After reaching Ahmad's house, Zara, Jadwa's immediate younger sister, and Ameerah found themselves immersed in a late-night conversation, weaving through many topics to catch up on the situation and the fast approaching Eid.

Well past midnight, Zara's curiosity cut through the kitchen's quiet ambiance, "When are you going to start working?" Jadwa, her hands rhythmically working on the stove to cook noodles, considered the question.

"Honestly, I have no idea. I just need some rest and time to clear my head, you know?" she replied.

"What are your actual plans?" Zara persisted, her curiosity hanging in the air.

"What plans? I'm just trying to rest for now. I don't really know what I want" Jadwa sighed heavily, a touch of uncertainty in her voice.

"I'm just wondering how I'm going to apologize to Baba. My heart is full of nothing but regrets. I just didn't know things were going to escalate to this" she confessed, vulnerability seeping through her words.

"He's going to come around. Just make sure you are sincere, okay?" Ameerah's comforting words wrapped around the kitchen, offering her solace.

"Yeah, yeah," Jadwa added habanero peppers to the pot and hopped onto the kitchen island.

"By the way, how is Jordan?" she asked, attempting to shift the focus away from her predicament.

"Honestly, it's fine. All our friends miss you, especially your friend Maryam. We visit them a lot too" Zara shared, a touch of nostalgia evident in her voice.

The feeling of reminiscence washed over Jadwa as she thought about her closest friend, Maryam. They had shared the best of times in Jordan.

They continued their late night chat, talking about everything and nothing. Eventually, Zara went to sleep, leaving Jadwa alone with her thoughts. Unable to resist, she reached out to Abdul by calling him.

"Hi, Abdul" she greeted him, the tiredness of the day visible in her voice.

"Hello, darling. How are you?" he responded, his voice gruff from just waking up.

"I am doing well. I came back with Ya Ahmad and got busy" she sighed.

"Mmm, you feel much better, right?" he asked, his concern evident.

"Yes, I do" she chuckled, the simplicity of their conversation lifting her spirits.

"I already miss you" she confessed, her voice purposely sounding cute.

"Baby, you know I miss you more. When are we meeting again?" he asked.

"I'm a little bit busy because It's Ramadan, and I'm going back home completely tomorrow. But I'll make time to meet you, there are a few things I want to discuss as well" she answered honestly.

"Of course, babe. I understand. Whenever you are free, okay? There's no pressure," he reassured in a soft, understanding voice.

"You should go back to sleep. There's work tomorrow" she suggested, the reality of responsibilities tugging at the edges of their conversation.

"Yeah, I sure should" he laughed in his sleepy voice. "I love you so much. You should go to sleep as well."

"I love you too. Alright, alright," she responded, a genuine smile gracing her face as she ended the call.

Jadwa's feelings for AbdulHakeem were growing, a silent acknowledgment that found its way into her heart with every conversation. It felt like each interaction fueled the flame of her affection, his gentleness and attention to detail providing her a sense of reassurance and safety.

After their conversation, she lay in bed, regret clouding her thoughts and eventually fell in a deep sleep. The next morning, the sound of Zara's makeup routine and conversation with Ameerah stirred her awake.

"Oh my God, Zara, can you just lower your voice?" she hissed, her hands instinctively fisting in her hair.

But Zara, unabashed, continued to laugh. With a roll of her eyes, Jadwa navigated her morning routine, joining Zara and Ameerah's conversations.

In the midst of casual banter, the realization hit her, today was the day she had to apologize to Baba. It sent a ripple of panic through her. The remembrance of how Ammi forced them to write letters to their Father hit her bringing a small smile smile on her face. As much as she hated doing it when she was younger, she would take it a thousand times than to face him now.

As she showered, the impending apology weighed heavily on her thoughts and uncertainty clung to her every step.

With the bathroom door closing, Ameerah's attention was drawn to Jadwa's figure wrapped in a towel as she dried her hair. Her teasing remark about Jadwa's "rebellious red hair" brought a momentary levity to the atmosphere.

"Are you going out to search for a husband before your time is up and we marry you off to one of your dad's old friends?" Ameerah playfully asked, the humorous tone not entirely masking the underlying tension.

"So that his other wives and their children will be scared he married a witch with red hair?" Zara chimed in, and the room erupted in laughter.

Jadwa looked at them in shock not believing her unserious sister in law and younger sister finding humor in her misery.

"But wait, imagine her slow dancing with one of Baba's friends at their dinner" Zara added, fueling the laughter.

"Oh my God, you guys, I am actually losing my mind. Can't you see that?" Jadwa exclaimed, the weight of everything pressing down on her.

However, their laughter didn't stop, and she rolled her eyes, moving to the mirror to detangle her hair. Once the laughter subsided, she asked a question that had been swirling in her mind.

"Do you think I should write a letter to Baba? I don't think I can face him right now" she sighed, seeking advice from her sisters.

"Absolutely not, Jadwa. I think the problem is much bigger, especially with Baba. He is not taking it lightly at all" Zara advised, her words carrying a hint of seriousness.

"I think so too, Jadu. He must be devastated. Just meet him and apologize sincerely, maybe he'll understand and forgive you" Ameerah added, her concern mirroring Zara's.

Jadwa nodded, acknowledging their advice. Ameerah then braided her hair, and she dressed in a loose dress, and wrapped a veil.

"Ameerah are you driving today" Jadwa asked.

"Of course! We don't want you to get us into an accident thinking about the line of old men you will potentially have to marry" Zara playfully responded, and Jadwa impulsively tossed the car keys in her direction.

"Zara, Wallahi, I will beat you in this house. Am I your mate?" Jadwa retorted.

