima nodded.

"What did he say?" Najah asked, her heart racing with anticipation.

"Of course he's willing to support me. We can start the mental health NGO as soon as possible. I'll be your partner. I'll support you in any way I can." 

Najah smiled. "It's not that easy though," Najah cautioned. "I really want this to be successful so I want us to follow every single step there is carefully. The potential areas I want us to focus on are; women's empowerment. We can empower them through counseling, education, and support programs, addressing issues like domestic violence, gender based discrimination, and reproductive health."

"I absolutely agree," Halima added. "We can also like create a separate account for donations to help women, especially widows and divorcees, start businesses and provide emergency shelters and assistance."

"Exactly," Najah continued, her voice filled with passion. "I also want to focus on trauma counseling and support. We can provide services for individuals who have experienced traumatic events, such as survivors of abuse of any kind, violence, or loss."

"You've really been thinking about this," Halima said, her voice and eyes filled with admiration.

"You don't know how long," Najah chuckled. "I have had this dream since I was child. It was buried when I got married, but after the divorce, I rediscovered my passion. This time, I'm giving it my all. I'm not letting anything hold me back anymore."

Halima nodded in agreement. "I know you probably don't want to talk about your previous marriage but judging by your demeanor whenever the topic comes up, I just can tell that he was a terrible person."

"Actually, that's not true!" Najah said, shaking her head. "He wasn't. Not at all. He is a good man. He had his shortcomings as a husband, but he's truly a decent man at heart. I won't take that from him."

Halima's brows furrowed in confusion. "If he's all that, why did you divorce him? I don't understand."

Najah shook her head dismissively. "Some things are better left unsaid, my friend. Let's focus on the task at hand, shall we?"

"Sure," Halima said. "So have you come up with a name yet? For the NGO?"

Najah's face lit up. "I have. I have decided to name it after Hajiya. Hajiya Hauwa Foundation. What do you think?"