TRIALS (Completed)

Thirty-one

What a coward. Shamsu thought as he sped along the empty tarred road. 

He never meant for things to escalate to this. Yes, he knew working with Grace would raise some eyebrows, but he believed he had it all under control. 

He sighed and stamped in the steering wheel in frustration, recalling last night's event. Especially the look on Walida's face. 
How would he explain himself now? He wondered. And if he did, would she believe him? 

When he arrived at the shop, he noticed that the door was unlocked, but Qasim was nowhere to be found. He rubbed his eyes to wipe away the leftover sleep and settled on the long bench reserved for customers. He had stayed up late, thinking whether to go plead with Walida or let her be. 

Eventually, he fell asleep. And by the time he awoke, it was a few minutes past dawn prayer. Walida didn't come to wake him, neither was she in her room when he checked. But she had left a tray of breakfast for him on the dining table. 

As Shamsu drifted away, Qasim's voice shook him awake. He sat up, yawned and rubbed his stubbled jaw. 

"Ah ah, yallabai." Qasim stood over him, confusion etched on his face. "Lafiya?" 

Shamsu leaned against the wall and nodded. 

Qasim shrugged and went to his spot behind the counter while Shamsu watched him. "Did Walida come here?" 

Qasim looked up from the notebook before him, "when?" 

He shrugged, "During the week."

Qasim shook his head." Lafiya?" 

Shamsu gazed at him for a while to guage whether he was lying. "Kar ka yi min qarya fa–don’t lie to me." He wagged a finger at him. 

Qasim stood, "Ban gane ba, did something happen?" 

Shamsu didn't trust him enough to tell him. So he shook his head. His phone rang, cutting through the tension. He glanced at it, ended the call and placed the phone beside him. He could feel Qasim's questioning gaze on him, but he ignored it and rose to his feet. 

"I'm going out." He said over his shoulder. 

"Toh, to the new shop."

Shamsu paused, "No." 

“But madam-“

Shamsu strolled into the half empty street, not in the least bothered about  Qasim's protests. There was no need, for he was on his way to Grace's place, in hope that she'd listen to him, and perhaps, help him explain to Walida. It wasn't the best of ideas, but it'd have to do. He just hoped it would work. 

It was just fifteen minutes past nine so most shops were still closed. The warm sun rays seeped through his cotton white shirt as he ambled towards the car. On a second thought, he stopped. Why not just take public transport? He turned away from the car and headed for the main road, where a rickshaw waited. 

On getting to Grace's apartment, he met her outside already, rummaging through her handbag for car keys, probably. 

Sannu ma, he greeted. 

She raised her head and blinked in surprise, long lashes framing her eyes. "Ah, Oga Shamsu."
She smiled widely.  "I called you earlier but you didn't pick."

He smiled back. “I was already on my way here.”

She nodded, then tilted her head to peek behind him." No car today?"

He shook his head. "I need your help.

She responded with a nod.

“It's my wife, she's accusing me of cheating on her.”

Grace's eyes widened in surprise." Oh my, why would she think that?"

“She saw us at the new shop.”

"Oh, that does not sound good at all." She looked away with a frown. “Where is she now?”

“I think she left.”

“Left, just like that? Didn't you talk to her?”

“I wanted to, but,” he shook his head. “Now she's gone.”

Grace pursed her lips. “So how can I help you?” 

“I need you to help follow me to her parent’s house and explain our relationship.”

“Hmm, that makes sense, but will she agree?”

He rose one shoulder. “I'm hoping she will.” 

“Okay then. I'll do it again.” 

He glanced at his watch. “We should go.”

Grace nodded, then glanced at her car, "Would you like to drive?" 

Shamsu quickly shook his head, "I'll take adaidaita."

"Okay."

As he made his way towards the gate, he noticed her following, her loose green gown flowing behind her. He stopped, “Are you not taking the car?”

"Should I?"

He turned around, thinking of how to turn her down without sounding offensive.  "Yes please, take your car. It's better."

She cocked her head to the side and smiled. Shamsu was sure she was doubting him. 

Finally, she said, “Okay then. But we'll get to work first, right?"

"Yes."

As she made her way to the car, she thought, What a dumb wife he must have.

•••
Assalamu alaikum, all!

Hope your week is going well?

We finally have Shamsu's POV. Yay! And Grace? What do you think of her? Is she really trying to snatch Shamsu? And is she right about Walida being dumb?😂😂😂

The comments section is open to your views.

And don't forget to tap that star below, and tell other wattpaders about zis story.

❤❤❤