Tawheeda Incidental Wealth

CHAPTER 4

The sun was hot over the town of Mombasa, casting a soft glow on the palm trees tilting gently in the ocean breeze. Tee had just returned from weeding pests from her garden when her mother called her inside. “Tawheeda, come! Your aunt from Nairobi has arrived.”

Tee cleaned her hands on her dress and rushed into the house, where a lively family gathering was beginning to unfold. The familiar buzz of laughter and discussion filled the room, but one figure stood out among the guests: Afaafa.

At 49, Afaafa was a perfect picture of elegance and success. Her presence carried the confidence of someone who had built a successful business from scratch. She wore her success gloriously, with a grace that made people drift towards her. This was her first visit back to Mombasa in years, and everyone was happy to see her.

As Afaafa’s sharp eyes surveyed the room, they landed on Tee, who sat quietly, cradling one of her twin nieces. Tee's full lips curved into a charming smile, her warm brown eyes in sync with the afternoon light. Afaafa noticed the girl’s graceful frame, her smooth complexion, and her confident posture, even though Tee spoke very little.

Curious, Afaafa made her way to meet her. "You must be Tawheeda," she said warmly, taking a seat beside her. "I've heard so much about you."

Tee nodded shyly, her usual modest self.

Afaafa wasn’t one to miss details. As the discussion progressed, she quickly picked up on Tee’s acumen and intelligence. They talked about school, her little garden, and the certificate exams Tee was preparing to write. With every answer Tee gave, Afaafa grew more satisfied —not just by her beauty, but by her thoughtful responses, her zeal, and the quiet ambition beneath her humble compartment.

By the end of the evening, Afaafa had made up her mind about Tee. This wasn’t just a bright girl; Tee was someone with potential, someone who deserved an environment to flourish and dream bigger than what her small town could offer.

Later that evening, Afaafa pulled Tee aside. “Tee, I see something unique in you,” she said gently. “And I believe you belong in a place where you can thrive and flourish. Have you thought of your choice of university, after your exams?”

Tee hesitated for a moment. “Yes, I have. I want to study nursing,” she admitted, a little anxious. “But I haven't decided on the choice of university.

Afaafa smiled, trying to figure out the unspoken concerns—the financial strain, the distance from home, the unknown future. “Listen, once you’re done with your exams, you are coming to Nairobi. The Royal College of Nairobi is the perfect place to study nursing. I know it will be hard to leave your folks here, but I’ll help you settle in. I believe in you, Tee.”

Tee’s heart jumped a beat. Nairobi felt like a world away, a city of shining lights and endless possibilities. Could she really leave everything she knew behind— humble her family, her garden, her best friend Ashura—and follow her dreams?

But Afaafa’s words gave her hope. For the first time, Tee saw a glimpse of a bright future beyond her everyday routines of her life.

As the evening wore on, Tee couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of excitement building up inside of her. Afaafa’s offer felt like a perfect lifeline—a chance to become more, to thrive, to make something good of herself. She knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but it was a path she was willing to take.

When Afaafa left Mombasa, she promised Tee, “I’ll come back for you after your exams. Get ready, because your life is about to change for the best.”

In the weeks that followed, Tee intensified more than ever, driven by the hope of a new beginning. She studied late into the night, fueled by the dream of studying in the lecture hall of Royal College. Ashura noticed the change in her—her zeal, her excitement—and though he knew he would miss her, he supported her without any question.

Finally, the day of Tee’s last exam arrived. When she came out of the exam hall, the weight of months of preparation lifted from her shoulders.

A couple of weeks later, as promised, Afaafa returned to Mombasa, with her driver to take Tee to the city of Nairobi.

Standing at the gate of her home, Tee hugged her mother tightly, her heart a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Ashura was there too, giving her a departure smile. “You’ll do great, Tee,” he said softly. “And no matter where you go, I’ll always be proud of you, we will be in touch”

With a deep breath, Tee entered into Afaafa’s car, her eyes set on the horizon. The city awaited her—a new beginning, a new challenge, and a chance to become the woman she knew she has been dreaming of.

As the car zoomed toward Nairobi, Tee looked out at the familiar fields and houses gradually fading into the distance. A small smile tugged at her lips. She was leaving behind the life she grew up knowing, but she wasn’t afraid. Because in her heart, she knew this was only the beginning.

And whatever the future held; Tee was prepared.