Chapter 46

Six month later.

"Baby why are you still awake by this time of the night?" Fatima asked her husband who she just wake up to see. His back facing her on bed.

"I just wake up to use toilet, will go back now" He lie, still not facing her.

Fatima got down from the bed not trusting what her husband told her. She walk to face him and was shock at the sight behold her husband face.

"Baby why are you crying this late night" she asked not even knowing what to do.

Mubarak quickly wipe his tears " C'mon I'm not crying, now let go back to sleep" he said and was about to return to bed.

"Oh baby you can't fool me you know that right! Please tell me what making you to cry, at least as your wife I'm suppose to know the reason behind it." She said and sat down beside him, wrapping her hand around his back.

Hearing his wife word, make him more emotional and he couldn't control his tears. He cry unto her lap and she was so supportive by only soothing his back.

Few minute later he excuse himself and went to the bathroom and raise his face before returning back to his wife.

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to let you see this side of me" he said.

"I'm bound to see every side of you baby, that why I'm your wife."She said enthusiastically.

He took a hold of her hand and tighten it together with his" Fatima" he called, looking into her eyes and letting the unshed tears remain still " please don't ever leave me" he began.

Fatima who was confused asked why he was saying that all of a sudden" Baby of course I will never leave you no matter what" She assure him." I don't know why you're asking me this but it scarring me" Fatima confess.

"I'm sorry! Sometimes I'm just insecure about my self, I think of the worst because have never had anybody beside me to called my before or a family. And now that I do I use to be scared, so scared you will leave" He said.

"Listen Baby, that was your past and not your present. Mum and dad didn't just leave on their own accord, they answer there lord called, which we shall also do someday. Allah bless you with a child that same day, making you to replace daddy that is no more. Isn't he so full of wonder and blessing baby?" She asked.

And he nodded in understanding "Fatima thank you so much for enlighten me more, May Allah continue to bless you." He said and peck her forehead.

A cry echoed inside the room and they both turn to see Abdul awake from his sleep sucking his hand.

"Daddy his awake. This boy is surely hungry, see how his sucking his hand" Mubarak said and pick him up.

He handed the baby over to his mother.

"Abdul will not let me sleep again, he will suck till day break." Fatima groan.

"Stop exaggerating it wifey, he will soon go back to sleep now, trust me." He said and wink at her.

"I hope so, cause you know I will surely be busy tomorrow that why I need that sleep now.

"So what are the things you're doing tomorrow"he asked.

"Will be going to the market, tailor place, and checking the hall we book online for the dinner.

"Oh that is surely a lot of work to do, I hope you don't stress yourself too much, because I won't be there to massage your body" he teased.

"You better save that already. You're so gonna keep massaging me till after the wedding"

"We shall see" he said and lay on the bed.

Fatima who was done breastfeeding Abdul lay him on his bed and return back to the bed and lay her head on her husband chest. He wrapped his hand around her and they slept together in peace.

* * *

"You know this is the best breakfast so far in this house have ever take" Khalid complimented.

"Stop exaggerating it, as if it was your first time tasting it" Reedah said.

"But you know it been long you made pap and beans cake early in the morning like this"

"Well remember you asked for it and we are traveling to kano later and if I didn't get to do it now then till next week because you surely don't expect me to have time during ups and down when I will be busy. And I know how adamant you could be when asking for something."

"This swthrt surely love me a lot. Thanks for making this for me, I love you."

"I love you too" she said and peak his cheek.

~ ~ ~

"Swthrt hurry up" he called. Ladies could be so slow in dressing up. His been standing at the living room for what seem like hour waiting for his Riri.

"One second, habibty" she said and descend back to the room.

Khalid sigh defeated and follow her to the room.

"Riri, what else are you doing" he asked and Reedah came forward with her necklace.

"Habibty, help me put this" she said and gave him the necklace.

He help her with it and drag her box to the booth.

They both sat down in the car ready to drove out when Reedah complain of her missing phone.

"Where did you kept it?" Khalid asked.

"Maybe I left it inside the parlour and she was about to open the car door when Khalid volunteer to get it himself.

He return back with the phone and handed it over to her." Riri I hope we can now leave Abuja in peace" Khalid said not able to control the anger lacing over his tongue.

"Habibty are you angry"she asked, tears welled up in her eyes.

"Yes fareedah, I was angry but it was just for a moment. Remember Abba will quarrel us when we get to kano late, and you were the one who insist we take car and not flight." He said.

"I'm sorry" she apologized.

