Aya

Chapter 21 - Is That How To Say Bye To Your Husband?

Aya didn't know how long she stood by the doorway after Zahid left. Time seemed to blur, her thoughts spinning into chaos. One thing, however, became painfully clear if she sat down and truly processed everything that had happened today, she would probably drive herself insane... maybe even spiral back into the dark pit she had only just begun to crawl out of.

No. She wasn't doing that. Not now. She would process it later slowly, carefully. But for now, there was only one place she needed to go.

Baba's room.

It was the only place that might offer her even a fragment of peace or at least some answers. Ironically, he was also the reason for most of the turmoil tearing through her mind.

Aya walked quietly upstairs toward Baba's room. She wasn't sure if he would be there it was just after Maghrib, and he could easily be in his study. Still, she decided to take her chances. At least she had the time being on her period meant she didn't have salah to perform. She couldn't decide if that was a blessing or a curse, especially when all she wanted was to rest her head and cry to her Lord later.

She knocked gently on Baba's door. Silence. The room was empty, just as she had suspected. That left only one place—his study.

Too drained to climb back down the stairs, Aya took the elevator, her body and mind both exhausted. When she reached the study, she knocked softly again.

This time, a familiar voice told her to come in.

Baba was sitting on the couch, his posture weary, his eyes shadowed with guilt. Beside him sat Hammah, which surprised her. She had assumed he'd left the house earlier, furious. But of course she and Hammah were alike in that way. When either of them was lost or conflicted, they always found their way back to Baba.

Both men looked up when she entered. Hammah's face a mix of anger and pity, Baba's lined with exhaustion and remorse.

"Aya na," Baba said softly, gesturing for her to come sit beside him.

Hammah shifted, moving to sit opposite them as Aya quietly crossed the room and lowered herself beside Baba.

For a long moment the room was silent, none of them could bring themselves to speak first each one weighed down by thoughts they couldn't put into words.

Finally Aya leaned her head on Baba's shoulder her voice came out small but trembling
"Baba...." She whispered

"Na'am Aya" he answered gently wrapping an arm around her shoulder

"Baba I don't want to go to Kano. Please talk to Zahid I'm not ready yet" she said, her voice breaking as tears slipped down her cheeks

Across from them, Hammah lowered his head into his hands. He hated this, hated seeing his sister like this and knowing there was nothing he could do. It was all beyond his control now

Baba sighed, his hands moving in slow circles on her back.
"Ki yi hakuri Aya" he murmured "Who told you you are going to Kano?"

"Zahid" she replied softly

"And who is Zahid to you Aya?" he asked, his tone still calm but firm

Aya fell silent. She couldn't bring herself to answer that question because it was a reality she wasn't sure she was ready to accept, a truth that weighed heavy in her chest

Baba saw her hesitation and continued quietly "He is your husband Aya, what right do I have to stop him from taking his wife?"

At that Aya broke down completely "Baba why is this happening to me? why now? Why so soon? Nobody is even allowing me to process anything. Everyone is just making decisions for me and no one is asking me what I want" she cried lifting her head, tears streaming down her faced