The Soldiers' Father

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Then his thoughts drifted. “To think that the young girl working for me… is my own niece? My own blood? My uncle’s daughter?” He shook his head. “Wonders shall never end.” He remembered the photo Uncle Abusufyan had once shown them in the U.S. — the picture of the triplets when they were children. “I’ll still do what I promised,” he murmured. “I’ll help her — she’ll get everything she deserves.”

Some people slept that night. Others did not.

Abusufyan remained awake, pacing the room, clutching his chest in pain. Tears streamed down his face. When the call for Fajr prayer came, he barely noticed — until a knock sounded at the door.

“Who is it?” he asked weakly.

“It’s me,” came the voice of Father Junaid.

“The door’s open, brother. Come in,” Abusufyan replied hoarsely.

Junaid entered, took one look at his brother’s tear-stained face, and sighed.

“I knew you wouldn’t sleep, Abusufyan,” he said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“Anyone who tells you to ‘be patient’ doesn’t know the pain you feel. But, brother, what else can you do? You must be patient. I know how much it hurts. The regret burns like fire. But remember — this all began when you married without your mother’s consent, hiding it from the family. You and Aunt Katsina thought you could keep it secret, but Allah’s will always prevails. See how He revealed the truth? The children we never knew existed are now under our roof. Allah brought them to us in a way we never imagined.”

He paused, watching Abusufyan cry uncontrollably.

Abusufyan choked out, “Ya Allah, forgive me for marrying Abu without my mother’s blessing, for hiding it from my family. I caused their suffering! If only I hadn’t concealed it. I knew Mom would disapprove, but Father Salahuddeen would have agreed. I was blind back then. It wasn’t Aunt Katsina’s fault — she only helped me out of love. I was consumed by passion… oh, what a fool I was!”

He broke down again.

Junaid’s eyes filled with tears. He pulled Abusufyan close and hugged him.

Finally, he said, “Forget the past, brother. This is a time for gratitude, not sorrow. Allah has reunited you with your triplets — alive, healthy, and under your care. You should thank Him! When I saw them, I almost jumped for joy.”

Then, trying to lighten the mood, he said with a teasing smile,

“You know what? When I saw your face earlier, I thought you were just shocked because of the girl’s beauty. I didn’t realize she was actually yours! So it turns out my brother’s not a bachelor anymore!”

Abusufyan smiled faintly, shaking his head.

“And all this,” Junaid laughed, “is your handiwork, Abusufyan! Who would’ve thought my little brother could produce such beautiful children