Chapter five

The day Ubeid and Salim graduated from Nile University was a proud moment for all of us. The entire family attended the ceremony, cheering loudly as they received their degrees.

“You both make us so proud,” Ummah said, her voice thick with emotion. After the celebrations, life began to shift. Ubeid and Salim were posted to different states for their NYSC service programs. Ubeid’s assignment took him to a rural community, where he soon met Asiya.

During a rare family call, Ubeid mentioned her. “There’s someone I want you all to meet,” he said, his tone unusually soft.

“Who is she?” Salim asked, a teasing grin on his face.

“Her name is Asiya,” Ubeid replied. “She’s smart, driven, and... different. In a good way.”

I stayed silent, my heart sinking at his words.

“Are we hearing wedding bells soon, bruh?” Salim joked.

“Not yet,” Ubeid replied with a laugh. “But she’s special.”

I excused myself from the conversation, retreating to my room where I could cry in private. I felt so much pain that night even though I had told myself that I had gotten over him all these time.

Salim had made a decision to pursue a master’s degree abroad which came as no surprise, but it still left a void in our family.

“You’ll do great, Salim,” I said as we hugged him goodbye at the airport.

“Take care of everyone for me, Ami,” he said with a smile. “And don’t let Ubeid bully you too much.”

But it wasn’t Ubeid’s teasing that occupied my mind. It was the news he shared shortly after Salim’s departure.

“I’m proposing to Asiya,” he told me one afternoon, his face alight with happiness.

I forced a smile, my heart shattering. “That’s wonderful, Ubeid. I’m happy for you.”

That night, I cried myself to sleep, mourning the love I could never have.

A few months later, the preparations for Ubeid and Asiya’swedding were nothing short of elaborate. Our home buzzed with activity as relatives and friends gathered to celebrate the occasion. On the morning of the wedding, Ummah found me in my room, adjusting my hijab in front of the mirror.

“You look beautiful, Amira,” she said, her eyes soft with affection.

“Thank you, Ummah,” I replied, forcing a smile. The ceremony was grand, with hundreds of guests in attendance. Asiya was stunning in her bridal attire, and Ubeid’s smile gleefully. I watched from the sidelines, hiding my heartbreak behind a composed exterior. The highlight of the evening was Salim’ssurprise arrival.

“Bruh, you didn’t think I’d miss your big day, did you?” he said, pulling Ubeid into a hug.

The room erupted in cheers, and for a moment, the joy was infectious. As the night wore on, I realized that life would go on. My heart would heal, and one day, I would find my own happiness, Insha Allah.