Chapter 42: Chapter 42

Al-amin looked askance at her, he was baffled, he wasn't expecting her now, but the way her voice sounded emanate she wasn't here for something nice; yet a war.

He kept staring at her without uttering a word, waiting for her to talk. But it loomed his silence was making her apoplectic.

"Why are you staring at me like that? I wasn't here for anything good, rather for something terrible, Nah...scratch that__I'm here for a war," she bellowed with full confidence, anger and pain were laced palpably on her face.

He chuckled inwardly, how she pronouned the war sounded funny to him, she looked serious and confidential. If he'll participate in this so called war of her's, she's obviously going to fail.

"Come and sit here, my wife, you can't talk to your husband like this," he spoke more like an order, patting the space next to him.

"You can't order me, you know? I'm here to see your beloved wife, and tell her how terrible and cruel you're, how heartless you're, how breaking an innocent heart isn't a big deal to you. Ohh sorry__your Amarya won't understand this now, as she's currently feeling your enshrouded and beguilling love," she spoke with full sarcasm, glaring and rolling her eyes at him, which made him chuckled outwardly.

"Aysha, you can't talk to me like that, and for my Amarya; you can't see her now, she was knackered and needed some rest," he resisted the urge to laugh at her facial expression, she looked hurt and shocked. So it was true?

"My regards to her, what a pity? She'll soon feel what it ought to be heartbroken by the heartless heartbreaker," she snickered, mimicking how it felt to be heartbroken.

Al-amin can't resist the urge anymore, he laughed hysterically, which made her looked at him disgustfully, she wondered what made him laugh. She angrily turned to leave the room, when he spoke "Come and sit here wifey, we need to talk, I know I've wronged you," his voice was laced with lamentation, and he sounded serious.

She hissed and wrathfully looked at him, who does he think he is to call her that name? He took her as a fool, after the ignoring? Heartbreak? As you wish? No! She can't give him another chance now, not now, not again. Forever!

"Who do you think you're to call me wifey? I'm just physically your wife, not internally, so mind your tongue, Mr Heartbreaker," she hissed, rolled her eyes at him and angrily stomped out of the room.

Her words besetted him, he thought she no more hold a grudge on him, he thought just some sweet talks can vulgarize her back into her old loving self, he thought she would forgive him easily, he thought she missed him too, damn it! But he missed her!

Ummi entered her room, banged the door and leaned her body on the closed door, she slowly slipped down, as a lone of tear washed down her face, she quickly used her thumbs and cleared it. Why did he still has this effect on her? Why won't she resist his looks and those browny orbs of his? She promised not to cry because of him again, and she must hold onto her promise. He must pay for that 'As you wish'.

She slowly walked to the bathroom, bathe, perform ablution and trudged out of the bathroom, she put on her pyjamas and hopped on bed, different thoughts rummaging in her brain.

She finished her sleeping supplications, and kept tossing on bed, is she really married to Al-amin? The person she loved dearly? The same person that broke her heart? Is she sleeping in the same house, adjacent rooms with this same person whom she sees as the greatest betrayer, heartbreaker, the most guile and cruel person? This is serious.

She made a vow of never giving him a chance, she promised herself not to give in on this marriage, she promised not to fall in love again; with the same person that shattered her heart. Her wish was 'to be broken up', and now; it will be 'he'll never know the sweetness of marriage from her, let him go to his beloved Amarya'. With that, she shrugged his thoughts off and fell into a ruminative slumber, she is half asleep, half awake.

Al-amin kept scuppering her words in his noddle, she loomed adamant, she meant what she said, he was ruminative on how he'll get her back, on how he'll teach her how to love him again, on how they'll live their marital life as they once planned.

***

Ummi felt a slight knock on her door, she groaned and slowly sit up, rubbing her eyes with her palms, "Mama, I'm awake," came her sleepy voice. She thought it was Mama, she forgot about her new home, her husband, and everything that happened.

Hearing her saying Mama, made a small smile appreared on his purplish lips, he knew she wasn't on the bed anymore, he didn't want to see her sprawled on the bed, he wanted to give her some privacy. The door creaked ajar, and Al-amin slowly entered the room, his hands in his Jallabiyya's pocket.

"You should get ready, we're going to pray in congregation, the Masjids has finished praying," came his deep husky voice, his eyes fixed on her petite frame on the bed, her face on her palms. She looked sleepy.

