Blooming

7.

𝑭𝑨𝑴𝑰𝑳𝒀 𝑨𝑭𝑭𝑨𝑰𝑹

All through the drive back home, her mind was occupied with the thoughts of Kaamil's future. Son's future. The question of wether kamil would get a good life with the decision she had taken was not one to trouble her because she had the resources and means to support him. The bigger question was whether she could offer him what he needed the most, Stability.

Moving from one place to another would certainly not guarantee him that. She could only hope that this would be their final move as she eased into the parking lot.

Three BMW's were parked close to Alhaji's which pointed towards them having guests but it was not the blue car that caused her heart to throb it was the veiled Woman coming out of the house. How could she have forgotten that they were soon to host Aafiya's graduation Walima? She had been so consumed in her own musings that she had forgotten to inquire about the progress of things. Since they had "the talk" with Hajiya, she had not asked her. The reason being that Hajiya had not just stated the terns and conditions of her stay even though she could not or would dare not send Halima parking, it was a hint that things will never be the same as before.

For this, she had resolved to not meddle too much into the family's affairs by setting certain limitations to herself. It had completely escaped her to ask when the graduation Walima was taking place.

She tried to walk with steady steps towards the entrance trying hard not to break in a run. To add to her mystery, the entrance door opened again to reveal three other Women white were engrossed in chatting amongst themselves but  immediately stopped upon sighting Halima.

"Ina Yini Anty? Anzo lapiya, How was the journey. She mumbled to the veiled Woman.

"Lagiya lau." She answered without as much as sparing her a glance and walked passed her. It was obvious the woman did not recognize Halima. What a relief.

"Sannunku da Zuwa Maryam, Basma, Namecy, kunzo Lapiya?" she greeted the three women who had just come out of the house. She had expected them to give her the same treatment as the first Woman but was surprised when they smiled at her and answered somewhat stunned.

They had every right to be stunned. Only God knows how much they have heard about her. The last time she saw them was on the day they had held her hand and put on Ismail's on the kai Amarya day. She could remember vividly how Maryam had whispered in her ear. "You are so lucky such a fine man." And giggled loudly. The Elders there had casted her a stern glare which shushed her. "You are so lucky such a fine man." Had become like a slogan for their wedding. It was said to her by their maids on the first day he had came to see her and almost every other day until the day of the wedding. As if he had done her a favor by marrying her.

Granted that she was not the most beautiful but she was not displeasing to the eyes. She knew the colors that made her skin pop. She knew her makeup very well and smelled pleasant. She was a good person. But nobody cared to tell Ismail that he was lucky to have her at least she had not heard anyone saying that. Ismail was indeed a fine man. She had registered from the day she set her eyes on him. He had a character that was even more beautiful than him. But neither his looks nor his character had been enough.

"Kwana dayawa Leems. Ya Ayyuka.? Heard you are now working at cosmos kinsan Mother in-law ta owns it. Says
Maryam. She was always the showy one yet her favorite due to her bluntness. Basma could not contain her happiness on seeing her. She had been all smiles up until now. She kept fidgeting with her hands as if trying to refrain them from holding Halima. Halima was indifferent.

"How have you girls been? Oh haba. That's good to know. Hajiya is such a nice soul. Lucky you." She knew of course that her boss was Maryam's in-law but had decided to indulge her.