"Shhh Riri! Is okay, I will never get angry at you for long okay. Just try and always keep to time and we won't be having problem when going out together please."

"Insha Allah, I will try. I can't wait to see my babylove I miss him so much.

"Don't worry, you shall get to hold him in just few hours.

* * *

"Please branch danbala place and get my cloth, on your way coming back, enter that supermarket and get me that shoes we saw on that shoe rack." She said picking her phone from the table.

"Aunty how many places are you sending me to?" Summaya asked her aunt.

"Just get them for me and in case I need any other thing I will call you." She said.

"Summaya groan and left afterward with the driver. She surely has a lot to deal with, calculating all the places she was send to.

"Khadijah is still not back from the saloon?" Aunty Aisha, Hajiya Rukkayah junior sister asked.

"She told me she will be branching some places before coming back" Hajiya Rukkayah inform.

"A bride branching places? See woman you better inform her to start coming back" hajiya, khadijah maternal grandma said.

"She's not suppose to be going out since after her body repair self" Aunty Aisha include.

"Inform your sister, seem she has forgotten." Hajiya said.

Hajiya Rukkayah dial deejah number and she pick immediately. " deejah you should start coming back home Hajiya has been asking of you.

Deejah sigh exasperated and reply" I will be back now mum, just doing some pedicure almost done. " She said.

"Okay bye." And she ended the call.

"That woman will soon be the dead of me" deejah mutter silently.

"And who is that disturbing our Amarya?" Reedah asked.

"Wallahi my grandma fa, she's always complaining, now she want me to come back home" She said.

"Hey stop that, is old age and she only care about your being. Just appreciate her effort while she's still alive okay. When my grandma was still alive she was much of a pain on the neck but trust me, the day the news got to me that she die I couldn't sleep for two days, I was imagining her and how she always reprimand me for any little thing I do. Believe me, I miss her so much, I wish she still alive"Reedah said and wipe her tears away.

"Thank you for enlighten me dear I really appreciate.

"Shhh that why we are friend okay! Feel free, sister in law" Reedah tease and wink.

"Stop calling me that please, you're making me feel odd. That remind me Fatima is still not back from the market.

"Yeah I should call her" she said and dial her number" Hey where are you" She asked.

"Wallahi I branch home to cook for my husband."

"Oh seem that were khalid ate too, no wonder he haven't call to tell me his hungry."

"Yes fa, including Yushraf and shafi'u"

"Thank you for saving me from thousand complain today. I hope you're done now."

"Seem like there doing a mini get together" Deejah said and they laugh.

"I hope Abdul is not given you a hard time over there?" Fatima asked.

"Trust me his not, in fact he has been sleeping on my back since.

"You're surely making that boy get use to back, by the time you leave and he cry to be back, then you will see us in Abuja the next day." Fatima tease.

"Trust me you're welcome! You better hurry up and get here fa you know we still have a lot to handle" Reedah said and Fatima assure her to be there soon.

* * *

"Deejah the knot has been tie fa" hafsat said, and deejah burst into tears.

"Is okay deejah cry all you want, but remember life after marriage is also cool. I mean is not so hard as you see it stop been scared, remember all of us here are married too except Nusaiba who will soon join the click" Fatima said and they all laugh except deejah who was still trying to wipe her tears.

"I can't wait for the couples eve tomorrow wallahi, I'm so exited" Reedah exclaim.

"I feel like cancelling it" deejah said.

"Please do cancel it" Nusaiba said.

"You dare not waste all my effort babe. because is couples eve right, don't worry you're welcome since you have your shafiu by your side." Fatima said.

"Yes ma'am" deejah reply sarcastically.

"Amarya" summayah called.

"The groom is at the down stairs waiting for his bride to come out.

"I'm having a running stomach, just make any excuse for them please, I don't think I can come out." Deejah said.

"Toh! Running stomach kuma? Amarya! I wonder how you will cope your first night then, since you can't handle to even see him now, I guess you will have more than a running stomach at that moment" summaya said sarcastically. " Cmon get up and let go" She said.

"You threaten me now" deejah query.

"How can I, when you're my sweet sis, now let go" She said and drag deejah out of the bed.

"You guys not joining us in snapping? All your husband's are present fa" she inform.

"Of course we will join too, after all who don't want to snap with her husband except deejah "Fatima teased and they all stood up and descend down stairs.

At the outside of the living room was Yushraf in his clean white babariga, and his friends all tailing behind him with their sky blues kaftan.

