Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Amina

I halted in my steps when Abida stood at the door gaping at me. A suspicious look in her eyes. I had the feeling what she was going to say will not be good. Just as I expected, the first word that came out of her mouth. “What are you two talking about? She said her eyes shifting behind me. I followed her gaze finding her looking at Sadiq who was making his way to his room.

“Talking? What would we even talk about?” I answered back readying myself to enter but got stopped by her again.

“Don’t play pretense mana Amimi. I saw you smiling at him and my instincts are telling me something is fishy” I find myself letting out a puff breath. I think today is worse than my first day at work. I can’t rest in peace without getting questioned. Ignoring Abida’s stares, I walked past her. Thank God no one is present in the living room. I exhaustingly climbed up to my room my mind was completely off with all the earlier events and next thing, my head bumped into something hard or rather a warm surface. Looking up, I find myself stumbling back to the extent that I almost lost balance. He stood rooted to the ground, hands stuffed in his pocket. I think he has the habit of stuffing hands into the pocket.

“It seems you were not watching where you were going seeing how you almost fell into my arms,” he said, his lips curving up. I cannot deny the fact that I hate the smirk on his face and most especially seeing his face reminds me of what he said earlier. Wait, did I just hear him say, I almost fell in his arms?

“Excuse me, what did you say?” I said straight from my head. He’s leading me to the extreme end with his harsh words.

“You heard me right. You’re there chit-chatting with another man and now you want to lure me in. I’m sorry you won’t be able to accomplish your mission”. His words stuck to my heart like an arrow has been pierced in it. I couldn't believe the man in front of me. Are all the kindness for show? What does he take me for? Just as he was about to walk past me, I held his arm not having control of myself. If I don’t give an answer to his accusations, I won’t be able to rest up.

“What are you doing?” Came his callous tone thus, I wasn’t a bit startled by it.

“Exactly what you labeled me as.”

“What do you mean?” he said turning around, detaching his arms from my hold.

“You know, I have never been accused of something like this. You are the first person who labeled me as such and I won’t deny the fact that I was hurt by your accusations because my mother never taught me that. I look up to my parent’s good upbringing and that is why I will let it slide. For the fact that I’m nothing like that and also because you’re my employer. And for the chit-chatting with Sadiq, it was because he is in the same level as me. We are both working for the same person. At least we know our limits. I’m sorry to say, but being arrogant and rude won’t make me afraid of you rather make me lose respect for you” Without waiting for what he had to say, I sprinted away. The moment I set my foot inside the room, I realised out the breath I didn’t know I was holding. Did I just declare to him that I’m not afraid of him? Great Amina. You did it. I was still in a standing position when my phone rang. I let it ring for some time before sliding the accept button.

“Hey girl” I started placing the phone to my ear. Her shouting revamped to my ear. I pulled it back to let her finish her rants. When it died down, I lay it back.

“I know I ignored you for the past two days and I’m sorry. So to compensate for it, I will give you a gist”

“Shoot”

“I don’t understand, what exactly is wrong with that boss of yours? He was very kind the time he used to buy your Moi-Moi. Was it all fake?” She ushered

“You tell me. You know how I am. I can’t sit by and watch someone insult me. I stand up for myself”

“I have my 100% trust in you. But you did well. if it’s me, I would’ve peed in my pants. He is your boss Amina” A smile made its way to my lips. Even I was surprised by the words I threw at him but considering how his statement struck me, I can understand.

“I know Aesha and I don’t regret what I said. He has accused me of trying to lure him in and chit-chatting with Sadiq. Had it mean I ignored him then that will give him the privilege to do much worse than it”

“Wait first. Who is this Sadiq in the first place and why are you chit-chatting with him. You’re not the type that talks comfortable with a guy. Could it be…? She trailed off.

“Could it be what Aesha? Stop having those weird thoughts in your head and mind you, I’m not that comfortable with him. He’s all nosy and asks too many questions” I ushered back

“What question?”

“Random question. Trying to know about me” The line went quiet. I almost thought she had ended the call until her voice resonates again. This time around, it was down.

“Let me give you a piece of advice not as a friend but as a sister. I know you’re doing this for your mother and I’m proud of you for that but think about yourself and your life too. Do your job but also do whatever that will make you happy. This is the first time, you’re talking freely with a guy. Who knows maybe you will get along and it will lead to something positive. Believe me, I went to your house today and your mom is doing fine. Hajiya and Kaltume are not making trouble for her. So rest assured and mind you my wedding date has been fixed” she ended. Her giggle erupting through the phone.

“Are you serious? With Khalil?” Khalil is her friend. They have been together since the time we were in school. I’m glad they decided to take their relationship to the next level.

“Yeah”

“Congrats dear, I’m so happy for you. That means I should start preparing my Anko right”

“Exactly. Your own is special as the bridesmaid and best friend of the bride”

“Okay then. I will-” A knock came through the door stopping me from what I was about to say.

“Come in” I exclaimed. The door was pushed open, revealing Abida. Her face held in a frown.

“Mom said you should come down for dinner” And she left, closing the door with a not so quiet thud. I have a feeling something is wrong. Abida is not normally like that. Or is it because of our conversation earlier?

“You there Amina” Aesha’s voice snapped me out of my trance.

“Yeah. I have to go. Will call you later and get ready to spill everything” Her giggle erupts through the phone once again.

“Sure” hanging up the call, I stared at the door wondering why Abida was all frowny.