Chapter 36: Chapter 36

"Welcome home, my husband", Raliat's mother greeted her husband.

"Nagode (thanks)", he replied, handing over the briefcase to his wife, as he ventured into the room. He was oblivious to the grimace on his wife's face which was unusual. She was always with a smile whenever she welcomes him back from work and Mr. Usman was too tired to have noticed.

He peeled off his shoes, followed by his tie, and gently removed his shirt and trousers before entering the bathroom to take a bath. That was the routine. He was to take his bath and pray before going to the dining area to eat dinner.

Mrs. Usman was murmuring to herself when he came out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist and water dripping from his soft silky hair.

"Khadija, why are you talking to yourself? What is the matter?" He asked, noticing the absence of her smile, for the first time.

"You won't believe what that silly girl of yours told me a few hours ago" the angry woman responded sharply.

"Raliat?" Mr. Usman inquired.

He knew it was Raliat but wanted to confirm his suspicion. Raliat and her mother don't get along well. They were always on each other's throats and always love to play cat and rat around the house. Raliat was stubborn while her mother was jealous of the fact that she was the apple of her husband's eyes.

Everyone member of the house was aware of that fact, even kaka, Raliat's paternal grandmother. Mrs. Usman does all she could to say it to the hearing of her husband all the time.

Mr. Usman didn't know how best to share his unconditional love between the two women. He loved his wife dearly but Raliat was his gold. Whenever his wife complains, all he does was to smile.

He had tried on several occasions to make things clear to his wife and also to pacify her by buying her gifts anytime she complains, but it was apparent that the young woman wasn't ready to share her husband's love with anyone, not even her only daughter.

"Yes. She said she wants to get married."

"But that isn't silly. I told her to come home with a man once she gets a marriage proposal", Mr. Usman replied.

"When she is just in her 300 level? What sort of encouragement is that?" She demanded with a high-pitched voice and an angry look.

"My dear, at least it is better than indulging in Zina (fornication). Let's do this for God's sake", Mr. Usman uttered, putting on his jalabia.

"Raliat is still young to be married. Gaskiya (To be honest), I am not in support" she said folding her arms around her bosom and looking away.

"How old were you when you got married?" Mr. Usman questioned her, all of a sudden.

The question caught her off-guard and she stammered for a while before saying, "Gone are those days, my husband. At age 20, I already knew how to do every of our house chores without being told. Raliat is 22 and she still does not know how to make tuwo, all she knows how to do is to cook silly things like noodles, spaghetti, and baking cakes. That is not what it takes to keep a man."

"Raliat is not too young. Besides, you didn't make it a duty to see to it that she is good in the kitchen."

"How do you expect me to do that when you are responsible. You always provide excuses for her not to be in the kitchen with me. Truth be told, Raliat is a spoilt brat."

He chuckled. "She will learn if only you are willing to use the energy you are exerting right now to start the teachings."

"Is that all you would say?"

"My dear," he said moving closer to his wife and pecked her on the forehead.

"Let's just pray to God to give her the best spouse. I am not in support of going against early marriage when it is a clear solution to the issues of immorality, adultery, and fornication in our society today. If any of our children fornicate, you know we will be questioned as parents on the Day of Reckoning. You know the rules of our religion better than I do. Stop with the nagging and get to work. Your only daughter needs your guidance now more than ever", he completed and moved away.

He spread the prayer mat on the pom pom rug beside his bed and opened his drawer to look for his counter to assist him In keeping track of his supplications.

"But......."

"No buts", he interrupted.

Then he stood upright and smiled. "You should be happy. You are going to be a grandmother soon."

Mrs. Usman eyed her husband and strolled out of the bedroom, muttering incoherent words to herself.

Mr. Usman shook his head and laughed. "My wife is an amusing piece."

******

Raliat sneaked out of the main house to the backyard to give Ayoade a call. It rang severally but there was no response. She was about to give up trying as she moved towards the house with the phone still glued to her ears when his voice boomed from the other side.

