Chapter 45: Chapter 45

TWO WEEKS LATER

To say life was getting better for the couple would be an understatement, Al-amin was nothing but romantic and naughty__at times. Ummi was tired of snubbing him, she sometimes yelled or shouts at him, and have gotten the punishment of her life.

His love was becoming fresh in her heart, she couldn't withstand seeing him everyday without falling for him__more. Albeit they shared laconic words, as he was the introvert type, Ummi couldn't be more grateful, albeit she still couldn't trust him with her heart__not soon.

They prapared their breakfast together, and left to shower, since it was a saturday. Al-amin was the first one to come down, he headed to the dining and started sipping his smoothie.

Ummi descended the staircases and her gaze fell on narked Al-amin "Mami, why would I call her? Hajiya has many problems, so she told you to force me huh? I won't call, she won't even pick my call," he nagged at Mami on the phone.

Ummi stood there, hands akimbo. She doesn't want to eavesdrop, but she was sure it was something related to Laila. The creepy-crawly girl. His worried voice jolted her out of her trance.

Her spoke worriedly "Mama why would I cause any problem for you? I wasn't the one that said she should wait there. She was lying, Mami, Trust me. And for the marriage issue, seriously; I love my wife, why would I marry Laila? I must go to Hajia's house, she should stop nose poking in my life."

He was silent for a few minutes, as Mami scolds and beseeched him not to hype Hajia up, her married life too was at the verge of kiboshing. Hajia has been a pain in her neck since his marriage. Mami being a benevolent person, she doesn't want any problem with her in law, Abba won't be happy about it too. She had to beseech Al-amin before he agreed on calling Laila__ for her sake.

"I'll call her today, and for the marriage issue__I'll see to it," he hushed as he ended the call. But loud enough for Ummi to hear, all her world collapsed at that instant.

Ummi stood there, not sure of what to do. How would she trust Al-amin with her heart again? They were just one month married, he was thinking of marrying again?! Why are people so heartless? Couldn't he consider her feelings? Was it because she isn't paying heed to his blabbings and lame romantic acts? But her facial expressions was palpable enough for him to know she still loves him, she wasn't fully reliefed that's why. Why would he do this to her? Breaking her heart one more time? Him seeing to it meant he'll accept!

This hurts so much, she felt an excruciating pain in her throbbing heart. Why does it have to pain alot? Because you loves him! Her inner subconscious answered.

"More than before," she hushed, as lone of tears rolled down her cheeks.

What she said caught ruminative Al-amin's attention, he turned with a fleeting smile plastered on his lips. "Subhanallah!," he exclaimed as he toddled towards her. He has caught a glimpse of her tears, which she swiftly cleared.

"What happened, Arub?" He asked, guiding her to the chair he was sitting on. He hoped she didn't heard what he was talking with Mami, he wasn't reading for another seclution, he wasn't reading for her snubbing, he wasn't ready for not seeing her smile__albeit they were fleeting, he could still saw the suppressed loving and jovial smile beneath them.

She flashed him a rueful smile, and rubbed her forehead "It's nothing. Just a little headache, probably from lack of sleep," she extempored, amused at herself.

He handed her a cup full of smoothie and a full plate; which he served her. "Arub! How many time will I tell to stop reading those books in the night. You were supposed to rest by that time," he whined, a warning tone laced on his voice.

"It's nothing to worry about, Mr HB. I'll be okay," she extolled, extenuatingly.

He looked up from his plate to start his unusual nagging, but procrastinated; as the piercing look Ummi flashed hit his iris. He wasn't a nagger, nor was he the talking type, but he had to develop those habits; just to hear her voice and see her smile. The smile alone would make is day.

They finished their breakfast in a hushed silence, one could only hear the screeching sound of their spoons, their appetites has gone, but they couldn't left the first breakfast they made in their married life. It has to be a history, they were supposed to have fun and make the moment momerable. If only.

"Laila has always being my problem. Kiboshing my happiness whenever it was an inch close to me," he whined absentmindedly.

"She was the lucky one, always taking away my happiness, and the love of my life. Faraway from me," her forlorn heart whimpered.

They took the plates and other used utensils to the kitchen, do the dishes together before wandering out of the kitchen. Their hearts were up the creek, as they hadn't share a single word since the warning look.

Ummi was downcasted, she was ready to give in today, she was ready to accept him as her husband today, she was ready to live a religious romantic married life with him. Only if.

Lailah! The name she so much despise.

