OUR JOURNEY TO FREEDOM

Chapter 22: Hidden storms

Sometimes the ones who hurt you the most are those closest to you, for them, it might not matter how long you've been together or how kind you've treated them. They'll just stab you where it hurts and you won't be able to decipher how things went bad...
                               ~Marimad

Night fell, the skies could no longer retain its moisture. The hallowing of winds were heard from the wilderness, it couldn't just be a mere breeze, the rains fell hard, leaving everyone underneath their comforters, the chit chats died and the cold took away their souls into the dreamland. The day had to end with showers and thunder. But it didn't really end for the most cherished counselor...I guess the rain did her a favor by making her movement unnoticeable. In mama Ayi's dark office, a devil was at work, milking all the nectar she could find, she was not about to be left with a forty percent fortune. Jibril did try to make her his bait but she wasn't going be accepting such meagre terms. If he really needed it, he could come get it himself!

The Zarkis stored wealth in gold. Anyone who has visited mama Ayi could attest to that fact. Most of the ornaments and decorations were made from gold and that was what Doreen was busily collecting. She did not miss the princess's head piece, they say it is worth a decade wealth. The rain subsided and she hears footsteps from the hallway. Who could it be at this hour? She wondered...she silently hid herself behind the wide shelves. Suhaim was just on his usual routine of locking the doors to the halls and offices. He was surprised to see mama Ayi's office unlocked as the meeting was over and it's been about five hours already. He peeped to be sure no one was inside, he slowly clasped the locks and turned to carry on his duty. He gasped thankfully, knowing how Safar would have turned it into a play room, his last experience was not one he was looking forward to having on a tiring day like today. About ten minutes later,he descended the stairs as the keys dangled noisily from his movements. A trapped Doreen could only curse him in her breath, why didn't she wait until everything was over, now she had to think of a way out or she'd have Jibril to contend with. They promised to meet the next day to carry out their plot. But I guess acting smart isn't always the best thing to do. I can't believe greed led me into my distraction, she yelled out while punching her hands into the wall.

At Layal mental clinic, things were about to change for Hayat, she was ready to face her battle head on, she can't just hide away here like she had no life. Her fashion job needed her more than ever, she could not continue to overwork her employees. It's about time She brings her newest design to the limelight and neither Asma'u or anyone could stop her now. She first had to meet Uthman, this time she sent out the invitation to awaken him from his year old slumber, this fight is one they have to team up and win, he has to know everything about his sister and this could only be done if everyone comes out clean. She held unto the pen drive Sa'lim gave her, at least it had something to do with the imposter he calls his dearest niece. He has to believe her before she makes him meet Her Rayan. As she folded the prayer mat, her heart was filled with zeal, tomorrow might really be the beginning of her journey to freedom. In shaa Allah.

Like Hayat, Rukayya was hopeful to start work today. Even though her night wasn't the best as lateefa had to rushed to the hospital, she didn't want to start work on a rough note. She is just not ready to give Asmy reasons to yell her lungs out. Not on a dreadful Monday morning. As she enters the code on the electric door, she spots the imposter in shorts, murdering the shrubs in the name of pruning, when did gardening become her duty? She wondered around for the gardener only to find him weeping as he pushes his work gears into his bag. It looks like something went wrong. Rukayya dashes off to inquire, he narrates his unpleasant story and asks her to be mindful of the lady in the garden, no help from her should be accepted from you, I know you have a family to care for. With that, he disappears through the gates. This is not the first time she has lost working mates, first it was the errand boy Joe, who supplied petrol for the plant and other miscellaneous items, I don't know what he saw in Asmy's bedroom but she had to let him go. It was unexpected and no one could question her. With a gentle push of the door, the living area was availed, it needed thorough cleaning. Rukayya changes into her work clothes and commences her work.