Fickle

Chapter 29

Saddique had always been a natural diplomat, able to see the bigger picture while navigating personal dynamics. But this time, the stakes felt higher—his sister’s happiness, Abdullah’s redemption, and the wellbeing of his niece and nephew all rested on delicate balances.

As the days passed, Saddique took it upon himself to bridge the gaps between everyone. He knew he needed to proceed cautiously, ensuring no one felt pressured or overlooked.

One evening, after the children had gone to bed, Saddique and Kulthum sat on the porch, sipping tea under the cool Minnesota night sky.

"You’ve built a beautiful life here, Kulu," Saddique began, gesturing toward the cozy house and well-kept yard.

Kulthum gave a small smile. "It wasn’t easy, but I had to. For the twins."

Saddique nodded thoughtfully. "You’ve been strong for them, but you’ve carried this weight alone for too long. You don’t have to do that anymore, you know. Abdullah’s here. And so are we."

Kulthum looked away, her fingers tightening around her mug. "It’s not that simple, Saddique. Abdullah hurt me in ways I can’t even begin to explain. And while I see him trying now, I can’t forget how he left me when I needed him most."

"I understand," Saddique said gently. "But people change, Kulu. Sometimes the hardest thing we can do is give someone the chance to prove they’ve changed. For the twins’ sake, and maybe for your own."

Kulthum was quiet for a long moment before whispering, "I’m scared, Saddique. Scared of letting him back in and getting hurt all over again."

Saddique reached over and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Then let me help. I’ll be here, by your side, to make sure no one hurts you or the kids again. You’re not alone in this anymore."

Saddique also made an effort to spend one-on-one time with Hudayfah, sensing the boy’s struggle to process his emotions.

One afternoon, they sat in the backyard, tinkering with a model airplane kit Saddique had brought as a gift. Hudayfah’s focus was intense as he carefully glued the tiny pieces together.

"You’re really good at this," Saddique said, watching him work.

Hudayfah shrugged. "I like building things. It makes sense."

"It’s a good skill to have," Saddique said. "Your dad used to love building model planes when we were your age. We’d spend hours on them, and then he’d fly them across the palace gardens."

Hudayfah paused, looking up. "Really?"

Saddique smiled. "Oh yes. Abdullah has always been a perfectionist. Just like you."

The boy’s eyes flickered with something Saddique couldn’t quite name—curiosity, perhaps, or a faint longing. Saddique decided to gently press further.

"You know, your dad talks about you and Jenna all the time. He’s really proud of both of you."

Hudayfah frowned. "Then why wasn’t he here before?"

Saddique took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Sometimes grown-ups make mistakes, Hudayfah. Big ones. But what matters is what they do to fix them. Your dad is here now because he loves you and wants to be part of your life. It’s okay to feel unsure about that. But maybe you could give him a chance, little by little."

Hudayfah didn’t respond, but Saddique noticed his grip on the model airplane tighten slightly, as if holding onto something unspoken.

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