They sat on the L-shaped couch, physically watching a program; but their minds were mentally off. His voice jolted her out of her reverie, she shifted her gaze on him, he was wearing an ash kaftan, his car key in his left hand as his right was in his pocket. His black hair was trimmed, his face was radiant and flawless, he looked sensationally handsome.

Ummi wanted to to hug him tight, tell him how she loves him, how she missed him, she couldn't imagine her life without him; but couldn't. She knew he was going to Hajia's, how could she? Only if.

"You said?" She stammered, as she realized they were having an eye contest. She was checking him out, as her jealousy flaringly rising up. While he enjoyed being ensconced in the exquisite of her gracious orbs.

"I said I'll be out now, want something?" He questioned, raising his left eyebrow in a flirting way.

"Umm…" she raised her chin in a ruminative way. "Nothing. Just be safe, please," she blurted, flummoxed. She wasn't sure wether the words erupted from her mouth or not.

His heart almost melted, she just wanted him to be safe? Woah! His day couldn't get any better. "I'll Insha Allah, Arub," he conjectured, cupping her face in his hands. She closed her eyes, his undying love ebbing in her heart, healing and sealing her wounded heart.

"Be safe too. I love you," he accentuated, and pecked her forehead.

She could only nod her head as he bid her adieu before he gamboled out of the house.

She sat there stocked in sentiment, as it somersaults in her; Ya yusuf told her they'll go out on a date, but Meeno hardly concurred, that only if Ummi would tag alone. And she had to ask Al-amin before going out! Was the first instinctive feeling that gnawed at her. She had to ask before having time with her own brother. Perks of being a married lady. Yes! Lady.

After so many hesitations, she finally dailed his number with aplomb, as it was the only solution. He picked on the third ring.

"Someone is already missing me?" He jested, she could hear his outwardly chuckle.

"Umm.. Al-amin please don't say No," she stuttered haltingly. She knew when Baba wouldn't allow Mama to visit her own relatives. She knew she couldn't stand that, not so soon.

"What is it, Arub? Talk to me. Or I should come back?"

"No. Ya Yusuf called me yesterday, he wanted me to tag along with him, they're going on a date with Meeno. I know you didn't know about their relationship, I'll gist you when I'm back. Please don't say no Mr. HB," she whined, as she pouted her lips. Her dominant jovial self taking over the recessive forlon self.

He sighed in defeat, he wanted to say no at first, but how could he say no to that mesmerizing voice? He could swear she pouted her lips. But she was sick afterall. "Arub, weren't you sick? You said you have an headache. Rest please, Arub. I'll be back home now," he spoke in a placating way, hoping she wouldn't act pugnacious.

"Al-amin, pleasee," she whined in a beseeching way. "I wouldn't take long. Please please pleaseeeeeeee Mr. HB," she drawled, her voice was sounding cuter than usual.

Oh god! This girl would be the death of him. He just wanted to see her face, how she'll look when she pouts. Ya ilahi. "Ok, you wouldn't kill me huh? You can go. But make sure you take care of yourself, use a big veil, I'd be more glad if you use Hijab. And you must tell me the meaning of that Mr. HB. You also have to promise that we'll cook dinner and watch a movie together. Deal?" He eleborated.

Her face lit up into a wide grin, long forgetting the pain she was in, his voice alone would melt her heart. "Yes! That's my esposo. Thank you. I'll use the veil tho. And Mr. HB means Mister Heart Breaker. Bye, I love youuuuu," she jabbered, and ended the call. She ran towards the staircases, her noddle scuppering her last words with halted her amid her running spree.

Innalillahi! She told him she loves him? Her heart isn't doing justice to her. Why would it just pour out her secret like that? What kind of a brittle heart she has, it's so transparent and easily fathomable.

Al-amin couldn't believe what he heard, was he hallucinating? Or he was dreaming as always? How would he thank Allah? The words he craved for good four years! He couldn't be more elated.

"I love you more, Arub," he hushed, closing his eyes endearingly.

***

Ummi bathed and wore a long floral Ash gown, it was bedecked with white flowers on the chest with a black lace. She applied a simple nude make-up, it was only powder, kohl and a fleeting touch of maroon lipstick, which made her lips looked adorable.

Yusuf texted her that he was out waiting for her, she took her hand bag and scampered out of the house, jitterly.

"Ya Yusuf!," she exclaimed, and sat on the passengers seat.

"Ummi, I'm nervous as hell," he muttered, clutching the steering wheel.

She snickered, "Ya Yusuf of all people? God! Meeno has some unique nerves. I concur," she tattled enragely, laughing.

"Keep shut! How's your husband?," he asked, changing the topic.

They kept chatting, Yusuf never missed the scintilla of pain in her voice, but he knew to ask. It might be something official.

