Minutes Later...
Standing by the side of the road, still puzzled about everything. A keke napep (tricycle) stopped in front of me as Adunni came out.
“OMG, Aisha!” Dunni threw a firm hug at me.
“It’s been a while. Are you traveling?”
“No, I’m not oo. You didn’t even visit me in the hospital. It’s not fair... I waited for you.
“Really? Pardon me, my friend. My mum sent me to Agege to stay with her sister that just given birth to a set of twins. Well, I spent only five days there, and I wanted to visit you, but... “
“Hmmm, Dun-ni.... As in?” I joked as we laughed away.
“I heard about the incident from my mum and other colleagues. Is it true? Tell me, what happened?!”
“Yes, My friend... I don’t even know what to tell you now. They asked me to leave the house. Dad said I should leave his house if I can’t abort the baby.” I held back the tears that were already pooling out of my eyes.
“What?! Tell me it’s a lie. Daddy can’t do that, you’re his daughter! Where on earth did he expect you to stay?!”
“He did oo... My mum’s brother lives in Kano, and we don’t have any relatives around. I just need a place to rest my head for a moment. I’m so confused. Asking in my soul for direction, It’s good I met you today.”
“Don’t be so emotional now, dearie. I believe in you and I believe in you. Have faith that everything will be okay. Have you eaten? Pass the night with me and let’s talk better.” Dunni proposed.
The words her mum told me started playing in my head. I can’t even face her again.
“No...no o, I’m cool Dunni. I think my dad would still let me in. I have a feeling to go home. He might just welcome me.” I faked a big, bright smile that seemed awkward.
“I’ll see you later, Dunni. Bye-bye!” About to leave, she held my hand back.
“Wait! Are you going to trek?” She funnily quirked her eyebrow.
“Errrm... I ca-can manage, I’ll be fine.” I laughed even harder.
“Aisha, why are you like this? What are sisters for if you’re not even free around me? I know there’s a lot we need to talk about right now, but...” She paused for a while and let out a heavy breath.
“Come on, let’s go.” She interlocked my arm with hers and stopped a keke napep (tricycle). We both entered and zoomed down the busy street.
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I approached the gate to my dad’s house.
Hajiya Mariam Ikudaisi, my mum’s school daughter then in grammar school. She’s also a representative in Abuja, working in National Assembly.
Hajia Mariam has been married for 12 years now. She’s barren.
When we came down from the tricycle, I saw her standing with Danlamin.
“Hajia Mariam!” I called out and hugged her. Assalam ‘Alaikum ma, when did you come?!"
“Wa ‘alaikum sallam, Sisi mi!! How have you been? Alhamdulillah... Thank God I found you. Danlamin was just about telling me what happened...” She cupped my face in her soft hands.
“You would have followed me home and you wouldn’t have to leave like this. I guess this is a goodbye for both of us...” Dunni muttered sadly.
“I’ll miss you, Dunni.” I held her hands tight and broke into tears again.
“God knows I’ll miss you more. Try to call me Aisha. Keep me posted and try to visit whenever you can, okay?”
“Okay, I sure will. Bye, for now, sis.”
“Okay bye!!!”
Adunni stopped a keke napep and zoomed off the empty road. I recited a prayer in my heart as we moved. It was the first time, leaving my family behind like this.
“Awunaka Yaa Hannan, Awunaka Yaa Sultaan: I solicit Your help, The Most Compassionate, I solicit Your help, The King.”
Hajia Maryam stopped a taxi as we left for the hotel she lodged in.
*** At The Hotel ***
I told Hajia Maryam everything. It happened only 9 days ago.
“Leaving only me, my mum, and the housekeeper, Danlami. Even though they beat up Danlami blue-black and locked him in the guest room where he stays, they know he has nothing to offer. The armed robbers stole #200,000 for the mosque’s renovation, my mum’s jewelry, and other expensive things. About five of them raped me. My mum stopped them when she got shot in her head and I passed out. Up till now, I fear being accidentally touched because of that shock...”
“Subhanallah!” Hajia Maryam muttered as she could not hold her tears.
“I admire your faith, Aisha. If I was in your shoes, I don’t think I could take the steps you’ve taken. You’re a heroine, my dear. You’re about to open a new chapter in your life.” Sureness and sincerity laced her promising words.
“Immediately your waec and jamb results are out. I’ll make sure I do all in my power to get you admission into the University of Abuja.”
“Subhanallah?” It amused me.
“Yes, of course. My younger sister, Hazimah, lectures there! Insha Allah, things will work well for you. May Allah reward your faithfulness and put zina to shame.”
“Amin, ma. Thanks for the immeasurable love and kindness you’ve shown me.” I smiled, taking a delicious bowl of catfish pepper soup she bought for me.
“Thank God and worry not.” She smiled back.
In the morning, I recited this until we got to where she lived at Maitama, Abuja.
Bismillah tawakkaltu ‘ala Allah. Allahumma inni a’udhubika an adilaaudalla au axilla au uzlina au azlama au ajihala au yujhalu Malaysia.
In the name of God, I put my trust in God. There is neither strength nor power but in God. Oh my Lord, I seek forgiveness from You, not to go astray or be led astray. Wrong others or be wronged by others. Deal harshly to myself or be dealt harshly with by others.
***
Translations
Awunaka Yaa Hannan, Awunaka Yaa Sultaan
(I solicit Your help, The Most Compassionate, I solicit Your help, The King).
Sisi mi: My lady.
YOU ARE READING
A Tale Of Justice
General FictionSixteen-year-old Aisha Akorede, daughter of a religious Imam, gets into an incident that changes her life forever. Her family, honour, and even her future are tarnished. Now, Aisha has to convince the entire world who she is. Follow Aisha Akorede on...
