Sadiya |REWRITING

Chapter Seventeen

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KANO, NIGERIA.

Chatters, giggles, laughters, screams—all, they made the street lively. It was bustling with various activities of common man. Some, going about their way, others, going as far as standing by the sidewalks to hear other people's arguments or small talks. Mothers chasing after their troublesome kids, both old and young couples, going their ways, teasing one another. Even the familiar cheerful faces of street food vendors were not enough to lighten up her day, not even that of the kids' or couples' did.

The old band hoodie of Rayan's, swallowed her whole—a band she was sure he did not have the songs of on his playlist, neither his mind, perhaps. She was not too sure. The sounds surrounding her rung in her ears, she hated the loudness as much as she found solace in drowning in it with her sadness. Life was unfair, the sixteen year-old understood that, ever since the previous ten years or so. Her index finger poked the hole in the pocket of the old hoodie.

The piece of clothing was few sizes small for her nineteen year-old brother, to which he had no choice but to hand over to her before his departure. It was amongst her favorites in his closet, so, why not?

Kano—a busy town on its own. Centre of commerce, it really was. She could say it was her favorite city to live in within Nigeria, maybe it was because she was yet to visit others. The keyword there, being "yet", that was her choice of word because she had faith she would. Hopefully. Their mother said they would travel places, many places and anything her mother said, it'd always come true. She held onto her word. A rock motionlessly laid by Sadiya's foot was kicked, albeit not by her, but the shorter girl beside her.

She was so into her mind that she hadn't noticed her, there. She wished to be alone—however, it was nowhere near surprising that she did not get what she wished for. Just as she wished for freedom.

"Hey."

There she was again, in her convoluted mind. The nudge on her shoulder could have pulled her out of it, one knew better, it did not. Instead, indented images of her gashes, swollen skin and tears -she had tried concealing, times with no count- flew about her thoughts. Not hers, though. Those were a daily occurence, daily was a lenient word perchance, because more wounds were included every few hours of the day. Which in lieu, the girl was not used to.

The constant hits, slaps, beatings, did not escape her. He said her smart mouth put her in trouble, yet, after he hit her, he would apologize. Her brother, Rayan, on the other hand, was sent to a boarding school in Dutse—far from them. The man need not say it, but she, more than anyone else, knew it was because "he could not risk getting caught". Rayan seldom visited home, when he did, it was...different.

"Hey, you," the soft voice whispered in her ears. She flinched, having being startled by the sudden contact. She turned her head over her shoulder, round eyes staring soul-deep into hers. "Where you at? You were lost." The frown on the other girl's face gave away her dislike on the fact.

"I'm sorry," she eyed her questioning gaze, "it's nothing deep." It was not that she didn't trust her, but, some things were better kept obscure.

Of course she did not trust her words, however, she could not push the truth out. "You nerd. Maths test's tomorrow, you ready?" The round eyed girl answered her own question. "Of course you are."