UNTOLD WOES

6

CHAPTER SIX

After Zulai's return, my life became so miserable sometimes I pray for death to come for me. There's nothing that makes me happy, no one to call my own, no one to back me up or encourage me to be patient. My only respite is Fiddausi who happens to be a blabber mouth and a hypocrite that only wants to hear my worries so that she will tell her mother who will then change the entire story and narrate it back to Zulai with a string of colorful insults.

Uncle had gotten a job out of town making him more absent than present in his own house. She controls him and his earnings too so I hardly get to see him or ask for pocket money. I never thought of committing suicide but I've thought of running away countless times. The only problem is that I don't know where to run to, am too young and my mother's advices about how bad the world is are still etched in my mind hence the reason why I chose to stay even though it was hard.

On a fateful Tuesday afternoon, as I was walking back from school, the Hajiya (who Zulai wanted me to work in her house) saw me crying as she zoomed past with her expensive car that reeks of money and class. I didn't know why but she came back and asked what is wrong with me in a kind and polite manner. I told her that I am fine, I'm just tired and have a lot of things to do at home. She asked for where I live and I gave her the address. She nodded and left without a word.

I went in with a Salam that is unanswered as usual, greeted her and  started washing the used dishes after hanging my bag and hijab on the clothesline because she forbade me from setting foot into my room until after I finish my chores which are endless.  I was so hungry, I haven't eaten a decent meal in weeks, I have no money to buy something in school and the only friend I have is stingy so she never share anything with me even if am on the verge of death and I've learnt to not beg her for anything. I didn't get to eat until past 9pm but I was thankful to not go to bed with hunger pangs that won't let me sleep a wink no matter how tired I am.

Hajiya came to Uncle's house the next day with an elderly woman whom I later learnt is her retiring maid and they've been looking for a replacement before she finally leaves. Zulai was reluctant at first claiming that my uncle forbade her from letting me work as a maid but when she heard the amount she will be receiving monthly she quickly said yes, saying my uncle is an easy going person and will surely not mind me helping out since I'd be allowed to go to school and come back home when am done with my chores. I wasn't happy, I have never envisioned myself as a maid even though we were poor but we had enough to survive but a part of me is thrilled that at least I'll get to eat even if it's left over scraps from the occupants of the house.  After they finalised everything, Hajiya insisted that I follow them saying that she wants to show me around the house and the things I'll be doing so that I'll start proper the next day.

I've never set foot in a huge beautiful mansion like Hajiya's, there are many parts making me deduce that maybe she's not the only wife. We entered the most beautiful part where a teenager my age and a toddler ran to welcome her with smiles on their faces.

"Welcome back Maama" they chorused in unison before turning their attention to me with a curious look" is she the new house maid ?" They asked and Maama answered with a smile.

"You're welcome. I hope we will be friends? My name is Amatullah but you can call me Ama" she said and I shyly nodded not wanting to over step my boundaries.

"Feel free to interact with them Fatima. We don't bite okay ?"

"My name is Fatima and I hope you'll be kind to me " I found myself saying. Maama gave me sad look while Ama introduced her little brother as Muhammad before they headed off to their rooms while the elderly woman whose name is Inna Talatu showed me around the house telling me all the things that I need to do.

"Don't worry, I'll be supervising you for a week or two before finally leaving. Just know that Hajiya is a kind woman and if you're deligent and honest she'll treat you like her blood relation. She hates lateness and dirty people so make sure you're always clean and do not let her husband see you in this house whenever he's around" She instructed and I kept nodding my head.

A sumptous meal was served and I devoured it like a hungry lion making Inna Talatu laugh in astonishment.

"When last did you eat?" She asked and I suddenly felt shy of my uncouth behavior.

"I can't remember the last time I eat well Inna" I told her wiping a stray tear.

She later asked if I can cook and I said yes, she was glad saying that she will tell Hajiya whom I am told to refer to as Maama like her children that I can cook so that she will polish my skills and hopefully add my salary. Before I left for the day, Ama gave me two sets of her clothes with a hijab, a bar of soap and a body cologne telling me to dress well before coming the next day. I was so grateful I thank her profusely. It has been long I was treated with kindness so it's making my heart swell with gratitude and love for the people I've met only for a few hours. I walked back home praying that my stay with Maama and her family will be a peaceful one, that I will find the ease and happiness I crave, that I will be able to enjoy my childhood and maybe, find a way to fulfil my dreams. If only, I know the things fate had in store for me, maybe I wouldn't have accepted the job, maybe I won't be happy with it, maybe I won't think of spreading my wings to soar high because in a community filled with vile human beings who are eager to see everyone's downfall, dreams coming true is a far fetched idea.

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Assalamu alaikum beautiful souls. I'm so so sorry for the long wait for an update. I really have no valid excuse. It's just that the words don't flow and if they don't flow in my head I find it hard to write them down. Do continue to be patient with me until whatever is wrong with me finally leave me be🥺🥺

Jazakumullah khairan for taking out time to read Untold Woes. Your votes and comments are highly appreciated.