She gushed, and quickly opened her eyes, looking at him in disbelief, how dare he? Who gave him the effrontery to barge into her room without her consent? She completely forgot she has someone called a husband.

"What?! Oh my god," her words became guttural, she quickly grabbed her devut and wrapped herself. "What's wrong with you? For godsake! Have you ever heard the word 'privacy' in your life? And for your information__ you weren't the one that was waking me up through out the years of my life, and marrying you won't change anything. So kindly get out of my room," she yelled irritatingly, if her sleepy tiny voice could be called a yell.

How she covered herself made him chuckled, he wasn't here for anything, just to pray, he didn't do something wrong. "Aysha, to pray congregationally is better and rewardful, don't be pugnacious," he stated, looking at the grey wall clock that was pinned on the wall, hoping she'll stop acting obnoxious.

"Ai sai naga da da banayi a jam'in ban samun lada, sannu ustaz. Kuma kabar kiran sunana kamar kai ka radamin. (All those years I've spent praying alone weren't rewardful abi? Well job Sheik. And stop calling my name as if you were the one that named me.)" She spatted, hissed and sashayed to the bathroom. *If I wantu do rashin mutunci, I prefer doing it in hausa Allah, cox yafi shiga. Who's with me?*

Al-amin was humbugged, so she can talk enragedly like this, girls are really transmogrifying, he never knew this side of her's. Her voice jolted him out of his reverie "I want you out of my room before I come out," she yelled from the bathroom.

He nodded his head as if she was seeing him, and sauntered out of her room. "I have alot to work on," he thought and moved back to his room.

Ummi came out of the bathroom, she thought she'll see him, but his absence made her heaved a sigh of relief. She sprayed her prayer mat and started saying her prayer.

***

Ummi woke up, bathe and took her phone, she called Mama and called back Ya Yusuf that left 5 missed calls for her. She was baffled, as he was the type of person that only call once, if you didn't pick; shikenan, as he always said.

She was reading a book on wattpad, when she heard Al-amin calling her name from down stairs. She groaned in irritation, she thought why he was calling her name, but thinking it might be Ya Yusuf or Husna that came for her, she quickly grabbed her matching veil and headed downstairs.

As she was descending the staircases, his eyes were glued on her. She wore peach and yellow lace, the blouse was fitted, showing her full boobs; which caught his attention more, as they were heaving up and down. The skirt was a straight skirt.

Her face lit up, when she caught the glimpse of Ihsan all growned up, holding a basket of food. "Ihsan! See how you've growned up. Which class are you now?," Ummi asked, collecting the basket from her hand. She shot Al-amin a hotful glare.

"Anty Ummi, goodmorning, I've been waiting for you, and Ya Al-amin didn't collect the basket, saying he wasn't the wife," she grimaced, looking at Al-amin with pouted lips.

"Leave him Ihsanuwa, I'm fine. You didn't answer my questions, I guess you're now in SS2 abi?" Ummi asked, placing the basket on the dining table.

"Yes Anty Ummi, but that name duh, this Yaya has taught you bah?" Ihsan made a duh expression, looking from Al-amin to Ummi.

Ummi chuckled at the expression she made, she went to the kitchen to take the needed items and came back.

"Ihsan, let's eat, leave that your Yaya," Ummi declared, serving herself on the dining table.

"No, Anty Ummi, I'll take my leave. The driver is waiting for me," Ihsan informed and scuttled out. "Bye, Yaya Aminuuu," she teased and banged the door.

Al-amin chuckled at how she scuttled amd banged the door, he sauntered to the dining table and sat down. He folded his hands on his chest, his eyes glued on Ummi, mesmerized at how she was eating her food as if she was forced to. "Serve me, Arub," he spoke softly, narrowing his eyes on her.

She looked up, rolled her eyes at him and shifted her gaze on her plate. She wondered where that name came from and it's meaning. He wanted to provoke her by calling her that name, since she warned him not to be calling her name any how.

She finished her breakfast, took the plate and dished, before she advanced to her room, snubbing him. She vowed to make him know how it feels to be snubbed.

***

It was after Zuhr prayer, Ummi was reading on wattpad, she was bored, she called Husna and Ummy. She wanted to tour around the house, but knowing he was still in the house, she won't make that mistake. He's the last person she wants to encounter with.

