Aaliyah felt uncomfortable around Jameel the next few days. She had been slowly falling in love without realising it. To her surprise, Jameel gave her the gift she had chosen out on his last lesson.
"Jameel, I cant accept this."
"Sure, you can. My way of saying thanks. You didn't have to tutor me, but you did. Thank you."
Aaliyah smiled and took it. She went home and dreamed of a future for her and Jameel. She suddenly ran to Jameels house as he was packing.
"I've come to return this."
"Why? Did I do something wrong?"
"I'm not worthy of such a gift."
"Your lying. The truth is you've never considered me worthy of your love."
Aaliyah was stunned. He loved her? "No Jameel, it's not that."
"It is like that. Otherwise, you wouldn't reject my love."
Aaliyah turned to leave, but Jameel appeared in front of her. "Aaliyah please, just give me a chance. For your happiness, I'll do anything."
"Jameel, when I was with you, I forgot who I was. And you probably won't love me after you know the truth. I'm a widow. I'm damaged goods. I killed my husband, and I'll probably kill you to, if you enter my life."
Jameel stood stunned as Aaliyah ran away. Aaliyah ran to the piano, and played the same music, over and over again. Her fingers ached but she kept on going. Suddenly, someone grabbed her hand."Why are you punishing yourself? Is being a widow your fault? How are you damaged goods?" Aaliyahs mother in law, came there with the whole neighbourhood. "Look everyone, didn't I tell you? My sons widow is openly flirting with her new lover." No. It's not like that." "Of course it is. That's why you've shut up now we're here. That's why he gives you gifts."
Everyone started shouting things at Aaliyah. "Ya Allah, why didn't you kill me, before I got these accusations?" Aaliyah ran away, with Jameel running after her, calling her and telling her to stop. Aaliyah tried to jump of a cliff, but Jameel caught her in time. Aaliyah tearfully looked at him. "What are you doing? Suicide is a forbidden act, and I won't let you commit this act, because of them." He grabbed her arm and led her back to the crowd.
"What crime has she committed that your being like this to her? Doesn't a widow have a right to live? If being a widow is her only crime, she won't be a widow for much longer. I'm right here, right now, going to marry her."
Aaliyah gasped. Jameel looked at her and she nodded. He led her to the local mosque, and they both sat down. This time, Aaliyah had no hesitation in saying "kabool hai" 3 times. She signed the papers and smiled at Jameel, who hugged her. She was someone's wife again.
