Chapter Four

Maryam's POV

I walked into the house and saw everywhere so quiet. I tried to walk towards mom's room when I heard Kareemah's voice "Maryam, is that you?"

I turned slowly and she wide her eyes. "it's really you! Oh my God! It's you! You came back to us!". She squealed as she hug me tightly.

I hug her back and we both stayed there for about five minute. I really missed her a lot.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry that I left without letting any of you know...I'm truly sorry". I said as we break the hug.

"You don't have to dear,we heard everything that happened from your husband. If I were you, I'll also do the same" 

"Thank you...for understanding"

"Where's Mom? "

"Oh! In her room... Let go".  She clasped both of our palm together as we walk toward mom's room.

We entered and saw her sleeping figure,we decide to walk slowly not to wake her up "how is she doing?". I whispered.

She's getting better, at least not like before ". She answered with a sad tone.

"I'm really sorry sis..I...I..if I had known, I wouldn't have left".

"It's not your fault... Stop blaming your self, this is not your fault. The only part is that mom loves you so much as her real daughter, and that's why it really affected her this way... I'm sure if she could wake up now and sees you, She'll be so happy"

"You think so? She won't get mad?".

"Maryam, everyone knows that you left to get your own freedom..space...you really need that".

"Kareemah, will you keep quiet". Mom mumbled softly as she open her eyes.

I quickly walk up to her to help her sit up well but when she saw me,she was shocked. She blink her eyes so many times before asking. "Maryam, is that you?!"

"Yes Mom, it's me... it's me your daughter". I answered in tears.

"Oh my God! You're back for me?". She  asked and I nod.

"Can I get a hug?"

"Of course, Mom".  I quickly hug her tightly.

"I missed you so much... I really do Mom...and I'm sorry..I'm sorry for causing you this..I'm sorry for leaving without letting you know..I'm sorry Mom".

"You don't have to be sorry dear...it wasn't your fault... In fact, I never knew you were going through so much, I had forced you into this marriage without considering your own happiness... Maryam, let get you a divorce ". She suddenly blurted.

"Huh?!". I asked unsure.

"Yes dear, let me get you a divorce paper, you can divorce my son right away, I'll make sure of that. You've went through so much...I just realise one thing when you left...Kareem don't deserve you at all".

Divorce? Of course, shouldn't I be happy? This is what I've been waiting for but why do I feel sad? Why do I feel as if I'm loosing something.

"So, what do you think dear?"

"Erm...Erm...mom, why don't you take a rest first?".

"Why? You're leaving?"

"No...no Mom, I'm going no where... In fact, your friend is on her way coming here"

"You mean your Mom?". She asked with a bright smile and I nod in response.

"You know, your mother is really a good person, she has been taking good care of me ever since I was sick,cook and do so many things for me. She's one in a million, just so caring as you.........why don't you sleep with me?"

"Huh! Now?"

"Yes"

"But Mom, what about me?". Kareemah whined.

"Don't be a nuaghty girl...go cook me my favorite".

"OK Mom... This time around I won't get jealous because I know how much you had missed your daughter in-law". She said rolling her eyes.

"Come on! Go make the food".  I said sticking out my tongue at her and she laugh before she left.

"You know,I really missed you a lot".

"I know mom and I'm sorry".

****

"Wake up mother and daughter, it's time to eat".  I opened my eyes and saw my mom waking both me and my mother in-law.

"I can't believe you two, you two just wrap yourself together in each others arm as if, you're both afraid one will leave another.

"Nana, you're here?". My mother in-law asked.

"Of course, I'm here and it seems you missed your daughter so much that you've forgotten your own friend".

"Oh! come on"

"Ok...Ok enough with the talk, let's go eat our food before it get cold". Kareemah said.

*****

It was nearly down when I realise that Kareemah and I talked mostly about me,about my life when I was away and not so much about her.

"Hey, how about you? How is your love life?". I asked even though I know already.

"Oh! come on, what's with the blushing?".  I asked elbowing her side.

"Actually....." She started, looking very shy.  "I have a boyfriend already"

"Oh my God! You did! You finally did!".  I exclaimed dramatically.   "Who is he?"

"You know him....Khalid"

"Wow, I'm so happy for you bestie". I said as I hug her.

