The Soldiers' Father

chapter 4

Meanwhile, in Junaid’s living room, Uncle Abusufyan had finished explaining everything about Hosana and Jahad.

Junaid, feeling restless, asked, “But why didn’t they live with us? Why, Abba? Uncle, why?” His words were full of suspicion as he looked at them, his face showing worry.

Their father replied, “Junaid, we ourselves did not know them. Had we known they existed, we would not have let this happen. It was just fate that had already decided it.”

Junaid fell silent for a moment, looking at Jahad. He wished that from the beginning they had grown up with their siblings and received the care they deserved. Life is like that; ignorance is darker than the night. Even Sehrish knew about the family, so nothing should have prevented them from seeking their relatives. Surely, their lives were stolen, separated from their father, and denied their family—an injustice that will be addressed in the afterlife.

“I know everyone must be hungry, given what happened yesterday. No one had a proper meal. Now, everything should be about happiness. We will prepare a grand feast for our three children. We want them to forget all the hardships they went through and to feel as if today is their first day in this world, isn’t that right?” Abusufyan said, looking at the young people standing nearby.

All of them nodded together: “That’s right, Abba. Insha’Allah, we will show them the love of siblings until they forget all the pain they have faced in life.”

Abusufyan smiled, pleased with their response.

Marshal Omar added, “And we apologize for the situation you found yourselves in. Even though it was not our fault, we take responsibility. Hosana, Sehrish, and Jahad, please forgive us.”

Their hearts felt a chill, but at the same time, they were overcome with sibling love.

Jahad spoke up, trying to reassure: “Whatever happened to us was already written. Allah had destined it. We thank Allah for helping us endure this trial with patience. Now, we are all happy on this day, especially knowing that Uncle Abusufyan is truly our father, not that corrupt man…” Her words broke off as tears came, and Abusufyan pulled her close, patting her back gently.

“Ya Omar,” Hosana called out, giggling while trying to hide her smile. Everyone turned to her as she pointed at Marshal and then clasped her fingers together—a sign that they had become siblings. Marshal smiled warmly back at her.

All of this was happening under Sgr’s watchful eyes. He crossed his arms over his broad chest, not lowering his gaze, intent on keeping an eye on Ya Sayyadi until he could confront him.

Azmee’s voice interrupted: “Abba, breakfast is ready. You should come to the dining room,” she said, smiling at Jahad.

Without delay, everyone gathered at the dining table, which was overflowing with delicious dishes and drinks. The table could seat ten, and an extra seat was added for the newly arrived child. Aunty Azmee arranged some snacks for them, and Abusufyan sat with Sehrish, Jahad, and Hosana.

Everyone served themselves eagerly, showing that they were extremely hungry. Only Sgr and Abba were served; the others helped themselves. The room was quiet except for the sounds of cutlery and plates.

Marshal Omar noticed Hosana sitting nearby. Using his spoon, he gestured toward her plate, and she looked at her food. She smiled and reached for a glass of juice.

Junaid, on the other hand, could not focus on his food. He kept turning his spoon in his plate, haunted by what he had done to Jahad in the car as Sehrish watched. Memories of kissing her and touching her hand made him panic, fearing that she might tell Uncle Abusufyan what had happened.

He abruptly stood, trying to leave the dining room. Everyone’s attention turned to him.

“I’m not hungry, Abba. We already had breakfast with Mommy. I’ll go to her now,” he said, eyes on Jahad, who was eating the porridge Azmee had prepared. Abba nodded: “Okay, you may go.”

Junaid quickly headed to Abba’s bedroom, replaying the events in his mind and worrying about the consequences.

Jahad, meanwhile, lifted her eyes from watching him. Her heart was racing—not out of fear, but from the intensity of his stare. She wondered why he looked at her like that.

“If she behaves like Sehrish, easygoing, I’m sure she would keep my secret. But will she really? I know what I’ll do: I’ll keep a stern face and act displeased. That will make her afraid to tell anyone about what happened between us. Good idea,” Junaid thought, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at her.

Jahad slowly returned her gaze to her plate. Her body was tense, and her heart raced as she wondered why her big brother was staring at her like that.

Junaid’s thoughts: “You will remain who you are—a worker under me. That’s your place.”

Abusufyan smiled, thinking, “They won’t struggle anymore. Since these children are now mine, I won’t let them work hard. They will enjoy freedom and leisure.”

He relaxed, taking a sip from his glass of cold juice, savoring the chill as he closed his eyes slightly. Again, his gaze shifted to Sehrish, making her quickly look away from his stern face.