CHAPTER TWO (Continuation) The Man Who Beats His Wives Because She Couldn't Give Him a Child

 CHAPTER TWO (Continuation)

The Man Who Beats His Wives Because She Couldn't Give Him a Child

Life had taken on a rhythm for Ibrahim and Aisha—one built not on luxury, but on perseverance, faith, and mutual devotion. The little shop they had opened was modest, yet it had become the center of their world. Every day, Ibrahim rose before dawn, walking to the shop as the first rays of sunlight painted the town gold. Aisha was already there, organizing stock, preparing tea, and ensuring that everything ran smoothly.

Even in the earliest hours of morning, their eyes met, sharing a silent understanding: they were in this together.

“You rested well?” Aisha would ask softly.

“Better now that I see you,” Ibrahim would reply, his voice carrying warmth that seemed to make the small shop feel like a palace.

This small routine became their sanctuary. The shop was more than just a business; it was a symbol of their resilience. Each item they sold, each coin they earned, was a testament to the life they were building from scratch—a life forged from love and struggle.

The Weight of Sacrifice

Aisha’s sacrifices were quiet, unnoticed by the outside world. She often woke before dawn to prepare breakfast, cooked enough to take to the shop for Ibrahim, and sometimes skipped her own meals to ensure he had enough energy for the long day ahead.

One afternoon, as Ibrahim returned from the market with new stock, he noticed her sitting silently, her hands tired from sorting inventory.

“Aisha… you do too much,” he said gently, kneeling beside her. “Let me help.”

She shook her head, a soft smile on her lips. “This is nothing. I want to do this for you. I want to share your burden.”

He looked at her, his chest tightening with emotion. “Wallahi, I don’t know how I could ever repay you.”

“You don’t need to repay me,” she whispered. “Love is enough. And our future—our home, our life together—will be the reward.”

The weight of responsibility, however, was not only on Aisha. Ibrahim felt every hardship deeply. Losing his family’s support had been a blow, one that left him vulnerable. But with Aisha at his side, he began to find strength he never thought he possessed. She reminded him that setbacks were temporary and that with patience and faith, Allah would guide them.

Community and Gossip

Their growing love and partnership did not go unnoticed. Neighbors and friends would often stop by, curious about the couple who seemed so inseparable. Some admired them. Others whispered, questioning how a young woman like Aisha could take on so much.

“You are too kind, Aisha,” one neighbor said one day, observing her helping Ibrahim restock the shelves. “Are you sure you are not giving too much of yourself?”

She smiled without resentment. “Love requires sacrifice. If we truly care for someone, we give without counting the cost.”

Ibrahim overheard this and gently squeezed her hand. “You give more than anyone else could. And I see it, Aisha. I see it in everything you do.”

The small acts of love—bringing him tea, staying up late to balance the shop’s books, even quietly paying bills to ease his stress—built a bond stronger than words alone could express.

Small Glimpses of the Future

Even though marriage was still a distant dream, they began to speak in hushed tones about what their life might look like once everything was stable. These were quiet, fleeting moments, filled with hope and light.

“Once the shop grows, we can save enough for a small wedding,” Aisha said one evening, as they sat on the porch of their modest house. “A simple one. Nothing grand, just the two of us and Allah’s blessings.”

Ibrahim smiled, holding her hands gently. “Wallahi, that is all I have ever wanted. To start our life together with peace and love. No arguments, no harshness. Just us, guided by Allah.”

“And children?” she asked softly, not wanting to press too much, but curious about the life they would build.

Ibrahim looked at her with quiet intensity. “When the time comes, Insha’Allah, we will be blessed. But until then, we focus on building our home and our lives. Everything else will follow.”

These small discussions became their secret joy. They spoke of dreams—of a home filled with warmth, of a life free from worry, of evenings spent laughing together after a long day of work. Even without a full wedding planned, they began mentally preparing for the day they would finally unite as husband and wife.

Growth Through Hardship

Days were not without their challenges. There were mornings when customers did not come, evenings when the shop made no profit, and times when unexpected expenses threatened their financial stability. But each challenge strengthened them. Each hardship reminded them of the importance of teamwork and faith.

Ibrahim began to grow not just as a businessman, but as a man. He learned patience, responsibility, and the value of consistent effort. And every step he took was made possible by Aisha’s unwavering support.

“You are changing,” Aisha observed one evening, as he closed the shop. “I see strength in you now that I didn’t see before.”

He laughed softly. “It is because of you, Aisha. Your faith in me… your belief… it has given me courage.”

She shook her head, a playful smile crossing her face. “You were always capable. You just needed to see it for yourself.”

Moments of Quiet Love

Amidst all the work, there were small, tender moments that deepened their connection. Late nights spent counting earnings became moments of laughter. Quiet walks through the town, sharing a single loaf of bread, became memories etched into their hearts.

One rainy evening, they sat by the window of their small house, watching raindrops slide down the glass. Ibrahim wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

“Do you remember when we first met?” he asked, his voice soft.

Aisha smiled, leaning into him. “How could I forget? You offered me that book… and I thought you were just another stranger.”

“And now?” he asked, smiling. “Now, I am your stranger no more.”

“No,” she replied, resting her head against his chest. “You are my home. My heart. My life.”

They stayed like that for hours, listening to the rain, talking about dreams, and silently promising each other that they would weather every storm together.

Even in their quiet conversations, the seed of their future marriage was being nurtured. They spoke of a life they hoped to share, of responsibilities they would shoulder together, and of the home they would build, step by step, with patience and faith.

To be continue.........