Chapter 4 A NEW BEGINNING

The days stretched into weeks, and Hakimi and his children gradually settled into a new rhythm of life. Each morning began with the familiar routine of getting ready for the day ahead. Akashi, now a university student immersed in his medical studies, would often be seen buried in his books, determined to carry on Rashvia's legacy.

One particular morning, as the sun cast a golden glow through the windows, Hakimi sat at the dining table with a cup of steaming coffee. Amira and Khadija, already dressed in their school uniforms, chattered animatedly about their upcoming school projects

As Hakimi returned from another long day at work, the weight of responsibilities seemed to press down on his shoulders heavier than usual. Stepping into the house, he glanced at the mailbox and saw a stack of bills waiting for him. With a sigh, he collected them and made his way inside, shedding his tie as he went.

In the quiet of the living room, Hakimi spread out the bills on the coffee table. The sight of them piling up, from light bills to water bills, rent reminders, and more, only added to his mounting stress. He ran a hand through his long hair, feeling the weight of being the sole provider for his family.

Taking a moment to compose himself, Hakimi went to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water. The cool liquid did little to soothe his nerves as he sat back down and went through the bills one by one. The financial strain felt suffocating, and he couldn't help but think how different things would be if Rashvia were still with them, he had even forgotten there was something like water bills, he though they came free from the government.

With a heavy heart, Hakimi decided he needed to explore other job opportunities to ease the burden. He opened his laptop and began searching for part-time positions, considering options like online tutoring to supplement his income.

Feeling overwhelmed, Hakimi reached for a cigarette tucked in his coat pocket, a habit he had long abandoned. As he lit it and took a drag, the smoke felt foreign and harsh in his lungs. Coughing, he realized this wasn't the answer and extinguished the cigarette, washing away any remnants of the old habit.

Just then, there was a light knock on the door Akashi took of his shoes and entered the room. "I'm home, he announced. Anyone back yet?"

"Over here" Hakimi cooed from the dining area

"Oh Dad, you're back. He smiled and headed towards him. Why are you back so early? Is everything okay?"

"Yeah it is. Just a light headache but I'll sleep it off."

"Ohh, you're home earlier because of a slight headache?

"Err seems so."

Akashi sensed something amiss. "What is that smell? I smell cigarettes." Concern, etched his eyebrows

"Err...Hakimi giggled nervously. I don't perceive anything."

Akashi moved and peeped inside the kitchen trash. "Dad! His expression changed. I thought we've talked about this and you agreed you will give up on smoking. What's this all about now?"

"I gave up Kashi. I meant, I've given up. It's just the stress is becoming overwhelming, and the bills keep piling."

"Smoking on it won't solve any of those problems Dad."

"You're absolutely right, I give up.He took the packet from his pocket and tossed it in the trash can. No more smoking, I promise." He looked genuine

Staring at the bills on the table, Akashi moved closer to his father and placed his arms on his shoulder."Look Dad, there's this coffee shop that opened three days ago, I'll go over there and take a shift. Maybe I'll work more shifts so I can help you cover up some bills okay?"

Hakimi stared at his son. He has shown maturity beyond his years. "I appreciate your effort Kashi, but you should focus more on your studies, out there in the medical field, it is very competitive I hear. You have to continue your mother's legacy"

"I very well understand that. But you should let me help out"

Taking a deep breath, Hakimi let out a long sigh. "Okay, but you must show me semester results and if they turn out to be poor you must quit working immediately." He warned him

"Deal, he shook his father's hand smiling. Hakimi looked at his son with gratitude and pride, feeling a surge of love for the responsible young man before him. He held Akashi's hand and pulled him into a hug, the warmth of their bond comforting him. I'm going to have some rest now." He took his bag pack and headed up the stairs

After Akashi left the room, Hakimi let out a long sigh and sank back onto the couch, the weight of their situation still heavy on his mind. He drifted off into a restless sleep, his dreams filled with memories of happier times.

..............

Hours later, Hakimi woke up abruptly, checking the time he realized it was almost 5 PM. Jumping up from the couch, he rushed to the kitchen, grabbing his coat and keys from the cupboard. Just as he was about to leave, he heard his daughters calling out to him.

"Daddy!?" Amira and Khadijat called, their voices filled with concern.

Hakimi turned to them, a light frown breaking through his fatigue. "You're home? How? you came back by yourselves?" The questions came out one after the other

"Don't worry, Akashi picked us from school hours ago," Amira reassured him, her eyes reflecting her understanding.

"Thank God, your brother is so thoughtful and responsible" Hakimi said with relief, patting his daughters' heads affectionately.

He closed the door behind him and headed upstairs to change his clothes. Coming down to the kitchen, dressed in black polo and black shorts, he found his children setting the table for dinner. The aroma of their meal filled the air. He stood by the side and watched them. Hakimi felt a surge of pride and happiness seeing how responsible and caring his children had become. His wife would be so proud of how they had grown.

"I'm so proud of you all," Hakimi said with a smile, sitting down at the table.

Akashi brought out the main dish, and Amira and Khadijat joined him with side dishes and dinner. They laid everything out on the table, and Hakimi looked at his family with a sense of contentment.

"I made us all dinner. Well, not specifically for Amira. But she's welcome to join us, as she would have the smallest portion because she didn't assist me in the kitchen." Akashi teased

"Dad....is not funny Kashi."

Hakimi laughed, suddenly forgetting his worries for a bit, then patted Amira's head lightly."Don't worry you can have my portion if you can finish yours."

"Thanks daddy." She said and stuck out her tongue at her brother

"Not fair, you eat yours and let Dad have his okay?"

"Whatever, as long as you don't give me a small meal."

"I'll...."

"Guys, Khadijat interrupted their light banter. They all turned and looked at her. She placed a hand in her belly and was clutching her spoon tightly. Can we eat already? I'm starving." She looked at Akashi then sulked

"Dija? Alright let's say grace, Amira? Do the honors" Akashi suggested, and they all joined hands, expressing their gratitude for the meal and their bond as a family.

"Almighty Allah, I beesech you bless this meal and protect ......"

............

The dinner was filled with lively conversations, laughter, and shared memories, making Hakimi feel grateful for the love and support of his children during difficult times.