Breaking free

Episode 49

Awwal's POV

" Assalamu Alaikum." I entered the living room that I was shown to by the maid.

" Wa Alaikum salam." Uncle Abubakar stood up and shook hands with me as I found a space on the couch.

" Ina yini." I greeted him and he replied offering me some refreshments.

" I'm ok, thank you."

" I came to discuss the matter at hand. My sister has been brutally abused for years now and no one knew all this time. He assaulted her brutally and she is currently in the hospital, Unconscious. Uncle Abubakar, I don't mean any disrespect but how was this happening and no one knew in this house? My father trusted him and this family a lot and gave his precious daughter, I'm glad he is not here to see this day. As her older brother, I'm taking that role of her dad to find a permanent solution." I cleared my throat maintaining my voice in a clear but respectful way.

" I would start if by apologizing on behalf of my whole family. She was under our care but we couldn't even protect her from one of us. As for him, he will be dealt with, severely. She is my daughter and I see her the same way I see Salma, it hurts me to know she is hurting. Whatever you decide, I'll be in support."

" Ok, on behalf of Hameedah. They should get divorced." I declared.

" I feel like divorce is a big step but we shouldn't rule it out but what about the kids." He asked and he had a point.

" We can settle that with the lawyer. I know divorce is a big step but think about it, she almost died this time. If she goes back, what will happen then. I'm just looking out for her and I hope you understand."

" I do my son. Thank you for not taking this court and handling it well. Once again I deeply apologize." He said and I nodded.

" Thank you. I have to get going, the lawyer is waiting for me." I stood up and he also stood up.

I bade him goodbye and got to my car. I drove out of their compound and went to my office to meet my lawyer that was already waiting for me.

I reached the office and went up to my office.

" Good day sir." He shook hands with me and we sat down.

" These are the papers sir, all they need to do is sign it but only after we go to court." He handed me the papers.

" Court? I thought we agreed no need to go to court." I said.

" That was before I found out they had kids, you didn't mention it."

" Oh it probably skipped my mind, what happens now then?" I asked.

" A judge has to brief the case and then decide who is more capable of taking care of the kids. She will have the upper hand because he is an alcoholic and has a mental illness. We should just hope for the best and I want to have her statement on what happened that day so we can add it to the evidence file." He took a sip of the coffee.

" I don't want this case to go out because that will just we worse for her."

" It won't sir. She doesn't have to be present, I'll represent her."

" Alright then, I have to get back to the hospital now." We talked a bit more before he left.

I made my way to the hospital and that's when Yusuf called me and informed me that she is awake.

I got to the hospital and found Mummy, Rania and Yusuf in the room with a nurse that was tidying up the drug cart. Hameedah was backing the whole room and was curled up in a fetus position. I greeted Mummy and sat on the stool next to her.