They drove to Anty Hussaina's house, chatting fascinatingly. Meeno came out and stood outside, fumbling with her fingers; nervously.

Ummi came out the car, and pulled her towards the passengers seat, she hopped in the back seat and yelled "Oya! Ango and Amarya, let's drove off." She chuckled at the look Meeno flashed her through the rear Mirror. "Ha'an! What did I do? You're the first lady here mistress. I couldn't just sit like one Hajia there, while you're the owner."

Ummi couldn't help but laugh at their facial expressions, Ya Yusuf ignited the car before Meeno spoke. "Aysha, you're such an incorrigible person wallahi. Which kind the owner, I only owns the heart," she winked at Yusuf jitterly.

"Leave her Mi Vida, Ai kayan Allah na annabi ne," he pronouned the last words with a hearty laugh. He was laughing hyterically when he first heard the sentence in one hausa film. He didn't know a day would come that he'll use it.

Ummi panted exxageratingly, "Ya Yusuf! Where did you heard that word kuma? It's so hilarious Allah. I concurr to the words tho. She owns the heart, the body, soul, and posessions. Gaskiya ne love birds," she marveled, chuckling.

They nattered before they arrived at their destination, they were no more nervous, with the help of Ummi.

They ate, had fun, snapped pictures, before Ummi left them to have time for themselves. She was roaming around the pack, as she played a soft music. She was rhyming the music when a voice made her shrieked.

"Mubarak! It's been long, since our graduation. Where have you been? You startled me," she gasped, pouting her lips.

"Aysha, I went to Lagos for my NYSC. Heard you get married huh? No invitation, Aysha," he feigned hurt, a rueful smile plastered on his lips.

They moved to a closeby bench and sat far from each other. They nattered away for an hour, before Ummi shrieked, glancing at her wristwatch. "Ya Allah! He said I shouldn't take long. It's past six. Have to go, Mubarak. Bye," she spoke briskly, standing up.

"What happened? Are you fine?" His voice was laced with care.

"Ohh yeah. He said I shouldn't take long, and he'll be home by now, I have to go. And the traffic, we have to drop Meeno off first," she professed, palming her face.

"Let me drop you off then," he spoke and stood up.

They went to where Yusuf and Meeno were, but couldn't find them. She called Yusuf and informed him, he was so ashamed of himself for forgetting about her. He wanted to come back and take her home but she told him she would be safe with Mubarak, he was her course mate. After so many pleadings, saying I'm sorry's, please be safe, call me when you're back home, I love you kid sis. Her reply was only "It wasn't your fault Ya Yusuf, giyar soyayya ce," followed with a hearty laugh, before she ended the call.

They walked to where his car was parked and hopped in, gisting laconically, as her attention was back home. Has he eaten? Is he fine? What did Hajia said? Diffetent thoughts where bloating in her brain.

***

The world's most beautiful bride was making her hair in one of the richest saloons. Inas was sitted beside her, as a pedicurist was doing her job, while Laila was being manicured, while the hair dresser was doing her job.

Inas was playing game with Laila's phone when it rang. 'Yayah!' Was the name that popped out. She curiously looked at the name before it somersaults in her who the person was. It was no one but her corazòn.

"Perfect time," she muttered and slid the answer button.

"Take. It's your Yaya," Laila's heart almost erupted out of it's ribcage. 'Yaya? What did he wants again?' She thought it was over between them.

Inas puts the phone on her shoulder, as she pinned it firmly with her chin. "Hello," he spoke glumly.

His voice unexpectedly made her emotional, she didn't know she was missing him till she heard his voice. She missed her family, had it been one of her family would be here for her unforgettable day.

"Mtsww, you said you were extremely sick, that old woman ensnared me, I had no chance but to call you. I know you were planning another evil thing," he spoke through gritted teeth.

"Yaya, I miss home. Can you please come over?" She whimpered, as lone of tears rolled down her cheeks. She was flummoxed, was she the one crying? But why would she? To which she doesn't know why.

"What the f*ck! You must be joking right? Was I the one that made you stayed behind? You have all the ways to come back home. They're all worried about your nampy-pamby talks, only I knew the truth. So kindly find your way home, and stop implementing lies, wicked soul," he hooted wrathfully.

"Yaya, please. I need atleast one of my family," she pleaded, as equivocated tears washed down her face.

"What an evil plan! You want me to come, so that you could say I ripped out your heart huh? Wehdone. Bye," he spoke with full sarcasm and ended the call.

"Why are you crying?" Inas asked sympathetically.

"I miss home. I miss everyone. I miss my country," she whimpered and broke into tears.

