Jalo estate.

03

Dolled up in my dark blue skirt and light blue blouse, I wrapped a dark blue veil around my head in a hijab style.

"Maryam!"

Ammi shouted and I quickly sprayed my perfume shouting "Coming!" As I pushed the door open and walked out.

The land lord came and it is finally time to introduce us to the tenants of the house.

"About that water problem." I whispered to Ammi so that she can remind Abba.She nod her head briskly and I moved back.

I smiled at the landlord when our eyes met and he gave me a nod "We are having water problems.You need to send someone to fix it for us." Abba stated and the man smiled in sort of an apology "Water have to be fetched from the estates borehole."

Af first,all of us stayed quite processing the information.I seem to be the last person to fully understand what he mean judging from the horrified looks everyone had.

I am still not convinced though "What do you mean?" I papped staring at him.

God no please! It shouldn't be what am thinking.

I just hope I heard him wrong.

"Their is normally no water in the toilet,you have to fetch it from the estates borehole.That is what everyone does."

He explained in detail and I felt like breathing harshly that too loudly because of the way my heart was thudding hysterically.

This means that,we have to fetch water by ourselves?

This means that no more shower like we are used to? Or excess use of water the way we like?

This means that we have to fetch water for as in like  everything! Bathing,cooking and all.

I let out a little laugh at my own thoughts "Ammi.." I called turning to meet her gaze "Can we talk?"

She nodded her head and I smiled at my two buffalo brothers who couldn't have the shame to smile back at me.

Me and Ammi sat on my bed quietly before I decided to talk "Tell me what I don't know." I stated staring at her "What is happening?" I questioned not letting my gaze waver.

Ammi sigh a little "Your father is nearly penniless." She stated with her voice croaking.

Dumbfounded,I seeked for more explanation.

Something is definitely off.Yes,my father has been bankrupted but he have many houses doesn't he? He have so much money,he have many other source of income.How can he be penniless? Why are we here?

"Everything have been snatched away from him.The bank snatched everything away from him,every property of his saying that he got it illegally."

I didn't know what to do,what to say or which reaction to give.

"Since when?"

"Last year."

And I didn't know.Gosh,do I look like a living dead that so much have happened and I don't have a single clue about it?

"Everything have been snatched away from him,his houses and his business.Everything that he owns.I believe this is a test from Allah and I hope we pass it Maryam.I know living here will be hard but we should manage for now."

"Your father is still trying to prove himself innocent and then we will get everything back."

Tears rolled down from my eyes but I wiped them away quickly.I nod my head "We will get through this." I stated.

This will be hard,it will be one heck of a ride.

"What about our relatives? Or Abba's friends? No one wants to help?" I questioned eagerly and she nodded her head "No one wants to get involved.The case is pretty more complicated than it seems."

Letting out a drawn breath,me and Ammi stepped out of the room ready to meet the tenants of Jalo estate.

After 20 minutes,the landlord have gathered each and everyone like some sort of an assembly and we stood in front of them like soldiers.

My mood is off ever since my conversation with Ammi, I feel so numb.

The landlord smiled at the other tenants before starting "Good afternoon our dear tenants of jalo estate." He stated and a series of "Good
Mornings" passed by.

"This family you are seeing are the new tenants that came just yesterday.I hope you people will be nice and co operate with them for a peaceful living."

We all smiled at them forcefully.

"My name is Alhaji Salisu Garba,this is my wife Badiyya Zakari.Those three are our children. Maryam,Al'amin and Bashir." Abba introduced and we all waved our hands.

"Nice to meet you all." I stated firmly trying to be as nice as I could.

I expected smiles and introductions but all of them scurried away whispering things to each other.

Shrugging lightly, I turned to meet my annoyed brothers faces "They are really mean and I mean it." I stated rolling my eyes and Bashir laughed "That kind of rhymed?" He more like questioned and I smacked his shoulder.

"Aunty M,stop being violent."

We made our way back to our house and Ammi shove us 3 buckets.

We all gave her a confused look but albeit collected the buckets "We need water to use,go and fetch some."

"Your father will buy a drum for us so we can fill it every morning.For now,we can manage using the buckets before he buys the drums."

I said I will co operate.I said we will manage.

But I really doubt it right now.