A call came in her phone, the name that popped out made her face lit up, she missed her bestfriend, she wished she was here with her.

"Hi, Meenoooo, Momy told you abi?" She asked, grinning.

"Yes. I called Ya Husna, and she said you were taken to Abuja, I'm here for my NYSC (National youth service corps), I want to come and see you. Which area are you?" Meeno asked, happiness and sadness were laced in her voice. She was happy that she'll finally get to see her bestfriend, and felt sad for her.

"Urm Meeno, I don't know the area, you can ask Ya Husna again," Ummi grimaced, she knew this will lead her to talking to Al-amin, and it's the last thing she wants to do in her list.

"You must be stupid, or is it the marriage things that jumbled ypur brain? How can I call Ya Husna? She wasn't among those that brings you there ai. Just ask your husband," Meeno grumbled, annoyed.

"But Meeno... we're not on talking term, please.." Ummi pleaded, she wondered if Meeno knew whom she was married to, she would've have pity on her.

"Use your location map then. And are you crazy, Aysha? How could you not talk to your husband? You're married to him no matter who he is. Abeg hurry up, unless you don't want me to come to yout house," Meeno spoke.

"I don't know how to use that location thing, but I'll go and talk to him. I really need to see you, Meeno," Ummi was at the verge of tears, just the thought of seeing Meeno made her eyes swolled up with tears. She needed someone to talk to.

After comtemplating of wether to go or not, she finally shangai herself and prowled to his room. She knew not to act pugnacious, it's Meeno she's dealing with.

She entered his room with a salam, her face was tough and sad. She thrusted the phone to him "My friend needs to know this area's name, she wanted to visit me. Locate her please," she pleaded, more like an order.

Without hesitation, he collected the phone and dailed Meeno's number, told her everything and handed her back the phone. She muttered Thank you, almost inaudible, and sauntered out of the room. He wanted to stop her, wanted to apologize again, but he knew not to. She wore the 'no non sense' expression on her face.

She descended down the staircase, and switched on the TV, eagerly waiting for Meeno. The door bell rang, with full enthusiasm, she got off and got the door. "Meeeeennnnoooooo," she squealed, hugging her tightly.

Meeno hugged her back, amiably, she missed her. "Aysha, let me breathe nah, and can't you welcome sombori," Meeno feigned hurt, gigling.

Ummi smacked her shoulder playfully and guided her to the living room. "Have a seat, Meeno, I'll get you some refreshments," with that, she sauntered to the kitchen. Humming a happy song, mirthly swaying around. She was happy.

She got back and kept chatting with Meeno, before it was Asr time and they advanced to Ummi's room for prayer.

They said their prayer and were chatting on the prayer mats, Meeno turned and faced Ummi "Aysha, I know it wasn't easy to be married to a complete stranger, you'll seriously be sad about this, but know__we plan and Allah plan, but he's the best of planners. Please, Aysha, be obedient to your husband, don't let Shaytan embroil you in his trap and lead you to jahannam, take your marriage as an act of worship, it's half your deen, Aysha," Meeno stated, holding her hands, feeling extremly sorry for her. She knew her bestfriend, this wouldn't be easy on her.

"It was Al-amin, Meeno. He has another wife, he got married to two wives a day, how would I easily give in on this marriage? How do you expect me to? He broke my heart, and finally succeed in marrying, with another wife! How cruel of him, Meeno, I can't..." she trailed off, as tears washed down her face, she was broken and down hearted. She was the extremely jealous type, but what would she do? Nothing can be undone!

"Inna lilahi wa inna ilaihir rajiun. Aysha, I'm sorry please. It isn't easy, but you have to try," Meeno spoke glumly. Ummi nodded and hugged her.

Meeno kept placating her and giving her some tips and advices on marital life. A slight knock intruded their conversation. Al-amin entered the room with a small smile on his lips, he heard when Ummi squealed, calling Meeno's name, but he dared not to go out. He doesn't want to kibosch her mirth mood.

"Al-amin," Meeno jabbered, suppressing her sadness.

He came forward and they exchanged pleasantries with Meeno before he sombrely looked at Ummi "Arub, Hajia is visiting us this evening," he spoke, giving her the 'please act nice' look.

