Chapter 48: Chapter 48

PS: UMMY; WITH 'Y', IS HER COUSIN. WHILE UMMI; WITH 'I' IS OUR ARUB.

"Pass me that bowl,"

"Go and stir the soup,"

"Dice the carrots well," those were Ummi's orders towards Al-amin, they had been in the kitchen for more than 30mins, preparing their supper. Ummi nearly got annoyed and sent him out, but being her new chewing gum; he stucked.

"Arub, I'm tired, this onion is peprish," Al-amin sighed, dropping the knife he was holding on the chopping board, as he gave Ummi his best puppy face.

"What do you mean, Al-amin? Oya! Dice it all, it should be round-like," Ummi yelled from where she was stirring the pepper soup, glaring at him.

"Arub, please, it hurts my eyes," he whined, rubbing his eyes with his other palm.

Ummi sighed and sauntered to where he stood, she guided him to the basin and washed his hands. "Okay, I think you'll only stir the soup, the steam chokes out my breath. I can't breathe properly," Ummi informed, as she placed her hands on her chest, trying to steady her breath. She was breathing-in the air laboriously, her chest was heaving hard.

Al-amin got petrified, he held her shoulders and guided her to the kitchen island, fetched her a bottle of water from the fridge and gave it to her, of which she gulped down instantly. He kept looking at her intensely, wishing he could steady her breath with a single touch, so she could have a rest.

"Arub, what was that? Have you ever have this kind of attack? You almost gave me a heart attack," he spoke worriedly, helding her hands in his. He felt a little bit relieved, when her breathe stabilized.

Without a word, she took his hands and together; they sauntered out of the kitchen, she could still perceive the steam. She made him sat down on the sofa, sat beside him; as she flashed him her heart melting smile.

"You shouldn't worry about it, it was kind of my usual. Since last two to three to be precise. It's something like bronchitis," She informed, and almost chuckled at his facial expression, he looked tensed.

"How wouldn't I be worried? You almost passed out. We need to see a doctor," he spoke lugubriously, reaching out for his phone in his pocket.

Ummi quickly held his hand and broke into laugher, "Al-amin! See how you're acting as if you weren't a man. I'm okay, and I mean the okay itself. I just have to sequester myself from cooking, sweeping, and anything I could percieve easily, that's all it needs," Ummi elaborated, laughing at how he shooked his head immediately, emanating he couldn't concurr with her staying at home without seeing a doctor.

"Okay, since Aysha is sick, Al-amin would cry huh?" She mocked, laughing hysterically, she couldn't hold the laughter anymore. She could vividly saw him crying when Ihsan told him Mami was suffering from a serious fever and headache. Ummi thought it was something detrimental that happened, but only for them to go to their house and met Mami cuddled up in a sofa, with a blanket wrapped around her body.

"Mami, how're feeling? I was tensed when I saw him crying, I thought it was something terrible," Ummi had said, when she exchanged their pleasantries with Mami and Ihsan; Abba wasn't at home. She heaved a sigh of relief and glared at Al-amin that was sitted very close to Mami, as her hands were in his.

"Innalillahi! Al-amin, you haven't change this habit of yours? You knew so well I'm not that sick, but still had to cry over this. So sorry Ummi he got you worried, it wasn't something serious. It's his usual to cry whenever I'm sick," Mama slurred weakly with a scoff, as she smacked Al-amin's head playfully.

"Ya Aminuuu, he's a Mommy's boy; Ya Ummi. Don't mind him," Ihsan taunted and sprinted towards her room.

They spent 30mins more, before Mami shooed them out of the house. Not after snubbing Al-amin's numerous pleas; that she should let them spend the night there.

"Arub, would you have to mock me forever?" Came Al-amin's whining voice, jolting Ummi out of her reverie.

"Oh Darling Esposo. Just go and finish that supper, we'd talk about this later," Ummi snickered, pushing him towards the kitchen. He turned and flashed her his heart etching smile, before mouthing 'I love you', as he entered the kitchen.

"Love you more," she hushed, ardourously starring at him.

It took him morethan 30mins to round up in the kitchen, after Ummi's annoyed yellings, telling him he should be out since. When he was out, she yelled "You better go and clean up my kitchen, Al-amin," before he could even reach where she was. He had no other choice, but to go back to the kitchen, clean it up, and arrange the dinning table for them.

