Ibrahim was just standing there like a statue staring at nothing in particular. He couldn't believe Tehzeeb said all that to him "God am glad no one was around to witness this embarrassing moment" he said out puffing out air from his mouth "I need to act fast before this girl get out of control. I can't allow her to ruin my reputation just like that. Never that will never happen, not even in my wildest dreams. " he continues talking to himself before he leaves and drives out of the company

Ibrahim arrived shortly and parked his car before he walked inside. "Where is the little princess that has every one wrap around her fingers?" he said, entering inside

"Fisabilillah Ibrahim even to say Salam is difficult for you,"Hajiya Kande Ibrahim's mother said immediately he heard his voice

"Oh ni Kaltumi (oh me Kaltumi), let this boy be, his just arriving at least allow him to land before you start attacking him,"Hajiya Kaltumi said defending Ibrahim

"Don't allow him to get more rotten than the way he already is,"Hajiya Kande speaks

"Don't worry, his just eager to see his baby gal, that's why,"Hajiya Kaltumi said

"Marmee,"Ibrahim said, which Hajiya Kaltumi smiled and opened her arms, waiting for his hug, which Ibrahim scratched his side head

"Wonders Ibrahim have grown up that he don't want to even give me hug again. Gaskiya (truly) it's high time I see my daughter in-laws"Hajiya Kaltumi smile."Nawal is sleeping she just came back with her Pappy, and I guess she played a lot there,"

"You mean Nawal was in the company earlier?" Ibrahim asked, surprised

"Yes, she was. Don't tell me you did not see her or probably Pappy did not reach your side. "

"Perhaps. Your brother is inside, and I will ask the maids to bring something for you. "

"Since you're now a mother, you have forgotten about your sister, right? No problem, " Hadiza said, coming out of the room

"Oh my Deedee gal. I missed you so much, "Ibrahim said

"Oh, save the story for the Gods. I heard everything you said since you came inside, but you never for once mentioned my name just shouting princess. " Hadiza said hand akimbo( hand by her waist).

"Am sorry, sis, was carried away. You know it's been long since I saw my princess, " Ibrahim defended

"Oh, it's me that it's not been long, you saw right. No problem, it's your time. "

"Am sorry, my lovely sis, promised such won't happen again."

"The both of you should go somewhere else with this. You're bickering, as you can see we're talking," Hajiya Kande said

"Seriously, because if we leave this cat and rat here, they will full our ears with their non ending talk," Hajiya Kaltumi said

"Sorry, Boss Ladies," Ibrahim and Hadiza said at the same time, which made them laugh and run out because of the throw pillows that come flying, which there mother's threw.

Ibrahim and Hadiza barge inside Ashafa's room, in which he stop playing his game and look at them. "I should have known it's you two," he said before he continued with his game

"Dan Allah (because of God), let us be. You're always serious or playing games. Don't you have any other things to do?"Ibrahim asked

"Ya Ibro, you know he won't answer you, especially now that his playing game. Let me go and get you something to eat, " Hadiza said, leaving the room to get something for Ibrahim

Immediately, Tehzeeb left the company she hail a cap to take her to the General Hospital where her mom is admitted. She paid the cap man and rushed inside without wasting time. When she entered, she saw her father sitting beside her mother. Their hands clasped together "Baba" she whispered softly to avoid waking or disturbing her mother

"It's okay dear, don't stress yourself over nothing. She just needs some rest, and in Sha Allah, she will be back to her feet, " Mallam Audu said reassuringly

"What did the doctor say?" Tehzeeb questions

"It's just stress and anxiety, that's all,"

"But..."

"No, but. I think you should go home and get something to eat. "

"Baba, let me stay with Umma, then you will go and rest. Can't you see your legs are swallon? " Tehzeeb said, showing her father his legs that are swallon

"Don't worry dear, it's nothing, before you know it, it will be back to normal." Mallam Audu tries to cover up

"But..."