She snubbed his pleading eyes and yawed her gaze from his sight "How does that happens to be my problem? Of course I'll welcome her warmly. You shouldn't involve in this. I take this as an option to talk to me, so please__ make sure your face will be the last thing I'll see in this house. And always remember what I choosed as my wish," she bellowed sarcastically, glaring at him. "And kindly leave my room, I hat...." Meeno quickly covered her mouth and sombrely looked at Al-amin. He gave a pleading look and trugde out of the room.

Meeno scolded her, preached, adviced her, read out some Hadiths and Qur'an verses for her based on marital life, it's crucialness in Islam, it's right, rules, ones punishment if he doesn't abide my the rules, and different lectures about marriage.

Meeno's phone's ringtone intruded their conversation, she picked the call, convers and ended with a fleeting smile. She worriedly looked at Ummi "Aysha, I'll have to go now. Anty Hussaina called me," she informed, stood up, and took her hand bag.

"Ohh, you were staying with Dady's twin? My regards to her please. I'll visit you someday," Ummi informed glumly, hugging Meeno.

They met Al-amin at the dining table, having his lunch. Meeno bid him adieu and Ummi saw her off. She was ascending the staircase when his voice halted her "Arub, they're here," he informed and went to get the door.

Ummi hesistated, sweat forming on her forehead, she doesn't know how Hajiya will act, will she be nice? She kind of know Hajia's discord on their relationship, talkless of marriage. She wiped away the sweat, plastered a small smile on her lips, muttered Ya Allah! Help me out, and descended back.

Hajiya entered with an old woman tailing behind, probably her maid or a relative. They took their sits, Ummi greeted them but got brisk and cold answers. She shrugged it off and brought them refreshments.

She sat beside Al-amin on a three sitter, smiling. "Hajiya, you shouldn't have stressed yourself coming here, we would've come ourselves. Isn't it?" She gave Al-amin a question look, gaving him the 'Just play along dude' look.

He smiled widely, he wasn't expecting her to play like this. But he likes this side of hers. "Yes tsohuwarmu, we should've come ai, your husband can come and see you at anytime you want," he jested, smiling.

Hajiya gave Ummi a hateful glare, and shifted her gaze on Al-amin with a disgusting look and unpleasant expression plastered on her face. "Look, bakaken munafukai ku duka, wato kaje ka jama jikata ciwo kazo nan kana wani washe mani baki kaida amaryarka ko? To wallahi bari kaji, aure da Laila kamar an daura, bari ganin na hana ayi auren, tana dawowa ko kaso ko kaki sai ka aureta, dan dama ita tafi dacewa dakai ba wannan abun ba. Ke kuma bari kiji, kina tunanin kin aureshi zakiyi abunda kikeso ko? To bari Lailar ta dawo, dole ya aureta, inma bansa ya sakeki ba. Marasa mutunci. (Look, hypocrites, you caused my grandchild's sickness but you're here enjoying your life with your bride abi? Let me tell you one thing, you must marry Laila by hook or by crook, as soon as she comes back. And you! You're happy because you married him abi? Just wait for her, I'll make sure he marries her, and I might force him to divorce you. Useless people)" Hajia spatted wrathfully, glaring at baffled and glum Al-amin. Ummi was befuddled, she kept staring without the blink of an eye.

"Hajiya!" Al-amin whined, she just kibosch what he has been trying to mend, he knew it wasn't easy, but she made it more sloven.

"Keep that your filthy mouth shut, ai kaine babban munafukin," Hajiya bellowed and stomped out, Lantana tailing behind.

He slowly turned his gaze on stiffened Ummi, so he wasn't married yet? But she has the assurance of him been married sooner or later. What kind of marriage has Baba embroiled her in? This is just too much to for her to bear.

He moved slowly "Aysha, please," she stopped him with her hand.

"Don't talk please, because I won't believe you," she whimpered, and slowly walked fast him. He halted her by grisping her left hand, she abruptly turned and shot him a dreadful glare, piercing her bloodshot eyes right through his "What do you think you're doing? Will you realease my hand or not? Don't try my patience, Al-amin. You might have told her to come and inform me this enshroudedly, for you're the most heartless heartbreaker. And don't you ever forget what I choosed as my wish," she flared enigmatically, yanking her hand from his grisp, and trudged off.

"Arub, please.." he moved close to her.

She piercely turned, her eyes were glisten with tears she had been fighting with. Darm the hormones. "Don't you dare!" She croaked, as tears washed down her face.