"His coming here" Summayah whisper to deejah making her to look up immediately. Sure enough he could vividly see her husband walking toward her confidently, it cause her to remember the first day they met, the second time they met and the third.

Tears of finally getting to marry her Crush, is a sight to behold. Crushing on that guy walking confidently toward her was never a mistake, but trying to hate him was her mistake. She will forever cherish this day__ her happiest day forever is Marrying Her Crush.

Yushraf swung around her, his eyes twinkling with humor and that cute dimple teasing his cheeks" The knot has been tie, and you're finally my zawjatyy." He whisper into her ear, wrapping his other hand unto her waist" You're now my halal babe, everything could now be fun" he teased and winked at her before kissing her forehead." I love you didi!.

And a tear cascaded down her cheeks she sniff and Yushraf help her to wipe her tears." Stop crying babe today is our day" he said and deejah nod her head in agreement.

Everyone surrounding them keep teasing them and they later took pictures.

~ ~ ~

It was time for the bride to be convey to her husband house. She was taken to the guest room, were her grandma stay with some of her relatives. Immediately she was done with her father long speech.

"Amarya" Aunty Aisha teased.

"Toh khadijah come here let me be seeing your face before I start" Hajiya her grandma gesture.

Deejah stood up and went closer to her grandma and sat beside her.

Hajiya took a hold of deejah hand for a moment squeezing it tightly. " khadijah marriage is not a joke, it's not were you visit and return back to your Father's house. Life after marriage is different from life before marriage. You don't get to do all you want. Do not have high expectation of anything, learn to trust your partner; trust is the foundation for a good marriage. Don't ever compare your marriage with that of any couple, it is absolutely wrong. Remember tongue is powerful. Through it a marriage is initiated and consummated. Note that a statement can destroy a 25 years marriage relationship over night, therefore mind your tongue, khadijah mind your tongue. Marriage is all about accommodating one another's shortcomings. Please learn yo tolerate your husband. May Allah bless you grandchild, may you forever be the coolness of each other eyes, and may you be bless with righteous children that will lead you to jannah." Hajiya finish her sermon and burst into tears as deejah was taken out of the room.

She was taken to her mothers room Hajiya Rukkayah.

Khadijah I know your Grandma has said it all and I don't need to say more than she already did. May Allah bless your home and guild you to the right path. Khadijah I don't have to tell you anything about what life look like, you already have a taste of it ' life is never a bed of roses' learn to tolerate your husband, always control your anger and don't let your tongue slip a word you will regret later, khadijah be patient, be patient, that the reason why I'm still living with your father today, patient is the key to make your home stable and fit, and not just lovey dovey. May Allah bless your marriage." Her mum said. Still trying not to break down in front of her daughter.

Deejah hug her mum tightly not letting go of her. Only If she knew she will leave her mother this soon, only if she was close to her from the start, only if Mina has never come into her life. Tears that fall out of her eyes were mixed of fear, regret,guilty, missed.

Aunty Aisha who has been waiting for the mother and daughters 'Goodbye' came forward and separate the bound. Deejah was still not letting go of her mum until she was dragged out.

At the parking lot different cars were line for the conveying of the bride to her new home.

Alhaji Muhammad Agogo came out of his apartment to see his daughter one last time before she's conveyed. He went closer to his daughter and hugged her, a tears sliding out of his eyes. He sniff and hold her tightly when Yushraf came forward and greeted him.

"Yushraf, here is amanah, I'm given you today, Please take care of her" he beseech.

"Insha Allah, daddy I will try my best" he assured.

"May Allah bless you both, and may you two be the coolness of each other eyes."

"Aamin amin"

"You can take your leave." He said, and handover khadijah right hand to Yushraf own, tears welled up in his eyes, has he watch them drove out of his new mansion.

* * *

She has been conveyed to her new home, everyone has return back to their house and she was left at the middle of the bed feeling anxious, scared and some feeling she could not express. A knock came from the door and she use that to reposition herself well on the bed for he came.

Behind her transparent veil, she Stared at her husband right from when he open the door with white leather bag on his left hand.

He walk majestically to his new bride with a smile that make his dimple radiate and deep. His eyes were intensely on her, making her blush behind the veil. The great undeniable feelings came back.

He deepen his self unto the bed and uncover her face. The beautiful face he was starring at was a sight to behold, his heart skip a bit and all he could say was Alhamdullilah for everything. She was indeed a blessing to his life, and every sacrifices and pain he went through was not just a waste.