***

They were hooked up with traffic, Ummi was up the creek, she knew Al-amin was already at home, since it was some minutes to eight.

They arrived home around 8:30, as the park was faraway from their area, she thanked Mubarak before entering the house. She met his car parked at the parking lot. With a few steps; she entered the house with a Salam.

She was ascending the staircases when his angry voice halted her. "Who was he?" Was all he could utter, he sounded hurt and jealous.

She heaved a sigh of relief, she thought it was something that happened. "He's Mubarak. He was my coursemate. Ya Yusuf forgot me at the park, I met him there, so he brought me back," she explained, bamboozledly looking at his fuming face.

"Ohh…coursemate. I see," he mocked, glaring at her.

"Al-amin what do you mean? I was lying or what? Don't you trust me?" She half-yelled. He heart was at the verge of bursting. Was he accusing her? Doesnt he trust her? What does this supposed to mean?

"I trust you nah. He's that kind of coursemate that you could laugh wholeheartedly to. I'm your husband, but couldn't even see your genuine smile for how long?" He snorted sarcastically. He was seething with rage, how could she laugh at that so called coursemate of hers?

"Al-amin! What do you mean? Stop beating around the bush and obfuscate what you mean," she retaliated, anger laced on her tone.

He chuckled outwardly, a bitter chuckle. "You musn't say you hate me before I could fathom, Aysha. You were sick, but still maneovred and went out with your so called coursemate. Which took your time, that you have to forget about your Mr. HB. I guessed he's the heart healing huh?" He spoke with full sarcasm, as he clambered to where she stood between the aisle.

She took a step back in fear, what she saw in his eyes wasn't just anger, it was a pure and brood jealousy. "What does that supposed to mean? You were accusing me or what? Can't really get you, Al-amin. And yes! He's my heart healing. He always wants my smile, but not my tears. He always looked forward to my happiness, but not my sadness. He was the one that lunged me out of my down hearted state," she ventured indignantly, tears were already glistening her view. She had never expected this. Let him do his worst.

"Woah!," he took an enigmatically step towards her, which caused her heart to throbbed in it's ribcage.

"You shouldn't even say it, from all the laugh, the loving smile, even the way you bid him adieu was endearing, Mrs Al-amin. Good job, I would love to see how he'll get to hear that loving voice of yours, or worst of it; see your smile. It would be in forever I guessed. You're my wife, and mine alone!" He boomed resentfully, and moved an inch close to her, she could feel his breezy breath.

Ummi was unnerved, his eyes were turned to red, he looked infuriated. She took the next step ascendingly, as he followed suite. Till they were on the veranda leading to their rooms.

"Who do you think you're? The person that once called himself my friend? That same person that once called himself my boyfriend? The same person whom broke my heart numerous times? The same person that luck gave him me as a wife? And unfortunately__that person that calls himself my husband. Whom couldn't even trust me? That's so invigorating of you, Mr. HB," she flared up lugubriously, as devastated tears washed down her face.

He snorted, piercely looking at her, before he retaliated in a loud yell "Shout the f*ck up, Aysha. I'm your husband, you couldn't change that. And I have some rights over you, so mind the way you talk to me."

"Rights huh? What if I'm not ready to give out those rights? What if I wouldn't be ready for ever? As you're not the type to be trusted."

"Really? That's left to you! There's one right, of which wether you're ready or not, I would have it; forcefully," he emphasized the 'forcefully' in an enigmatic way.

Ummi was outraged, but she wouldn't just fail in this. She stood still, hands akimbo, as she flashed him a sneering smile "Ohh really? Have it then. I would love to see which right it was."

"Aysha, don't try my patience," he warned, moving closer, as he grisp her wrist tightly.

"Hey! what are you doing? Get your filthy hand off me!" She sparked, pulling her hand out, but she couldn't.

"Filthy?" He repeated the word haltingly. Did she just said his filthy hand? He'll surely shows her what the filthy hand can do.

He forcefully dragged her into his room, as she was flaring and pulling her hand out of his grisp, but couldn't. He roughly flinged her on his bed, as he moved closer.

"What is this? Why would you brought me to your room? I have nothing to do with anything related to you," she bellowed, pulling herself up.

He pushed her back "Ohh sorry dear, I have something to do with you, as your husband. So I demand for my right, wether peacefully, or forcefully, Now!"

"Which right?" She stuttered apprehensively, giving him a flummoxed look.

"This right," was all he could utter, as he merged their lips together, kissing her roughly and angrily. He dalliedly untied the knot on her Abaya's chest. And all hell broke loose!.