The Soldiers' Father

chapter 2

Abusufyan burst into laughter, bowing his head toward the floor.

That alone brought Abba deep joy — he had been looking for a way to make him happy, to chase away the worries that weighed on him.

Abba patted his shoulder and said,

> “Out of all my eighteen children, only Jahan was born with twins. But you, the lucky one — you went ahead and gave us triplets at once! If only Ya Ammi hears this and sees the children of that stubborn Abusufyan, she’ll surely say, ‘That rascal really outdid us this time!’”

Both of them laughed heartily.

After a moment, Abusufyan said,

> “Brother Hussein, I really want to see the children… I’ve missed them, truly.”

Abba gave him a teasing, half-mocking look.

> “Now, that’s a surprise! You’re telling me you want to see your own children? They are your flesh and blood, boy. I actually thought you’d be spending the night with them — they long to have you around. All they talk about is their father.”

Warmth flooded Abusufyan’s heart.

> “Can I go see them now?”

Abba replied,

> “Let’s go to the mosque first. Once we’re back, you can go straight to them.”

With a smile of relief and excitement, Abusufyan said,

> “Alright then, I’ll go make ablution.”

Abba added,

> “We’ll be waiting for you in the main parlour when you’re done.”

Abusufyan nodded and headed for his room, pushing the door closed behind him.

He went straight into the toilet, performed ablution quickly, and came out ready for prayer.

When he reached the main parlour, everyone there looked visibly troubled — faces drawn and tired, as if none of them had slept well.

Marshal Omar in particular looked completely drained. Even Sergeant had dark circles under his eyes — how could he sleep peacefully when Sayyadi was still roaming around freely? Until that man was dealt with, none of them would rest.

As for the twins, their eyes were red and swollen — everyone was burdened with their own worries.

After gathering, they all went together to the mosque for dawn prayer.

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Meanwhile, Azmee opened the door to the girls’ room to wake them for the same prayer.

To her surprise, she found them already awake — all three standing side by side in prayer, dressed in long hijabs (they were wearing Sehrish’s).

The sight touched her deeply. Whenever the three prayed together — especially when Jahad was with them — they never joked with worship.

Even though Sehrish herself was devout, Jahad led the way; she never missed the dawn prayer, no matter how deep her sleep was. It was a matter of faith and discipline, something built into her soul.

Azmee stood quietly, smiling as she watched them — the children of Abusufyan, grandchildren of Ammi and Salahudeen, nieces of the soldier brothers — Marshal and Sergeant. What joy!

She thought proudly: These are now the most beloved members of the family. Their uncles are all soldiers — eighteen in total! Even a mosquito would think twice before biting any of them, for fear of being shot down!

Just then, she felt a presence behind her.

Startled, she turned — it was Hajiya Azeema, dressed in a blue hijab, holding prayer beads and smiling warmly.

> “I came to see our grandchildren. If you don’t mind, let me go in,” she said.

Azmee smiled and stepped aside to let her in, following after her.

> “I actually came to wake them for prayer,” Azmee said, “but they were already up. Seeing them like this touched me deeply.”

Hajiya Azeema sat down on the edge of their bed and smiled.

> “I have good news,” she said teasingly.

> “Then bring kola nuts!” Azmee replied playfully.

> “White ones or red?”

> “White, of course — white comes with blessings. Red means trouble.”

Hajiya Azeema laughed heartily.