Blooming

3.

𝑸𝑼𝑰𝑻 𝑵𝑶𝑻𝑰𝑪𝑬

"Zauna." Abba commanded. He had just came back with a sleeping kamil in his hands and had sent for her immediately. When Hajiya had Informed her about the parcel without telling her what was inside, she had intended on letting it slide until whenever she was ready to open but when Alhaji sent for her, she couldn't shake off the dread that filled her heart.

"Read it aloud." Alhaji handed her a brown envelope which had the inscription Istanbul, Turkey on it.
it was from him.
As she opened it, a paper fell from inside it. She reached for it and unfolded it.

It was a complimentary card from jincheng company with Kaamil's name on it. Although the Sender's name was not written on it, She knew who it was from.

"It's a card Abba. There's nothing on it."

"It came in through DHL . I have asked the Gate man to keep it in the garage. Tomorrow insha Allah I will get it coupled for him.

"But Baba, what's the point of all these?" What was Ismail trying to do? she wouldn't allow him interfere in her life. She will not have anything to do with him. This she has promised herself but with kamil in the picture, she knew it was impossible.

"Are you suggesting we return it. Or are you saying he has no right to send Kamil gifts? As his Father, you should know that he will always be in Kamil's life." Hajiya returned angrily.
So they have also concluded it was from Ismail. Well who was she to oppose? She had wanted asking who it was from but seeing that Hajiya did not tell her, she decided to let it slide.

"I am not saying you should return it Hajiya, I am just saying It will raise questions from Kamil which I am not prepared to answer yet."

"Even if it will take you years, that day must come. Whatever you decide to tell him now is left to you. But I will advice you tell him the truth since they already know each other." Alhaji returned

"But Baba," he raised his hands then said,

"I will not stop kamil from using that bike. Tomorrow, I will get it coupled for him and that is final." She might have wanted to find peace here. But it seems the past will always be with her.

"She should be thanking God that he has not asked for kamil yet. How many people will leave their child with you for all ths years without demanding for his custody? The least you can do is allow the Child accept gifts from his Father ." Trust Hajiya to bring such issues up.

"Toh Hajiya naji. But I will not hand kamil to anybody. He knows better than to ask for his custody ai baba. Where was he all this years?"

"Koma dai menene he has the right to. But since he has not asked for him yet, let's not go into that. I want to go and see your Parents tomorrow."

If it came to that, then she will summon every force within her powers to tackle him. Kamil was for her to keep. He has and will always be.

"Toh Baba Nagode. My........" Was she supposed to say he should send her regards, or should she ask him to seek for their forgiveness on her behalf after she had unceremoniously left them? She had no choice but to keep the remaining words to herself.

"Goodnight. Allah ya bamu alheri."

She knew it meant the end of their discussion. So she stood up and headed upstairs to her room.

..........................
It had been a sunny afternoon when they had gone to Tumba Golf coast for a match and he had suggested that they go see a land a colleague of his had hinted him about. It was on sale at a very reasonable price because the people needed money desperately. Their Friendship was still young and thriving then Cornell Bature had seen the land and wanted it from the spot. He initially wanted to buy it for himself but seeing that his friend had shown interest, he let it go. It almost felt like a dream when he looked back at their closeness in those years. Even with the distance between their ages, Alhaji Bature had still called him friend.