Chapter 51: Chapter 51

He fixed his wrist watch before picking his car keys and phone. The buzzer of his phone went off. He fetched it from his pocket while walking out of the house. He smiled a bit, answering the call. “Salamu Alaikum, mommy, good morning.” He greeted. “Wa’alaikumus Salam, how are you doing Mahmud? I hope you're doing better now. No more crying uhm?” She teased making him to chuckle.

“All I can say is alhamdulillah,” he retorted. “I called to check up on you and see how you're coping....” He had never seen a mother In Law that cares so much about her son in law like mommy did. She called almost everyday to hear how he was doing and he was more than grateful for that. “Thank you so much mommy. How are you doing and also Adila and daddy?”

He could remember what she went through the moment she heard about her daughter’s death. No one even actually thought she would survive too. She loved habiba, more than anyone did. “We’re doing absolutely great. Looking forward to seeing you in London.”

He beamed, “in sha Allah I’ll come visit soon,” he uttered. They spoke for a while before saying goodbye. He entered his car and headed straight to work. He couldn't remember when last he went to work, maybe 4-5 months, he had lost count.

He parked his car at the parking lot and hopped out same time Ahmad had arrived. He smiled, waiting for his friend to come down the car. Ahmad walked over to him, smiling and gave him a manly hug. “How have you been, brother? Its been long since you came to work.”

“Yeah, I'm doing great now alhamdulillah.” They talked as they walked into the building. “How was your trip? Heard we might fly to Ukraine, next week?” Mahmud inquired. “I'm definitely not going for that trip, man. Without you here, work has been very tough!”

Mahmud couldn't help but laugh. “Hey how are you holding on?” He asked wrapping his arm around Mahmud’s shoulder. He beamed and nodded, “I miss her so much but Alhamdulillah.” Ahmad smiled back, “with hardship comes ease. May Allah give you all the strength to come out of this! stay strong for us please.” Mahmud smiled again and nodded. They walked to their office and parted ways.

**

“Are you sure he was the one you saw last night?” She asked again, her heart ponding against her rib cage. She ended the call and marched out of the room after she had gotten another assurance. “What the hell is the meaning for what you did last night?” She shrieked barging into his room.

He looked up from his laptop and raised a brow waiting for an answer. “What took you to their house? That stupid girl that calls herself a doctor.” She spoke enraged. He chuckled a bit and shook his head. He wondered how she even get those kind of informations. “Look, I am busy right now. I will come meet you in your room when I'm done. Just close the door on your way out.” He spoke nonchalantly, not even sparing her a glance.

She scoffed and let out a hysterical laugh, folding her arms on her chest. “Wallahil Azim don't try me, mujahid! I can be very dangerous! But if you want to see the other side of me, try me please.” She threatened, eyes brewing with anger. She already had plans on what to do if he didn't cut all ties with maryam. He ran his hand through his close cropped hair three times in quick succession and fixed her in a stare that could have frozen the pacific. He heaved a sigh more than spoke.

“Okay Nadia, do your worst please. I'm going to marry her and I will like to see what you'd do!” He spoke calmly and fixed his eyes back on his laptop. She stepped forward and closed the laptop. He raised his head up and looked at her in awe. The audacity she has! “You want to marry her right? Go ahead! I don't care! Marry her! In fact, marry two more other wives after you marry her, I don’t give a damn!” Her eyes twitched as she spoke. He chuckled and shook his head. “That’s better for you,” he mumbled and continued with his work.

“Yes my love,” she beamed alluringly and walked out calmly like she wasn't the one that threatened him few moments ago. He watched her retreating back and continued his work. He heaved a sigh of relief even though he still was not at ease. Deep down he was scared of what Nadia was capable of doing. Was she going to harm him? Or maryam? What would happen if he actually marries her? He closed his laptop and stood up.

He changed into an elegant white kaftaan and wore it. He rarely wore kaftaan till it was necessary. He finished getting ready few minutes later and stepped out of the house.

She watched his car driving out through the window. She knew no doubts where he was going. She smiled viciously and closed the curtains. She picked her phone and dialled on a number. If he wouldn't listen to her, she would take care of things her self.

**

He arrived at the house shortly and parked his car at the parking lot. She wasn't at home but luckily, her father was around. He was ushered in by the maid and taken to Alhaji Mahdi’s main living room. Mujahid squatted in respect and greeted him. Daddy was surprised to see him but he didn't show it. It has been long mujahid visited him. He felt embarrassed all of a sudden because of the look her father kept giving him.

“How’s your family, mujahid? I hope you’re all fine.” Daddy spoke gently. Mujahid replied, head ducked. “Please sit on the couch and feel free, this is also your home.” Daddy insisted. Mujahid slowly stood and settled down on the sofa. “Daddy, I came to speak to you about....” He left his words trailed off. Was he shy? That can't be. A whole brazen play boy? “Please feel free and say your mind. I'm also like your father, right?” Daddy urged him. Mujahid smiled and nodded, head ducked. “I've been seeing maryam for a while now and I would love to make her my second.... Wife.”

