My New Home

Chapter Seven

Jamal disappearing act continued till the next day and I decided to confront him about it. I caught him while he dipped the mattress quietly and was ready to go to sleep. “Jamal”, I called. He flew out of the bed and landed on the floor in shock.

“I thought you’ve slept. He said unashamedly, what's the problem "?

“You don’t deal with a problem by hiding away from it; I challenged. you confront it head on and resolve it, that’s what a real man does”.

“I know but I’m just stuck between a rock and a hard place. I’m trying to make both parties happy but it seems I’m failing. I’m really sorry about the way things turned out”. He finally apologized.

“I take back my word about you not being a real man. You know how to apologize, even if you waste your time in doing so. That’s a big challenge the male population are yet to overcome due to their pride and I’m glad that my husband isn’t one of the lots”. I conceded.

“Alhamdulillah I’m glad to hear that. So what’s the next step?” He asked with genuine curiosity.

“I will call my mum or Kábeera tomorrow Insha Allah and see if any progress has been made”. I replied.

“Are you happy?" He looked into my eyes while asking this.

I met his gaze and answered. “Aside this new turn of event, yes I am”.

He smiled and nodded his head. “I do love you, do you know that?”

“I don’t know, you never tell me”. I jokingly replied.

“Well then I’ll have to remind you often from now on, so you don’t forget”. He added.

“Please do and I do love you too. Ma sha Allah”. I replied him.

We turned on our sides, said our Adhkaar and while holding each other tightly, we drifted off to sleep. He rarely showed his romantic side but once he does, I’m quick to bask in the attention.

I woke up the next morning to receive a text on my phone concerning another job I interviewed for. I was not selected but I couldn’t care less. I have too much on my plate at the moment and I don’t feel that I’m ready for a job when I’m this unsettled. Jamal has left for mosque already and I got up from bed to do the same he has gone to do. I’m determined not to joke with my prayers from now on.

When it was daybreak, I picked up my cell phone to call my dad and this time around, he picked up the call.

"Asalam alaykum dad" . I said wearily.

"Wa alaykum salam Fateemama. How’re you and your husband? Hope he’s treating you right"? He asked.

"Alhamdulillah we’re doing well and he’s definitely treating me right . I replied. But that’s not my reason for calling. I want to ask about Sulaiman’s health. Hope everything is under control?"

"Of course, don’t bother about it. Who told you?" He asked.

"Don’t bother about it as well. I replied using his words. I just wanted to check on you".

"We’re fine. Give my regards to your new family." He hanged up without for a reply. I wonder why he’s in such a rush.

I knew my dad won’t tell me what I wanted to hear, he’ll want to keep me from worrying and would not give me the required information, so if I want to get the full details, I’ll have to call Kabeera and I did just that. Her phone rang but she didn’t pick up her call. I called mum but I got similar response. So, I decided to call them later and just assist them with Du'a (prayer) while hoping for the best from Allah.
I left the room and joined other members of the family for our morning routine. I met Alhaji sitting in the living room and greeted him.