For Aishaayyda 💕. Thank you for the kind words.

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Omar  found Hameeda pacing up and down the nursery trying to calm the wailing Hisham down.

Come on you want your mummy and she's here. Don't you think I want my mummy too? To run into her arms and cry, maybe later sleep on her laps. Please you have to stop screaming mummy hasn't slept all night too.

She looked terrible. Her hair was tied in an un-neat bun with stands of loose hair all over, she looked like someone who hadn't eaten or slept for days as she walked up and down shaking the baby trying to get him to sleep.

Please Hisham I beg you stop crying and sleep. Please help your mummy...
She continued and Omar who just arrived home from Philly dropped his duffel bag and approached them.

Salaam. Here let me help.
And it made her jolt as she glared at him  her eyes  red either from sleep deprivation or crying and he reached to her side knowing she was not about to reply.

You have to let me help you.
He whispered when he stood next to her as she clutched on to the crying baby not letting him go and then  gently she slipped the baby onto his arms only for the intensity of the cries to increase.

Oh come on!
She half whispered and came closer to get the baby from him and when the baby was enveloped in between them, he slowly began to stop.

Don't move
Omar whispered to which she shot him a deadly glare.

I think it's the light. He's drawn to the little bit of darkness.
Omar explained
Just stay still.

The baby moved a little as she drew back and involuntarily Omar used his other hand and pulled her closer so that their baby was enveloped in-between them. He held on to her and she could feel as Hisham heaved lightly closing his eyes as sleep eluded him.
Seconds became minutes and finally Omar broke the silence in a whisper.
He's asleep now.
Help me draw the curtains back in my room, the shade is more darker as it'll create a night like scenario for him.

Don't do that again.
She warned in a whisper as he approached where she stood.
Hold me, or what ever that was you tried.

Hameeda.!

No Omar don't. I don't want to hear, Save it. I'm happy I'm leaving you. So please if you want to make this easy for me, just go away, leave me alone. Wallah I was happy when you left, I would be happier if you go and never return. Please go.

I was just trying to help. And please lower your voice he just fell asleep.

Please just go, I don't care. Just leave us alone. You said you'll do what ever it takes I want you to go and don't come back.
Her words broke.

Okay  fine I'll go.
And Omar walked to his room and after drawing the curtains, he placed Hisham gently on the bed placing pillows all around him as he said a silent prayer over him kissing his face. He walked to his closet and got some few pairs of clothes and arranged them in the duffel bag before him. He went into the bathroom and took a few personal items and when he came out she was still there standing guard over the baby.

He placed a two piece night gown on the bed and spoke.

I've ran the bath, have a  warm bath and some sleep too. And about earlier, Reem was like that as a baby, the light disturbs her and she's always fussing. Ummi said I did that too. It wasn't just a plan to touch you.
He exhaled loudly.

There's food in the fridge and I'd send take outs later. Please don't cook or stress yourself. Just sleep. And when he fuss always keep him in a dark place, run him a bath when he's up.....
And he just couldn't continue as he paused.
Look Sam... Hameeda I'm trying..
And she scuffed which made him just pick his bag and exited.
Later when she came out of the bathroom she checked her phone and there was a message from him.

I won't be at the Manor so please get to me first if you need anything. Is it true what you said about wanting me to go away? Will it make you happy? Will it make you stay?           
                                  Omar.

*****

The Manor
Abbi held his head with both hands as he went through some papers, the whole room was scattered with papers and files here and there. The first court sitting is tomorrow and each and every evidence pointed to him, he had reached a point where not even the truth could save him, there were meetings in all the branches, they were loosing stocks, the market was down and they were hitting rock bottom hard.
How can a huge amount get lost under his supervision, and then everything points to him, who ever did this has to be very clever and close to him.
He had met Omar the other day to investigate and discuss possible suspects and all proved abortive. To make matters worse the last private sitting they had with the district attorney stated that if by the first open court sitting there is no possible suspect, they will have no choice but to send Mr Kofti to jail on counts of money laundering, breech of trust, theft and other charges. Which at least with a plea-bargain and health benefits he might get up to 7 years but might be reduced to 3 since he has a good lawyer.
He met with his lawyers and the family the previous day after the pre-case trail to discuss their options. It was a bitter emotion knowing that starting from the next week which will be the first day of the court case, there was an 80% chance of their father going to jail. After the meeting, he called Omar alone in his bedroom.

Next week might be the start of a very crucial phase of all our lives, I don't know what will go on in the court but one thing I know for sure is that Omar I've given up. There's no use trying, we've exhausted all our resources. Someone wants me out of this game and thinks the only way to do it is to frame me, I don't know if the plan all along is to make me drop out of the CEO position but jail time? For the people I've worked so hard in my life to pay, to make their lives better? someone must have brainwash them.
He paused

I want you to promise me the company will be safe in your hands. I will call a meeting tonight and add you to the board of directors. You're the only person I can trust to oversee everything that is happening and make sure it goes well.

