Chapter 40: Chapter 40

They were sitted in Hajiya's living room, all there faces were glum, emanating sadness and pain. Abba's expression can't be fathomed, he was furiously dailing a number on his phone, probably someone they were sitted for.

"Why would you make such a mistake, Al-amin? I told you to come back together, why will you leave her behind, where's your common sense?" Abba spatted out angrily, looking at Al-amin coarsely.

Al-amin looked up at Abba, trying so hard to suppress his happiness, he knew since she's not back he won't get him married to her, and this alone made his day. "Abba, it wasn't my fault, I even booked the flight for both of us, she said she has some courses she failed, but will be back in four days time. She had been recalcitrant since we went to UK, I can't make her do what she doesn't want to. She dress how she likes, move around how she wants, it's not my fault Abba," Al-amin spoke, the pain laced in his voice was palpable, he had had enough. She said she'll be back in four days, and that's the Nikaah day, but why is her phone not reachable? Did something went wrong?.

"You shouldn't be saying something bad about someone we didn't know of her situation, she might be in a bad situation, something bad might happen to her. We just have to pray for all to be well. And you should postpone the Nikaah till next week, that's when all is settled," Hajiya dictated, glumly looking at Abba and Uncle Mustapha. She was worried about Laila, she thought something bad happened to her there, she blamed Al-amin for leaving her behind, putting all the blame on him about Laila's bratty attitudes.

Abba looked up abruptly, he can't do what Hajiya said, what will he tell the people he had already gathered? That the bride didn't come back? Or it's a not sure love marriage they want to solemnize? This just can't be possible. What of his reputation? "I'm sorry, Hajiya, but the wedding has to be solemnized. Many people came for this wedding, we can't just tell them the wedding has been postponed, we're not kids, Hajiya," he sounded apoplectic, he's a gentle man, this kids can't just ruin his reputation like this, it has to be done.

"Are you telling me you'll marry him off to someone? Or what are you trying to do? The bride isn't around, so tell them that," Hajiya was now angry, it seemed they're not even worried about Laila, that's what pissed her off.

"Hajiya, please try and understand this, this is something that has to be done, we can solemnize the nikaah, and the celebrations can wait till she's back. Do reason with us, Hajiya," Uncle Mustapha quaked, worriedly looking at his wristwatch.

Hajiya heaved a sigh, glumly looking at them. It took them minutes before she spoke "You can do that then," she said and silently trudge to her room, without uttering another word.

"Alhamdulillah, go and call Ibrahim, we have to leave now," Abbas ordered and they all stood up and left the house.

***

Ummi woke up from the slumber she didn't know how, when, or where she fell into, rummaging her eyes around the room, she didn't realize where she was, until she percieved the smell people say hospitals has, it then somersaults in her; she's in the hospital, but how?.

"Alhamdulillah, she's awake," Anty Murja gulped, moving to the side of her bed, taking her hand in her's.

Ummi smiled ruefully at her, "Anty why am I here? Where is Mama and Ya Yusuf?" She asked, her eyes rummaging around the room, she saw Ummy, and some other relatives; smiling glumly at her.

"Listen Ummi, you'll be discharged now, Mama and Ya Yusuf are at home, Baba sent us here to look after you," Anty Murja answered lugubriously, her heart filled with so many emotions, she knew why she zoned out, it's just too much for her to bear.

Hearing the word 'home', Ummi's heart get back to the reason that made her zoned out. Her marriage, and today is the day for the Nikkah. "When will I be discharged Anty?" She asked lugubriously, trying so hard not to cry.

"Ummy went to call the doctor, excersise patience my dear," that was all Anty Murja could say, being married on a short notice is not easy, especially not knowing the husband nor his family. This is the hardest thing a lady would overcome.

The doctor came and discharged her, together they moved out and zoomed off. All this while, Ummy didn't utter a single word, she kept staring at her, battling with so many emotions in her heart. She knew what her dearest cousin is going through, this is the saddest phase of her life.

The house was quite obstreperous, Ummi wondered how they managed to come within a short notice, it was just yesterday, and they've managed to come today.

They all came congratulating her, some wishing her quick recovery, Ummi didn't want this, she wants to see Mama, she want to comfirm all these things from Mama. Is she really going to get married today? Is she going to marry a stranger? A person she knew nothing about? Could it be true?.

