Chapter 8: Chapter 8
_____________
Nabil
_____________
After leaving the house, I promise papa that I'll achieve my goals at any cost. Readjusting the squeezed shirt once again, I hailed a rickshaw giving him the address.
"Zaka dan saukeni a Abba Abdullahi Estate (Can you drop me off at Abba Abdullahi estate.)" The man watched me from head to toe. By the looks of it, the man doesn't understand English. I know he must be wondering why a crazy dressed person talks normally, because I know I looked like a total crazy person. I remember this saying. When you set your goal on something, there's nothing you cannot do to achieve it.
"Zaka biya 500 (You'll pay five hundred naira)" he ushered. I got inside. Luckily, no one is inside. I don't want to be the center of attention. Silence was prevailed as we drove to the destination. All through, my mind was preoccupied with how to start my mission. How do I get into the house? Should I just claimed been crazy? No Nabil, this isn't a good one. The left side of my lips curved up when an idea popped up in my head. I rest my back comfortably eagerly waiting to reach the Abba Abdullahi's Estate. Within 20 minutes, the house started coming in view. For some known reason, anger crept into my body. I inhale a sharp breath as the rickshaw halted in front of the gate. Slipping out a five hundred naira note, I paid him his fare before gliding towards the black gate. Nabil it's time to take back what is rightfully yours. Rolling my hands into a fist, I knocked on it and waited for someone to open the gate. Not long, a voice resonates through the door.
"Who is that?" the voice said. I wish I could smack the mouth of the person asking. I choose to keep mute besides, my plan hasn't started yet. The door was pulled open followed by the presence of a middle age man.
"Good day sir. Please is the madam around?" I started keeping a stern face. The man glanced at my face back to my body. What's with people? First the rickshaw man and now him. Does my clothes really look that bad?
"And you are...."
"I'm directed by someone, he told me the madam is a kind woman she helps people. I'm in serious need of help. Please let me see the madam" What a great start Nabil.
"Young man I don't think I can help you. The rule of this house is no strangers are allowed and as you can see, I don't know you. My job will be at stake if anything happens. I hope you understand"
"Please help me my sister is sick. I know you'll understand because by the looks of it, you also have a son or a daughter. I really need to see her" I connect my hands in a pleading manner. Hoping my little lie will convince the man. He breathe out a sigh.
"Alright then. I'll help you but if something...."
"Nothing will happen Insha Allah" I cut him off. He unlocked the door ushering me in. The gigantic house came in view. What a big one it is. My inner mind tells me.
"Wait here, let me inform the madam" I nodded my head in answer and watched the man disappear towards the entrance door. My papa's words suddenly resurface in my head.
Flashback
"Remember Nabil, this is a risky plan. Don't focus only on taking your revenge, protect yourself too. Abba Abdullahi is a smart man. He wouldn't let you be if he finds out about who you are or me so be careful" Papa explained.
"Insha Allah Papa" I ushered my eyes glancing at the house one last time. The house I grew up in.
"And don't worry; Fa'ixah will be taken care of. I know you're worried about her. Your Aunt Rukayya will be here by tomorrow. She'll keep an eye on her" I heaved out a sigh I didn't know I was holding. I'm glad my sister will be taken care of while I'll focus on my work. It's better if she don't know the truth for now but someday when I finally accomplish my mission then I'll tell her everything.
**End of Flashback**
"Wa ke nema na malam sani (who is looking for me?)" I heard a female voice said which snapped me out of my thought. I composed myself. The way I'll look helpless.
"Gashi nan (He's here)" the gate man points towards me. The woman watched me with a slight frown on her face. A young girl appeared behind her. I immediately recognized her as Abida the last born and also the troublemaker of the house. Just like my sister. I'm thankful to my friend for his research.
"Good Afternoon Madam" I greeted bowing a little.
"Afternoon. You are...." She trailed off waiting for me to introduce myself.
"My name is Sadiq. I was directed by someone. He told me you help people that are in need. My sister is very sick, I left her all alone. Please madam help me and I'll forever be grateful" the tone I used dumbfound me too. I didn't know I have this side in me. What a perfect lie. From Nabil to Sadiq.