"The dinner is ready, Ma'am. I'm at your service," Al-amin spoke sarcastically, bowing a little; as he spread his palm towards her.

She took his hand in hers, flipping her imvisible hair "it would be my pleasure, mister," with that; she majestically sauntered to the dining table, her hand in his; as he took prowling steps.

He pulled the chair backwards, made her sat down; before he sat opposite her; his sheen orbs directly into her mirth orbs. She looked up at him, flashing him a gratuitous smile, and mouthed 'Thank you. I love you," of which he reciprocated with an exquisite smile with a wink. That has became their usual.

"Had it been you were from a royal family, Rabb! You would've being the most sweltering gorgeous princess," he praised, his eyes emoting how sincere he was. He was appalled with her gestures, she sashayed perfectly, more than a princess would.

"Oh god! Don't make me run away and marry a prince, so I could be a princess. Short after; He would be the king, and I; the queen," Ummi flips her invisible hair, as she fascinatingly fluttered her eyeslashes on him. Al-amin's heart almost melt at that gesture. How would he thank Allah?

"Arub, I would forever thank Allah for the gift he had bestowed upon me; which was you. I love you so much, Arub. With every gesture you made; you swept me off my feet, made me fall more, dive unendingly in the ocean of your love," Al-amin enunciated, his intense and ardour gaze was fixed on Ummi's dazzling face.

"My god! My once introvert husband is now an expert in words. Where is all the shyness. I need to jubilate, I've got the most unique romantic husband on earth. I love him sooooooooo much," Ummi marveled, as she stood up; moved to where Al-amin was mesmerizingly looking at her, before she engulfed him into a hug.

He made her sat on his laps, together; they fed each other. Of course, Ummi had made some funny signs on his face, they laughed, as they dive more in love with each other.

They did the dishes together, and moved to the living room; as Ummi changed the channel to Arewa24, she wanted to watch a series called; Dadin kowa. Al-amin had whined, but to no avail, she wasn't ready to give up.

She placed her head on his laps, as they watched the movie together. She abruptly stood up, flashing him her best puppy face, she knew he couldn't snub what she wants. "Esposo?" She called out.

He beckoned for her to continue, his attention was now fully on her. "I'm so sorry, please. It might sound too late. Mama called me yesterday, she informed me that; they'll be taking Ya Yusuf's kayan sa rana (gifts taken from a groom's house to the brides. Which includes biscuits, sweets, and many more. And a date for the wedding would be fixed) to Meeno's house. So I really need to be there. Not to go to Katsina woo, but Kaduna, please," his hand were in hers, as she fumbles with his fingers nervously, she was afraid of what would be his answer, as Al-amin wasn't the type of letting a wife out.

"Arub..." he drawled, lifting up her face. He wanted to persuade her not to go; as she was sick. But upon seeing the tears in her eyes; his mind got changed.

"Please, Al-amin, I really need to be there. Don't say No please," she pleaded, falling onto his chest, as she sobbed silently.

He slowly lifted her up, wiped away her tears with his thumb, as he spoke "It's okay. You can go, I'll take you myself," he encapsulated, as a smile broke his lips. He knew how she had missed them, it would be so invigorating of him to stop her from going.

"Thank you soo much, I love you. Let me take my pin and comb, so you could loose my hair," she jabbered, as she sprinted towards her room; felicitously.

"Have you realized you've only called me that when you needed something?" He half-yelled, referring to the word 'esposo'.

Ummi enthusiastically came back with the pin and comb in her hand. She ambled towards him, layed on the sofa; as she turned her head, so she could face the TV. "Start with this side," she said, as she placed the pin and comb beside him.

Al-amin started loosening the hair; it was long, black, silky, and gleaming. He finished with the left side and turned her, so her face would face him. He was flabbergasted to see she has started sleeping. He knew she was so knackered; and needed some sleep.

"Arub," he softly called, not sure wether she could hear him.

"Umm," came her groggy-sleepy voice.

"I love you. Sleep tight, chocolate dreams of me," he whispered in her ears, and pecked her cheek.

"I love you more, Esposo," she slurred, smiling sleeply.

He finished loosening the hair, packed it in an unshaped messy bun; before he gently took her to his room. She was in a baggy T-shirt, with a cotton three-quater. He changed into his pyjamas, slumped beside her, clutched her to his chest, as mother nature took him to dreamland. It was full of her.

