Chapter 5 TRIALS AND TRIUMPH

The weight of responsibility bore down heavily on Hakimi's shoulders as he navigated through the challenges of job hunting. Each rejection letter felt like a dagger to his spirit, a reminder of his struggle to provide for his children. The bills piled up, casting a shadow over his once hopeful outlook. Hakimi was almost turning to a shadow of his old self. His appearance now looked older, and his hair was longer with white specks. For a man of forty three, he looked like he was in mid fifties. Gradually, depression was setting in.

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Meanwhile, at school, Amira faced a different kind of battle. Layla, a girl in her class, harbored envy towards her. The tension simmered until it erupted into a dramatic confrontation during break time.

Layla's voice dripped with malice as she accused Amira, "Amira! her voice hauled her from going to take a sit. You think you're so special, stealing all the attention from everyone. But you're nothing!"

Amira, taken aback by the sudden attack, tried to diffuse the situation, "Layla, calm down. I haven't done anything to you."

"You slimy snake! She cursed at her you have! You stole him from me."

"You're crazy! I didn't steal anyone?" Amira shot back with a disgusted look on her face

"You did steal him, that senior in class 11 you bloody liar. Stay away from him or I'll hurt you."

"I barely know what you're talking about."

At this point kids had surrounded them and began cooing and chanting 'fight'. Most of the kids were supporting Layla. And with that, she got so excited.

And Layla's anger knew no bounds. With a swift motion, she flung her food tray at Amira, the contents splattering across her clothes and face. The cafeteria fell silent as all eyes turned towards the commotion.

Amira's heart raced as she wiped food from her eyes, her vision blurred. Before she could react, Layla's fist connected with her eye, sending a sharp pain through her head. Amira fell flat on the floor. Her eyebrows etched as she whimpered in pain. Fist folded, Layla began approaching her in an attempt to hit her again. But a firm hand caught her fist.

"Stop this! A firm masculine voice spoke. Layla looked up and saw her class 11 crush. He had firm masculine body and long dark wavy hair with the most beautiful eyes she had seen in a man. He pulled her closer to himself and Layla folded from her sensitivity to his touch. Why are you fighting?" He asked her, as frown played on his face

"She started it first" Layla pointed at Amira who was still lying on the floor

"Does not mean you should fight. You can report it to a teacher rather than taking matters up yourself. What if you got hurt. He looked around. You all should return to your meal...you too." He told Layla

"But..."

"No buts, now go!. He said firmly and Layla left. Turning to Amira, she still laid on the floor, one hand covering her eyes. Miss, I'm so sorry about what happened, he helped her to her feet. Don't mind Layla, she's a bully. Amira was in too much pain to care about what he said. The impact left a bruise blossoming around her eye, and her clothes was messed up. She was messed up and didn't object when the senior led her away from the cafeteria.

In the hallways the senior kept on comforting Amira with soothing words. His hands held her shoulders firmly. "You should try as much to ignore her when she she says mean things to you okay? Let's get you to the washroom so you could wipe yourself and...."

"I...I...can go on my own". Amira finally spoke releasing herself from his grip.

"A...are you sure?"

"This entire thing is because of you. You should leave.Scrambling to regain composure, Amira rushed to the restroom, the sting of tears mixing with the ache in her eye. She dabbed at the bruise, trying to conceal the black eye. She took off her tiny make up purse and applied some foundation on her eyes. Ouch! The wound stung her. Who was she fooling, this is was the third time something like this has happened to her and she couldn't even defend herself in every case. She looked at the mess on her dress, how will she go home. She looked like a complete idiot. She burst into tears and slouched on the floor.

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Hakimi was walking towards the staff room, a cup of coffee in his hand when someone suddenly rushed out of the students bathroom and bumped into him. He held the coffee firmly to avoid spilling and used his right hand to grab the person firmly.

Surprisingly the person was covered in black trash bag. Frowning a little, he peered at the person's face. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Came a speedy reply with a feminie voice, hiding her face, she tried in the classroom, Hakimi, who also taught at the school, sensed something amiss when Amira returned with a swollen eye. Concern etched lines on his face as he approached her, "Amira, what happened? Did someone hurt you?"

Amira, fearing further trouble, downplayed the incident, "It's nothing, Dad. Just a little accident."

But Hakimi's intuition told him otherwise. The worry lingered in his eyes, a silent promise to protect his daughter.

At home that evening, Akashi and Khadijat were seated in the study room. it was his routine to help his sisters with their homework. "Alright Dija, here . He handed her a book. I'm done with your homework. I'll like my payment with a sandwich please."

Khadijat beamed admiringly at him. "Coming right up." She said and left him.