"Just go home and rest. Then later on you can come and stay with your Umma"

"Okay," Tehzeeb said dejectedly, knowing she had no other way out. She walked out of the room and was about to leave when she bumped into the doctor in charge of her mother's health. "Good day, doctor," she greated immediately

"Good day, young lady," the doctor responds with a smile, which Tehzeeb forces to smile too

"Aaa..rm," Tehzeeb said, stammering

"Speak up,I can see you have a question to asked"

"Well, it's about my Umma's health." Tehzeeb finally speaks up

"I think we should discuss that in my office. This is not the proper place for that," the doctor said and began to walk, which Tehzeeb followed. Immediately, they were in the safety of the doctor's office, and she spoke

"What's actually wrong with her?" Tehzeeb asked."Have not seen my Umma like this ever since I grew up, "Tehzeeb said worriedly

"It's not a big deal. It's just anxiety and stress, nothing much," the doctor tries to explain

"But what might be the cause of that doctor?"

"Well, anxiety is a reaction due to stress."

Tehzeeb did not allow the doctor to finish explaining before she talks, "but she doesn't go to work or anything. She's always at home."

"Yes, that can cause it to. Loneliness can cause anxiety, or maybe there's something that's bothering her. She doesn't want you to know which affects her"

"I don't think so, Umma don't hide anything from me"

"Don't worry, she's not in danger. She just needs some bed rest, that's all."

"I hope so," she murmured silently. "Thank you, doctor, I will take my leave now,"

"It's okay," and she walked out of the doctor's office to go home

Tehzeeb has been doing up and down between her IT and Umma in the hospital, but she noticed that Baba's legs have been swelling up, which she asked him "Baba are you sick" She asked

"What did you see, my dear?" Mallam Audu replied to her question with another question

"I notice your legs keep swelling up. Are you sure you're okay?"

"Am fine dear, it's because I sit in one place these days that why. Don't worry, I will be back to my usual self before you know it, " Mallam Audu replied. Tehzeeb didn't ask him anymore until the day she came inside the hospital room and saw her father coughing persistently. " Baba, I think you should see a doctor too."

"Am okay there. It's the weather, don't worry. "

"If you say so,"

"Tehzeeb," Mallam Audu called her name, which cause goosebumps all over her body because Baba hardly calls her by her full name, and when he does, then he has something serious to say

"Na'am Baba(yes father)"

"I want you to know that in life, nothing is permanent. I want you to know that there's a blessing when you're down and at your lowest. The only way you can move up is to thank the Almighty for it because he will raise you if you seek him. Keep reaching out to him, and you'll be amazed by what follows because your experience and breakthrough will be phenomenal. No matter what situation you might find yourself in, hold onto your faith, stay firm, and resolute. Don't let circumstances sway you like a candle in the wind. Never doubt your Lord, the Almighty is aware of everything that's going on. Don't let others create doubts in your mind. He has brought you this far. Did you think he would abandon you? No, he will not." Mallam Audu was about to continue when Tehzeeb interrupted him

"Baba, why are you saying all this? You're making me scared. " Tehzeeb voice out

"My dear in life, we need to be reminded and remember that we're here in this duniya (life) shortly, and we will return anytime our time is over. My dear, always remember that. Many will promise to do things for you, but when it comes to the crunch, they'll not keep their words. Try not to depend on people. If you have to, then be prepared to be disappointed. Remember, you are what you do, not what you say you'll do. Rely on no one but the one who made you because he alone will not disappoint you. "

"Baba, your talks are getting more emotional and scary. Stop it, please. " Tehzeeb pleaded with her dad in a weak voice

"Isn't it more scary knowing that any time could be your last time to talk to someone? Always keep that in mind. Am sorry dear, am not saying all this to make you emotional or scary but we don't know how long we have left, so it's better I say the things I have to tell you while I still have the time. Who knows, maybe today might be my last day, "

"Baba, please stop. Stop saying all this. You're turturing me with your words. Your words are piercing my heart. "

