The next few months had been a dream compared to before. Kamal's family were amazing. I had settled in quickly and comfortably, even though I did miss home and my family. I hadn't heard from them in almost a year. Despite the amazing, accepting family I had connected with here in Barawa, it's not them same. I miss my own family and my rowdy, irritating siblings. Meanwhile, over here, one of Kamal's best friends was conveniently our neighbour. He had a wife, Noori and she was a delight. Other than Kamal, she had been my rock throughout this transition and as I was heavily pregnant, she had helped so much around the house while our husbands were away at work.
'OW!' she rapidly turned round to see what I was complaining about.
'Halima! Oh God! Is it time? It's time it's time!'
'Noori!' I exclaimed with rage.
'Okay, okay! Let me get help' She ran out shouting. 'Auntie Amal, Auntie Zainab. It's Halima, she's having her baby.' Moments later, a number of people had come with equipment. I was too focused on myself to even notice who had walked in.
After 9 tireless hours of agony, anger and overwhelment, a miracle had resulted.
'A beautiful baby boy.' Auntie Zainab said handing me my baby. Everyone gazed in astonishment at the baby. His loud cries had been silenced by his beauty. Kamal was on my right and Noori on my left. I passed him over to Kamal, just then Waleed waddled into the room. Noori lifted him as his puzzled face stared at me then at Kamal and back at me.
'Look Waleed it's your new baby brother. You have to be a big boy and look after him now,' she said in the tone of a 5 year old. 'What's his name going to be Halima?'
'Zayn. Zayn Kamal Hussein.'
YOU ARE READING
Hold On
General FictionThe struggles of heroes expressed through their difficult yet extraordinary journeys. Halima moves her life along with her family to a completely different environment.