"Amira, your turn, I'm done with Dija's homework"

"Coming...Amira sang as she steeped into the study room dressed in a black sweater and covered the hoodie over her head. She held a pile of books on her hand which she placed noisily in front of her brother. There is biology, chemistry and mathematics. Which are you beginning with?". She asked raising her brows at him.

"Whoa! A whole science assignment. All would be four dollars." He said and began flipping the pages

"What a rip off, I have only two dollars. My life savings."

"Then do them yourself"

"What...I.... Khadijat walked in with a plate of moderately prepared sandwich.

"Here you go." She handed him the plate and sat beside him.

"Dija, tell you brother to help me with my homework." She complained to her sister.

Dija peered at her face and noticed Amira's bruised eye. Concern etched her face as she bombarded her with questions.

"What happened to your eye, Amira?" Khadijat asked, her voice laced with worry.

Akashi raised his face and noticed "Did someone hurt you at school?"

"No! I fell and bumped my eye." She lied

"C'mon, I know when you lie." Dija told her

Reluctantly, Amira recounted the bullying incident, the pain and humiliation still fresh in her mind.

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

The next day, fueled by a mix of anger and protectiveness, Akashi sought out Layla at school.

"Do you know Layla in class 11?" He asked a plump boy

"There she is." He pointed to a group of girls leaning on the locker

Agitated, he walked over to them. He confronted her in a tense exchange that echoed through the halls.

"Are you Layla?" He asked the thin, blonde one

"No, I am." Layla spoke grinning foolishly. Delusional about the hot boy that came to sought her out.

"Why did you do that to my sister?" Akashi's voice carried a fierce intensity, his eyes blazing with anger.

Layla, caught off guard by Akashi's unwavering gaze and question, stuttered out an excuse, "I-I didn't mean to..."

Akashi's tone was steely, "If you ever lay a hand on my sister again, you'll regret it."

He declared and stormed off. Leaving Layla in shock....

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As Hakimi's job search continued, each rejection letter served as a bitter reminder of the uphill battle he faced.

Hakimi's journey through the job market was a rollercoaster of emotions, each interview bringing a mix of hope and disappointment. Determined to provide for his family, he embarked on a series of visits to different companies and shops, his confidence wavering but his resolve unyielding.

At the first company, Hakimi entered the sleek, corporate office with a determined stride. Sitting across from the interviewer, he exuded professionalism and eagerness, "I understand the responsibilities of this role, and I am confident that my experience qualifies me for the position."

The interviewer glanced at Hakimi's resume, his eyes lingering on the section that highlighted Hakimi's practical experience but lacked formal education credentials. With a polite smile, he said, "We appreciate your enthusiasm, Mr. Hakimi. However, we are looking for candidates with a stronger academic background for this role."

Undeterred, Hakimi thanked the interviewer and moved on to the next opportunity. This time, it was a small retail store looking for a manager. Hakimi, buttoned his suit coat and wore a large smile. He greeted the owner with a warm smile, "I have managed teams before and am adept at handling customer relations. I believe I can contribute significantly to your store's success."

The owner listened attentively but shook his head, "I'm sorry, Mr. Hakimi. We're seeking someone with more formal management training. Your experience is commendable, but we need someone with a different skill set."

The pattern repeated itself at several other interviews. Some companies cited Hakimi's age as a concern, while others emphasized the need for specific qualifications that he didn't possess. Each rejection stung, but Hakimi refused to give up.

One particularly disheartening encounter was at a technology firm. The interviewer, a young executive, glanced skeptically at Hakimi's resume, "Your background is impressive, Mr. Hakimi, but we're looking for candidates who are more familiar with modern technologies and software platforms."

Hakimi, frustration bubbling beneath his composed exterior, countered, "I may not have the latest certifications, but I have a proven track record of adapting to new technologies quickly. I assure you, I am more than capable of handling the responsibilities of this role."

"I'm sorry sir. Were looking for someone younger and more familiar with tech stuffs". Despite his persuasive arguments, the interviewer remained firm in their decision. As Hakimi left the office, he couldn't shake off the feeling of defeat. The weight of his responsibilities loomed heavier than ever.

As Hakimi came out of the office. He took of his notepad and drew a red line across the companies name. That was his last search for the day. He felt a sinking feeling in his heart. His stomach roared, a reminder to him that a cup of coffee was the only thing he had for the whole day. Taking of his coat, he swung it around his shoulder, grabbing his briefcase. He exited the company.

Stopping at the local market before his house, he took out few notes out of the last savings he had to purchase bread and beverages for his family. As the head of the family, he would do everything in his power to take care of his family despite the financial turmoil he was thrown into.

The sun was setting, and dark clouds was almost overtaking the sky. With unsteady steps and a broken heart, Hakimi walked back to his house with hope for brighter days ahead.