"Am sorry dear but I have to tell you all this when I still have the time. My dear. Don't be disillusioned with life. Not everyone will appreciate what you do for them. But don't be discouraged as there are many ungrateful people out there. You just have to figure out who is worth your effort and who's merely using you. Focus your energy on what pleases the Almighty. And always remember that you will get what is written for you. Always pray for the best and take care of your mother. No matter what the situation, maybe don't leave her because I know she's too fragile. "

"I promised to hold onto whatever you say, Baba, but please stop saying all this as if you're bidding me farewell. Babe, is there something you're hiding from me or from us?" Tehzeeb asked, searching for an answer in her father's eyes

"My dear, anytime might be our last time. Am not bidding farewell at the same time. I am bidding you farewell because I don't know when I will receive my call from the Almighty. So it's better I do that now. It's okay, my dear, get up and start going so you won't be late, and always remember that we love you. Don't cheat on anyone. Always say the truth no matter what the situation is. May the Almighty Allah always protect you for me" Tehzeeb was weak but have to go since she's already getting late, she open the door and was about to step out but rushed back to hug her dad tears streaming down her face. She doesn't know what she feels, but she feels like she's saying her final goodbye with her father. She felt like the world was turning up against her. She felt like screaming because of the aching pain in her chest, but she knew that with Allah, everything would be okay.

Tehzeeb arrived at the company but was to weak to say anything so she greated Mary which she reply and gave her some papers "here get this from the accounting department" Mary handover the paper to her and continue her work. Tehzeeb did as she was told and went out to get some coffee to wake her up a little bit. On her way coming back, she was lost in her thought and bumped into someone, but before she could apologize, he slapped her

"Are you blind or what?" A fumming Ibrahim said,"Are you deaf? Am I not talking to you?" He spat angrily

""Am sorry, " Tehzeeb said weakly. She hates being volunerable, but she has no strength now

"Oh, hold that to yourself." Before Ibrahim could continue, someone slapped him back, which made the both of them turn and see who it was

**********

Any guesses who did you think slap him

Drop your comments. Ghost readers vote and comment

Don't forget to vote. Comment and share.

Love you all

Pen~Zeeekadir~

Chapter 32

Ibrahim was just standing there like a statue staring at nothing in particular. He couldn't believe Tehzeeb said all that to him "God am glad no one was around to witness this embarrassing moment" he said out puffing out air from his mouth "I need to act fast before this girl get out of control. I can't allow her to ruin my reputation just like that. Never that will never happen, not even in my wildest dreams. " he continues talking to himself before he leaves and drives out of the company

Ibrahim arrived shortly and parked his car before he walked inside. "Where is the little princess that has every one wrap around her fingers?" he said, entering inside

"Fisabilillah Ibrahim even to say Salam is difficult for you,"Hajiya Kande Ibrahim's mother said immediately he heard his voice

"Oh ni Kaltumi (oh me Kaltumi), let this boy be, his just arriving at least allow him to land before you start attacking him,"Hajiya Kaltumi said defending Ibrahim

"Don't allow him to get more rotten than the way he already is,"Hajiya Kande speaks

"Don't worry, his just eager to see his baby gal, that's why,"Hajiya Kaltumi said

"Marmee,"Ibrahim said, which Hajiya Kaltumi smiled and opened her arms, waiting for his hug, which Ibrahim scratched his side head

"Wonders Ibrahim have grown up that he don't want to even give me hug again. Gaskiya (truly) it's high time I see my daughter in-laws"Hajiya Kaltumi smile."Nawal is sleeping she just came back with her Pappy, and I guess she played a lot there,"

"You mean Nawal was in the company earlier?" Ibrahim asked, surprised

"Yes, she was. Don't tell me you did not see her or probably Pappy did not reach your side. "

"Perhaps. Your brother is inside, and I will ask the maids to bring something for you. "

"Since you're now a mother, you have forgotten about your sister, right? No problem, " Hadiza said, coming out of the room

"Oh my Deedee gal. I missed you so much, "Ibrahim said

"Oh, save the story for the Gods. I heard everything you said since you came inside, but you never for once mentioned my name just shouting princess. " Hadiza said hand akimbo( hand by her waist).