Ummy guided her to Mama's room, as she's still feeling dizzy. They met Mama sitted at the side of her bed, sobbing silenly, while Anty Luba was hushing some words to her. Ummi had to mustered the remaining courage she has in her, she has to be strong for her family, she has to feign a smile to get a genuine one from them. She sauntered to where Mama was sitted and sat down, taking her hand in her's, grisping it tighly. "Mama you don't have to worry, I'm awake and okay, I can even smile, Mama," she smiled ruefully at her, which caused Mama to hug her tightly, tears cascading down her cheeks. She knew her daughter was just trying to be strong, she knew her daughter tried to mask her emotions, she knew so well her daughter is shattered amd down hearted.

"Ummi dear, you shouldn't worry about this please, it will be khair In sha Allah, just pray for it. You need to take your bath now, you look like someone that spent a whole month in the hospital. Do remove all worries from your heart dear," Mama spoke placatingly, albeit Ummi didn't show any sign of pain, but it's palpable. She's trying to suppress her pain with aplomb. She needed love and care.

"Okay Mama," she smiled ruefully at her and trudged to Mama's toilet, she's in no mood to go to her room, it held many memories there, she didn't want to add more salt to her wounds.

***

Uncle Mustapha and Abba were sitted at the mosque, congratulating each other. "We need to solemnize the other one now, reception awaits us," Abba spoke briskly, looking at his wristwatch. His gaze fell on a flummoxed Al-amin, his head was hung low, probably lost in his thoughts. Abba knew he has to encapsulate the whole situation for him, he too has no chance, it's an old and new promise that has to be fulfilled.

Uncle Mustapha's phone's ringtone jolted him out of his reverie. Uncle Mustapha gave him a weird glance before he picked the call. "Hello Hajiya," he drawled, eagerly wanting to hear what's her reason for calling him.

"Mustapha, has the wedding been solemnized?" She asked worriedly, sounding downed.

"No Hajiya, but about to," he answered, giving Abba a clueless look.

"Don't do that please, she has been sick for a week now, how can we solemnize her nikaah while she's at the hospital? Do come home quick, I need to go there," she sobbed angrily and ended the call.

Abba turned to the Imam, "The other wedding has to wait, Hajiya is not feeling well, we all have to leave," he gulped and stood up. Abba gave him a guizical look, he nodded and sauntered out of the mosque. Al-amin, Abba and Ibrahim followed him. Without a word, they drove to Hajiya's house.

Hajiya's crys made their Salaam's guttural, they rushed to where she was sitted, her friend beside her, probably placating her.

"Hajiya, what happened? Why did you said we should not solemnize the nikaah?" Uncle Mustapha asked worriedly, he thought something dreadful happened.

"This boy, wannan yaron," she pointed at Al-amin angrily. Al-amin gave her a bamboozled look, what has he done again?

"You knew she was sick for more than a week, but you said she failed some courses. She didn't knew about your Abba's order, why will you choose to black paint your own sister, Aminu? Why? Yarinya marainiya, amma dan mugun hali zaka ja mata sharri, Allah ya wadaranka," Hajiya burst into tears, glaring at stiffened Al-amin. This just took him unaware, Laila sick for a week? Not knowing about Abba's order? Wow. Just wow. She's in for it.

"What's the meaning of this?" Abba bawled angrily, looking at Al-amin.

"Abba, wallahi she wasn't sick, and I told her about our return, even the marraige things. Why will I lie to her? Wallahi she knew everything about this, and this was perfectly arranged," Al-amin mumbled, sounding devastated. He knew only Allah can save him from Abba's wrath, and nobody will believe him but Mami.

"Enough please. You can all leave," Abba ordered, looking at Al-amin and Ibrahim. They glumly stood up and left.

"Bro, where will I take you to? Mami's house?" Ya Ibrahim asked, igniting the car.

"Take me to your house," was all Al-amin could utter, he was broken, shattered, and downhearted. How dare her?

***

Ummi came out of the room, before she could utter a word, Mama's phone rang "Alhamdulillah," was all Mama could utter, before new lone of tears started cascading down her cheeks, looking at frenzed Ummi.

Ummi can't comprehend what's really happening, she's still scuppering Mama's Alhamdulillah in her noddle, is she really now officially Mrs. Unknown? Could it be true?

Mama's hands on her shoulders jolted her out of her reverie, she broke down completely, crying hysterically. This is just really hard to bear, she can't keep feigning happiness, while deep down in her heart she's broken and shattered. She got the news yesterday, and she's married today. Was Baba serious? She thought he was jesting, she thought he was threatening her. Ya Allah!.

Mama guided her to her bed, called Husna and Ummy to help her dress up, before she trudged out of the room, seeing Ummi like this broke her heart, she can't take it anymore.

Husna handed her a newly sewn red lace, with yellow embriodery, Ummi wondered if it was all planned. She just rubbed a powder across her face, applied kohl on her white orbs, which turned to red. Smeared a white lipgloss on her lips. They didn't complain of not having a make-up, because they knew what she's going through, they're also despondent.

