Swinging Destiny

Episode 11

The train had spent two hours In a town called sarkin paws. There was an announcement thirty minutes after they reached the station that there was another train that had developed technical problems a few miles away from sarkin pawa station which would hinder their movement until such problem was solved. However, they pleaded with the passengers for the inconveniences caused but, also, assured them that the problem would be over as soon as possible. When the passengers began to realize that the time of departure was becoming uncertain as minutes crawled into hours, some of decided to go down to take fresh air, stretch their legs, to take a look around the town, and to find something to eat depending on each ones priority.
       Sagir, awwal and other girls were not an exception. They went down and found themselves a shade under a tree. They interacted freely as if they had known each other earlier. Sagir was somehow reserved throughout their conversation. Maybe he ddnt want to make unnecessary commitments. A few minutes after they had settled down in the shade, awwal decided to order for something to eat. The two girls, rukkayyarh and Halimarh, volunteered to go inside the station to buy the food since they had a food flask with them.

     Right from minna station, awwal had begun to show interest in Halimarh. Although the two were pretty, Halimarh was however fairer in complexion, may be that was what attracted awwal to her. Awwal hinted sagir about his interest to befriend Halimarh when two left to buy food. He also encouraged sagir to talk with the other girl so as strike a balance. Sagir declined but encouraged him and wished him good luck. In his view, the two girls were not bad but he could not make any commitment upon his earlier commitment with Nafisa. If you commit yourself you stay committed. You can decide whether or not to initiate affairs but cannot determine its extent. This, of course, is determined according to the prevailing circumstances and the will of god. Nonetheless, he urged awwal to be bold, resolute and ensure his success. You've not committed yourself to any girl before, who knows whether this girl maybe the lucky person, he said teasingly.
      After they finished eating, awwal sought audience with Halimarh. He suggested to her the idea of strolling around the town. Halimarh honoured the request but also invited others. Sagir knowing awwal's motive, he declined, rukkayyarh also refused to join them.

       After they left, sagir began to to feel uncomfortable. They could not keep silent without conversation. In doing this, he needed to be very careful. While he was still contemplating about how to begin, Rukkayyarh decided to break the silence
   Sagir, your face looks familiar, began Rukayya although i may be wrong.
    Or, you may be right who knows? Interjected sagir
Do you have a sister at government girls secondary school, Bida?
       Yes I do, salmat ahmadu's her name.
She's the one, exclaimed rukkayyarh. It was through that your sister i knew you. We're classmate and live in the same hostel at school.
   But, how do you know me through her? I hardly visit your school.
      Through your portrait. I confirmed my guess when you introduced yourself. You bear the same surname, explained rukkayyarh.
   You are right, interjected, it's my pleasure to meet you!
  It's mine too. So you're blood brother to Salmarh?
Yes , I'm her elder brother, of the same parents.
I am from kano and live with my parents at house no 277, naibawa, layin yankifi
I see, he began to feel uncomfortable about the direction of the their conversation.
     Awwal and Halimarh are taking time sagir said to change the conversation.
I think your friend likes her . She said calmly, and from the look of things they are getting along.
How did you know? Sagir asked.
Know what? Rukkayyarh asked
That my friend is interested in your friend? And why are you so optimistic at they are getting along?
I'm a grown up girl. Action, they said speaks louder than voice.
    Well, I rest my case, ladies are always on their own, said sagir
     But remember, this is men's world. They do everything they wish, unquestioned. They live a free life. They do what they want unrestricted. They can aspire to any position in the society. They choose who who and when to marry. To crown it all they are lords of their houses. They've all right and privileges over the woman and the children. Women are restricted on the other hand and you are saying that ladies are on their own!
Rukkayyarh remember that god.
Leave god out of this, sagir God , religion, are all instruments men use to defence mechanism, ignoring societal norms and values. Most of these differences were all artificially created by men.
     Don't worry, I know the direction you are heading. Women empowerment, women liberation, gender inequality, you wil do well when you become First Lady.
  There you again. Gender inequality, why not Nigerian president instead of first lady? They both burst into laughter. At that point the train that blocked their way began to crawl into the station. With this development, in a short while, their train would resume its journey. As if awwal and Halimarh were not far from the station, they approached their shade from about thirty metres away.

Yeeeyyy
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