In Between Souls: An Arewa Love Story

2- Choices in the Shadows

Actions have consequences, and for Kauna, the consequences could be good or bad.

Worse yet, decisions made out of impulse often come with extreme repercussions. She made a spur-of-the-moment decision, fully aware of the potential fallout. The screams, condemnation, insults, bombastic side-eyes, and dirty looks—all played out in her mind. But in that moment, it was the best she could do for her friend, Sultana, and for herself as a woman.

It was the early hours of the morning, some minutes past six, and the first light had appeared in the sky, signalling the impending sunrise. The hotel lobby was deserted, except for the receptionist and security guard at the entrance. Each urgent click of Kauna's mules against the glossy, expensive flooring seemed to be swallowed by the silence of the hallway.

The lifts were in use; one was on its way down to the reception and the other which she had missed was going up. Every second she spent waiting for either of them to return felt like a long stretch of hours. Arms crossed on her heaving bosoms, her mind raced through worst-case scenarios, imagining the danger Sultana might be in. Despite considering the potential risks, she didn't see her actions as wrong. She only prayed that Sultana will have the strength and courage to follow her lead.

The loud ding of the lift snatched Kauna out of her deep thoughts. Two men and a woman walked out of the lift as she marched in, her veil falling off her shoulder fleetingly. She quickly readjusted it, cursing under her breath. Pressing the button for the seventh floor, she stood stiffly in a corner as the lift ascended.

Sultana had answered the door. She was still in her reception gown, her hair a mess and no scarf. The mauve lipstick that had amplified her lips had faded and smudged to her right cheek where a hint of foundation had wiped away from. Finger prints were visible on Sultana's right cheek, leaving their mark. The once-angelic Sultana, known as a "black barbie" on her wedding day, now displayed terror in her eyes.

"Kauna!" An instantaneous relieve washed through Sultana at the sight of her friend. She collapsed into Kauna's arms overcome with gratitude that she came.

"It's okay. It's okay." Kauna consoled, a hand rubbing Sultana's trembling back. "Ya isa, Sultana. I am here now." Her cold eyes searched the living room for the culprit responsible for Sultana's present state and he was nowhere to be found.

Her heart broke for Sultana. How could she have spent the night with that good-for-nothing in the same room? Rage surged within Kauna, and if murder weren't a crime, she would have acted without hesitation. She wished she could break the hand that had touched Sultana.

"Where is he?" Kauna spat out after they pulled away. Her voice held bitter resentment.

Sniffling, Sultana answered, "He is still sleeping." She swallowed, her voice trembling.

She studied Sultana and noticed the injury on the side of her head where the blood had clotted and few hair strands had glued with it. It appeared more severe than the eyes could decipher and anger burned inside her.

"Good." Kauna grinded out. "Get your veil and let's go."

Sultana's lack of hesitation reassured Kauna that her decision was the right one. In that moment, she didn't care about people's opinions or the consequences they would face. As long as Sultana was willing to take the risk, so was she. Their shared values and Sultana's recent marriage didn't change their resolve; it only strengthened it. This gladdened her heart.

"Where is your bag?"

"It is in the room." Sultana replied, retrieving her veil from a chair. There was a bloodstain on it, now oxidized.

"I will get it." Kauna said, heading toward the room.

The repugnant man lay on the bed, deep in slumber. Still wearing his trousers from the previous night's wedding reception, his protruding belly heaved as he shifted positions. Kauna's irritation knew no bounds. She couldn't believe how quickly her liking for him had turned into intense hatred upon learning what he had done. Sneering down her nose, she glared at him, as if her heated gaze alone could burn his skin.

She found the small box they had packed together with Sultana's younger sister two days to the Nikkah. The excitement, the teasing, the laughter and joyfulness during the wedding preparation frolicked in her memory. They had searched the streets of Abuja in search of a nice, standard hotel within the wedding budget which was aesthetically pleasing for wedding pictures. Sultana had travelled to Kano with her mother, Aunt and a cousin sister for the wedding shopping. Was this what two years of a relationship and four months of wedding preparations had come down to? It was worth it if it meant protecting Sultana's life.

Tijjani, Sultana's husband (he does not deserve the title), was the calmest man they have ever encountered. Easy going, jovial and religious, they all liked him and approved of him. Who would have thought he was hiding a monster under that façade?

Kauna and Sultana moved around the hotel room, making noise as they gathered their belongings, yet the cowardly man didn't wake up. Kauna retrieved the bag and took out flat slippers for Sultana to wear. She gathered the scattered heels and forced them into the box. Sultana requested a change of clothes, as the body shaper was constricting her.

With the heavy dress draped over Kauna's arm, they made one final sweep of the room to be sure they had eradicated any sign of Sultana before leaving the room.

"I am not scared but I am worried." Sultana said to her friend on their way to the lift. Kauna's presence uplifted Sultana's confidence, knowing that even if the world turned against her for choosing herself over societal expectations, she would always have Kauna standing by her side. Kauna's validation was enough to help her face the challenges that lay ahead.

"I understand." Kauna murmured and pressed the lift button. As a woman, and specifically as an "arewa" woman, she truly comprehended Sultana's fears.

"I am going to leave him." Sultana declared firmly.

A slight tilt of her head, and Kauna met Sultana's gaze. Furrowing her thick brows, Sultana's mouth formed a firm line. Kauna could read her thoughts. Sultana doubted whether she could handle the judgments and criticisms that would come her way. Many people would have a lot to say, and the consequences of her decision would be chaotic. Society wouldn't forgive a woman who chose to end her marriage the day after the wedding.

But who cares?

That man had hit her head against the wall on their wedding night. She could have died! Wedding nights were meant for reflecting on the day and feeling all those sweet emotions, but he had chosen violence instead.

"I'm worried about Mama's reactions, as well as everyone else's, and the backlash that will come from this." Sultana continued. The hesitation in her voice was intense, but Kauna knew she could overcome it.

Sultana's mother had always been the kind to worry about what people and society at large will think of her. It influenced many of her actions and decisions over the years.

The lift arrived and they got into it. Kauna did not respond immediately.

They had journeyed two floors down before she said. "Mama will understand. If she doesn't, she will come around eventually." She took her hand and gave it an assuring squeeze.

"I will not and never allow anyone shame me for choosing to do this."

"We should worry about your head first. We should get your injury checked in the hospital. I will order a ride." Kauna brought out her phone.

"Isn't it too early?" Sultana contemplated.

"We will get a drop then." She returned her phone into her bag.

Stepping outside, Kauna and Sultana faced the rising sun, symbolizing a new beginning. They took a deep breath, their hearts filled with both fear and determination. A chapter was closing on Sultana's life, and a new phase awaited, one where she is the author of her story.

Walking away from the hotel, they set off on a journey toward liberation, their shadows merging and embracing the dawn of Sultana's freedom.

That's a glimpse into Kauna. What do you think of her?

I hope you enjoyed the chapter. What is your thought on it?

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Thank you.

Love,

Queen.