"Am sorry, sis, was carried away. You know it's been long since I saw my princess, " Ibrahim defended

"Oh, it's me that it's not been long, you saw right. No problem, it's your time. "

"Am sorry, my lovely sis, promised such won't happen again."

"The both of you should go somewhere else with this. You're bickering, as you can see we're talking," Hajiya Kande said

"Seriously, because if we leave this cat and rat here, they will full our ears with their non ending talk," Hajiya Kaltumi said

"Sorry, Boss Ladies," Ibrahim and Hadiza said at the same time, which made them laugh and run out because of the throw pillows that come flying, which there mother's threw.

Ibrahim and Hadiza barge inside Ashafa's room, in which he stop playing his game and look at them. "I should have known it's you two," he said before he continued with his game

"Dan Allah (because of God), let us be. You're always serious or playing games. Don't you have any other things to do?"Ibrahim asked

"Ya Ibro, you know he won't answer you, especially now that his playing game. Let me go and get you something to eat, " Hadiza said, leaving the room to get something for Ibrahim

Immediately, Tehzeeb left the company she hail a cap to take her to the General Hospital where her mom is admitted. She paid the cap man and rushed inside without wasting time. When she entered, she saw her father sitting beside her mother. Their hands clasped together "Baba" she whispered softly to avoid waking or disturbing her mother

"It's okay dear, don't stress yourself over nothing. She just needs some rest, and in Sha Allah, she will be back to her feet, " Mallam Audu said reassuringly

"What did the doctor say?" Tehzeeb questions

"It's just stress and anxiety, that's all,"

"But..."

"No, but. I think you should go home and get something to eat. "

"Baba, let me stay with Umma, then you will go and rest. Can't you see your legs are swallon? " Tehzeeb said, showing her father his legs that are swallon

"Don't worry dear, it's nothing, before you know it, it will be back to normal." Mallam Audu tries to cover up

"But..."

"Just go home and rest. Then later on you can come and stay with your Umma"

"Okay," Tehzeeb said dejectedly, knowing she had no other way out. She walked out of the room and was about to leave when she bumped into the doctor in charge of her mother's health. "Good day, doctor," she greated immediately

"Good day, young lady," the doctor responds with a smile, which Tehzeeb forces to smile too

"Aaa..rm," Tehzeeb said, stammering

"Speak up,I can see you have a question to asked"

"Well, it's about my Umma's health." Tehzeeb finally speaks up

"I think we should discuss that in my office. This is not the proper place for that," the doctor said and began to walk, which Tehzeeb followed. Immediately, they were in the safety of the doctor's office, and she spoke

"What's actually wrong with her?" Tehzeeb asked."Have not seen my Umma like this ever since I grew up, "Tehzeeb said worriedly

"It's not a big deal. It's just anxiety and stress, nothing much," the doctor tries to explain

"But what might be the cause of that doctor?"

"Well, anxiety is a reaction due to stress."

Tehzeeb did not allow the doctor to finish explaining before she talks, "but she doesn't go to work or anything. She's always at home."

"Yes, that can cause it to. Loneliness can cause anxiety, or maybe there's something that's bothering her. She doesn't want you to know which affects her"

"I don't think so, Umma don't hide anything from me"

"Don't worry, she's not in danger. She just needs some bed rest, that's all."

"I hope so," she murmured silently. "Thank you, doctor, I will take my leave now,"

"It's okay," and she walked out of the doctor's office to go home

Tehzeeb has been doing up and down between her IT and Umma in the hospital, but she noticed that Baba's legs have been swelling up, which she asked him "Baba are you sick" She asked

"What did you see, my dear?" Mallam Audu replied to her question with another question

"I notice your legs keep swelling up. Are you sure you're okay?"

"Am fine dear, it's because I sit in one place these days that why. Don't worry, I will be back to my usual self before you know it, " Mallam Audu replied. Tehzeeb didn't ask him anymore until the day she came inside the hospital room and saw her father coughing persistently. " Baba, I think you should see a doctor too."

