Against The Tide (Formerly Two Tribes)

100: The Final Farewell

Longggg chapter ahead! 🤭

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Najah watched as Jameel strode towards them, a wave of tension settling in the pit of her stomach.

"Assalamualaikum," Jameel's greeted them, his tone polite.

"Wa alaikum salam," Fahad replied, extending a hand in a gesture of peace.

Najah was surprised. She had expected a heated confrontation, not this surprising show of civility. Especially from Fahad.

"What do you want?" Najah asked, her voice steady despite the shocking revelation from Fahad. She desperately wanted to avoid this conversation with Jameel, particularly in front of Fahad.

"Can we talk privately?" Jameel asked, his gaze shifting between Fahad and Najah.

Fahad looked at Najah, waiting for her to say something. When she didn't, he took that as his cue to leave. "I'll see you tomorrow, Najah," he said, his voice filled with sadness.

As Fahad walked away, a pang of guilt shot through Najah. Fahad wasn't the one that was supposed to leave. They were in the middle of an important conversation. One that would either shape or destroy their future together.

Jameel's gaze followed him until he got into his car and drove off. Then, he turned his attention back to Najah.

"Isn't it strange how I keep running into him whenever I see you?" He remarked.

"The strange thing is you actually thinking it's okay to come to my house anytime you like!" Najah retorted. "I'm uncomfortable, can't you see that? Please stop coming here. I'll be forced to move if you keep doing this. I'm serious! Please, just leave me alone, Jameel."

"Are you done?" Jameel asked, raising an eyebrow. "Can I speak now?"

Najah's suppressed the urge to roll her eyes at him. "I just got home from work, I need to rest, so please jist leave."

As she turned to go inside, Jameel's voice stopped her.

"You've changed, Najah," he voiced, his tone low. "You didn't used to speak to me like this. At least hear me out before dismissing me. It's rude."

Najah turned back around, her breath ragged. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "I just have a lot going on in my head right now. But I meant what I said about moving if you won't stop showing up here. Say whatever you want to say, then please leave.  I'm listening."

Jameel hesitated before speaking. "It's about the foundation. Your NGO. Since it's in Hajiya's name, I'd like to make a donation. Before you refuse, please think about it. I'm doing this for Hajiya. The donation will be in her name."

"We can discuss this at the office tomorrow," Najah said, her voice unwavering.

"I hope we can talk at length tomorrow. I have a lot to say to you. After this, I promise never to bother you again if you don't want me to."

"I'll see you tomorrow," Najah said, and walked inside, closing the gate gently behind her.

As soon as Najah entered her living room, she tossed her bag aside, letting it land with a dull thud on the couch. Then she said down, her head between her hands. A lot was going through her head. Fahad's condition, Jameel's persistence. It was all too much for her to bear.

Najah didn't know she was shedding tears until she felt the salty taste on her tongue. She felt a deep sympathy for Fahad. Borderline personality disorder, a condition she had vaguely understood, now seemed all too real. He had appeared so strong, so composed, yet beneath the surface, he was fighting his demons. The thought of him taking medication and fighting hard to keep his anger in check filled her with compassion.