Mrs Mahmud, Mrs Mas'ood

14

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Mas'ood: Zayd was talking about checking in on Hanan to be sure she's fine so I decided to check in on you too. I hope the remainder of the Sa Lalle went well. I hope you're not stressed.

Mahmud: I've been off since morning and I'm sorry. I just had something to finish up although I said I wasn't going to do anything work or residency related. How did the Sa Lalle go? You okay?

Kaycee: Babe, when you finish everything, come and gist me. How did the first event go?!!!!!!!!

Hauwa's lower abdomen was on fire and she was more than grateful for the fact that Hanan's bridal shower was postponed to the next night.

The Sa Lalle (once one removed the scene Lare Sufyan created until Shettu Sufyan had stepped in, and Hanan's breakdown that followed which had them calling Zayd to come to the rescue) had gone considerably well. Zayd was the one who asked them to postpone the bridal shower so Hanan could rest and it was funny how it was working out well to Hauwa's favour.

It was long past Isha. The women were still in the living room, parting with wise words for the bride to be. Hauwa was the only one in the master bedroom, curled up on the cool tiled floor with her arms wrapped tightly around her lower abdomen. Her phone sat on the top of the vanity dresser and it kept buzzing. She ignored it. She had no other choice.

A minute later, the room door went open and she waited to see who it was as it would take a lot of strength to turn around. Soon enough a familiar sigh reached her ears before Linda came into view. The older woman knelt in front of her, worry etched on her face. Hauwa could not blame her. Her period cramps were always an issue.

"Were you able to eat something at least?"

Hauwa shook her head. Apart from the snacks and drinks they had earlier during the Sa Lalle, she had not been able to take anything else. She didn't even want to risk it. The last thing she needed was an upset stomach that will force her to kneel in front of the toilet until it settled.

Linda sighed again. "I will get you paracetamol since that's the only thing that helps you. Should I make tea for you?"

Hauwa managed to nod. Linda reached out and gently patted her head. "Sorry, my dear. Hanan hasn't noticed you're not there. I just hope you feel better by tomorrow morning."

"I'll be fine." Hauwa's voice was so small. "I'll sleep it off and I'll be fine tomorrow."

"I hope so o." Linda retracted her hand and with a small grunt, rose from her knees. "Let me get the paracetamol and tea for you. I will still bring small yam so that you can try and eat something. Don't take the paracetamol on an empty stomach."

Hauwa was too tired to argue. She had no idea how long it took but Linda eventually returned with everything she said she would bring. The tea was not too hot, just the way Hauwa liked it and the boiled yam pieces were served with palm oil.

"I didn't want to bring stew or egg so that you will not vomit." Linda told her. "This one that you and Hanan are menstruating at the same time. Hian!"

Hauwa had to smile. She ate slowly and Linda stayed with her. Thankfully, her stomach did not revolt and she was able to finish everything. It was easy to swallow the two white tablets she had grown used to since childhood. It was a medication they always had at home but knew better than to abuse. Linda always scolded them –Yusuf included.