"Khadijah, thank you for being a part of me today, you don't know what that really mean to me. May Allah bless you, and may we forever live in peace has a husband and wife. May we be bless with a righteous children that will be the coolness of our eyes in future, and may Allah reward you, for being my wife today and for being a part of me." He pray and left a lingering kiss on her forehead.

Deejah heart beat, her hand gripping her thigh. She was founding it hard to speak, her heart was full of happiness and joy " Aamin." Was all that came out of her lip afterward

"Come let eat this before praying" he gesture and help her down.

As soon as they were done they pray together and he said a prayer on her forehead.

Deejah fold the mat when they were done and remove her hijab afterward. She felt a crush bounding hug from behind and she turn only to be mesmerized with his touch. " could she ever love this man standing before her any less? She thought silently.

"You don't have idea how have waited for this day, a day I could hug you, kiss you and even touch every part of your body without feeling any remorse. I promise to love you today, tomorrow and forever. I can't promise you it's going to be okay forever or smooth ride forever, we shall have our ups and down through the journey. But I promise you we shall make it perfect, we shall walk hand in hand and walk past our flaws" he promise and she let the tears fall freely hugging him back tightly" I love you too" she said in the mids of her tears and he wipe it with his thump.

He sealed her word with a kiss, slow but yet promising. Using his other hand to slip her night gown down.

This night there love was seal, a new beginning started and there promise was made.

* * *

It was time for the couples eve which was plan to hold the next day after the conveying of the bride.

It was organise in an open place full with carpet grass, a big rug was lay on it. It was just a simple special program that was plan. They wanted to make something different and unique than usual, no spending extravagant or so.

Mubarak sat down with his wife, Fareedah on the rug, Khalid and Fatima was at the left side of the couples, Umar and hafsat were at the middle, shafi'u and Nusaiba weren't left out too except Noor and Hafiz who sat together with Summaya.

And the main couples sat on a different rug design with newly couples written boldly at the front. They were looking so lovingly and beautiful as ever.

"Asalamu-alaykum everyone! Our program will be starting now, but before then we will like to blind fold our newly couples here."Noor said and Everyone cheer and nod in agreement.

"Let see what it's all about babe" Yushraf whisper into deejahs ear and she blush.

"I wonder why she's blushing" Reedah said to her husband.

"I love you!" Khalid whisper into her ear and she blush before replying him back.

"Didn't you blush hard now?" He asked.

"She nodded.

"Then that what making her to blush habibi" He said.

After they were blindfolded, couples game began.

"Who apologized first?" deejah point at her husband.

"Who first say 'I love you'" she pointed at him while Yushraf also point at him self.

"Who is the funny one?" They both nod there head in No.

"Who is the must caring?" Yushraf pointed at her.

"Who is more cute" And they both pointed at each other. Every other couples cheer at them amazingly.

"Who always get angry easily?" Yushraf smile and pointed at her while she also pointed at her self.

"Thank you both for answering us sincerely. It was so good and loving, may Allah bless your new home" Noor said and loose the blindfold.

Everyone chorus "Ameen."

"We can now move to some question before we serve our self here, I can see some people already eyeing me to serve them" Reedah said and everyone burst into laugh.

"Maybe we should eat first before starting another game" Khalid said and Mubarak nod in agreement.

"See like we should do that first since every one is hungry" Hafiz who has been much of an observer said and food was serve immediately.

After they were all done eating the game began agai

n.

"Deejah how did you two met and was it a love at first sight?" Noor asked.

Deejah smile and stared at him before speaking" the first time we met was when I bought a bottle of water from him."She rub her hand onto his" And it wasn't a love at first sight but a crush from the moment our eyes met.

"And who started crushing?" Summaya asked.

"I was the one" deejah confess.

Yushraf could feel his heart skipping after hearing that. The glint in his wife eyes, has she confessed, the happiness in them all contribute to making him the most happiest man on earth. Didi surely has a lot to explain when they get home.

"Wow that so amazing, I love this." Noor exclaim.

"Yushraf look into your wife eyes and express your feelings for her, and how you feel about her being your wife."