Abbi please stop talking like that, I promise you new evidence will come up, we're going to get through this. You're not going to pay for something you didn't even do. I will not let that happen.

Omar stop. Just promise me you'll take care of the family when I'm gone, you're the closest .....

Abbi.
He interrupted.
You're going to be here for them at the end of this all. We have not given up yet. I'm working day and night to figure this thing out and in sha Allah everything will go well.

Who are they appointing as the new CEO?
Abbi asked about a particular meeting afterwards.

Khaled.
Omar scuffed.
I thought at least since he's uncle Mostafas son and still married to Susan the business is still at home but Abbi I don't trust them...

I don't either Omar but if you can't  beat them, join them. And if it helps, I think I'm going to resign as CEO tomorrow, maybe reduce the tension.

No Abbi, the success of the KGC lies in your hands. You can't resign nor assign someone yet. I don't see Khaled as someone who can take care of it. For god's sake Abbi it's the Khaled we both know.

Why don't you take it then?
He tried a very sensitive topic they have gone over for quite some time.

Abbi you can't resign your position as CEO. I understand it being taken away from you but you can't back down. It gives them a power over you.

You're trying to escape my question again? I've been trying to groom you for something like this. Don't you think the time is now?

I'm sorry and you know why I can't. I need to go and meet some investors too. Let me know what happens during your next meeting.

How's little Hisham?
Abbi asked earning Omar's genuine smile.

They're fine.
He replied.

Don't let it get into your head that granting a wish is not you simply letting that person push you away.

Thank you.
He responded ignoring the fact that he fully understood what Abbi meant.

Walking out of the Manor with the last thing Abbi had said on his mind, he dialled her number which he knew will go to voicemail then sent a text informing her he'd be home. When he arrived she was sitting in the living room Hisham on her laps. He said salaam and sat down which she responded in her mind.

The court case is starting soon, I want to go back to the Manor, to stay there through out. For support, because it involves Abbi and from where things are going it's very bad.

When am I leaving?
She shot without looking at him.

And he looked at her his eyes showcasing a zillion of emotions.

Can you take him back to the room so we can talk?

It's just a simple question Omar when am I leaving you?

The baby tossed and Omar's eyes stayed on him till he calmed and continued sleeping.

Please give him to me.
He instructed as he took the baby from her without waiting for her reply and walked to the nearest room which was his. He heaved a sigh of relief when he noticed some of the baby's products and sheets on his bed. That means she either still sleeps there or the baby does. He kissed him on the face and closed the door behind him after placing the baby monitor within sound reach.

He sat down back at the living room a distance between them.

Hameeda I wish you can understand what I'm trying to.....

Omar I don't want to hear anything from you.
She interrupted.
When am I leaving?

I'm trying, working hard to think of ways to make this work, don't you think our little pact of you leaving is stupid, who's going to take care of Hisham? You are is mother. Please let's think about things carefully....

I knew it.
She spat.
Allah ya isa. I knew not to trust you.

Hameeda I will do anything to make you stay. Wallah tell me. I promise you I will do anything within my reach if it'll make you stay.

And she just burst out in tears  flabbergasted beyond words.

I regret ever meeting you....

I know...
He whispered

Or having the baby....
She sobbed.

Please don't say that.....
He said in a soft tone.

I hate your guts.......

I know......
He continued

Hameeda I wish for a minute you could walk in my shoes, then you will understand what I'm truly going through. He cannot live without you, Hisham cannot.

Listen to me Umm Hisham
He softened his tone as he approached her.

I will kill you if you dare touch me. And wallah I'm leaving. One of us has to leave. I can't be with you. You leave or I do.

If one of us leave? I leave? Will you stay here for him? Hameeda stop being a child and for once think this through. You have school to finish, you are a mother now for Godssake.

She just continued crying and mumbling in between sobs.

I'm sorry for whatever I've put you through Hameeda but things have changed. We have Hisham now. We can't be thinking about ourselves only.

Just leave.
She screamed.

I'm sorry.
And he walked to the room and after kissing Hisham goodbye he went back to meet her in her room. He entered and to his surprise the room was neatly packed like she was already set to leave.

I'm sorry  that this is not what you expected from me. But I really want us to work this through.

Did you mean what you say by one of us has to leave? If I leave, will you stay? 

*Silence*

Please think this through. Leaving is not our best option. Do this for him and not me.

*Silence*

Umm Hisham will you stay if I leave?

*Silence*

Few minutes of silence later, he stood up and took his leave.

****
Days later at The Manor

Ummu walked inside the study with a tray of teacups and set it down. It was then she noticed Abbi his head in between his knees. Shock registered on her face as she ran to where he sat at a corner.

Subhanallah Hussam what is happening! Talk to me.
She raised her voice full of alarm.

What is happening?
She tugged at his shirt shaking and checking his body for signs of any trauma.

Omar.
Was all he could mutter.

What happened to Omar? What did he do? Where is Omar?
She asked all these questions at once without giving him time to answer

I got a call from the District attorney's office. They're keeping him at the Precinct.

