And then he heard Sir saying, “Hasana, Hasana, honestly, you’re pressuring me about this boy. You, Muhyideen, do you agree with this decision or not? If you don’t agree, I have no issue; she’ll stop, and you can go on your way!”
With a slight smile, he said softly, “No, Father, I agree with Mama’s request.”
They all found themselves staring at him intently.
Pity for the boy was coursing through her body, but when she thought about it, she realized that if he left, he might fall into a trap that would cause her trouble. So, she firmly agreed with the decision she had made for herself.
Quietly, she asked, “When do you want to leave?”
He lifted his face, feeling as if he could scream with joy and dance. If only his mother knew the kind of help she was giving him by allowing him to go to that town she had long prevented him from visiting. He, Muhyideen Muhay, would show those reckless ones who toyed with his mind. Would they dare to mock him or underestimate him? He’d drive in, pick them up wherever they were, and they’d replay that game before he entered the town with a calm mind, ready to play his own game with confidence.
With a slight stammer, he said, “Today, I must go, Mama.”
Her eyes widened with a hint of irritation as she said, “What about your celebration?”
Trying to convince her, he said, “Mama, you don’t have to hold the celebration now. Let it wait until next week when I return, insha Allah, then we’ll exchange greetings.”
The Chief of Army laughed heartily at his boy’s enthusiasm, saying, “Look, not today. Have you forgotten you need to pay respects to those below you? Wait until tomorrow, insha Allah, and you’ll make a grand entrance into the town once we’ve settled everything. As for the wedding, whether you’re here or not, it will be conducted smoothly, by God’s grace, insha Allah.”
As for her, living with a soldier no longer surprised her. She was married to a soldier, gave birth to a soldier, and so when they showed their true colors, she let them be with their ways.