Amidst the banter, Ameerah intervened, stopping them from going at each other. In a different circumstance, Jadwa might have joined in the laughter, or even added her own jokes or maybe worse, but today, her mind was preoccupied with the apology to Baba.

Ameerah drove them to the house in a quiet and serene atmosphere. The sound of a Muslim podcast played in the car, creating a backdrop of calmness that contrasted with the storm brewing within Jadwa.

Immediately they arrived home, Jadwa looked for Ammi, Fortunately, she found her in the kitchen, and gave her a side hug.

"You're already back? I thought you were going to stay longer at Ahmad's house" Ammi said, adjusting Jadwa's veil with a smile.

"I got tired of Ameerah and Zara making fun of me and my unfortunate situation" Jadwa confessed, folding her arms across her chest and glancing pointedly at the teasing duo.

"Subhanallah, Ameerah, including you?" Ammi chuckled.

"Ammi, we didn't do anything. She's lying," Zara blatantly lied to cover up, and Ameerah greeted Ammi with a smile.

Sensing an opportunity to take Ammi away from the kitchen, Jadwa gently grabbed her arms. "Ammi, don't you think this kitchen is stuffy? You should spend some time with your favorite daughter. Don't you miss me?" she asked playfully , leading her away from the kitchen to the dining area.

"You don't have to sweet talk. Oya, what do you want?" Ammi playfully inquired as she settled into a seat.

"Mmm, do you think I should apologize to Baba after Iftar?" Jadwa hesitated, her mind weighed down by the fear of facing Baba's disappointment.

"I think you should apologize now, Jadwa. He's going to be busy with some visitors" Ammi advised, a hint of concern etched on her face.

"I am scared of talking to him, Ammi. Is he still angry? Did you talk to him?" Jadwa bombarded her with questions, desperately seeking reassurance.

"I spoke to him, and he has calmed down a little, even though he has refused to change his mind about marrying you off soon if there's a great suitor" she sighed, a mix of empathy and helplessness in her expression. "You know how your father is."

Jadwa nodded in understanding, her eyes inadvertently welling up with tears. "I know, Ammi. Thank you so much. Jazakhallahu Khairan. I'll buy you a big bar of gold when I get rich" she teased her, appreciating her Shuwa background and the beauty that resonated in her heart.

"Don't forget! Or just pay it with your bride price" Ammi playfully tapped her on the back, laughter cascading through them.

"Unfortunately for you, Ammi, I am not Shuwa. I am a beautiful Hausa girl and my bride price won't cost an arm and a leg" Jadwa teased back, engaging in the lighthearted joke that they always shared.

"See this small girl, if I decide it will be my way, you know it will have to be" Ammi retorted, a mock sternness in her tone.

"Of course, Ammi. Please, please, please do that" Jadwa responded, relishing the playful exchange. "I am not a gold digger, but who wouldn't want that," she joked, intentionally provoking her, as she disliked stereotypes about her tribe.

The laughter that followed was a familiar sight , Jadwa couldn't help but admire at the spirit of her step mother. Ammi's grace, had shaped Jadwa's understanding of strength and beauty.

As they laughed together, Ammi playfully added, "Good luck apologizing to your father. Then come back, and let's start discussing bride prices."

"How savage of you, Ammi" she smiled in disbelief and turned toward the stairs, preparing to face Baba.

The moments leading to Baba's door were fraught with uncertainty. As Jadwa stood in front of it, a light knock echoed through the room.

"Yes, who is there?" Baba's faint voice responded, sending shivers down Jadwa's spine.

"Baba, it's me, Jadwa," she replied, her voice carrying a mix of respect and apprehension.

"Come in, Jadwa."

"Assalamu Alaikum, Baba, Inna yini," (good evening) she greeted, trying to infuse a sense of calm into the room.

"Lafiya, Jadwa," (good) Baba responded with a curt acknowledgment of her greeting.

"How is the fasting? And how is your health?" Jadwa inquired, her eyes meeting his, searching for any sign of emotion.

"Alhamdulillah, we thank God, Jadwa. I am doing great."

"Baba," she began, her throat tightening with emotion, "Baba, I came to apologize."

Baba sighed, and Jadwa felt the weight of his gaze on her. "Baba, I am deeply sorry for the distress and disappointment I have caused you. My choices were not made with the intentions of causing pain or shattering the upbringing you have given us. I am full of regret for the embarrassment and shame I have caused to you and the family," she confessed, the sincerity in her voice showing layers of pent up guilt.

"Baba, you mean the world to me, and the last thing I want to do is jeopardize the bond we have and most especially, the reputation of our family. I promise I will strive to be a better daughter and I'll accept every consequence or punishment for my actions."

"Jadwa," Baba called, and she wiped away a tear, eager to hear his response.

"Naam, Baba" she answered, unable to meet his gaze directly.

"Your recent actions have caused me great disappointment, Jadwa, but I know my daughter. I pray that you have definitely learned from this. You see, Jadwa, whatever you do in life, you have to remember you are a Muslim first. I can decide to forgive you, take my words back, and let you continue living a life like this full of Haram, but you are my responsibility. I can't watch you go astray" he explained, his words cutting through the air with a wisdom that demanded respect.

"I am your father, and I will advise you. Instead of all this childishness you are engaging in that is just piling your sins, you should bring your suitors home and get married soon," he counseled, his tone gentle yet firm.

Jadwa nodded. "Thank you so much, Baba. Whatever you say is right, and I'll follow your choice Baba. I'll not disappoint you"

"Let this be a lesson and a time for you to grow Jadwa," he concluded, offering a pat on her shoulder.

"Stop crying now. It's almost time for Iftar. You should go and help your Ammi in the kitchen"

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