"Yes I do help people but if I may ask, you are a man. You're supposed to look for a job"
"I wish I could but our house got burnt and that result in my documents to get burnt. I worked so hard..." A sob escaped me as I utter the words. A fake one at it. Deep down I was praying the woman would buy my lie. I don't have much patience with all the interrogations.
"Please Madam help me with any amount to pay for the medications for my sister and I promise not to come back again" The woman stared at me in thinking.
"Amimi his story is really touching and god he's handsome even with his crazy dressing" The left of my lips curved up. What a good compliment. I recognized her voice as that of Abida but I don't recognize the other girl she called. I turned my face to peer a glance at her and my eyes met with a beautiful brown ones. She equally stared at me with a kind of look which I couldn't decipher. When doing background check on the family, I didn't come across her. Is she also part of the family which I missed doing a check on her? No, I'm sure Abba Abdullahi only has three children. Two sons and one daughter. So who is she? My thoughts were suddenly cut short when I heard the woman's voice again. The girl is no more in sight.
"Do you know how to drive?" she asked. Dear Madam, that one is a piece of cake. I wanted to say but I know that isn't a good idea.
"Yes Ma" I retorted back.
"Alright then, I'll give you a job to be my son's driver but first how much is the money for your sister's medication" she asked.
"Five thousands naira Including the fee the hospital are owing us". I know everything about them. From the first son Ahmad who is the CEO of AA Group followed by Imran, the second son who is the managing director then Abida, the last born who is still in school studying Anatomy in Nile university. And their Mother Hajiya Halima who owns the biggest cosmetics shop in Abuja and lastly the man of the house Alhaji Abba Abdullahi, the father and also the founder of AA Group which of course isn't his at the beginning. I came well prepared.
Abida, Go to my room bring ten thousand naira from my bedside drawer". My mouth almost hung open hearing the amount she instructed the girl to bring. Wow Hajiya Halima what a nice woman you are but I know all of it is fake. They're all being kind for show. Abida disappeared to the door leaving only Hajiya Halima and me. My thoughts wandered to the pair of brown eyes earlier. Is she one of their workers too? I'll have to find out to know if she'll be a help to me or an obstacle to my mission because I can't afford to let someone in my way.
"So Sadiq where do you live?" Hajiya Halima asked breaking the silence. Alright the interrogation is back again.
"I reside in Kubwa" I answered truthfully. There are many people living in kubwa, so they won't notice.
"What of your parents?" I fisted my hands from the side. Why is she constantly asking about me? I really hate too much question. No wonder from my research, I found out about the woman being an interrogative person.
"They passed away" I stated calmly but inside, my heart rises with anger. Her expression changes to that of a pity exactly what I don't want especially from the family. They think they have it all. Then I'll make sure they experience more than what they did to my family.
"I'm sorry. Allah ya jikansu (May their souls rest in peace)" she uttered. Just then Abida came back together with the brown eyed girl.
"Here is the money Mum" she hand the folded money note to her mother.
"Here Sadiq" she outstretched her hands containing the money and I instantly accepted it.
"Thank you so much Ma. You gave me more than enough. I won't forget your kindness because you saved my sister's life"
"It's okay May Allah grant her shifa" she retorted back with a smile on her face. "So now how do we discuss regarding the job. Thankfully my son is home. Do you have time. We talk now or you'll come back tomo-"
"It's okay we can talk now" I could feel the gaze of the two girls on me. The urge to peep a glance at the brown eyed girl increases. I followed my heed and turn my face towards them but what I didn't expect is to see her staring right back at me with a grimace on her face. Seriously, did she know I was going to steal a glance at her. My surprise didn't stop there when she throws a glare at my direction. What a rude girl she is. Then, I'll have to find out about her as soon as possible. I have a feeling she'll be of help to me.
"Let's get inside then" Hajiya Halima ushered once again. I let out a small smile as I follow her heed. Finally Nabil, one problem down.