Home At Last

Chapter 11

Aaira's POV

Today my life is going to change for the better or worst. I am not prepared for this day and I have no idea what to do or how to act. I can't believe it, marriage! It wasn't even path of my plan, I have always wanted to become a writer and poet,  Abii supported me wholeheartedly.

But now I want to me become a detective alongside writing and poetry. I want to solve mysteries. As it is, my whole life itself is a mystery. I will become a detective and solve all the mysteries of my life, and also find out who is behind Abii's death. I will find out who is responsible accusing me of stealing and also the person responsible for accusing me of cheating. I will find out the secret behind this chain that Abii gave me, and also the secret behind the piece of paper Grandma gave me. I have hope and I am not going to give up.

Today I am starting a new chapter of my life, my single life is coming to an end. I only ever had time for my studies and my family. I had no time for boys or men in my life, but now that single life is going to end at the age of 19. I really can't stop myself from crying, how did this day arrive so fast. It would have been so much better if Abii and Grandma were here.

Today, I will make sure to get myself a job. I want to pay my college fees myself as I don't want to be a burden on anyone. I am an independent woman who can cater for herself. I have confidence in myself and I know I can do it, I will never give up.

"Aaira what's wrong, why are you crying," Ya Ruqayyah asks. "You know something sister, my whole life has been in this house, I have so many good and bad memories here. Now I am going to leave it all behind. I am going to miss all of you so much," I cry.

"I also felt very sad when I was leaving this house, but I got over it eventually. I spent 3 whole years without coming to Nigeria so I couldn't visit you. But now I spend half of my time here since Mahmood is always busy with work," Ya Ruqayyah says. "Well, I have a long day ahead of me so I need to head out," I say. "I was about to head downstairs anyway, so let's go," Ya Ruqayyah says.

Me and Ya Ruqayyah walk downstairs together. As I am about to step out Mamii stops me.

"You foolish girl, where are you going," Mamii questions. "To find a job," I say confidently. "A job? You're sick aren't you, you're going to your husband's house today and you want to find a job. Just quit school and live as a house wife," Mamii says. "I want to be independent, I don't need to rely on anyone for my needs or wants," I say. "Independent you say," Mamii burst out laughing.

"I have always been independent, since you don't do anything for me. You don't pay my fees, you don't buy my clothes, you don't do anything for me. But I am grateful for at least giving me one meal a day," I say. "Shut up, you ungrateful brat, you're lucky you're not in an orphanage, I did give you shelter right?".

"Shelter you say! This is my father's house and this house is my property as well. Just please Mamii, give me my share in my father's wealth, I really need it. "I am not going to give it to you, you are not my responsibility anymore, you're someone else's responsibility now," Mamii says.

"I don't think I was ever your responsibility, you don't even care about me. Sometimes I doubt if I am even your daughter," I start to weep. "I gave birth to you, but you turned out to be the biggest mistake of my life. I wish I had never giving birth to you," Mamii says.

Mamii's words are really hurtful, I can't bare this treatment anymore, maybe it's better I get married.

"And I wish I didn't have such a wicked and cruel mother like you. How could you say such things to your daughter," Maaya says.

"Maaya dear, this isn't about you so can you please mind your business," Mamii says.

"No I can't, I can't sit down and see my sister being treated unfairly in her own house. If none of you will stand up for her I will always be here for her," Maaya says.