***

Ummi woke up to Al-amin by her side, he was sleeping peacefully, how his serene breath was fanning her face; she couldn't help but close her eyes. The feeling is sensational.

She slowly patted his shoulder "Al-amin, it's time for prayer," She whispered, as she stood up.

Al-amin groggily squinted his eyes, his gaze falling on smiling Ummi, she flashed him a bright smile and headed for the door. "Arub, I can't even get up, that your hair made my muscles weak," he whined, as she stretched his body on the bed, slowly closing his eyes.

Ummi gasped, her eyes widening, she placed her hand on her head, and felt her hair loosed; tied into a messy bun. "Mi Esposo! You did all this? God! I've even forgot I slept off when you were loosening my hair. Thank you," She exclaimed__if her sleepy thin voice could be called an exclamation.

Al-amin smiled fleetingly at her, as his eyes were still closed, he waved his hands in a dismissive manner and slumped his head on the pillow. Unknowingly, Ummi was very close to him, she dragged him by hand; making him flinged in fear.

"Get up, Babyyy; you need to pray first. And we have a trip to embark uno?" Came Ummi's voice, as she was dragging him off the bed.

"Ayshaaaaa," he whined, as he sat upright; rubbing his eyes with his palms. "Let me sleep more, please," he added with pouted lips; his puppy face pleading at her.

Ummi pinched his cheeks playfully, his love etching every crevice and corner of her soul. "You need to pray, Babyyy. I'll go make the breakfast now," with that, she turned to leave; but was halted by a grisp of her wrist.

"I'll be down in a jiffy, don't enter that kitchen. I repeat myself, don't," he warned and sprinted towards the bathroom, earning an ardour smile from her.

They both get ready for their trip, ate breakfast and locked the house; heading to Mami's house first. They bid her adieu and darted off.

****

Laila was crying profusely, Daisy was by her side; placating her with all her will; but it loomed Laila wasn't ready to keep mum. Walsh was by Daisy's side, his hands on her shoulder; squeezing them slightly.

"You've told me, but I was so dumb to fathom, and now; the deed couldn't be undone," Laila choked between amguish tears, how could she?

Daisy sat beside her, as she took her hands in her's, squeezing them slightly. "I know you would take me as a paranoidic person, but that doesn't stop me from telling you; of which you didn't believe me. We're all humans, and we're all bound to our Destinies; take this as your's, and let go of all that happened," Daisy whimpered, as she wiped away the strand of tear that rolled down her cheeks. She loved Laila so much, she took her as not just a friend; but a lady whom she could call a sister.

Laila looked up, her eyes emoting nothing but sheer anguish amalgamated with an etched heart. "It was all my fault, how could I trust her that much? How could I believe that she couldn't hurt me? I was so dumb. I would've eschewed myself from her, since you've warned me. But no! I embroiled myself," Laila wailed slumped on Daisy's shoulder, her heart squirming from the pain.

Before they could blink an eye, they heard the sound of heels, as the beholder was walking in a bumptious way, rolling her eyes ostentatiously; chewing a gum in an enraging way.

"Hey the most beautiful and exquisite bride. How was it? I bet you didn't know the game would be as awesome as this," came sarcastic Inas's mischievous voice, as she was smiling enigmatically.

Laila abruptly looked up, peircing her looks directly to Inas. How could she do that to her? Wasn't she a good friend whom she could call a mentor? The same lady she would always need whenever she has a problem? Why is life full of betrayals?

"What do you need now? You bloody b***h?!" Laila clamoured, as she was seething with rage. She stood up, and was facing Inas; heaving in an enigmatic way. How could she?

"I'm more enigmatic than a bitch, so mind your language young lady," Inas replied, as she take two steps towards impotent Laila; whom was still sobbing.

"I hate you!" Laila bellowed, looking directly into Inas's orbs.

"And so what if you hate me? I've hated you since day one," Inas shrugged off her shoulders, grinning in truimp.

Without hesitation, Laila slapped her hard across the face. Inas looked befuddled at her, was she the one Laila slapped? She has called for another match; of which she doesn't have any players. She raised her hand up in the air, and was ready to slap Laila; when she felt another excruciating slap on her left side.

