A walk on thorns

Chapter 5| I Saw It Coming

Flashback
15 January 2018
Kaduna state

Anisha's POV
It has been three days since I came home upon request, despite lectures and everything continuing at school. Hajiya Zahra Mukhtar's mother and her sisters were in Kaduna, so she requested that I come for my dinner and cocktail gown fitting.

Now, we’re on our way to the designer’s shop, accompanied by Sabrina. Hajiya Zahra is already there, waiting for us. Baba’s driver is the one taking us.

"I can’t believe I’m doing this with you, Ya Anisha," Sabrina grumbled stubbornly. This girl is truly something else.

“Please, Sabrina, don’t act like that. These people are my in-laws, and it wouldn’t look good to present a rude sister with an attitude,” I said with a sigh.

“Call me rude if you want, I’m just watching out for you, that’s all,” she replied, rolling her eyes. She’s only fourteen, but her attitude and so-called principles make her seem much older.

“Watching out for me? For what? These people like me; they’ve been nothing but nice and kind to me. Sabrina, what do you want me to do, say no to her?” I asked, frustrated by her disinterested expression.

“I’m watching out for you because I’m observant, unlike you. You don’t even know what you’re getting yourself into, Ya Anisha. Isn’t this the same Mukhtar you were complaining about? He rarely calls, doesn’t return your messages, but you’re here quitting school mid-semester just to get a silly measurement done,” she scoffed, annoyed.

"The double standard is clear. Why would they ask you to come all the way to Kaduna, knowing it's mid-semester? They clearly don’t take your studies seriously," she exhaled angrily. I felt it, too, at first. But what could I do? Mama, Aunt Saudah, Aunt Nana, and Umma Hamida must have called me over a hundred times, urging me to catch the morning flight. Aunt Haseena even gave me soaps and face cream to 'enhance' my beauty before meeting them. Everyone seemed excited, disregarding that I’m in my final year. How could I possibly say no?

“If that’s how you feel, then it’s not them you should be blaming it’s our parents,” I huffed.

“That’s exactly my point, Ya Anisha. This woman should have called Mama first, not you. You didn’t marry her son yet. She’s taken advantage of your eagerness, and you’ve ended up wrapped around her finger. And this double standard isn’t just on their side, it’s on ours too. What’s with all this Dinner, Kamu, and cocktail stuff? Since when has that been acceptable in the family? Even Baba, the so-called man of principle, surprised me by approving all this nonsense. Is it just because Mukhtar is wealthy or some sort of a billionaire? Remember when Sadeeqah wanted to have a simple bridal shower with friends? Uncle Hafeez flew in from Lagos just to give her five hot slaps and a harsh scolding. Baba even called her a disgrace in front of everyone Including her father. But here you are, being asked to leave school for measurements and they’re even paying for it,” she said with disdain. She was right about the double standards, but what could I do?

“Sabrina, what am I supposed to do? They’re my parents. I have to respect them,” I replied.

“Seriously? Have you even considered saying NO? Isn’t that an option?”

“I can’t do that,” I interrupted.

“Fine, then. Which are you choosing after marriage, Tech or Polo? Or both?” she asked.

“Neither.” I rolled my eyes, hoping to end the conversation.

“Neither? What do you mean by neither, Ya Anisha? Are you saying you won’t work after marriage?” she asked, clearly angry.