The voice that gives her goosebumps. The voice that hladdens her heart. She was happily living the life she wanted now but she felt that was not all. The tying of the knot was the key left to her eternal happiness.

She was convinced that she would never regret her marriage with Ayoade. She wondered if there was anyone who regretted ever getting married to their dream man or woman.

The happiness was making her glow and her recent smile was as radiant as the moon. She loved him with every fiber in her and she just couldn't wait to be married to the love of her life.

Her first love!

She wanted to know and feel how his body would feel against hers and how delicate and romantic he was.

"Baby", Ayoade jerked her out of her daydream.

"Uhmm?"

"What's the matter? You've been silent?"

"Oh! Sorry. I was lost in thought", she replied.

"Lost in thoughts? Did something happened? How was your meeting with your parents?"

"Nothing happened. I just have good news for you."

"Ok?"

"I was asked to invite you over to the house so you can come and introduce yourself to your in-laws", she grinned.

"Oh!" He said.

"Don't be nervous. My people don't bite."

"I can't help it. I don't know what to say and how to behave when we eventually meet and also what to wear. Do you think they will like me?"

"Of course, you are a likable person. Just wear a native dress and when you get here, go straight to the point. Tell them your intentions, very simple."

He sighed. "I didn't come with any of my native wears."

"That shouldn't be a problem. I will make one for you."

"You know how to sew?", he asked in surprise.

"Yes", she smiled broadly. "I learned it from my mum even though she isn't practicing it. We have a sewing machine and she used to make our dresses when we were little but not anymore."

"Wao! You are just amazing."

She laughed heartily.

"Hmm, baby?", Ayoade called.

"Yea?"

"Why are you doing this? Why do you choose to marry me when there are thousands and one man out there ready to take good care of you. I don't deserve you a bit."

"You want to know why?", she requested.

"Yes."

"It's because I love you."

"Oh! I didn't...." He didn't know what to say.

"You don't have to say anything to me now if you haven't figured out what you feel for me. We are getting married and true love they say begins after marriage."

"Thank you. I am blessed to have you."

"You are an amazing man and I am blessed to have you too", she repeated with a laugh.

"Despite my shortcomings?" He demanded.

"They make me love you more. You have been a strong man."

He was silent.

Raliat continued, "My dad's free time is on Sunday noon."

"Next tomorrow? How do I get my dress from you then?"

"I'll try and get it across to you by tomorrow."

"Alright, see you on Sunday then?"

"Yes, Sunday", she responded.

"The compound is empty without you", Ayoade asserted.

Raliat chuckled lightly. "Ayo, you are something else. Just tell me you miss me. Don't be corny."

"I missed having you around."

"Me too. I miss seeing you smile. Does Bimpe knows about us already?"

"Bimpe? I haven't told her. We barely see these days and I plan on moving over to my uncle's house by Sunday. Maybe I will come to your place with my backpack and then go to his place afterward."

"No. You can't come here in a native with a backpack. You need to look outstanding. My dad judge people by their appearance and you know the first impression lasts forever. You can go on Monday or Tuesday."

"Just tell me you don't want me to go."

"As much as I don't want you to go, I'm telling you the fact."

"Alright, baby."

"So tell Bimpe about us and also your parents. The next thing is to fix a date."

"Bimpe doesn't have a say in this."

"Of course, she does. She is your sister and she is my friend."

"What does Bimpe doesn't have a say in?" Bimpe questioned, entering the apartment and looking at her brother with disgust.

"I guess she is back. Please tell her and don't fight her if she doesn't take it the right way. If possible, come with her on Sunday", Raliat uttered calmly, from the other side.

"Alright, babe."

"I love you."

"Love you too" he replied and disconnected the call. He looked up from where he was seated to meet the disgustful look on the face of his sister.

"My sister hates me", he thought to himself.