He look into her eyes, his eyes jacked loudly against his ribcage as soon as his eyes fit on her, he smile and took a hold of her hand, and squeezed it" I never realized I could fall in love with you babe, perhaps it was fate that brought us together. But believe me, you have no idea how much I like you, how much you make me smile, how much I love talking to you or how much I always crave to be with you. Babe, you're my love story, and I write you into everything I do, everything I see, everything I touch, everything I dress and you are the word that fill my pages and I love you! I cherish you with all my heart, my love for you is unconditional and eternal forever insha Allah. You being my wife is the best thing that has ever happen to my life" he said genuinely "Tears slip down his wife cheeks freely after hearing all the expression coming from her husband voice. A bold feeling suddenly surge through her vein and she reach for her husband and hugged him tight not letting him go" I love you so much that it hurt, I love you with all my being. Thank you so much for sticking to me" she was still saying when she felt his lips crushing unto her not even looking at the other couples watching them, they devour the kiss happily.

* * *

"See woman you better wash all those cloth before I return back or else" he warn and left.

That woman was Mina, who has been married off to a far relative of her mother,in a village under Niger state, ever since she was out of the prison, seven month back life has not been a better place for her, perhaps she even prefer to be in a Ceil than to be married off to a tyrant they call husband. To her mother, that will be her lesson for all she has done, staying in prison for eight month does not do justice to all she ever done to her best friend, and putting a shame onto their face.

Life has been kaseem second wife hasn't been easy for her, she cry day and night begging almighty for her husband to divorce her but every day the worst of what happened yesterday, happen the next day.

She know she deserve it all, but the pain of how her parent choose to abandoned her like she never existed hurt her the most.

"Amina what are you still doing there? Won't you come and start cooking for us?" Nna kaka her co-wive shouted at her.

Mina slowly came out of her room, her pregnancy was adding to her slowly ness, She's six month along with her tyrant husband unborn child in her womb, but yet she was never acknowledge or even pity for once. She was tired and stress out but yet she was to do everything. She set the fire and went back to pack all her husband cloth to wash before he comes back

She was almost done when Nna kaka brought another set of cloth for her again to wash. Mina send a dagger toward her and throw the cloth back at her" See Nna kaka or what ever your name is, have had enough of your nonsense, did I look like a maid to you or what, why can't you just let me be for goodness sake" she asked folding her hand together on her chest with unshed tears that mask up her face.

Nna kaka raise a hand to slap her when Mina quickly got a hold of her hand and stop her" Nna kaka I dare you to slap me and see what happen next" she said and throw her hand away with a loud hiss.

Immediately the co-wive heard there husband voice she burst into tears holding her cheeks on the floor.

"Nna kaka! Nna kaka! What happen? Why are you crying on the floor? Who die? "He asked running toward her.

"Ya-ya is this stupid Hausa wife of yours that raise her hand and slap me just because I brought this cloth for her to wash" she feigned and hiccup.

How dare you raise your hand on my wife" he asked and a resounding slap echo across Mina face." You this prostitute, " Another slap" After all the life you've done, nobody wanted to marry you and they force me too because I have nothing right? I will show you your place today in this house stupid woman kawai." He retort and went inside.

Nna kaka who was satisfy with the drama laugh and tongue out before re throwing the cloth back at her.

Mina couldn't help but burst into tears. Her face unto her lap that she didn't not know he has return until she felt a string of wipe on her back. He didn't stop wiping her until Nna kaka came forward and stop him" ya-ya is okay let her just wash this cloth and fetch water inside those plastic big rubber" She said.

"And you, better do as she said or else you will regret ever knowing me in this house" He said and went inside with his other wife.

This has been going on for the past few month she was married to him. Life has not been better for her, she wish she can just escape from this village but how could she when she's pregnant with his child already? She let her tears fall freely down her cheeks has she wash.

~ ~ ~

At midnight she couldn't sleep but turn around on her mat, her body sore from all the beating she receive in the morning. She was frustrated due to the heat in the room and at same time she was hungry. She stood up and sat down, praying silently kaseem should not walk to her room because she know what will happen when he do. But unfortunately..

Kaseem tiptoe into her room and lock it. Mina stood up and walk back until she was only behind wall, fear grip her eyes as she expected the worst.

"Woman i want satisfy myself and return back to my wife" he said. his voice so full of lust and desperate.

"Please don't rape me today again, I begged you, I'm not feeling too well walahi, please just pity me " Mina beg, crying on her kneels.

"You don't get to tell me when to use my right now keep quiet and be a good girl." Kaseem warn

"Yaya please" she beg pushing him away with full force.

He slap her and forcefully remove her cloth. He lay her down with full force and thrust into her, not given her a space to even shout, he place his left hand on her mouth and ride faster, thrusting into her and satisfy he stood up and dress up then went back to Nna kaka room.

Leaving Mina shattered on the bare floor. All she could say now was 'HAD I KNOW'