Against The Tide (Formerly Two Tribes)

105: A Love That Defied The Odds

It doesn't hurt to vote 🙂😒

•

Afrah gently placed the sleeping Hauwa into her car seat, then slipped into the driver's seat beside Jameel, her heart still heavy with empathy for Najah.

"Why did it take so long?" Jameel asked, his voice laced with a hint of worry as he started the car. "I wanted to go inside and see what was happening."

Afrah shrugged. "We had a lot to talk about..."

Jameel hummed thoughtfully, his eyes scanning her face. "I hope it wasn't a confrontation."

Afrah rolled her eyes. "Why would I confront her? We just talked. About the past, the present and the future. That's all."

Jameel's eyebrows furrowed as he threw a glance at her before averting his gaze back to the road ahead. "You haven't apologized yet. You kept me waiting for so long. We would have gotten home by now."

Afrah sighed, her voice tired. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "Is that enough?"

Jameel shook his head, a playful glint in his eyes. "You have to apologize in a different way," he winked, a mischievous smile spreading across his face.

Afrah rolled her eyes again.

"This was the reason you wanted us to come, right?" Jameel continued. "Because you wanted to speak to Najah."

Afrah's lips formed a thin line, her expression turning serious. "The truth is, I wanted to visit Hajiya's house too, I wanted to see the foundation that was named after her, and of course I wanted to have a few words with Najah. I mean, we've lived together before, we've shared memories together, both good and bad. I just wanted to make sure that she is fine."

Jameel's lips curved into a small smile. "Thank you."

"And..." Afrah's voice trailed. She had no idea how she was supposed to tell Jameel about the proposal she made to Najah, and how he was going to take it. But why should he be upset? He ought to be happy that she was trying to help him, right?"

"What?" He probed.

"We spoke for a while... I asked her to marry you," she blurted, avoiding his gaze.

Jameel's grip tightened on the steering wheel, his knuckles strained. He abruptly pulled over to the side of the road, his jaw clenched, and his eyes flashing with anger. "Why? Just why, Afrah? Did I tell you to do that on my behalf?" He growled, his voice low. "Did I permit you?"

"Why are you getting angry?" Afrah retorted, her voice rising. "What did I do so wrong? I just wanted to help! I thought it would be a good way to bridge the gap between the two of you."

"Help?" Jameel asked, letting out a bitter laugh. "Me? Did I ask for your help? I would have convinced her if I wanted to, and she would have agreed! We talked, we understood, we agreed. But you, in your infinite wisdom, decided to intervene. You can't force things, Afrah! Especially not love. You did the wrong thing by interfering. No one sent you to do that. It's not in your place."

Jameel's words were like daggers, piercing Afrah's heart. All she wanted to do was help, but it seemed her intentions had been misconstrued. And Afrah, being Afrah, wouldn't let him talk to her so disrespectfully, especially since her intention was good. "I did what I thought was right. You were hurting, and I saw an opportunity to ease your pain. You told me yourself that she still cares about you, Jameel. I felt she just needed a little push. I felt she was hesitating because of me, and I didn't want that. I don't want to come between you two anymore."

Her words seemed to have fueled Jameel's anger. "It doesn't matter," he roared. "You should have asked me before doing something so...so..." His voice trailed and he heaved a deep sigh, obviously stopping himself from using an abusive word. "Unwise."