Eid al Fitr--- a short story about family and Eid al Fitr

In the middle of thousands of worshippers, Samad sits listening to the sermon at the Eid al Fitr prayer. His eyes are heavy because of sleepiness, but his ears are open taking in what is being said at the sermon. The Imam starts to speak about how Eid should be an occasion where families should enjoy time with each other and let go of any past transgressions between. Love should triumph over hatred in an occasion such as this. The words of the Imam induce sadness in Samad’s heart. Tears well up in his eyes, however he discreetly wipes them away and bottles his emotions.

The sermon concludes, and the Imam calls everyone to prayer. He instructs those present on the do’s and don’ts of the prayer and begins leading it. During the prayer, Samad’s thoughts drift to what the Imam said in the sermon.

He thinks to himself “maybe I should call hi––no control your thoughts, go back to the prayer.” Samad brings himself back to the prayer and for its remainder remains focused. The prayer ends; the men embrace each other and say “Eid Mubarak”. It is an occasion of joy.

Samad leaves the Masjid and drives back home. Eager to meet his wife and start the celebrations. He reaches home and embraces his wife. “Eid Mubarak” he says to her in a cheerful voice.

“Shall we eat?” asks Samad?

“Of course! Oh by the way remember we have to go to my parents place today as well”, replies Hamnah

Samad smiles and says “your wish is my command big boss.”

The couple get ready and leave for Hamnah’s parent’s house. The whole day is spent there, and by the time they are ready to leave, Samad is walking around like a zombie. Desiring to go back to his bed and sleep for a thousand years. As he turns into his driveway, he sees a familiar car which makes his heart sink. Hamnah asks worriedly, “did you know your brother was coming?”

Samad stays silent. He feels a wave of anxiety wash over him. The guilt of what took place three years ago still weighs heavy in his heart.

“No” the only word he can muster up to his wife.

The couple exit the car, and Hamnah gives Samad’s brother a smile and greets him “Assalamoalaikum Ahmed. We didn’t realize you would be coming. You didn’t have to wait long, did you?”

“Waalaikumassalam! No, don’t worry I just got here five minutes ago. I actually just wanted to visit you two… it’s been a long time.”

“Yes, yes it has Ahmed. We’re glad you came. I’ll go make some inside.” replied Hamnah.

“You do that” Ahmed says.

Hamnah goes inside, and both brothers lock eyes. Samad can tell his brother is also feeling the same as him. Both stare at each other like mutes.

 Samad eventually cuts through the silence, “how is everyone? How are Um wa Ab?”

Ahmed replies “They are fine bro.” Ahmed says whilst looking regretful. “Listen man, you know I suck at this, but I wanted to say to you I’m sorry. I hated what happened. I guess I was just too prideful to apologize.”

Samad is perplexed “apologize? But I’m the one that ran. I have been thinking about you guys for years. I just felt guilty. I thought you wouldn’t ever acce–“

Ahmed interrupts “no you idiot. I was the foolish one. I wanted you to be by my side in the business. I wanted us together. I wanted you to help me grow the business, but I didn’t realize that wasn’t your wish. Or at least I didn’t want to realize it.”

Ahmed continues after a moment, “you were just being a man. You found your path just like  I did in the family business. It was wrong for me to call you a dishonorable man and everything else I said. I felt disgusted because my words forced you away from all of us. I kept tabs on you, you know, and I was so proud of all you did. You didn’t run bro… I pushed you out.”

Ahmed starts to cry and the moment Samad sees this, he rushes to hug his brother.

“It’s alright akhi. It’s in the past. You’re here now. That’s all I care about.”

The brothers embrace and pat each other on the back. Hamnah screams from the house, “come inside already it’s freezing out there, and I need help with the tea.”

The brothers disengage, and Ahmed kisses Samad on the forehead.

“Let’s go in before she kills you” Ahmed says in a teasing manner.

Samad smiles and heads inside with his brother. He is thankful to Allah for such a joyous holiday.