Abuja, Nigeria
"What! I'm sorry, Hajiya! But there's no way I'm getting married—and certainly not to Jalilah! For heaven's sake, she's my little sister!"
Alhaji Abdurrahman and Hajiya Khadijah were equally stunned by Hajiya's announcement.
"Hajiya, we respect your decision; Khadijah and I have always dreamed of this. It's truly a thoughtful suggestion, but don't you think Jalilah is still too young?" Alhaji Abdurrahman asked.
"Yes, Abdul, I know my Jalilah is still a kid. But right now, she's the only one who could possibly bring Jalal out of his shell. I'm so tired of seeing him broken like this—it's been years already!" Hajiya Zainab replied.
"But Hajiya, perhaps it would be better if she starts university first. She'll be more mature by then," Hajiya Khadijah suggested.
"I didn't ask for your opinion, woman! Did I?" Hajiya Zainab's voice dripped with venom. "It's not as if Jalilah is your daughter!"
"Haba, Hajiya! Khadijah is Jalilah's mother. She raised her and gave her all the motherly love she deserves," Alhaji Abdurrahman replied, trying to calm the situation.
"Please, Abdul. I'm not here for your wife's little drama. As I was saying, I want Jalal and Jalilah's wedding to take place as soon as possible," Hajiya Zainab stated firmly.
"Hajiya, I already told you—I'm not getting married, especially not to Jalilah! She's just a kid. This is child abuse," Jalal said, his tone calm but resolute. There was no way on earth he would agree to marry Jalilah.
"I've made my decision, Jalal, and there's no going back! The wedding will take place in the next five months, In Sha Allah. By then, Jalilah will have finished her schooling," Hajiya Zainab declared with finality.
"Does Maheera have a suitor? If possible, we'll plan for two weddings," Hajiya Zainab asked, directing her question to Hajiya Khadijah.
"Yes, Hajiya, but she told me he isn't ready for marriage yet," Hajiya Khadijah responded.
"Okay, then. Abdul, are you happy with my decision?"
"Yes, Hajiya, I'm very happy. May we all live to witness it," Alhaji Abdurrahman prayed, a contented smile on his lips.
"Ameen," they all answered in unison, except for Jalal, who was undeniably silent.
"And one more thing—do not tell her or any of the kids," Hajiya Zainab instructed. Knowing Jalilah, she would throw tantrums if she discovered the arrangements.
"In Sha Allah."
"Can I leave now?" Jalal asked, maintaining his usual calm demeanor.
"I'm sorry, my Jalal. I know you're angry at me now, but one day, you'll realize it's the best decision that could be made," Hajiya Zainab murmured, brushing her hand through his hair.
"Mummy!" Jalal and the others heard Jalilah's voice from upstairs.
Jalal stood up and exited the dining room, wondering how he would cope with Jalilah's childish behavior after their so-called marriage.
In his room, Jalal sat on his bed, head buried in his hands. He exhaled deeply, rubbing his face with his palms.
"Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un; from Allah we come, and unto Him, we return," he whispered, hoping to calm his racing heart. But it didn't help, so he performed ablution and prayed two units of salat. He spent time praying for Allah's blessings and read the Qur'an, feeling a serene peace afterward.
Meanwhile, Jalilah came downstairs and joined her parents and grandmother.
"What's wrong, my Jalilah?" Hajiya Zainab asked, gesturing for her to come closer.
Jalilah hugged her with puckered lips. "Hajiya, I've been begging Nabeel to take me to the mall, but he won't! You see, Daddy? That's why I want to learn how to drive," she said with a sigh.
"Don't worry, my dear! Let me ask Jalal to take you there," Hajiya said, pulling out her phone.
"What!!" Jalilah shrieked, eyes wide in disbelief, her reaction causing the others to laugh.
"Hajiya, you said Ya Jalal! No way! He's always not in the mood and scolds me over every little thing I do," Jalilah added with a pout.
"My Jalilah, he won't shout at you anymore, okay?" Hajiya Zainab reassured her with a smile.
Jalilah narrowed her eyes at Hajiya, then slowly nodded. "Hajiya, I'll just go back to my room. Adda Mahee can take me there tomorrow," she said, turning to leave, but Hajiya held her hand, stopping her.
"No, wait! Jalal will be the one to take you," Hajiya said, dialing Jalal's number. Jalal sighed as he listened to her instructions.
"I want you to take Jalilah to the mall," Hajiya Zainab said as Jalal entered the room.
Jalal looked at his grandmother and asked, "But Hajiya, why must I be the one to drive her?"
"Because I want you to, Jalal! Don't I have the right to ask you to drive her?" she responded.
They both exited the parlor, and Jalal went to fetch the car keys while Jalilah waited.
"Get in," Jalal said.
Jalilah nodded, nervously getting into the back seat.
Jalal looked at her and remarked, "Come up front; I'm not your driver."
"I... I'm sorry, Ya J-Jalal," she stammered, moving to the front seat.
The drive was quiet, with only the soft sound of the radio. They arrived at the mall, and Jalilah quickly picked out what she wanted. Jalal paid, and they returned home shortly after.
"Thank you so much, Ya Jalal," Jalilah smiled at him as they reached home. He simply nodded and went to his side of the house.
***
Written on: 4.11.20
Edited on: 24.5.22
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