Against The Tide (Formerly Two Tribes)

102: Stronger Together

As Jameel drove back home, Najah's words kept repeating in his mind, making him feel a deep sense of remorse. He'd felt a pang of regret for every moment he had unknowingly taken her for granted, assuming that she would always be there no matter what.

When she accused him of never asking about her dreams and aspirations, it stung him deeply. He felt ashamed of himself. He ought to have done that, but he didn't. He'd been so caught up in his own world, so oblivious to Najah's needs and desires.

When she recounted the times he'd treated her during her darkest moments, his heart ached. He'd failed her as a partner, a lover, and a friend. He realized he should have been more there for her.

When she spoke of feeling like a second fiddle to Afrah, a cold dread settled in his stomach. He had never intended to make her feel that way, but his actions spoke louder than his words. He just couldn't help but admit to himself now that she might be right. But it was out of his control. He had been torn between two worlds, and in the end, he had failed to balance them. His love for Afrah was a force he couldn't control despite how hard he tried.

And when she accused him of pitying her rather than loving her, it was the final blow. He believed that his love for her was genuine, but her words cast doubt on his own intention, making him doubt the foundation of their relationship. Perhaps there was an atom of truth in her words. He'd felt a pang of sympathy when he first heard her story. He had vowed never to be another source of heartache to her. But in his efforts to shield her, he'd inadvertently caged her, trapping her in a love that was more of pity than passion.

His heart tightened in its confines when he recalled how she had let him go. How she had given up on any future involving him. He could see it in her eyes that she was done. That she wanted nothing to do with him anymore despite still being in love with him.

In the end, he had to accept his fate though. Not because he was too tired to fight for her but because he realized the depth of the damage he had caused in her life. He wanted to respect her decision, free her from the shackles of his love, and also free himself. Perhaps it was for the best. It was the only way to atone for his mistakes and give her the happiness she deserved. It was also a chance to start anew, to become a better man, a much loving husband to Afrah. But as he accepted his fate, a part of him withered, a part of him died. Najah was a huge part of his life. Forgetting her would be impossible.

•

Jameel pushed open the front door, a wave of peace surging over him as he stepped into the familiar warmth of his home. He longed for Afrah's comforting embrace, her gentle smile and the voices of their children.

As he made his way to her room, a smile curved his lips.

He found Afrah seated on the edge of her bed, her delicate fingers tracing the soft contours of their baby's face, a serene smile etched on her face.

"Assalamualaikum," Jameel murmured, making her look up and their gazes meet.

"Wa alaikum salaam warahmatullah," she replied, averting her gaze back to their baby. "You're back..."

Jameel walked closer to her and knelt in front of her, his heart beating faster in his chest. He leaned in and kissed her forehead first before kissing the baby's, his touch filled with a tender love that had only deepened in his absence. "I'm back," he said, his voice barely a breath.

"Welcome," she whispered.

"Thank you, Afrah," he said. "I'm sorry I couldn't return yesterday. I truly hope you're not mad at me."

Afrah chuckled. "Why would I be mad? I suggested it, remember?"

Jameel hummed. "So you're not mad?"