Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Amira hurriedly entered Aunty’s room before collapsed right on the carpet, wailing as if she had received a death notice. Aunty rushed to her, horror stricken. “Subahanallahi, Amira? What happened? Something happened to Muhsin? Why are you crying like this?” Aunty asked worriedly. Amira increased the volume of her wails which got the attention of muhsin’s brother.

He entered the room and looked at his mother to his sister in law. “Aunty, what’s going on? I heard someone screaming.” Aunty shook her head and dismissed him. “What is it amira? Just tell me already.” Aunty asked already getting pissed with her behaviour.

“Aunty, it’s muhsin. Please help me beg him. He wants to add another wife, please, please you have to stop him.” Aunty let go of her and stood straight, hands on her waist. “He’s getting married? How? Look, better stop this nonsense and talk to me.”

Amira sat upright and grabbed aunty by the leg. “By Allah, aunty, I am not joking. He just came back from work yesterday evening and told me that he’s getting married to that little brat, dalia? He haven’t told you about it?”

Aunty was about to speak when muhsin’s father sauntered in looking baffled. “What’s going on here? I have been hearing noises from my study.” He shifted his gaze from aunty to amira, who was still kneeling down. “Baba please you have to stop him. I know you can stop him even though he had said no one on earth could stop him from marrying that girl.”

He looked at his wife for more answers. What was she saying now? What was muhsin onto that his wife was here busy blabbering to them. “Alhaji, I don’t understand what she means also. She just told me that her husband said he’s getting married again and I don’t recall talking to you or muhsin about it.”

He stood there still confused. “Amira, calm down now and tell me what’s happening.” He soothed. She slowly nodded her head and let go of aunty’s leg. “Last week my father announced that muhsin asked for Dalia’s hand in marriage. The girl that my father took responsibility of.” Baba nodded his head for her to go on. “Then the girl left, I don’t know where to but I'm sure she’s with her mother now in their village since it’s been a week this happened. Then just last night he came back from work in the night and told me that he’s getting married to the girl. I thought he had given up since he never said anything about it for a week, just then he came yesterday and even when I pleaded with him he said no one on earth is going to stop him from getting married to her.”

Her noisy sobs echoed through aunty’s room. His parents exchanged looks before alhaji took his eyes away and fetched his phone out from his pocket. “You’re sure that’s what happened and he said no one could stop him from getting married to her right?” Baba asked and she nodded her head. He smirked as he scoffed. He dialed muhsin’s number and he picked up after few rings. “Meet me at home right now and don’t waste my time.” He ended the call before muhsin could respond or ask if everything was okay.

“Just stay with her in your room, I will go wait for him in my living room and hear his own part of the story.” Aunty nodded her head before she pulled amira to her feet. He sashayed out of the room while aunty settled her down on her bed.

As muhsin sauntered into his father’s living room and met him pacing back and forth in the living room, he knew something was not right. “Salamu alaikum. Baba, good evening.” He squatted down. “Wa’alaikumus Salam, sit down.” He settled down on the one seater while his father plumped down on the three seater. “You didn't tell me that you have gotten new parents I would've celebrated with you.” He heard his father said. He looked up, quizzed. “New parents, baba? Me?” He asks the question. “If you don’t have new parents then how are you planing on adding another wife without telling the people that gave birth to you?”

Muhsin sighed tiredly as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. He should’ve known when he saw amira’s car outside. “Baba, by Allah I was going to inform you to...”

“Just save it. You’re not adding another wife and I don’t expect you to argue with me.”

“But....” “I don’t expect you to argue with me....” His father gave him pointed look. He lowered his gaze and nodded. “What sort of stupid thinking is this muhsin? Adding another wife? And you even have the audacity to tell your father in law that you want to add a second wife.”

“Baba please just listen to me. I know you’re upset that I haven't told you and I am so sorry. I'm very sorry that you had to find out this way but please don't say no, please. Amira’s father has agree and he’s very glad about that....”

“I thought I’ve told you not to argue with me about this.” Muhsin ducked his head and kept his mouth shut. He hated arguing with his parents. He obeyed them even if it meant he wouldn't be happy.

“Salamu alaikum,” they heard the door squeak open before daddy appeared. “Muhsin? You’re hear already, I was about to call you now to meet me here.” Baba looked at his friend to his son. They exchanged pleasantries after daddy had settled down beside muhsin’s father. “I was about to call him now. I wanted to talk to you about muhsin and Dalia...”

“Alhaji please, I will not agree to this. If you think this is right and you support it then count me out, I will not let this happen to amira.”

“Amira?” Daddy let out a chuckle. “Please you don’t have any valid reason to stop my son from adding another son. And this is not something bad rather something great. And for the girl you’re defending, I am very happy that muhsin would be finally happy in his married life since she had failed to make him happy.” Daddy finished talking with a smile. Baba heaved a sigh, tongue tied. Daddy is supporting muhsin in this?