"Am okay there. It's the weather, don't worry. "

"If you say so,"

"Tehzeeb," Mallam Audu called her name, which cause goosebumps all over her body because Baba hardly calls her by her full name, and when he does, then he has something serious to say

"Na'am Baba(yes father)"

"I want you to know that in life, nothing is permanent. I want you to know that there's a blessing when you're down and at your lowest. The only way you can move up is to thank the Almighty for it because he will raise you if you seek him. Keep reaching out to him, and you'll be amazed by what follows because your experience and breakthrough will be phenomenal. No matter what situation you might find yourself in, hold onto your faith, stay firm, and resolute. Don't let circumstances sway you like a candle in the wind. Never doubt your Lord, the Almighty is aware of everything that's going on. Don't let others create doubts in your mind. He has brought you this far. Did you think he would abandon you? No, he will not." Mallam Audu was about to continue when Tehzeeb interrupted him

"Baba, why are you saying all this? You're making me scared. " Tehzeeb voice out

"My dear in life, we need to be reminded and remember that we're here in this duniya (life) shortly, and we will return anytime our time is over. My dear, always remember that. Many will promise to do things for you, but when it comes to the crunch, they'll not keep their words. Try not to depend on people. If you have to, then be prepared to be disappointed. Remember, you are what you do, not what you say you'll do. Rely on no one but the one who made you because he alone will not disappoint you. "

"Baba, your talks are getting more emotional and scary. Stop it, please. " Tehzeeb pleaded with her dad in a weak voice

"Isn't it more scary knowing that any time could be your last time to talk to someone? Always keep that in mind. Am sorry dear, am not saying all this to make you emotional or scary but we don't know how long we have left, so it's better I say the things I have to tell you while I still have the time. Who knows, maybe today might be my last day, "

"Baba, please stop. Stop saying all this. You're turturing me with your words. Your words are piercing my heart. "

"Am sorry dear but I have to tell you all this when I still have the time. My dear. Don't be disillusioned with life. Not everyone will appreciate what you do for them. But don't be discouraged as there are many ungrateful people out there. You just have to figure out who is worth your effort and who's merely using you. Focus your energy on what pleases the Almighty. And always remember that you will get what is written for you. Always pray for the best and take care of your mother. No matter what the situation, maybe don't leave her because I know she's too fragile. "

"I promised to hold onto whatever you say, Baba, but please stop saying all this as if you're bidding me farewell. Babe, is there something you're hiding from me or from us?" Tehzeeb asked, searching for an answer in her father's eyes

"My dear, anytime might be our last time. Am not bidding farewell at the same time. I am bidding you farewell because I don't know when I will receive my call from the Almighty. So it's better I do that now. It's okay, my dear, get up and start going so you won't be late, and always remember that we love you. Don't cheat on anyone. Always say the truth no matter what the situation is. May the Almighty Allah always protect you for me" Tehzeeb was weak but have to go since she's already getting late, she open the door and was about to step out but rushed back to hug her dad tears streaming down her face. She doesn't know what she feels, but she feels like she's saying her final goodbye with her father. She felt like the world was turning up against her. She felt like screaming because of the aching pain in her chest, but she knew that with Allah, everything would be okay.

Tehzeeb arrived at the company but was to weak to say anything so she greated Mary which she reply and gave her some papers "here get this from the accounting department" Mary handover the paper to her and continue her work. Tehzeeb did as she was told and went out to get some coffee to wake her up a little bit. On her way coming back, she was lost in her thought and bumped into someone, but before she could apologize, he slapped her

"Are you blind or what?" A fumming Ibrahim said,"Are you deaf? Am I not talking to you?" He spat angrily

""Am sorry, " Tehzeeb said weakly. She hates being volunerable, but she has no strength now

"Oh, hold that to yourself." Before Ibrahim could continue, someone slapped him back, which made the both of them turn and see who it was

**********

Any guesses who did you think slap him

Drop your comments. Ghost readers vote and comment

Don't forget to vote. Comment and share.

Love you all

Pen~Zeeekadir~