Against The Tide (Formerly Two Tribes)

70: Calling It Quits

As Jameel's car screeched to a halt in front of the house he had grown up in—his childhood home, his heart raced with anticipation and trepidation. It had been a whole week since he had last seen or even heard from Najah as she was avoiding him like some deadly disease. And whenever he called Hajiya in hopes of getting through to Najah, he always failed. Hajiya wanted nothing to do with whatever was going on between them. She had already told him not to involve her in any way. 

Standing in front of Hajiya's house, Jameel heaved a deep sigh for he knew things were not going to be easy. Deep within him, he hoped to mend the fragments of their relationship. Najah had been very understanding. She also deserved to be understood.

The front door creaked open, revealing the familiar face of his mother. "Jameel?" She called, obviously surprised by his unexpected visit. Her eyes were filled with concern and confusion. "You didn't tell me you were coming." 

"Assalamualaikum, Hajiya," Jameel hugged his mother. "I didn't tell you because I knew you'd discourage me from coming, and I really want to come...I want to fix things between Najah and me."

Hajiya pulled back from the hug and looked into Jameel's eyes. "I don't think she wants to see you, but since you're already here," she shrugged, making way for him. "There is no harm in trying. Come on in, your wife is in the kitchen. You can go and meet her there or wait for her to be done. She is almost done anyway."

With another sigh, Jameel stepped into the house; his gaze darting around. "This house is sparkling more than usual."

"What did you expect? Najah is here," Hajiya smiled. "She's so hardworking. She never gets tired of working. She even begged me to dismiss the maids temporarily because she wants to be the one to do the chores. She's special."

Jameel couldn't help but nod in agreement. "She is."

"That's why you need to do whatever it takes to win her back. I won't forgive you if you let her go so easily. And I'm serious!"

Jameel shook his head. "I won't, Hajiya. I just need to figure out what to do to get her to forgive me. This is actually the first time she's gotten this angry. It made me realize that I have indeed wronged her."

"Well, you better figure it out fast. I wish I could help you right now, but unfortunately, I can't. I don't want to get involved."

Jameel nodded, feeling the weight of Hajiya's words. For a fact, he knew she was also still mad at him for deciding not to divorce Afrah. Even with her, he knew he had to make it up to her. "I will go to the kitchen."

"Okay," Hajiya responded, permitting him to walk away.

As Jameel entered the kitchen, his gaze landed on Najah who was busy chopping vegetables. She looked so peaceful. As if she didn't have any worries in life. He missed walking into his house to the sight.

He cleared his throat, making Najah jump a little.

She turned around; her brows furrowing immediately.

Jameel studied her face. Though vague, it was obvious she didn't want him there.

"How are you doing?" His voice was laced with tenderness. He felt it would soften her heart to at least have a conversation with him.

She did not respond.

"I can see you're doing fine," he continued. "It's been a week," he chuckled humorlessly. "You've been ignoring my calls and text messages all through."

Again, Najah did not respond.

"I miss you, Najah."

At this point, Najah couldn't help but huff at his words.