The door creaked ajar, Baba and Mama entered the room. Husna and Ummy quickly left the room. Baba sat by her right side on the bed, while Mama by the left side.

"Ummi," he called out, his expression was unfathomable, he delibrately obsfuscate his expression, because he knew she can quickly read out his expression. She's his best and favourite daughter.

"I'm sorry, Ummi, I know.." she hugged him tightly before he finished, letting out a silent wail.

He let her cry on his shoulder, Mama was also wiping her's. He broke the hug "Do you want any celebration for your wedding, Ummi? Just name it if there is, no matter how grand you want it to be, it'll be more than that," he patted her head assuaringly.

She looked at Mama, whom nodded her head at her, assuring her that she should just tell him. "Baba I don't need any celebration, I just want your blessings amd prayers," came her throaty crying voice, she hugged Mama tightly.

"Masha Allah Ummina, May Allah bless your union, May he bless you with obedient children. Allah yayi maki albarka," Baba muttered.

"Ameen" they said in unison. There was a hush silent before Ya Husna came and told Baba about his guests, he kissed her forehead and left.

They ate their lunch, which was brunch for Ummi, they did their best to make her even smile, amd it worked. After Magrib, Mama told them she'll be conveyed to her husband's house tomorrow, since there will be no celebrations. Ummi felt a pang in her heart, she's now someone's wife, he has rights over her morethan her parents, she can't even go out without his consent, this is just too much for her. She quickly shrugged the thought off, as tears had already started glistening her eyes. She kept playimg with Ya Husnah's daughter;Amrah.

Ummi can't sleep at night, she kept dreading for tomorrow, today will be her last day in their house, from tomorrow she can't come to this house without his consent, she's completely under his control. This is just too much to think of. She needed to be sequestered, since she's impotent about this issue, it has already being done.

She quietly prowled out of the room, and entered the living room, taking a picture of all the things in her heart, she felt like she'll be taken to a dungoen. Ya Yusuf's tap on her shoulder intruded in her thought. They went to the kitchen and sat on the kitchen island, having a complete view of the garden.

They were chatting when Ya Yusuf took a deep breath, he held her hand, which made her gave him a question look. "I just want to hug you for the last time, since you're now someone's wife, not my lil sis anymore," he spoke glumly.

His words brought tears to her eyes, she quickly hugged him, sobbing silently. "I love you so much Ya Yusuf, and I'll still be your little sister," she pouted.

He pinched her nose jokingly "He might be jealous when he sees me hugging you, so today will be my last free day," he said and laughed. They were laughing when Ya Husnah entered the kitchen, giving them a flummoxed look. They laughed at her facial expression. "See who was crying, and she's now laughing her soul out," she said and found a spot by Ya Yusuf's leftside and sat down.

"Brother's love no be easy abeg," he smacked her shoulder playfully.

"This is a family reunion or something, how I wish Sulele is around, it would've have been nicer," Ummi smiled, missing Sulaiman so bad. He was at NTIC (Nigerian Turkish International College), for two months now. It was a sudden wedding, he would've been around.

"Awwn, My Sulele," Ya Husna said, emphasasing the 'My'.

They nattered away for hours, ate snacks, played games, before it was time for fajr, they left for their rooms.

***

THE DAY.

Ummi was at the car's side, her husband's relatives came an hour ago, but it was hard for Ummi to just leave her father's house like that, she wasn't ready for that, it came soo sudden.

She hugged Mama, Ya Yusuf, Ya Husna, Baba, Ummy and many realtives for the umpteenth time. Mama guided her to the door "Ummi, you have to leave now, May Allah bless your union," Mama's voice was soft and low, because of the crying.

"Mama, please let even Ummy come with me, I really need someone, Mama," Ummi spoke between sob.

"It is your father's order, do obey and leave, Ummi. Allah yayi maki albarka," Mama slowly pushed her inside the car and trudged inside the house with a heavy heart.

Ummi left waving at them, crying hysterically, her body shaking, lips trembling, heart pounding.

After many people introduced themselves as his cousins, some Aunties, nieces, nephews, uncles, they finally left the house. Leaving her all alone.

She was reading the Qur'an Mama gave her as a gift, to lessen her pain, and fear, she was sobbing silently, when the door creaked ajar, which made her stomach do double flips, her heart frenzed, eyes glued on the Qur'an, she took in her breath with aplomb.

"Assalamu Alaikum," he salaamed, walking inside the room.

She abruptly looked up, she looked askance at him, completely befuddled. "You? What the f*ck!" She exclaimed enigmatically.