“Now I suggest we go to kuje with muhsin’s uncles next week and do everything that’s right. I don't want the wedding to pass two months. Five to six weeks at least, you’d like that right, muhsin?” Daddy asked him and he nodded beaming. His father glared at him making him to lower his gaze and suppressed a smile.

“And I will take full responsibility of the wedding since Dalia and muhsin are my children and this man here is trying to be our enemy in this.” He tapped muhsin’s father on the should which made him to chuckle. “It’s not like I am not saying yes to this but he should consider his wife’s feelings.” Daddy shook his head, “yes I know but put yourself in his shoes and apart from that, I am very sure muhsin would take care of the both of them and treat them equally. I believe him.”

Baba hesitated before he nodded. “Okay, if you insist. I will call my brother tonight and inform them about it. May Allah choose what’s best for them.” Muhsin looked up before he started to thank them and shower prayers on them.

And like daddy wanted, they went to Kuje the next week and finalised everything that same day, The date also got fixed, just two months.

When dalia found out that the wedding date has been fix just two months, everything became new to her. She was afraid, she felt like she had betrayed alhaji and his family. Everything was moving too quickly. How was she going to start living with his crazy wife, amira? Or he was getting her a separate house? She doubt that, his house was big enough to fit four wives, not just two. Why did she say yes to him? The fact that she couldn't manage to hide her feelings for him annoyed her.

She hid her face with her pillow and smiled, her stomach fluttered. She had been feeling that way ever since the date has been fixed and whenever she remembered him or his sweet messages. “Why are you still lying down when you know alhaji’s driver is coming to pick you up soon?” Dalia raised her head up and looked at her mother. “Mama, I've taken my bath and I'm ready. I'm just waiting for him to come,” she responded, not wanting to meet her mother’s gaze. Doesn't her mother feel somehow now that she was marrying her off?

“Well, have you eaten or are you still here thinking about the wedding?” Amina spoke to her, teasingly. Dalia covered her face with her pillow and sink in her bed without responding. Amina chuckled. “You should go eat before he arrives.”

She never raised her head up till she was sure her mother had left the room. She heaved a sigh and stood up before she stepped out of her room to the kitchen. She met Amrah coming out from the kitchen. “Our Latest bride,” she said and wiggled her brows at dalia. Dalia rolled her eyes and hissed. She snatched the plate away. “It was for you after all, so no need to fight.” Dalia shrugged and moved back to her room with Amrah tailing behind. “But you're not going to stay in their house right?” Amrah asked her and she nodded. “Daddy said I’ll stay with his younger sister till I'm done with my exams. But to be honest I'm still afraid. What if his wife finds out where I am and comes to threaten me?”

“Threaten you? Who? That woman?” Amrah laughed heartily. “Stop behaving this way Dalia and fight back. She has no right to do anything to you. Oh ya Allah you should stop letting these people get to you. Just last week you came home with bruises all over your face and body.”

“What am I supposed to do, Amrah? She's stronger than me.” Amrah chuckled and shook her head. “Then you use him to get a pay back.” Dalia gave her a puzzled look. Amrah adjusted her sitting position on the bed and face dalia. She whispered everything to her and before she was done, dalia smacked her on the shoulder. “If you had a co wife, she would definitely run for her life.” Amrah laughed it off. “Look that’s the only way out and my suggestion is harmless. Whatever she does, report her to him and he would deal with the psycho I assure you.” Dalia hissed before she picked up her plate from the side drawer and started eating.

She was half way done when her mother came into the room, arms akimbo. “He’s waiting for you outside and don’t waste his time.” Amina walked out of the room. Dalia kept the plate and stood up. She picked up her hijab and slipped it on while Amrah helped her with her bags even though she had not much because most of her clothes was at daddy's house and she knew there was no way she could get them. Heck, her books were at the house and she knew there was no way she could claim them.

Her breath hitched when their eyes met. He was the one waiting for her? Why him? Why not daddy’s driver? She briskly lowered her gaze and greeted him. “We should get going, it’s getting late and you are starting exams tomorrow right?” She nodded her head and claimed her bags from Amrah.

She followed him out after saying goodbye to her mother. She looked at him when he opened the door for her. That was new. He smiled and nodded his head. “Here, let me help you with that.” He took the bags away from her and kept it in the backseat.”

She heaved a long sigh before he entered the car. Great, now she had to be stuck with him for about almost an hour, depending on where they were actually heading to, in abuja. “Where does your friend live? That girl you once told me about? Was it, binta?” He spoke trying to recall if that was her name. “Yes binta, her house is just right around that corner.” She pointed at a narrow path that a car couldn't pass through. “Mn, I've seen it.” He nodded his head. “Have you visited her?” He asked but she shook her head desolately.

