Spontaneous Attachment

21

Nigeria

It was a nice breezy evening.
The clouds sparsely decorated the sky as soft wind blew across the airport. An indication of  the rainy season bidding it's farewell and the cold taking over.

The feeling of being in one's birth place after a long time is Inexplicable. No matter how much life is enjoyable in another place or country,being in your hometown is the best.
You'd never know you missed everything until you return to the place you grew, a place that holds your memories. This reminds me of the Hausa proverb kowa yabar gida,gida ya barshi.

I decided to take a taxi from the airport to our house instead of calling someone to pick me up. I wanted to surprise them, especially ummi.

A nervous feeling kept lingering within me so I distracted myself with the buildings of Kaduna,it was nothing like Izmir a total opposite. Hawkers were rushing around trying to show their goods to passers when the traffic shows red, some beggers also trying to get something out of the vehicle owners.

"These children deserve a better life,they shouldn't he here on the street begging for something to eat,while their parents are at home living peacefully"

He said with a pitiful look on his face as he rolled down his window and gave some kids money,they prayed for him and he rolled the window.

"It's really sad and it breaks my heart,most of them are too young to be exposed to the society"
I said

The kids were busy trying to share the money given to them and the scene made me smile while my heart ached for them.

"May Allah make it easy for us all"
He said as he continued driving

"Ameen" was my reply cos I was still feeling down.

"Ameeraty,should we get some chocolate and sweets? We'll soon reach the store?"

"Yess please ummi wouldn't let me have some,she says it's unhealthy"
I pouted

A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he glanced at me before looking ahead "she adores you so much"

"I know right"
I huffed and he laughed which made me smile.
Everything about him was simply endearing and I loved everything about him even his silly chuckles or the way he teased me.

"Hajiya mun iso fah( we've arrived)
The driver's voice brought me out of my thought.

I looked around and saw the gate to our house a few steps away.
I gently stepped out of the car and gave him his tip. He brought out my luggage from the boot and drove away.

I stared at the familiar neighborhood where I grew up,nothing has really changed except for a few more houses here and there.

With little confidence I pushed the gate to our house which was opened and entered with a Salam.

The compound was still the same. Moderate size with a parking lot by the side,three cars were parked apart from ummi's which means there's visitors in the house.

I pulled my trolly and headed straight for the main building.
To say I was excited was an under statement. I was just a bit scared of how ummi would look at me after two years of separation.

Once I reached the balcony and unlocked the door,every thought flew out of my head at the sight of four ladies sitting in the living room and chatting wholeheartedly,one of which was ummi.

"Assalamualaikum"
I said softly to catch their attention

They all looked up but couldn't answer when they saw me.
Ummi was quick to leave her place and rush to me. She engulfed me in a very tight hug and I didn't know when I started sobbing.

I released the trolly and bag I was holding and hugged her tight,as though my life depended on the hug.

"Welcome home daughter, I really miss you,how was your trip,hope you're not jetlagged,common take a sit I'll prepare something warm for you"
She started showering me with her care which made me sob harder.

I didn't realize how much I missed her until now.

"Ummi I'm sorry"
I said tearfully as I hugged her again,she patted my back and guided me to the couch.

"It's fine dear, we'll talk about everything later,you should rest now"
She made me sat and walked towards the kitchen.

"Ohh,am I dreaming or what,yau Fauzia ce a gida,yaushe rabo"

Aunty Sameera who's ummi's younger sister said as she stared at me as if I wasn't real.

"Kai aunty Sameera,you didn't even welcome me fah"
I said with a pout and the two other ladies who where my sister inlaws (Aisha and Halima) chuckled

"Come here Habibty"
I went to sit beside her and she hugged me "we really miss you,how have you been"

"Good, alhamdulillah"
I replied and the greeted Aisha and Halima who also looked happy to see me.

"Kin tuna gida kenan yau"
Halima said and I smiled in response.

The happiness I felt at the moment was extraordinary.
I've finally reunited with my family

"Toh Ina sirikin nawa yake,inace tare kuke (wheres my inlaw, I thought you're together)

Aunty Sameera questioned but ummi returned with a tray filled with snacks and foods before I could answer her.

"Let her rest,ai yanzu ta dawo sameerah"

Ummi answered for me.

"Come and eat,I'm sure you're hungry"
I started filling my self with my mom's delicious cooking. I miss its unique taste so much. Aisha and Samira were busy giggling at the way I was eating while ummi was scolding them to leave her daughter alone.

The scene warmed my heart.

Home sweet home.

Guess who's back
I am sooooo sorry ladies.
I hope you haven't ditched my book cos I plan on completing it in sha Allah.
I know I'm not the only one waiting to see fauzi's past and the wedding.
All will be happening soon,just be patient. I love you all so much xoxo.