Empress Dosha

Chapter 58

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Immediately after morning prayers, Rashid walked into Dosha's room in a bid to see her quickly because he knew that was the only time he could have a private moment with her before the women came by; they literally shooed him away when it first happened.

Dosha never slept alone, at least two or three of her maids would be there with her. By that time, they would be awake and be out of the room to get things ready for her. That was a good chance.

Rashid knew he was not going to be sharing the same room with her for a long while the very day she gave birth, so he had steeled himself for whatever may come after, after all, it was for her well-being. Gradually, Dosha was regaining her strength, he took notice.

Rashid was sure she was awake by then, and he wasn't wrong. Her eyes screamed relief the moment she saw him, he saw her exhaling, her eyes softening at the sight of him. "Rashid," Dosha called out softly, the baby girl in her arms as she was feeding her. She stretched her free arm for a brief hug, which she didn't let go of immediately. "Ina kwana." She greeted.

"Lafiya kalau. Are you feeling okay?" Rashid questioned, rubbing her back in a soothing manner. She shook her head immediately, masking a pity look, he crouched by the side of the bed. "What is the matter?"

"The hot water, I am tired of it and they use it everyday. They are going to use it today too." She complained to him.

Rashid sighed deeply, looking downwards, his thumb massaging his baby's forehead and hair gently, the girl was innocently watching her mother as she fed. First of all, there was nothing he could do in regards to the matter; there was no way he could begin telling his mother because he knew what they were going to reply him. Secondly, he wasn't going to tell them in the first place supposing he was going to talk to them. He knew it was for Dosha's wellness.

"I already know you are going to say it is for my well-being. Judging from how silent you are." Dosha said, passing him a look, "I felt like telling you, because I know you will listen and I am just tired of it." She saw him exhale a sigh of relief. Her eyes narrowed as she studied him, "Wait, you didn't think I will tell you to speak to Magajiya about it right?"

The laughter escaped him before he could stop it. He shook his head, rubbing the back of his neck in mild embarrassment, while Dosha stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter herself.

"When did you become an over thinker, Rashid?" Dosha asked between soft chuckles, "I just complained about the hot water and you are thinking that far?"

"They will chew you alive the moment you speak about it. I still care about you."

"I know you do, that is why I love you." Rashid beamed.

"The children can hear you now."

"Good," Rashid replied without a hint of embarrassment. "They should know I love their mother very much."

Dosha rolled her eyes, though the smile tugging at the corners of her lips betrayed her amusement. She gently shook her head, unable to hide the warmth his words stirred within her.

"Did you sleep at all last night?" Rashid inquired, studying her face.

"I did, she just woke me up with small cries few moments before you came in, thankfully her brother hasn't woken up yet. He just cries too much. And very loudly." Dosha glanced at the boy who slept peacefully.

Rashid chuckled softly. "He is already making sure everyone knows he's here."

At that moment, the girl pulled away from Dosha. She lay across her mother's thighs while Rashid gently adjusted the sleeve of the gown Dosha was wearing, making sure it sat comfortably over her shoulder.