But this time, she was utterly wrong. Wrong for judging him and wrong for taking the blame of getting him riled up. The boy who had been quiet all while was fighting the shame and remorse eating him up.
He could feel the agonising shame and regret crawling into his system; the way his heart squeezed and the way his courage vanished. That was enough to make him cringe, but then, he himself was cringe-worthy. Just when the woman was about to speak, he croaked out "my favourite". 
She happily beamed, carrying a larger than life smile on her beautiful face. She was happy that he had finally agreed and also happy to have this long conversation with him. It wasn't a very long conversation and hadn't been heart-to-heart but she could tell it took everything in him to talk that much.
Maybe that was his way of opening up, even from the beginning, he was a man of few words. And now in his present situation, he couldn't have been any better. "Suleiman, will come for it" he informed and was about to leave but her voice stopped him. 
"Aren't you coming tonight?" Nasim couldn't find it in him to stay any longer. He was so guilt-ridden that he couldn't even face her. And now that she was asking him to stay, made him felt more guiltier, having no courage to apologise.
And saying no to her, would surely hurt and offend her. "I'll come tomorrow" he guiltily spoke. "You won't wish me goodnight?" "Goodnight mother I'll come tomorrow" he quietly said. 
"Ibn, you've grown up and stopped loving your parents. I understand that I'm old and blame-worthy for all you've been through, but ain't I worthy of your time?" Nasim immediately sat back and held her fingers.
'Arab moms and their dramas' he thought. Wasn't he the one to be blame-worthy? He had been so reprehensible lately but she overlooked his misdoings and was taking the blame. 
" Don't get emotional, you mean the world to me". As soon as the words left his lips, she felt herself on the ninth cloud the Almighty was finally answering her prayers, for she could see a little of her old Nasim through those stormy eyes. He too was a bit relieved, upon seeing how her face broke into a hearty smile.
"How would I know when all you do is avoiding your family? Zaid and Junaid are your younger siblings but could spend an entire week without having a glimpse of you. I understand that your days are hectic but promise me you'll create time for your family?" 
"We'll start it over again. I promise." He scooted next to her and placed a kiss on her forehead before leaving in a heartbeat. 
•••
" You've upset your Mom by rejecting her calls and ignoring her. You shouldn't have done that, for, paradise lies under the feet of the mother. Be compassionate to your parents and I promise you, you'll have a wonderful life ahead, remember your mum is always your mum and would forever be. Besides you have no reason to do such, Ashley. You can never change her. Let bygones be bygones and start it over again. Your family is your everything. " 
It was again that silvery voice of the doe eyed lady –Nadiyah. In a way, Nasim wondered if she was a preacher." Forget it, babe, I hate it when she scold me over silly things. That's why I left. I need a break" 
Slapping a hand on her forehead, Nadiyah inhaled sharply, as she stared at the lady before her. Ashley had left home to stay with her cousins. Her mother was so worried that she had to call Nadiyah.
And now that she was trying to knock some senses into her thick skull, the lady wouldn't stop being stubborn.
"You shouldn't have done that Ashley, she wants the best for you. You dont have to stay with your cousins, go back and sort things out. She's a mother for crying out loud, I'm sure she'll understand". She sounded a bit exasperated, as her arms seem to fly in every direction, whilst Dinah choose to devour her Nutella. Not paying heed to the duo.