Two Brothers, One Heart

Chapter 5

The loud bang on the door jolted Khadija Nagogo awake on that sunny Saturday morning. She squinted as she saw Aunty Raqiya approaching with a mini-tray of tea in an espresso cup.

Khadija mustered her strength and sat up, rubbing her eyes. "Salamualaikum, Aunty," she greeted softly.

"Wa alaikum asalam," Aunty Raqiya replied. "Hope you've prayed Fajr. I brought you tea to warm you up. It may be sunny, but it's still frosty outside."

Khadija took the cup and sipped the tea, finding it tasty and refreshing with a minty flavor. It must be herbal tea.

"Thank you, Aunty, for everything. You treat Yaya Ali, Usman, Sadia, Umar, and me like your own children. You're like a mother to me," Khadija expressed gratefully.

"Alright, you've had enough. Finish your tea before it gets colder," Aunty Raqiya advised, planting a loving kiss on Khadija's cheeks.

Khadija settled back on the bed, savoring every sweet sip of her tea. Memories of their past flooded her mind. She couldn't help but admire Aunty Raqiya's compassion and peaceful nature, despite the challenges she faced in the family.

As the first wife of their father, Raqiya's inability to have children due to health issues led Haj. Hadiza Nagogo, their mother-in-law and grandma, to bring Laila, a woman from a well-to-do family, for her son to marry.

Raqiya endured numerous atrocities, yet she remained passive and patient, believing that one day it would all come to an end. Laila, on the other hand, had five children with him before a tragic car accident claimed their lives after fourteen years of marriage. Their wealth and treasures were left in the hands of their oldest son, Ali Nagogo. Khadija, however, reminded herself that the past and future are ultimately in Allah's hands. She quickly dismissed those thoughts and focused on her daily routine, starting with a refreshing bath before breakfast.

*
Raqiya busied herself in the kitchen, preparing a delightful spread of meals while the servants assisted. The aroma of the scrumptious dishes filled the air, making everyone's mouths water. As the fastidious old woman sat at the dining table, she called out impatiently, "Aren't you done, Raqiya?"

Raqiya responded with a calm voice, "Almost Mama," and swiftly made her way to the dining hall. She served her mother-in-law the tea, carefully pouring the hot water into the cup.

Just then, Usman burst into the dining area, kicking the chair as he plopped down. He had just returned from his early morning jog, breathing heavily.

The old lady couldn't help but scold him, "Look at you! Aren't you ashamed? Your brother and even your younger sister are capable of feeding themselves, yet here you are, waiting for your mom to serve you food. We didn't spend billions of dollars and send you abroad just for you to come back and focus solely on your fitness routine."

"Kaka, don't ruin my day by comparing me to my older brother," he retorted rudely and disrespectfully.

"Why are you already angry? Feeling guilty, perhaps? Let me ask you this, have you ever set foot in the hospital since Sadia's accident?"

"Haba Kaka, stop acting like you're the best granny here," he said, glancing at his surrogate mother who signaled him to show respect.

"Only Nana cares about us in this family. She's the one who visits Sadia regularly. Later, you'll claim to be the big brother," she added. He rolled his eyes, still waiting for breakfast.

"What about your relationship with Laila?"

In devastation, he abruptly stood up and left the dining hall.

Kaka was too much for him. He ascended the stairs and encountered Khadija in her abaya descending. He glared at her and left, slightly shoving her aside.