---
Abuja, Nigeria.
"Please ensure this doesn't happen again, Sir. She almost lost her life." The doctor explained solemnly.
"In Sha Allah," Alhaji Abdurrahman nodded as the doctor exited the room. Jalilah lay still, her mother, Hajiya Khadijah, beside her, quietly sobbing. It had been two days since the incident, and though Jalilah's health was improving, the memory of the scare lingered.
"You need to stop crying, Khadijah," Alhaji Abdurrahman said, his voice gentle. "Jalilah will be alright, In Sha Allah."
"I feel like it's my fault," she whispered, her voice trembling. "If I hadn't given in to her pleas, this wouldn't have happened. She wouldn't be in so much pain."
"Allah has already destined it," he reminded her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Stop blaming yourself, okay?"
A faint smile appeared on her face, and she nodded. Taking Jalilah's fragile hand in hers, she placed a tender kiss on it. "I love you, my baby. Please get well soon."
"She will, In Sha Allah."
"It's almost midnight," she said softly, "You should go. The kids are alone, though Hajiya and Jalal are there."
"Alright, Khadijah. Do you need anything?"
"No, everything's provided here," she replied, managing a small smile.
"Okay. Take care. I'll see you in the morning," he said, hugging her and kissing her forehead.
"Okay," she smiled, watching him kiss Jalilah on her forehead before leaving. As he left, she blew a dua over Jalilah and covered her with a blanket before settling back into the bed-chair in the room. She switched off the lights, enveloping the room in a peaceful quiet.
****
"Mummy," Jalilah's hoarse voice startled Hajiya Khadijah awake.
She immediately sat beside her, pecking her on the forehead. "My baby! Do you need anything?"
"I'm thirsty," Jalilah whispered.
Hajiya Khadijah poured a small amount of water into a glass, lifted Jalilah gently, and pressed the cup to her lips.
"Are you okay?"
Jalilah nodded slowly. "Yes."
"Are you in pain, my love?"
"My chest," she replied, pouting.
"You'll be fine, In Sha Allah. Let me get your breakfast and medicine, okay? It'll help you heal faster." Hajiya Khadijah dashed to the mini kitchen in the room, plating the chips, sausages, and fried eggs the hospital had provided. She added a touch of ketchup and brought the plate to Jalilah.
"Mummy, I think I'll take my bath before eating," Jalilah said weakly.
"Alright," her mother smiled, covering the food and helping Jalilah out of bed. After a warm bath, they emerged from the bathroom just as Jalal and Alhaji Abdurrahman arrived. Seeing Jalilah wrapped in her towel, they excused themselves to the parlor to wait.
Hajiya Khadijah dressed Jalilah and began feeding her as Alhaji Abdurrahman and Jalal re-entered the room.
"How are you feeling, my Jalilah?" Alhaji Abdurrahman asked after exchanging greetings.
"Alhamdulillah, Daddy! Just the chest pain," she said with a small pout.
"You'll be fine, In Sha Allah, my Lilah," he teased, using her childhood pet name. Jalilah laughed shyly.
"How are you feeling?" Jalal asked quietly.
"Alhamdulillah," she whispered.
After staying a while, Alhaji Abdurrahman and Jalal left for work.
"I heard the school is coming to visit today," Banina told her.
"Really?"
"Yes," Banina nodded.
"Why did you skip school, Banina? Just because I'm not home?" Hajiya Khadijah asked sternly.
"No, Mummy! I was late, and Nabeel and Alaina left with Adda Maheera."
Soon after, Jalilah's classmates and teachers arrived, bringing fruits and chocolates. The teachers apologized to Hajiya Khadijah for allowing Jalilah to participate in the race, aware of her condition. As they left, Jalilah felt a pang of disappointment—Aslam was absent. Didn't he care anymore? Two days had passed, and he hadn't visited or even called. When she asked Banina, she learned that Aslam had only sent a brief message asking about her health. Was that all she meant to him?
Jalilah's chest ached, and tears spilled over.
"Subhanallah, Jalilah, what's wrong? Is it the chest pain?" Hajiya Khadijah asked, pulling her into her embrace.
"I'll call the nurse," Banina said, pressing the button on Jalilah's bed. A nurse arrived promptly, and after hearing about the chest pain, she administered an injection to ease it. In a few minutes, Jalilah drifted into sleep.
"Ya Allah! Grant my baby quick shifaa," Hajiya Khadijah prayed, and Banina joined her in saying, "Ameen."
****
At around 4 p.m., Banina was left alone with Jalilah, as Hajiya Khadijah had gone home to prepare her daughter's favorite meal. A knock came, and after Banina gave permission, the visitor entered, carrying a bouquet of flowers, a card, a basket of fruits, and chocolates.
"Aslam?" Banina said, causing Jalilah to lift her gaze from her phone.
"Yes, Banina." Aslam smiled, setting the gifts on the center table before approaching Jalilah's bed. She turned her face away, visibly upset.
"Listen, Cupcake. I know you're angry, and you have every right to be," he said softly. "I swear it wasn't intentional. My mother was also admitted to the hospital, and we nearly lost her."
"May Allah grant her quick shifaa," Banina and Jalilah said in unison, and Aslam responded with an "Ameen."
"A call would've been enough," Jalilah whispered.
"I'm sorry, Cupcake. How are you feeling?"
"Alhamdulillah," she replied, a small smile softening her expression.
"Masha Allah." He smiled, and she let go of her anger, and they started chatting as Banina excused herself to the parlor.
"I love you, my Cupcake," Aslam said tenderly. "I can't imagine life without you." Just then, the door burst open, and figures strode into the room.
"Who are you, and what's happening here?" a voice thundered, drawing the pair's attention to the intruder.
---
Written on: 20.11.20.
Edited on: 21.8.22🖤
YOU ARE READING
Affairs Of The Hearts |✅
RomanceCOMPLETED ~JALILAH~ Jalilah, a sweet, lively, and beautiful sixteen-year-old girl, knows no care in the world. An orphan since her parents passed away when she was just a year old, she has lived her enti...