****

It has already been two days of my stay in my in laws house and I still hadn't see Dad. I was told that he went for a business work, thankfully he  would return today.

I had been in the kitchen preparing mom's dinner when Dad arrived. Mom told him already about my arrival when he was away and he was so happy.  The moment he arrived, he immediately came for me.

"Maryam".  He called out my name in the kitchen. 

"Dad!". I exclaimed turning my body to him. I knelt to greet him as he quickly grasp my arm preventing me from doing so. Instead, he hugged me.

"I'm so happy that you're back". He said yet with a serious tone. I smiled, always in his firmer tone.

"How have you been doing?". We break the hug but still stood facing each other.

"I'm doing good, Alhamdulillah Dad".

"Oh thank God! We were all worried about you"

"I'm sorry Dad"

"Don't be, it wasn't your fault anyway"

"I see, you two are having father and daughter talk".  My mom said as she and my mother in-law walk into the kitchen.

"Of course, what do you expect?" He asked Mom smiling at her.

"Great timing, food is done already... Lemme dish it".  I announced happily and they all nod.

*****

I was still at my in-laws house, wondering why I wasn't in my parent house? Well, I had asked my parents permission to allow me stay with mom for some few days.  I wanted to spend more time with her and they both agreed. I was so happy when they gave their approval and for now, I'm staying at my in-laws house.

I suggest an idea for Mom to start a morning walk as I feel it will help her a lot. Everyone was scared at first as Mom was not that strong but I had to convince everyone which they later agreed. Morning walk with mom has now become a routine. She became livelier and Jovian, more vibrant and active than before which made everyone happy and surprised at the same time. I couldn't wait for her to get back to her usual self. I can't believe she was this weak.

We were both up for the morning walk, when all of a sudden she exclaimed. "My Kareem is here!".

My heart flipped. I thought he wouldn't show up his face, so why was he here now? What's even wrong with me? This is his parents house. He could come and go whenever he wish to,  after all he's their son.

"Dear". Mom starred at me apologetically.

"I didn't inform him you're here, I promised. He has no idea, it was just a coincidence".

"No problem, Mom ".

"That's good to hear dear! How I wish both of you could be back together again,it would have been so exciting"

What?! Back together? I thought she doesn't want us together, she was so sure when she had asked me the other day if she could get a divorce paper for us.

"But mom, I thought you said-"

"Oh come on, don't mind me dear....I love my son and I also love you too,but there is one thing I'm sure about him is that, he's really a changed man now, I can assure you that. I'm not forcing you into the marriage, if you want, I could get you the divorce papers but have it at the back of your mind that he has change a lot and I would be happy if you two can talk as an adult and sort it out between yourselves. If you really want to give in into this marriage, don't make it easy for him. Make it real hard so he could know your value...I'm sorry for saying all of this but I know deep in your heart that you still love my son Maryam".

Do I? I can't love him again.

****

I went to the dinning room and Mom, Dad and Kareemah was already there. I need to leave as soon as possible since he's here now.

"Kareem isn't here yet, but he will join us in a minute". Mom told me.

"No problem Mom. It doesn't matter to me if he comes or not".  I said.

Mom face saddened all of a sudden.  "I'm sorry, if this is going to be awkward but please dear, just try to bear with me".  She pleaded.

"I really wish you two could come in good terms". Dad said with a small smile.

Then, he came in. He wore a black tee shirt and black jean. He looks really simple but yet looks devilishly handsome,you wouldn't believe he was the president and CEO of so many big companies.

"Wait! Did I just say he's handsome? What's wrong with you Maryam " I scolded my self.

But by his looks, he seemed not surprised seeing me because he was actually smiling at me.

As in smiling, I mean a real smile..what's with the smile? 

He greeted Dad,he move towards Mom and greeted her also before kissing her cheek. Instantly, mom's face brightened.

"Morning my son".

"How are you today?".  He asked.

"Very,very happy my son...my girl is finally back"

"Yes mom, she's here for you ".  I quickly averted my eyes away.

He kissed Kareemah's cheek. Then unexpectedly, he moved closer to me and kissed my cheek.  

"Welcome back beautiful".  For a while I couldn't move a bit and when I regain my self back I couldn't control it anymore

I feel like slapping him right now.