Behind My Walls✔️

Chapter 28

.....

My confidence walked right off the door when Layla's expression mirrored mine as she stood beside me at the dining room. She had promised to cover up, cooking Iftar (breaking of fast) for me today, which we used to cook for the people that used to come on yearly Ramadan, as created by me for charity and dedicated to Ammi.

However today was a different case, because Aunty Asiya came for work to Abuja, and she called me that she would come take me to her in_law's (Umaima) house for Iftar, whom I wouldn't want to disappoint, Perhaps it was nearly the ending of Ramadan which I wouldn't want to be absent for the charity Iftar either.

Layla informed me that her elder brothers will go to their house with their families for family Iftar also, which her presence meant a lot because her mom cannot be left alone to cook for them, as my presence is exceptionally needed here.

My head is gonna explode!

"What about if you leave it to Raliya?". Layla asked.

There are almost 20 people who comes daily for the Iftar which is nearly impossible for only her to serve them even if I helped her cook early before following Aunty. I sighed. "She can't handle it alone".

Layla hold her chin thinking. "But if...".

I cuts in. "Layla don't stress yourself, you should just go for your iftar preparation". I paused. "I will just tell Aunty that I can't make it".

"You shouldn't worry, I promise I will come help you tomorrow". Layla said.

I smiled gratefully. "Thank you". Just then Layla's phone started ringing.

"Hello mom". She paused, listening to the other line. "No, I'm not at home, I'm in Pretty's house, where are you?". She held her forehead."Mom please do you have to stress yourself?". She asked. "You should just take a day off, I'm coming back later". She paused. "Alright bye". She kept her phone on the table.

"What happened?". I asked.

She sighed. "Mom went to work today and she asked me to go home and start the preparation".

"Oh Ok then, should I drop you off?". I asked.

She shook her head. "I'm going later, let's find the solution to who will help Raliya. I'm sure mom will take the day off work as I suggested". She stated.

"You don't have to waste time here, you also have a lot to do and I guess I will just wait for Aunty Asiya to tell her that I can't make it".

"OK what time is she coming?".

"She's at the hospital, so probably before breaking of fast which is dawn". I answered while Layla nodded.

"Aunty, what should we cook for today's Iftar?". Raliya asked coming toward us.

"Three meals as usual, but lets change the appetizer to shrimp Alfredo and cocktails".

We occupied ourselves with work in the kitchen with Layla's help before she later on left. Abba called to check up on us, since he traveled to Dubai for his work.

After hours of cooking and loads of baking, we were nearly done and I left to pray at the prayer chamber. However, every time I set my feet in there, I used to remember none other than Ammi because that was her favorite place. I prayed my Asr prayer and I sat reading the holy Qur'an when I heard a knock on the front door and a moment later Raliya peeked her head into the chamber.

"Aunty, Aunty Asiya is in the living room". I nodded at her, finished reading the page, closed the Qur'an and walked to the living room.

She grinned the moment she saw me. "My darling I've missed you so much, how have you been?". She asked as I hugged her and sat beside her housekeeper(Fauziyya) who was seated next to her.