A Tale Of Justice

Chapter 5: Aisha At Abuja

In Abuja.

The second weekend I got there, I attended the same assalatu with Hajia Maryam called I.Y.L (Islamic Youth League of Nigeria). It was a beautiful one which she and her husband attended every Sunday. She was the Amira (female leader) of the Islamic Association and her husband was the P.R.O (Public Relations Officer) of the mosque.

Other members became my friends and everyone moved along with me as I attended regularly. In no time, I had lots of friends and we got along well enough. Some would think the Akereles were my family as well because of our closeness.

Not long, my body started changing because of the pregnancy. It was obvious with the symptoms I had. People were asking silly questions, while some thought Alhaji Akerele had secretly married me as his small wife since Hajia Mariam was barren.

One morning, Mr. & Mrs. Akerele called me to the living room after our usual Subhi prayer. As it is, I've grown to love and care for them like my own parents. So I've started calling them mum and dad.

"Aisha, dear, how are you doing?"

Her husband started.

"I'm fine, Dad," I replied with a smile.

"And how is your stay here? Hope nothing is bothering you?" Hajia Maryam asked.

"Not at all, mum. I am fine and I'm grateful, Alhamdulillah."

They looked at themselves with an identical smile, looking like mine.

"That's good to know. Praise be to God. Erm... We called you because people are becoming curious about your pregnancy."

"Yes, Aisha." Her husband continued.

"We took a long thought about this issue and we plan to tell them you're married and your husband died. You only realized you were pregnant after his burial. We want you to tell them the same as well, so there won't be any misunderstandings."

It shocked me, looking at both of them sitting in front of me.

"Astagfirullah..." I almost whispered.

"Any problem, dear?" They questioned as their smile dropped.

"Dad, Mum... With due respect, I'm not sorry to say that I CAN'T DO IT. One Sunday, I shall use my story as a message and every other girl like myself would learn from."

"What? I don't understand why?"

"Lying is a sin, mum. No matter what, I'll never lie to the people I call my family and I'll tell the truth, no matter how bitter."

"Dad, Mum... I raised an idea in the youth meeting last week that we should visit and pray for the sick in hospitals and give them presents, fruits, and any form of sadaqah (Charity). What do you think?"

"Masha Allah! I'm amazed at your iman and your uncompromising stand. Keep it up." Hajia Maryam stared at her husband lovingly, like she was asking him to 'say something.'

"You're just like a daughter to us, Aisha. We're so proud of you."

"Thanks a lot for accepting me for who I am and giving me the go-ahead on these issues. May Allah continue to shower blessing on this family."

"Amin..." they chorused as I walked to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

A week later, on Sunday. I and some executives in the youth wing walked straight into the doctor's office. The doctor welcomed us and led us to the nurses who would lead us to the various wards we wanted to visit.

We visited six wards that day in five different hospitals. Although it was hectic, it meant a lot knowing how the sick were struggling to live and how relieved they felt. The patients, doctors, and nurses were grateful for our visit.