“Her husband doesn't allow her to have visitors, what a jerk. I heard she's pregnant with another child again.” She grimaced at the thought of it. She heaved a sigh as she sunk in her seat. “May Allah make it easy for her. Surely we would find a way to help her.” She looked at his sideburn as she smiled. “Thank you.” She murmured. He looked at her briefly and retorted with a smile.

“When will you be done with your exams?” He asked her. “In three weeks in sha Allah. But.... My books are at daddy’s place and you know.... I can’t...” She let the words trail off. “Oh yes daddy had figured that out and asked the maids to pack everything for you. It has been taken to his sister’s house. It’s much more closer to your school. And I will be the one to be taking you there and come pick you up when you’re done.” She suppressed a smile and nodded.

A little while later, they were in front of a black ironed gate, waiting for the gate man to open the gate for them. And as soon as he did, muhsin drove in. He helped her with her bags and asked her to head in before he comes back from the mosque to pray maghrib.

She took slow steps to the door and stood there, looking at the large wooden door. She hesitantly knocked on the door and waited, that was if someone could actually hear her knocking. She was about to knock again when a young adult opened the door. She greeted him as she lowered her gaze. He must the owner of the house, she thought. “Good evening to you too. You should head in, my wife is in the living room.” He quickly walked passed her and headed out to the masjid.

She entered the house as she murmured Salam. She heard a faint voice reply her from the living room. She entered the living room and kept her bags by a sofa. “Good evening,” she muttered as she squatted down a bit. The woman smiled, eyes wide open. “Please stand up, you're making me feel old. Sit please,” she spoke calmly, still smiling. Dalia looked at her huge baby bump to her face. She lowered her gaze as she adjusted her sitting position. “You must be Dalia, right? Yaya had told me you were coming to stay with us for few weeks.” Dalia smiled a bit and nodded.

“Please feel free and take this as your home. My name is Rayhana. I live here alone with my husband and maid. I hope you can stay with us before you finish your exams.” Dalia raised her head and looked at Rayhana. She nodded her head as she smiled. Rayhana avert her gaze to the kitchen door and called out a name. A young girl came out from the kitchen which happens to be the maid knelt down in front of her boss. “Zainab, I have told you times without numbers, stop kneeling down as if you're some sort of a slave. Please get up and bring some refreshments for her before dinner gets ready.” The girl smiled a little and nodded her head. She greeted dalia before walking away.

Rayhana continued to converse with dalia as she laid there on the three seater while she rubbed her baby bump from time to time. The two men came in a little while later and joined them in the living room.

After they had eaten dinner, muhsin stood to leave. Dalia looked at him with pleading eyes. He raised his brows and smiled. Rayhana looked at them and chuckled. “Why don’t you go accompany him out to his car?” She said to dalia. She ducked her head, blushing. He said good night to them again and headed out before dalia followed him.

He rested his back on the car and folded his arms on his chest while waited for her royal majesty to approach him. He raised his brows again, waiting for her to speak up. “Are you really going to leave me here? I mean it’s too early....” She paused and turned her head away. “Did I hear you right? Someone wants me to stay but doesn't want to admit it, huh? Is that how much I am being loved?” He smirked at her.

“That's not what I mean.... Stop putting words in my mouth and confusing me.” She stomped her feet on the concrete floor. He laughed heartily. “Okay, I am sorry. But I do have to leave now. I am so so tired. I had a long day and all I need now is to think of you before sleep finally takes me away.”

Her cheeks heated and flushed as she tried to restrain herself from smiling but that wasn't possible to hide it. “But you’ll call me when you get home right? But I only want to know if you’ve gotten home safely.” She spoke innocently. He stared at her for a little before his smile widened and he nodded, “as soon as I settle down, I promise, I'd call.” She smiled and nodded her head. They said good bye to each other before parting ways.

A while later, he found himself walking towards his entrance door as he dialed Yusuf’s number again but he wasn't picking. He hissed and returned his phone in his pocket. He would deal with him for not answering any of his calls later.

He unlocked the door and entered. She swiftly rise to her feet and took the glass cup and threw it his way but be luckily dodged it. She took another one together with a plate and threw it at him again but he couldn't dodge the second one. “Amira? What on earth is wrong with you?” He yelled at her. He rubbed his forehead and winced in pain. She took another plate but before she could throw it at him, he snatched it away from her.

“If you don’t call off that wedding I swear, you wouldn't sleep one bit in this house tonight.” Her eyes narrowed as she breathed furiously. He scanned her puffy red eyes to her cracked lips. He heaved a sigh and looked away from her. He scanned the scattered lining room to the plates and cups she arranged on the centre table to attack him with. “Are you trying to kill me, amira? Why are you doing this when you know nothing would change my mind. Your threats aren't even that convincing, please you should think of another way because this is bullshit to me.”

She felt a pang in her chest but she laughed it off. “Is that so? Then we shall see how you’d sleep in this house. You better come back here, I am not done talking to you.” She quickly followed him when he started walking away without hearing her rants.