They both turned, their gazes falling on distraughted and infuriated Laith, his face was devoid of emotion. He has bags under his eyes, emanating he haven't had enough sleep. His always trimmed hair was messy and unkept. His face had swolled up, and was pink enough to tell he cried.

"Don't add more salt to the wound, don't nurture your hatred in our hearts, more than we could take. We hate you with all our hearts, you wouldn't bare the punishment; if we're to take revenge," Laith spoke through gritted teeth, with each word he had spoken; he meant it, and it had came directly out of his twinged heart.

Inas frenzed in her spot, she couldn't comprehend what has happened. Could he by any chance knows what she had done? She couldn't even assimilate; as she kept staring at them__vacantly.

Laith detrimently looked at sobbing Laila, she was drenched in sweat and tears. He wanted to hug her, whisper sorry to her ears, take a glimpse of her forever sensational face. But he knew he has lost that right__hours ago.

"L, I'm so sorry, I know it would be hard for you to forgive me. I love you, please don't hate me," he whimpered, looking directly into her fiesty and desolated orbs.

"I hate you! With every fibre of my being. I hate the word L, I hate myself!" She bellowed, agonizing tears washing down her face, as she turned; trying to leave the coffee shop.

He halted her by a grisp of her wrist, she abruptly turned, her eyes were emoting anger, pain, and hatred. "Don't even try it, never in your lifetime dream of laying those smutty hands of yours on my body. And mind you__there is nothing like 'we', I hate all of you!" She thundered, yanked off her hand, as she sprinted towards the street, took a cab, and wandered off.

***

Happiness? Or what? There isn't a word that could describe how Ummi felt, when she saw her parents, she ran to them, with tears flowing freely from her eyes, and fell on them, breaking into tears.

"I miss you so much, Mama and Baba. Ya rabb," she palmed her face, crying.

"Aren't you a big woman now? Behave Ummi, see how you've ran towards here," Mama scolded, the glint of love, happiness, and care, was palpable in her voice.

"Maammaaa, I know it's a must! You must comment," she whined, dodging the smack Mama sent her way.

"I miss you more, Ummi. May Allah continue to bless your union," Baba said, patting her head, as she affectionately looked at him.

They move towards the house, as Baba went out, after saying their pleasantries with Al-amin. Ummi entered the house, smiling like a ninny, everything changed to her, they were the same things, but she couldn't help but notice some changes.

"Ummy!!" She exclaimed, as she ran towards Ummy, whom was descending the staircases; her face full of smile.

They engulfed eachother in a bone crashing hug, as Ummi broke into tears. She knew she has missed alot. She missed everything about her family, the smiles on their faces, how their laughter echoes through the walls, their tears, fights, everything.

"I miss you, nincompoop. You didn't even tell me you were here," Ummi smacked Ummy's shoulder, as they slumped on the sofa beside them; smiling affectionately at each other.

"It hurts, Ummi. I came here yesterday, Mama sent for me, she needs someone that'd help her with the works. You've arrived late, the women taking the things just left," Ummy enunciated, hugging her again. She missed Ummi so much, she hoped she's happy with her ex boyfriend. She wondered how it all happened.

"Where's Ya Husna and vavy(baby) Amrah?" Ummi asked, laughing, as she began searching the living room with her eyes.

"Over here! And mind you__my daughter isn't a vavy," Ya Husna said from behind, as she embraced her warmly, Ummi had long forgotten her warmth. It felt so okay, so serene and ardour.

"Where is my Baby? I missed you alot, Ya Husna," Ummi whimpered, as she was in tears. She couldn't even realize how she strong she was; to live all those weeks, days, hours, and seconds without her family. Indeed; she's a strong woman.

Amrah toddled towards her Mom, as she didn't realize Ummi. Ummi took her and began pinching her stomach, of which she realized Ummi with, before she started laughing, joyfully looking at her.

They were chatting fascinatingly, Ummi was laughing felicitously, she couldn't suppress her felicity; when Mama entered the room with a tray in her hands, she thrusted the tray towards Ummi; of which Ummi collected and began opening the bowls.

"Hey! What are you doing? Is isn't for you, but your husband. Didn't you know the way to the kitchen?" Mama said sarcastically, as she collected the tray from her hands.

