She was sitting on her prayer mat making supplications to Allah to have mercy on her parents, when suddenly Aunty Maijiddah entered the room with greetings. Seeing Zainab engaged in prayer, she had no choice but to sit on the edge of the bed and wait until she was done. Zainab spent a long time reciting supplications, and finally she wiped her face with her hands and turned around with deep respect and a soft voice, saying:

“Good evening, Aunty.”

Maijiddah spread her face with a smile and replied:

“I’m fine, Zeey. How are you feeling? I hope you’re better?”

“Yes, I’m better, Aunty.”

Maijiddah sighed with compassion and said:

“That’s what I love to hear. Please come to the parlour, Abba Jawaheer and Doctor Nazeer are waiting for you there.”

In a low tone, Zainab replied:

“I’m on my way.”

“Okay, I’ll be waiting.”

With that, Aunty Maijiddah rose to her feet and left the room, returning to where Doctor Nazeer was seated in the parlour. In front of him was a tray full of food and delicacies. He and Abba Jawaheer were eating, chatting, and laughing, while Aunty Maijiddah simply watched them with a broad smile.

Meanwhile, Zainab composed herself further, making sure no one would notice she was in distress. She picked her hijab and slipped it over her long gown, put on her slightly raised shoes, and came out of her room, closing the door behind her.

By the time she reached the parlour, Jawaheer and her siblings had already fallen asleep on the carpet. Doctor Nazeer had finished his meal long ago, and even Abba Jawaheer had retired to his room with Aunty Maijiddah. Zainab entered and sat a little distance away from Doctor Nazeer, her head bowed. He followed her with his eyes, full of deep affection and longing. His heart pounded harder under the weight of the love he felt for Zainab—love that consumed his soul—and he wondered how he could persuade her to accept him as her husband the second time around.

The parlour was silent for a long time, each lost in thought, until finally Doctor Nazeer broke the silence and said:

“Zeey, not a word from you today?”

Shyly, she replied:

“Good evening, brother Nazeer.”

Nazeer smiled with pity and concern.

“I had to beg before you even spoke.”

She remained silent, unsure of how to answer. Doctor Nazeer carried such an aura of authority that no one could meet his gaze and speak carelessly. Seeing that she said nothing, he smiled faintly and added:

“You’re quiet, little sister.”

“So what do you want me to say?”

He let out a long sigh.

“How’s your health, Zeey?”

“I’m better.”

“Good. Let me examine you and see whether your pain has reduced.”

No sooner had he spoken than he opened his briefcase, took out his instruments, and came over to her to begin his tests. He worked carefully, all the while stealing glances at her. She, on the other hand, sat still, frozen in a mix of nervousness and weakness. Having Doctor Nazeer so close overwhelmed her; her heart raced uncontrollably.

After completing the examination, he pulled out a pen and paper, writing down the medicines she would need to buy. All the while, he kept glancing at her from the corner of his eye. Zainab toyed with a thin thread in her hand, and then suddenly raised her eyes. Their gazes locked, and Doctor Nazeer poured fiery, wordless messages of love through his eyes. They stared at each other for a while before she quickly looked away, summoning her inner strength.

He breathed out and said softly:

“Success, Zeey. Your pain has greatly subsided. Here are the names of the drugs—buy them and, by Allah’s permission, you will recover as if you never suffered at all.”

In a faint voice, she said:

“Thank you very much, brother Nazeer.”

“Don’t thank me, little sister. You’re the one who deserves compassion.”

“Now, please call your brother Hayatu so we can greet one another.”

Zainab stood hurriedly.

“Alright, I’ll call him now.”

She left quickly, her heart still weighed down by grief for her parents. At the door of Aunty Maijiddah’s husband’s room, she knocked.

“Who’s there?” Aunty Maijiddah asked.

“It’s me, Aunty,” Zainab replied.

“What do you want, Zainab?”

“Aunty, Doctor Nazeer wants to greet Abba Jawaheer.”

“Oh, has he finished checking your health, Zeey?”

“Yes, Aunty.”

“Alright, he’s coming now.”

“Uhmm, Aunty.”

Zainab returned to the parlour and said softly, head bowed:

“Brother Nazeer, he’s on his way.”

Doctor Nazeer handed her the prescription. She accepted it reluctantly, and he said:

“Okay, you may go now.”

Zainab said nothing more and left for her room. Doctor Nazeer watched her until she disappeared, then turned his eyes back to the TV. Soon after, Hayatu emerged from his room dressed in an elegant shadda. Sitting across from him, he said:

“Sorry, Doctor, I kept you waiting alone.”

“It’s nothing, my brother,” Doctor Nazeer replied.

Hayatu smiled teasingly.

“Today you call me brother? Is this a new joke?”

Doctor Nazeer grinned, showing his teeth.

“No joke. I’m serious, brother Hayatu. Please help me persuade Zee to accept me in marriage. I swear, I can hardly sleep at night because of my love for her. The feelings only grow stronger. I don’t know what’s stopping her from accepting me.”

Hayatu sighed, full of sympathy.

“Nazeer, be patient. If she’s destined to be yours, no matter what, you’ll marry her—whether she wants it or not.”

Nazeer shook his head painfully.

“Hayatu, you can’t understand how I feel. Zainab’s love has gripped my very soul and runs through my veins. How can I tear it away? Please, friend, understand me—I am deeply in love with her.”

Hayatu placed a hand on his shoulder with compassion.

“I do understand, Nazeer. But remember—right now she is drowning in sorrow from her past marriage. Laweezi ruined her life and left her with scars she still can’t forget. That’s why she can’t open her heart yet.”

Doctor Nazeer sat upright, eyes full of pity and frustration.

“What exactly happened, Hayatu? What did Laweezi do to her to put her in such misery?”

“My own mind is unsettled by it. It’s a long story, but I’ll visit your office to give you a summary.”

Doctor Nazeer nodded in agreement.

“No problem, Barrister Hayatu, whatever you think best.”

“Alright then, Doctor.”

Nazeer stood.

“I’ll be going now. We’ll meet again.”

“Okay, friend.”

They walked out together to the parking lot, hand in hand, chatting warmly. At the car, Hayatu said:

“Greet Daddy and baby Khairat for me when you get home.”

Smiling, Nazeer replied:

“They’ll hear, Barrister. And please, keep persuading Zeey. Losing her would break me.”

Hayatu felt a deep pang of sympathy, but forced a smile.

“By Allah’s will, she’ll be yours, Nazeer. Every hardship comes with ease.”

“Ameen. Until next time.”

“Safe journey,” Hayatu said.

Doctor Nazeer got into his car, honked, and drove away