“Have you lost your mind?” he hissed back. “Have you forgotten the agonized dance you did at her wedding? How can you defend your enemy?”
“It seems my enemy isn’t Najwa, or your father, or even your mother,” replied Juhaina evenly. “It’s you! So why don’t you go find yourself a job and leave us alone? Then go marry a third wife, but don’t bring her to this house. I’ve got your number now, and so does poor Najwa.”
And with that, Juhaina carried her weeping cowife to the bathroom and washed her face for her, saying, “If he hits you again, I’ll break his arm off and make him pick it up himself! If you need anything, I’m right in the next room.”
* * *
After Grandma Hayat had updated Zain on Juhaina’s and Najwa’s news, she remarked, “As I’ve said before, there’s no such thing as a secret ar