Daddy was beyond bewildered. He looked at mujahid in dazed for brisk seconds. “I wasn't expecting that but....” Daddy paused to think. He could remember he had given her time to look for a spouse and it has passed the time he had given her. She was seeing mujahid and she didn't tell him? He looked at mujahid who was very uncomfortable. He chuckled a bit before speaking. “But its been only a year since you got married. Don't you think you're being unfair to your wife? I mean I will not say no to this but consider your wife at least.”

Mujahid hesitated before speaking. He didn't care about anyone’s feelings when it comes to what he wants. And he had never looked for something and not get it and this would not be the first time! “Yes daddy, I've spoken with her about it and she had agreed.” He retorted above suspicion, like he didn't just lie. Daddy smiled and nodded. “Very well then. Have you spoken to your father about it?” He inquired. Mujahid smiled guiltily and shook his head. “I don't know how to start telling him about it because I'm not sure if he will agree to this. But, I know the moment you speak, he will agree.”

Daddy chuckled and shook his head. “Okay then, I will speak with him tomorrow morning in sha Allah.” He assured. Mujahid couldn't stop thanking him. He was at ease to know maryam would be his real soon. He bade daddy good bye and left. He stepped out of the house same time her car was driving in. She looked at him throw her window, mouth opened. She hissed and parked the car before stepping out. He watched her as she picked up her pace into the house. He smiled, happily before entering his car and zone out.

She entered the living room and met her father alone, watching the news. He looked to her side and beamed. “My dear, welcome back,” he said while she settled down beside him. “Thank you daddy. You refused to show up at work today huh? You left me all alone during the ward round today,” she said feigning hurt. He couldn't help but chuckle. “I apologise for that but your mom was the one that held me in this house all day.” She raised a brow and stood up, “daddy I’ll go take my bath before dinner gets ready.” She picked up her lab coat and handbag. “Call your mother for me on your way to your room please,” he said and she nodded smiling. She loved it when he used the word ‘please’ for some reason.

She did as she was told before heading to her room. She was about to strip her clothes off when she heard a text tone, a unique one, just for him. She smiled even before viewing it.

‘I just found out about a new ice cream place.... We should totally check it out tonight! See you in few hours... big head!’

She giggled; it rolled out of her like the waves on a long shallow beach. It softened the room, as if her gentle sound could make the lamplight more golden and the fires burn warmer. She gave him a quick reply before stripping her clothes off and headed towards the bathroom. She needed to wash away the stress she had gone through that day.

After she had her bath and performed ablution, she wore a comfy night gown and prayed Maghreb. She was doing her azkhar when mommy barged in angrily. She waited till maryam was done before speaking. “Maryam? Lafiyanki kuwa? weren't you the one crying like your soul would be taken the next minute months back? You told mujahid to come ask for your hand in marriage?”

Maryam gasped, placing a hand on her chest. She held her head that was spinning and closed her eyes. She shook her head briskly. So this was the reason why she saw him earlier that evening, to ruin her life once again. “He told you I said that? Mommy when last did you see me with him? You know I will not do something as stupid as that.” She almost choked while explaining. Tears gushing out like a stream. Mommy heaved a sigh and motioned her to sit beside her on the bed. “Your father just informed me that mujahid came and asked for your hand in marriage and your father accepted and they are going to talk about the wedding with mujahid’s father soon,” mommy stated, looking into her daughter’s eyes that showed nothing but pain.

Maryam placed both her hands on her head and wailed. “Na shiga uku, I'm doomed! Why will daddy accept without at least asking for my opinion first. Mommy please don't let him marry me off to that monster, by Allah I hate him, I hate him.”

Mommy enfolded her in a hug. She clutched on her mother as more tears cascade down her red cheeks. “I too don't agree with this and I will do my very best to stop this from happening, okay?” She broke the hug and held maryam’s face in her palm. “Stop crying, no one would marry my daughter off to someone she doesn't love.” Mommy cooed, smiling even though she was on the verge of tearing up too. She knew confronting daddy about it and have him change his mind would be impossible but its worth the shot. Maryam nodded her head briskly and wiped her tears.

“Do not show your father you're worried about this, just leave me with him.” Mommy instructed. “But, won't that help more when he sees that I'm worried?” She asked, gloomily. Mommy stood up from the bed, “I will send in your dinner now,” she said instead before walking out of the room.

Maryam hissed and wailed when his faced popped up in her mind. The hatred increased as she thought of life with him. She would never be happy as long as her father marries her off to mujahid. Her phone interrupted her reverie. She knew it was Mahmud but she ignored the call. He called again but she still didn't feel the need to answer the call.

After Isha, mommy sent her dinner like she said. Mommy headed to the dinning room and met daddy already there waiting for his dinner. Mommy served him without giving him a glance. She was about to leave when he stopped her. She stood there arms akimbo without looking at him. “Since when did we stopped eating together? Where’s maryam?” He inquired looking at her brewing with anger. “Doctor, I will not agree to this, to be honest. If you knew what this boy did to her before, you would never agree to this stupidity.” She fumed with anger. He chuckled a bit and took his utensils. “Look, if you’re dreaming, you better wake up but I am marrying her off to mujahid and that is final. You better stop acting this way and calm down!” He finished talking and started eating his food calmly.

Mommy glanced at him for brief seconds before storming out of the dining room. She knew if daddy had declared something, no one would change his mind!