Why?
She furrowed her eyebrows.

He went with a signed confession. They're saying Omar took the funds.
He exhaled.

What? You and I both know that can't be true.
Ummu responded.

I don't care what is true or not. I have cautioned Omar multiple times about this. I told him they might try to use him. The boy just succeeded in breaking my family.
Abbi mumbled.

What wrong did I ever do to Omar?
Abbi asked directing it to Ummu.

I have cared for him, never showed him any difference between he and the girls. Given him all he's ever wanted, always fighting to keep him close and see where it took us.

Innalillahi wa inna ilayhi rajiun.
Ummu was all she could keep saying as she found a space next to him and sat down holding her husband's hand in hers

I have always suspected that he's up to something. That's why I put my P.A on his trail. Because I knew he was up to something. Remember that day I told you and you said it's not possible?.

Have you told anyone?
Ummu asked after a long silence.

Have I told anyone. When he went to the District attorney himself?
He paused.

Nisreen he knew they wanted this. And he gave them what. I don't even know what i feel for him right now.

Hussam  you cannot say that about him.

I can say what ever I want about Omar because Nisreen he's ruined me.

We need to go and see him and talk to him. Hear the truth from him.

Nisreen I don't want to see or hear anything from him.

No Hussam I will never let you say that. If I let you do this I have failed on my role as your wife who promised to advise you whenever you're in need. We need to listen to the boy, clear things up.

What more clearance do you need woman. I was just emailed his signed confession. What more do you need.
He scuffed.

I am going to see him. And you're not going to.stop me. And don't tell the girls anything till I'm back. I need to hear it from him.
Ummu stormed out of the study and headed for her room. A few minutes later she wore a cream thoub (laffaya) and walked out of the Manor heading for the District attorney's office.

**
Omar
He sat on one of the chairs overlooking the pool at the hotel he lodged. His laptop rested on he lap as he typed away. He's tried for the past two days to get her to understand but it's proven abortive. He wanted them to talk, to make her understand things from the better perspective. Today like most days he wasn't being selfish. He wanted to start over, get her her life back, not let her let go of things that will make a difference and matter in her life like university and Hisham. Part of him told him he wasn't doing this for himself. Truly he doesn't want her to go, not mostly for him for he was learning to getting used to her around, starting a family. He remembered the conversation he had with his father earlier about the importance of  family meaning her and Hisham in his life.
First he had sent her a message notifying her that he wanted them to have a peaceful dinner together and discuss this.
He sat across the table at Ramada Inn looking at the booked restaurant closed for half the day just for them and she didn't show up. Instead the driver returned to tell him some stories he didn't need to stay and hear. He's texted and called all in vain so after thinking things through and carefully, here he is today.
He typed the last word on his computer, took minutes to read through what he had written for the hundredth time since he had edited and re-edited and when he was done, he picked up his phone and called his mother.

After exchanging pleasantries and she asking about Hisham, she noticed a change in his voice tone and asked what was wrong.

Umma I know I haven't been the best son to you, and when things happened with my father I pushed you away, and with Hameeda. I know you've always tried to get me to understand that it was the best for me and I just kept being strong headed. I'm so sorry.
He paused for believe him now he understands what it feels to want the best for someone and not have an easy way to make the person understand.

Al-farouq. I've told you times without number you don't have to apologise. I'm your mother and I know we might misunderstand each other at some point but I'd always love the best for you. I'd sacrifice anything to get the best for you. I just pray you understand that whatever I do, I do it for the best of you.

How could he tell her, what he's about to do. The sacrifice. For the best of the most important people dearest to his heart.

That brings us to Sameeha
She interrupted his thoughts.
I heard you sent her money to start buying the lefe.

And then his heart raced. He is about to do this and he prays she understands it's for the best of them all.

Umma about Samiha, I think they should put everything on hold. I'm not even coming home like I told you.

Subhanallah what is going on? Did you two have a fight again? She was just here with her mother and both happy about the wedding preparations.

Umma it's not her it's me. I'm so sorry. Just forgive me.

Farouq you're scaring me. What is going on? Should I call Hussam?

Let me get this call I'll call you back. My regards to them all.
He lied and ended the call.

He dialled Hameeda a couple of times and when it kept going to voicemail, he typed down on his phone and send the text. And grabbing his laptop, phone and some personal items, he drove to the District attorney's office to save the people most dear to his heart. From LEAVING.

I wish I could leave you while we were on better terms. Tell Hisham that I Love him. I'm doing this for us Umm Hisham and I hope one day you understand.
Omar.

****

Salaam!
Apologies for the slow updates, uni has resumed and in between lectures, hospital & studying it's really hard to stay on the phone typing for a while.
I've had this chapter imagined  in my head for long but words aren't doing me justice. I tried taking time to let the writing flow but it's still not coming up as planned.
Manage this as the best (or worse) I could come up with.

P.S: How did this chapter go?
Yalla click the 🌟 & gimme some words.
26.2.17