Against The Tide (Formerly Two Tribes)

104: A Bridge Of Understanding

"Assalamualaikum," Afrah's voice filled the air, making Najah look up, a smile instinctively curving her lips. Afrah looked so beautiful, and happy. Najah couldn't help but notice.

And there, cradled in Afrah's arms was a tiny miracle—her daughter. Jameel's daughter. Najah's heart yearned to see the baby, to gaze upon the beautiful soul named after her beloved Hajiya. But she knew she couldn't simply reach out; she had to respect Afrah's boundaries and wait for an invitation.

"Wa alaikum salaam," Najah responded, gesturing towards the sitting area. "Please sit, Afrah."

"Najah," Afrah returned her smile, her expression softening Najah's apprehension. "It's been a while... I can't believe you own this NGO. It looks..." She trailed off, searching for the perfect word. "Stunning. Your office looks so nice too."

"Thank you," Najah smiled, genuinely, her heart warming at Afrah's kind words. "It's... it's good to see you again. Let's sit over there," Najah suggested, pointing to the plush cushion in the office. She rose from her swivel chair and went over to join Afrah.

Afrah sat beside her, her baby nestled securely in her arms. "I know this is sudden, Najah," she began, her voice low-pitched. "But I felt compelled to come and see you."

Najah's breath caught in her throat. "Is there a...a problem?" She stuttered, fear creeping into her voice.

"No, no," Afrah waved a dismissive hand. "I just wanted to see you...to thank you for naming this NGO after Hajiya. I doubt you know how honorable this is. Jameel is so grateful. I am too."

Najah smiled warmly. "You don't need to thank me for anything, Afrah," she reassured her. "I did this because Hajiya is the reason I am what I am today. She was my guiding star on earth. Naming this foundation after her is the least I could do to honor her memory."

Afrah's lips pursed. "You and Hajiya shared a deep and special bond, huh?"

Najah hummed, aware of the sensitivity of the topic. Hajiya had never hidden her preference for Najah over Afrah.

"I used to envy your relationship with her," Afrah chuckled, a humorless sound that did nothing to mask her pain. "I wanted to be close to her too. It's unfortunate that she died just when we had begun to create a bond."

Najah nodded, unsure of what to say. She didn't want to end up saying something she shouldn't say.

"It must have felt wonderful to be accepted by your mother-in-law, right?" Afrah asked, the question hanging in the air.

Again, Najah was left speechless, her mind trying to process the unexpected question.

"May Allah forgive her sins, and grant her Jannah," Afrah prayed. 

"Ameen," Najah mumbled. "Ameen, Ya Allah."

A heavy silence settled between them. Najah shifted  uncomfortably, the initial warmth slowly dissipating.

"I appreciate you coming, Afrah," Najah spoke, finally breaking the silence. "But you shouldn't have gone through the trouble of coming all the way here just to—"

"I came with Jameel," Afrah replied cutting her off. "He's outside, waiting for me in the car."

"Oh..." Najah remarked, her voice trailing yet again. "I thought you came alone."

"We came to visit Hajiya's house, and I insisted on coming here because I have something very important to discuss with you."

Najah swallowed, her heart pounding in her chest. "What is it?"

"Before I get to that, I wanted to ask; are you still planning to marry? Jameel told me about it some weeks back."

Najah shook her head, a sad smile playing on her lips. "Unfortunately, I'm not anymore. We've decided to call it off."