It's almost a month since Ahmad had left for Lagos. Ever since his departure, she had sensed tension in his voice whenever they spoke on the phone.

When it became evident that something was wrong, she told him he could share anything with her. He had hesitated at first, but then he told what was happening.

She didn't freak out, instead she supported and reassured him and for that he was grateful. It pleased him immensely to know he had a partner with whom he can share just about anything. She might seem feeble and weak structurally, but she was rock solid at heart and he loved her more.

Baba Alhaji was growing impatient by the day. He was considerate when Ahmad requested for more time as there is a slight problem at his house. He didn't state what the problem was neither had baba Alhaji pressed him for it.

He understood the boy was under some kind of pressure, so he allowed him more time. What worries him however, was the fact that he is yet to give a date to the two families who had visited earlier.

Ahmad on the other hand, has been doing all his best to convince his parent to change their stand. They were his only hope. He hoped they will see his pain and finally give up.

The last talk they had, he begged his dad to talk to Ameena's uncle and ask for more grace period before they could iron things out. He had been ignoring his mom lately, his only hope was pinned on his father.

His father collected the number but promised nothing. Alaja who sat without saying a word in their conversation smiled. If only he knew how easy he just made things.

"Now is your chance to hold your end of the bargain." She said as soon as Ahmad walked out.

"I have done enough. Can't you see the damage you are doing to him? I said I will not support him and that's exactly what I did." He argued.

"Leaving them hanging will be impolite and clearing things up is the God honest thing to do." She advised.

The call did not come as a surprise to baba Alhaji as he clearly pointed out that he had been expecting it for some time now. What had totally caught him off guard was the polite explanation from Alhaji Masood that, however it may have pleased his heart to see the realisation of this alliance, he had to cut it off due to some circumstances that were beyond his control.

He had gone on to apologise profusely for the inconvenience.

"Do not embarrass me by apologising. The issue of marriage is something beyond man's power. If we wished for it and it failed, then it means they were not meant for each other... I also on behalf of my family, apologise for any inconvenience this relationship may have laid upon your family." Said baba Alhaji calmly.

"Do not say so Alhaji, I am the one who owe you an apology and I will continue to do so. I am really sorry for how things turn out."

"There is nothing to apologise really, it's all in the will of Allah. If he had ordained that they shouldn't be together, who are we then to say otherwise? You have a well mannered son, for that I commend you, I and my family will bear no ill will against yours InshaAllah. I am glad things are now in the open. Thank you."

"Believe me when I say I would have been glad had this alliance come to be. It would have been an honour to have your daughter as mine. I apologise again."

When Alhaji Masood was done with the phone call, he felt a pang of guilt. He had betrayed his own son, and for that, he is not sure if he will forgive himself. 

He walked out without a second look at his wife who sat at the edge of the bed with satisfaction written all over her face.

After that call, baba Alhaji sat with knitted brow and a deep scowl. This surely is a problem and he knows he had to make a decision about the fate of his poor niece. It is going to be tough, but it's something that has to be done.
______________________________________

Ameena's apprehension towards everything happening around her has deepened.

Lately, her mom had given her the 'whatever has been planned for you never escapes you' lecture and emphasised on the believe in destiny as a pillar of Islam. She didn't know what was happening but she had a bad feeling about it.

Late evening, Baba Alhaji requested the presence of all the family members. It was nothing new as every now and then he summoned them, if nothing, just to remind them of their duties as ambassadors of their faith. Of their duty as children to uphold the dignity of their house and other reminders.

But today, there was an air of tension about the living room. The elders sat on the chairs and the children sat with folded legs on the carpet. Baba Alhaji cleared his throat and began;

"Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu... I have summoned you here to tell you of situation that had arisen in this family.

As always, I will like to emphasize on the importance of being each others torch bearers... When we hold the light to our brother's path, we shall all walk in the light, never will darkness be in our company.

When there is trouble at home, we don't go seeking for solution elsewhere. We look for it within ourselves."

He shifted a bit. By now everyone knew for sure something was wrong.

"You all know three of our daughters here are to be married soon."

Nadia winked at Ameena on the sly but she just kept a poker face. She didn't have a good feeling about this whole situation.

"We have met two families already, but we encountered a problem with the family of the boy your sister here had been seeing... I have then, after having an extensive talk with my brothers and her mom, decided that she is to be married along with her sisters nonetheless.

We had agreed that the wedding is taking place next month and she will be married to her brother SALMAN.

All eyes were now on her. Mouths fell open and looks were exchanged between the children. But she kept her eyes glued to the carpet the way it was since her uncle began talking. There were no tears, even the shock failed to register in her brain. She was numb.

She had seen a dream, a beautiful one and now she is wide awake that is all there is to it. Nothing more.

After the completion of the closing du'a, everyone got up to leave but baba Alhaji requested that Ameena stayed back.

She had not moved an inch nor did she meet the gaze of any of her family members as they thronged out.

"Matso nan kinji?"

She moved a bit closer as she was instructed. He felt sad looking at the girl and silently prayed that the decision he made was the right one. He cleared his throat and began,

"I know you must be sad and shocked as well. But I assure you this is for your own good. I know you have many questions now some of which I may have answers to and others that I may not. You may wonder, why Salman?

But the decision was made after considering the bond you had shared with his late twin. We assumed it will be easier on you if it was him... I know he is not of the best character. But we humans are all imperfect and have fallen short in the eyes of our creator. I pray the goodness in you will rub off on him in the near future. I will do everything within my means to see that he treats you well. I had a talk with him earlier today and he had promised same.

Don't see any of this as a misfortune, see it as your destiny. We all do our best in this life and let Allah do the rest for us. Take this as fate and be steadfast in your prayers. May Allah bless you...You may leave."

How she reached her room will remain a mystery for years to come. But she did and the first thing she did was close the door and sit in a corner, hugging her knees with her arms.

Slowly the tears began to flow, she stared straight out of her window into nothingness.

She had been unfortunate all her life, she knows that. But with Ahmad, all her apprehension have vanished and she had hope again. But who was she kidding? When she had the bad luck of having important people taken away from her life? what did she expect with Ahmad? Of course he would leave too. But she let herself get carried away.

At least what happened today was a reality check on what her miserable life ought to be.

And Salman? Salman, Of all the people in the world it had to be him. She wasn't even going to let herself think in that direction.

She sat there and watched as a tiny flicker of light cut through the horizon. Ideally, she knew she should pray for Allah's guidance in all that is happening around her. But she felt her faith and trust in his mercy at the moment was questionable and she couldn't face her Creator in such state.

The adhan for fajr resounded all around the neighborhood and for the first time since yesterday, she moved from her sitting position and went to the toilet.

She didn't say any after salah prayer. she just sat on the prayer mat with a billion thoughts swirling in her brain.

The break of dawn brought a promise of a fresh start, a chance for a new beginning...but to her, she knew it was the beginning of her end.

************************************
A short chappie guys. What do you think of the sudden turn of event? Do leave your views on it.

Don't forget to
Vote
Comment
And share