Hidden bonds of love

14.

Months had flown by, and life had settled into a smooth rhythm for Maryam and her family. Uthman now found precious moments to spend with his daughters, indulging in occasional outings that brought them all closer together. However, an ominous void persisted – the absence of any communication from Maryam's mother. This silence had etched a painful belief into Maryam's heart – that her mother's love had faded, as evident in her steadfast refusal to visit.

Maryam, confiding in Uthman about her feelings, had sparked a flame of fury within him towards Mrs. Fatima. Amidst this, a newfound bond was flourishing between Mustabshira and Maryam.

Ahmad's work commitments had led him away to Abuja, his relentless efforts to locate Khalid proving futile. Meanwhile, Maryam and Mustabshira successfully sailed through their WACE and NECO exams.

The family had recently attended a wedding in honor of one of Mommy Beauty's relatives, returning home weary from the festivities. As the weary family settled, an unexpected ring of the doorbell shattered the quietude. Mommy Beauty answered, only to be greeted by the sight of Mrs. Fatima standing there. Despite her smile, Mrs. Fatima made her way in without the courtesy of an invitation, her high heels clicking assertively. Striding into the living room, she locked eyes with Mustabshira, who was frozen mid-samosa, a fusion of shock and animosity crackling in the air.

Their gazes locked, reviving a deluge of memories – painful reminders of Mrs. Fatima's past mistreatment. The room brimmed with tension, the atmosphere palpable with unresolved emotions.

"I've come to see my daughter. Where is she?" Mrs. Fatima's tone was demanding, directed at Mommy Beauty, who remained composed, arms crossed.

"In the first place, Assalam Fatima. A courteous greeting would be a suitable precursor to your inquiries," Mommy Beauty's retort was laced with an unwavering calm.

A chuckle escaped Mrs. Fatima's lips, her eyes rolling dismissively. "Khadija, I am not here to make peace, pleasantries aren't necessary, no need for Salam I'm here for a purpose, not niceties."

❀

Meanwhile, in her room, Maryam savored her favorite cheese bells, blissfully unaware of the unfolding drama. Leaning against the balcony, she gazed at the garden below, each bite punctuating her thoughts.

Abruptly, Mustabshira stormed in, her anger palpable. Maryam blinked, thrown off by the sudden intensity. Her concern grew – had she inadvertently triggered Mustabshira's wrath?

"Maryam, there's someone in the living room," Mustabshira's voice quivered with barely-contained fury. Maryam probed for more information, only to be urged by Mustabshira to witness the situation herself.

Venturing into the living room, Maryam's eyes met her mother's. A blend of emotions surged within her – relief that her mother had finally come, a surge of uncertainty about how to react, and a tumult of conflicted feelings – anger and joy warring within her.

Maryam's disbelief was tangible as she clears her face, half expecting to awaken from a dream. Uthman stood by, his presence adding a layer of complexity to the scene. The embrace from Mrs. Fatima was swift, Maryam's response restrained, a dance of emotions playing out in that fleeting moment.

Breaking the hug, Mrs. Fatima cupped Maryam's face tenderly, inquiring about her well-being. Maryam withdrew, her stare penetrating. "So, you remember you have a daughter now?" Her words cut through the air, laden with a history of abandonment.

"Darling, please don't be like that. I've planned so much, and now I'm here. I want you to come back. I've changed, and I miss you terribly. All I want is to have you back with me," Mrs. Fatima's plea was soft, her voice carrying a vulnerability she hoped Maryam would recognize.

"After months of silence, you appear out of thin air, expecting me to leave with you. Explain, Mommy, what could possibly justify your absence?" Maryam's courage surged as she confronted her mother.

Maryam's heart yearned to surrender, to embrace her mother, to be enveloped in the love she had been denied. Yet, skepticism held her back, the scars of neglect etched deeply.

"Maryam dear, you must come with me," Mrs. Fatima's desperation echoed in her words.

"Enough, Fatima. Let her be. Don't force her," Uthman's calm intervention carried a firm resolve.

Mrs. Fatima's glare fixed onto him, a silent battle of wills. Approaching him, she met his gaze unflinchingly. "Uthman, let's not forget that our rights are equal when it comes to our daughter." A wry chuckle underlined her statement. "Remember the agreement? We both consented that Maryam stays with me until she's married."

The revelation hung heavy, a bombshell that shattered perceptions. Maryam's eyes reddened, her heart wounded by the realization. "Daddy, you agreed to let me stay with Mommy until marriage? Why, Daddy? Did you never want me to stay with you?" Her voice trembled with unshed tears, a daughter's innocence torn apart.

Uthman sighed, a weighty silence settling. He spoke softly, his words laden with unspoken sentiments. Maryam's hurt deepened, her father's refusal to elucidate stoking her pain.

"Maryam, remember, no one here cares for you. They're all playacting," Mrs. Fatima's assertion struck like lightning. Maryam's gaze shifted to Mommy Beauty, questioning. A confession of ignorance hung on her lips.

Tears welled, emotions surged, and Maryam grappled with her pain. She refused to leave, to be swept away by her mother's sudden reappearance. "Maryam you should go with your mother," Uthman's voice resonated with determination.

Mrs. Fatima's resolve hardened. "I'll gather her belongings." Swiftly, she entered Maryam's room, emerging with a trolley laden with Maryam's possessions.

As Mrs. Fatima's fingers entwined with Maryam's, they embarked on a bittersweet journey. Amidst the silence, Maryam's mind raced, tears unshed. She couldn't bring herself to look back, fearing the family she believed had forsaken her.

"I wish Ahmad were here," her heart whispered, tears trailing. "None could stop him from holding me, telling me to take care. I wish Yaya Ahmad were here."

"Maryam, don't worry. I'll call Ahmad and keep him informed. I promise to visit, and you must take care, okay? I'll miss you," Mustabshira's voice lingered, a comforting echo.

Maryam paused, her pain momentarily suspended. Mustabshira's reassuring smile ignited a glimmer of solace. Maryam smiled in return, her mother an observer of this silent exchange. As they departed, a mother and daughter pulled away, the past and future intertwined.

As Mrs. Fatima drove the car, Maryam found herself gazing out of the window, her eyes tracing the passing tableau of people, vehicles, and the waning sunlight. The once-ardent flow of tears had dwindled, leaving behind a residue of emotional exhaustion.

Time stretched, and gradually, Maryam's awareness sharpened. The landscape shifted, revealing their trajectory toward the airport. The impending departure stirred a ripple of uncertainty within her. "Mommy, why are we heading to the airport?" Maryam's voice was tinged with curiosity, her eyes darting between her mother and the road ahead.

Mrs. Fatima's response was accompanied by a gentle smile, an attempt to infuse reassurance into her words. "Don't fret, my dear. Everything is under control. You'll see."

The unknown loomed, a mixture of anticipation and trepidation taking root within Maryam's heart. The car continued its journey, carrying the mother and daughter toward an uncertain destination, the road ahead fraught with untold stories and unspoken emotions.

What is happening is Mrs. Fatima taking Maryam out of the country?

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Firdausi ❤️