Her Voice Within

Chapter 3

ILHAAM

     I woke up early in the morning, the faint rays of the rising sun peeking through the curtains. Groggy and still half-asleep, I stumbled to where my twin Jasra's bed was. It was time to wake her up for school.

     “Jasra, it’s time to get up” I said, my voice barely a whisper and those irritating whistling sounds that were in exchange for words due to my condition. I gently shook her shoulder, hoping to rouse her from her slumber.

     Jasra groaned and buried her head deeper into her pillow. “Just five more minutes, Ilhaam” she mumbled.

     I sighed knowing that coaxing Jasra out of bed was never an easy task. But we couldn’t afford to be late and miss a lecture again. I persisted, gently shaking her once more, but she just wouldn’t bulge, so I used the only way possible to get her out of bed.

     “You wake up right now or I would go and call mamma” I threatened and she immediately shot up.

     “No you don’t have to call her, I’m up” she held my hand to stop me. 

     I smiled knowing I have won then I kept a straight face and spoke again “Okay I won’t, now get up and go get ready”

     She lets out a yawn and rubs her eyes sleepily “Alright, alright, I’m up” She grumbled as she got down from her bed. Smiling, I walked out of the room and went downstairs to go have breakfast.

     I met Imran and Amra Dressed in their school uniform and Abba dressed in his Black office suit while mamma was serving them. I didn't see Adda mama and mukhtar, so I guessed they were still sleeping in their respectives rooms cause it was still quite early.

     “Good morning” I greeted, making myself comfortable on one of the empty chairs which was beside Amra.

     “Morning my dear, how was your night?” Abba inquired.

     “Fine, Alhamdulillah” I smiled.

     “Hapsatu umaimah just greeted you” he turned to mamma who was eating her food nonchalantly.

     She raised her eyes to look at him for a brief second then she turned to me “Where is Jasra” She asked, completely ignoring him.

     Abba opened his mouth to talk but I was quick to reach out and place my hand on his. Shaking my head slightly, I forced a smile, ensuring him that it was okay. It is okay, I am definitely not bothered by the fact that she didn’t respond to my greeting. I mean this is not the first time she is ignoring me and will surely not be the last.

     So I took a deep breath and answered “She’s getting ready, she will soon be down” she nodded and continued eating.  

     "Mamma jam bamduna, Abba jam bamduna (Mamma good morning, Abba good morning)" Jasra greeted in fulfulde as she made her way to her seat.

     "Jam ni mama na (morning my dear)" mamma answered. It is okay. I am fine and not definitely hurt, I am okay.

     “Morning” Abba also responded.

     "And why are you late? Oh let me guess sleeping" mamma spoke as she sat on her chair.

     Jasra stretched her hand and started serving herself before responding “mamma I need my beauty sleep and again I needed to do my skin care routine, this beauty is hard work” she pointed to her face.