Juhanah

chapter ten

CHAPTER TEN

The next morning, Juhanah arrived at work earlier than usual, her body was there while her mind was miles away. The conversation from the previous night kept replaying in her head like a song on repeat. Every word, every smile, every emotion lingered in her heart, countless times she tried to focus on the files on her desk, but her thoughts drifted back to him.

"Juhanah!" Renfred called

“Juhanah, why didn't you answer my phone calls yesterday? I called thrice"

"I... I was asleep, sir," she replied, forcing a smile. "My phone was on silent, and I didn't hear it."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced.

"Asleep?" he asked. "At that hour?"

"Yes, sir….”

“It's okay, we have a lot to talk about this evening…”

After the little conversation she took a deep breath, opened her laptop, and finally began the day's work, determined not to let her emotions stand in the way of her future.

*********

Juhanah slowly gathered her belongings and walked toward the parking lot. As Juhanah reached the gate, she noticed Renfred’s car parked a few metres away. He lowered the window and smiled.

"Need a ride home?" he asked.

Juhanah hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Thank you, sir."

The drive began in complete silence. The sound of the engine and the passing vehicles filled the air. Neither of them was eager to break the silence.

After several minutes, he finally spoke.

"You've been unusually quiet all day."

“Ummm, sorry about that, I'm tired I guess”

He smiled faintly.

Juhanah turned to look out of the window.

"I want to have a good conversation with you Juhanah, I want this to work out more than anything…. can't wait for you to be mine.. I'm still wanting for feedback”

“My mind has been occupied."

"Occupied by someone?" he asked.

Juhanah smiled.

"Maybe."

“Interesting, am I not wealthy enough? Or am I not good looking?Please tell me, I want you Juhanah, more than anyone or anything………”

“You don't have to emphasize on this please, do you wanna hear the truth?”

“Of course, spill it….”

“Fine, I'm not interested…..”

It fell like a brick on his head.

Slowly, he parked the car.

“Why? Tell me why you're not interested, I love you Juhanah, the aura you….”

“I'm in love with someone, please understand…..”

“In love?” He asked, his voice broke down.

“Yes, I don't think this will work at all….”

“f**k!!!, this breaks me Juhanah, what can I do to make this work out??” He asked.

“Absolutely nothing, can we not talk about this please….”

Slowly, he nodded.

He started the car then drove slowly.

****************

As Juhanah got home, she was surprised to see her friend.

"Juhanah!" she exclaimed, wrapping her in a brief hug. "I was passing by and thought I'd check on you."

"You should have called," she said jokingly.

They stepped inside, Rita quietly scanned the room before taking a seat.

"So..." Rita began casually, "Not everyone who compliments you has good intentions."

Juhanah frowned slightly.

"What are you trying to say?"

"I'm just saying..." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "Some people enjoy making promises they never intend to keep."

The room suddenly felt colder.

"I don't understand."

She forced another smile.

"I'm only advising you as a friend. Sometimes it's wiser to admire someone from a distance than to get emotionally involved."

Juhanah studied Rita's face. There was something unusual in her eyes, a mixture of fear, disappointment, and something else Juhanah couldn't identify.

"Is this about someone?" Juhanah asked gently.

She looked away.

"I've seen people get hurt because they ignored warning signs."

"Juhanah... are you talking about the guy I met at the party?"

She hesitated for a brief moment before answering.

"I'm talking about men who know exactly what to say to make women fall for them."

There it was.

She hadn't mentioned his name, yet somehow I knew.

"The one who spoke to me?"

She gave a small nod.

"I think you should stay away from him."

The words landed heavily between us.

"Why?" Juhanah asked surprisedly.

"I just don't think he's the right person for you." Rita said.

"Do you know him?"

Another pause.

"A little."

"What does that mean?"

"It's complicated."

I searched her face for answers, but she carefully avoided my eyes.

"If you value our friendship," she said quietly, "please don't get close to him."

Silence filled the room.

"Rita," Juhanah called warmly,"you're hiding something."

She stood up immediately.

"I should get going."

"So that's it?"

She nodded.

"I've said everything I came to say, the people we admire aren't worth the friendship….”

With that, she walked away.

One question gushed into Juhanah's mind.

“Is she trying to protect me... or is she trying to protect the feelings she had never found the courage to reveal?”

***********

Immediately, she called her mother.

"Mum, something happened today……”

Her mother listened quietly as she narrated everything from the beginning. She spoke about the glamorous party, meeting the handsome young guy and the pleasant conversation they shared.

Her mother sighed softly, allowing her daughter to finish before speaking.

"My child," she began in a calm voice, "not everyone who smiles with you truly celebrates your happiness. Some people allow envy to control their hearts. But whatever you do, never allow yourself to be drawn into hatred or revenge. Hatred only destroys the person carrying it if your friend is jealous, don't compete with her. Don't insult her or fight her. Keep your heart pure. Distance yourself from anything that could lead to bitterness. A peaceful heart is far more valuable than winning an argument."

"But Mum, I'm not going anywhere. I truly like him. I won't give him up simply because someone else is jealous. He has done nothing wrong, and neither have I. If he genuinely cares about me, I won't push him away because of Rita's feelings."

Her mother smiled warmly.

"There is nothing wrong with loving someone who respects and values you," she replied. "Just make sure your decisions are guided by wisdom, not emotions. If he is the right man, no amount of jealousy can take him away. And if he isn't, forcing it won't make him stay."

"I understand, Mum”

That conversation lifted the heavy burden from her heart. She realized that true love should never be built on fear or rivalry, and that no friendship was worth sacrificing her happiness if it was poisoned by jealousy. With her mother's advice echoing in her mind, she went to bed feeling stronger, determined to face whatever lay ahead with courage, patience, and a heart free from hatred