Save our Dignity

Chapter Eleven

Me Kelani dialled Siddiqui's number while walking out of the doctor's office. His phone vibrated signalling that the call has been picked.

His son's voice echoed through the phone as he placed it beside his left ear.

"Dad, where are you? Are you okay? Is Nuhrain there?" He asked all in one breath.

No response.

"Dad? Are you still there? Please come to the hospital quickly. We are losing Aleesha."
He jerked back to his senses when he heard that. His daughter! What happened to her? He couldn't bear the thought of losing her let alone losing her for real.

But he was caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. What to do... His brain ruminated for answers. He couldn't hold it in anymore. He broke down like a child, sobbing and gasping. Some nurses and few people in the hospital's hallway rushed to him.

Bashir took the phone from him while the others attended to him. Bashir took the time to explain everything to Siddiqui who promised to be there in a minute. They both ended the call.

At the other hospital where Aleesha was hospitalised, Siddiqui fumbled with the keys on the table next to his mother in search of their car keys.

His mother who was still weeping and yet to recover from what just happened to her daughter asked what he was looking for. He told her he would be back and dashed out before she could say anything leaving her in a dazed state.

He soon got there and barged into the hospital. He told the receptionist who he was there to see but she told him he would have to wait since the patient is still resting. She proceeded to tell him he could see Mr Kelani and directed him to the private ward he was placed in.

Both father and son embraced each other when he entered the room.
Siddiqui looked at his father with teary eyes and painful withdraw his gaze as a tear fell. He needs to be strong for his whole family.

"Forgive me, son. I should be the one in your position, acting strong for us all but... I couldn't take it. It was too much to take in. Overwhelming. I'm sorry." His father spoke after a while.

"No, it's okay. You were also involved in the accident. And your health conditions must have made the whole incident weigh you down." Siddiqui sniffed and forced his father a smile.

"Your brother... He lost his memories."

His whole body trembled but he quickly concealed it, but not quick enough to hide it from his father. He kept quiet and stared gloomily out the window.

"It will be fine, one day." Me Kelani assured. He didn't believe in those words any longer but he nodded now hiding his despair behind a fake gleeful smile.

A nurse in plain white gown entered. Her white socks reached just exactly where her knee-length gown stopped. Her black shoes were shiny. In short, her whole look was neat and fine.

She took a few tests on Mr Kelani and told him it was time for his afternoon medicine. Siddiqui glanced at his watch. It was precisely 1:05 pm. Just as he raised his head, Bashir entered. Siddiqui studied him for a while after his father introduced him as the Samaritan that helped during the hours of the accident.

He sure looks like he is in his late twenties, no doubts. Siddiqui thought. Bashir outstretched his hand at Siddiqui for a shake. His phone rang in his pocket instantly after they broke the handshake.

"Siddiqui, where are you? What's going on? Are you with the DPO? Has he found them?" His mother bombarded him with questions after he picked the call. He remained mute not knowing how to tell his mom what happened. It will surely leave her more devastated.

"Whether you like it or not, I'll certainly know. Then why keep things from me? Tell me if something is wrong." She sounded calmer this time around.

She is right. Siddiqui reckoned.

"Nuhrain and Dad were involved in a severe accident on their way back from the airport. They've both been hospitalized." He wasn't sure of how she was going to take the news at first but surprisingly, she was calm and accepted it has been destined to happen.

Siddiqui asked how Aleesha was doing and she told him she was now doing fine. She regained consciousness a few moments after he left. His mother explained. After a short while, they ended the call promising to keep each other updated.

He couldn't tell her. That her son has now lost his memories. How would she take the news? She would be shattered, broken. No! He can't bear his mother being in such a state.

Towards the evening, he escorted Bashir out of the hospital and thanked him before bidding him farewell. "What a good man that is." He smiled walking back into the hospital.

********
It hadn't been easy. Things were tough but they managed to scale through the intense week of agony and now, they are all back at home together. Nuhrain was discharged fourteen days after Aleesha's.

They were both placed on medication. They have also been prescribed some therapy and have their therapists each. One for Aleesha to help her overcome her trauma and one to help Nuhrain in getting back his memories. It has been a bump-free journey so far but they are starting to get somewhere.

Siddiqui on the other hand has relocated to Port Harcourt for his NYSC ( National Youth Service Corps). He wanted to stay back and forget the whole thing or at least get redeployed but his family assured him they would be fine and he has a life to live. After much persuasion, he agreed and left for Port Harcourt.

Mr Kelani's arm is yet to heal completely but his fractured ankle has. The DPO (Divisional Police Officer) has been paying him frequent visits and giving him updates on the criminal(s). They were yet to track them down but they are getting very close to it. Mr Kelani also hired a private investigator to look into the issue and so far so good.

The DPO and the private investigator will be meeting him the next day to give him updates and both claimed to have found some really strong information that can help them track the criminal(s) down to their hideout.

Hopefully, the result turns out good and hopefully the bloodshed stops...

Another chapter for you guys. What do you think?

Do you have a good feeling about the information the DPO and PI claimed they found?

How would it make you feel if the criminal(s) is/are found?

How would you feel if it happens to be the opposite?

Don't forget to vote, comment and tell your friends about this story.

Nabilah loves you all.
Adios Amigos