"Oya! Stand up and take it to him, such an irresponsible wife you are. How could you left your husband all alone, without anything edible," Mama scolded. Ummi stood up, collected the tray and sauntered to Baba's quests's living room; with pouted lips.

She entered the living room with a salam, and placed the tray on the centre table; gratuitously smiling at Al-amin. Swiftly, she engulfed him into a hug, placing a worth embedding soft kiss on his chapped lips.

"Thank you soo much, Babyyy. I'm super elated," she jabbered, as she began serving him.

"Let's eat together, you haven't eat something heavy before we came out," he spoke softly, when she placed the bowl on the table beside him.

They fed each other; Ummi was garrulously gisting him, how happy she was, how thankful she was and many more things. Al-amin could only smile at her, he loves this side of her, if he had known since, he would've brought her home weeks ago. Seeing the talkative side of her, tendered his heart, and makes him crave more of her. He loves her with all his being! And couldn't even think of loosing her__for he would lose himself.

"I'll visit a friend, enjoy the little time you have; Mrs. Al-amin. I'll be back after Asr; so we could leave early," he taunted, snickering at the expression she made.

"Babyyy, please, let's have dinner with them," she whined, pouting her lips; which swept Al-amin off his feet.

He moved close to her, and whispered "You knew I couldn't say no to this pouted lips. What will I do then? It's a yes," he feigned a hurt expression, as he leaned in; planting a soft kiss on her luscious lips.

"Awwnn Babyyy, I love you," Ummi slurred, as she lightly hugged him. "Bye Babyyy, I need to go," she added, breaking their hug, as an ardent smile was plastered on her lips.

He held her shoulders "Are you shooing me out?" He asked; his intense gaze fixed on her dazzling face.

"No, Babyyy. I need to dance; it's been long," Ummi replied, as she evaded out of his hold, swayed her hips and sprinted off.

Al-amin smiled and shook his head, he's just seeing some habits of Ummi he haven't knew before. With the smile on his face, he sauntered out of the living room.

Ummi went back to their living room, they advanced to her room and prayed with Ummy, before descending the staircases; as she was gisting with Ummy; whom was eating her lunch.

"Ummy, I want to dance. Like a crazy dance, to take off my worries__not that I have any, but I just want to be crazy for a mean time," Ummi spoke enthusiastically, as she stood up, her hands at akimbo; whilst she swayed her hips.

Ummy swiftly stood up, amiability filled her heart. She missed those moments; where they could dance their life out, sway their lips till they felt their pelvic bone was going to break, they could sing till they couldn't talk loudly again. Those moments were the best moments of their lives.

"Oh gurlll!!!! Let's go to Baba's guest's living room, so no one could disturb us. We'll dance our hearts out today," Ummy marvelled. Together; they sprinted towards Baba's living room.

They filled the house with the music, and were dancing at the top of their voices, if their hips could talk; they could've whined for the umpteenth time. Mama had came numerous times so they could decrease the volume; but they kept mum. The people coming to congratulate Mama were giving weird glances to where the music was blasting from.

A slight knock caught Ummy's attention, she heard a voice and went to peep from the peeping hole. Whom she saw made her up the creek, she quickly unlock the door, and decamped through the door leading to Baba's main living room.

Ummi was busy dancing, she was panting, her breath seizing; but she couldn't stop, her life couldn't get any better. "Oh baby please, please, please, why you dey..." Ummi was singing, swaying her hips, when her gaze fall on amused Al-amin; whom was looking at her; mouth agape.

"Al-aminnnn! I'm so going to kill Ummy, how could she let you in?" Ummi gasped, as she pulled down her skirt; which was lifted upwards for effective swaying.

"Just a single sway, could be my therapy," came Al-amin's endearing voice, it was laced with pure adulation.

"Babyyy, so you're back?" Ummi asked nervously. How he met dancing was...it was so indecent; for she could sway like die.

He swiftly moved towards her and lifted her up, before twirling them around the room. "I love you so much, Arub," came Al-amin's tender voice, as he kissed her neck; which caused her shudder.

Ummi ducked her head down, their eyes entwining in the orbs of each other. "I love you more, Babyyy. Muaaah," she whispered through his ears, as she brushed their nose endearingly.

He slowly placed her down, entwined their hands as he spoke "Let's go in, I want to greet Mama," he said, as they made their way out of the living room.

They were close to the door when it flinged open, revealing annoyed Mama with impotent Ummi behind.

"Hold her firm for me, Al-amin. I must deal with them," came Mama's voice, as she swiftly moved towards them.

"Ummi! Run for your life, or else__kin shiga uku (you're in trouble)," Ummy warned loudly, as she hid her frame behind Mama's sister. She knew nothing could stop Mama from dealing with them today.

"Al-amin, please let go of me, dan Allah," Ummi begged, as she was trying so hard to escape from his grisp.

"How would I cross Mama's order? How could you blast the whole house with your music? You have to pay for it, Arub," he smiled mischievously, holding her firm in his grisp.

Mama was an inch close to them, she has no chance but to bite Al-amin's hand so hard that he had to yelp. She swiftly sprinted towards their car, and yelled "Ummy! Bring me my veil and handbag, do fast please. Babyyy, let's go," she spoke in a spooked tone, she was really unnerved.

The frightened look in her eyes made Al-amin hopped in the car, Ummy brought her veil with the handbag; as they zoomed off. "Bye Mama. I'm sorry please, tell Baba and Ya Yusuf I've missed them," Ummi yelled, and blew a kiss to Mama; whom has no chance but to smile. How wouldn't she love her daughter?

"Arub, so that's how stubborn you can be? God! It was an awesome sight to behold," came Al-amin's amused voice, as he looked at panting Ummi, her breath didn't stabilize.

Ummi laughed, throwing her head backwards, "Hmmm, Al-amin you didn't know how dramatic Mama could be. She can exaggerate for Africa. It was always like this, sometimes I'd run to our neighbours, but since I have you now__I've got no worries," she spoke stubbornly, reminiscing her life with her parents.

"Huh! I pray our kids won't be like you, you're so incorrigible. See how you were swaying man! It was...let me keep shut dai," Al-amin chirped, as he sealed his mouth with his hand.

Their cruise was a delighted one, Ummi kept gisting him how her life was, their dramas and many more. He could laugh and tell her his, with that, they peacefully arrived at their crib, the atmosphere filled with love.

Ummi left for her room, bathe and descended the staircases to make them dinner. She knew Al-amin would say she she shouldn't cook, but how would she leave her husband to work all by himself?

He came back from the mosque and met her in the kitchen, her nose was closed with a long handkerchief, but that didn't stop her from panting__she needed a fresh air.

"Innalillahi! How many times? how do you want me to tell you to stop cooking? Can't you see how you're panting? Please, Arub," came Al-amin's empathized voice, as he dragged her out of the kitchen.

He sat her down on the sofa, "But..Al-amin, how..," before she could finish, he cut her off.

"No buts, Arub. Just sit down, watch, and wait for your dinner__as the queen you are," he spoke softly, pecked her forehead; and prowled to the kitchen.

He finished the dinner, and brought it out. They didn't ate on the dining table, but on the floor, as they had so much fun, the love they have for eachother ebbing through their souls.

They finished their dinner, Ummi had to beg him before he let her do the dishes. She dished the utensils and came back to the living room.

She sat down opposite Al-amin, and kept staring at him, she didn't know why; but she suddenly felt something gnawing at her.

"Babyyy," she called, her intense gaze fixed on Al-amin.

He looked at her, smiling widely, "Arub, you've been looking at me, or you need something...like uno?" He winked at her, as he sat on the sofa she was sitting on.

She smacked his chest, "Al-aminnn. I just want one thing; don't leave me please. No matter how, don't leave me. My life wouldn't be ecstatic without you in it, please, Babyyy," she whimpered, lone of tears washing down her face.

Al-amin lifted her face up, he kissed her temple as he spoke softly "Nothing could ever separate me from you. I love you with all my being, I really do, Aysha. I promise not to leave you, no matter how. I really love you," he spoke softly and endearingly, as she rested her head on his chest.

A knock on their door brought them out of their worlds. Al-amin stood up but was halted by Ummi, she smiled warmly at him and sauntered to get the door.

She unlocked the door, as it slowly creaked a jar, what Ummi's eyes viewed for her petrified her. "Innalillahi wa inna I laihir raji'un," she whispered slowly, feeling something detaching from her soul.

"What happened?" Al-amin asked, as he stood up and sauntered to the door.

"You?" He asked haltingly, as he swiftly wrapped his arms around stiffened Ummi.