Her Hidden Lies

9: Promotions.

I kept my eyes glued to the floor, unable to meet Ya Ahmed's gaze.
"Ayeesha, why are you looking so guilty? Have you done anything?" He asks sarcastically.

I smile raising my head "I don't think so but if I did it was not intentional and I will atone".

He nods "Are you sure your atonement has nothing to do with the fact that you haven't called us for a while?"
I huff "I'm so sorry, I have no excuses but I promise it won't happen again".

He nods.
"She's just enjoying the married life a little too much that now she's forgetting her family" Zainab says nudging me.

"Believe me I know, I was her favorite person and now—Abdul had taken that title from me" he jokes back.
I just laughed.

Umar comes in and sits next to Ya Ahmed.
Things felt a bit awkward with him there. In a way I didn't want it to feel like that, whatever happened in the past does not matter anymore, I'm happier than ever.

"Yeah, I guess that's how marriage is like" he says. We all just smile.
I have to admit, the fact that his siblings acted this way makes me feel bad, it makes me the bad guy once again.

"I doubt it's a crime to enjoy it" I say trying to lighten the mood. Ya Ahmed smiles at me, which means I did the right thing.

"No it's not, it's just not you" Umar says folding his arms.
"Seems so" Ya Ahmed comments.

Mami turns to me "Where is our son in law?"
"Uh—" I smile "He's doing okay, he just has some things to take care of"

Baba nods.
"You didn't tell them the good news?" Zainab asks excitedly.
"I was about to?"

"What good news?" Mami asks excitedly before I could answer she gasps looking at Baba, the two start smiling brightly before turning to me "Perhaps, are we having a grandchild soon?"

Ya Ahmed bursts out laughing.
Mami hisses "Stop laughing, we're serious"

He laughs silently as Mami glared at him.
"So?" Baba asks hopefully.

"No, you're not. Sorrry"
They both huff.
"That's fine but I hope you know that of grave importance to us" They say looking at Zainab and I "Since we know we're not getting it from your elder brothers any time soon"

We nod.
Mami smiles "So? What's the good news?"
"Well, Abdulrazaq got promoted"

They smile "Oh that's amazing child, I'm so happy for you two and inshallah it's the beginning of better things. May God bless you both"
I smile "Amen, Mami"

"Same as well" Baba says. Baba has always been a man of few words, in a way Mami is his mouthpiece, with her around he doesn't need to say much.

"Is this all so sweet" Umar says sarcastically getting to his feet "I need to go take care of a few things, it was good seeing you both". He walks out.

"Don't mind him, he's been sulking since you two left" Mami admits.
Ya Ahmed and Zainab look at me, I shrug.
What else was I supposed to say?

•

Zainab and I planned on leaving by 5pm so we'd go make dinner and Mami being the smart person that she is came up with a solution for us.

It might also be because apparently she's tired of how boring the boys are, they never talk to her or even each other and are always out so in a way she did it so we'd stay longer.

She told them to prepare dinner so we can take it with us. I was a bit hesitant at first because Abdul doesn't really like me driving at night but I excused my self and called.

We just got married, I wouldn't want to see his angry side because Abdul seems like he does have it and it won't be pleasing.

"Hey babe" I say gleefully.
"Babe?" He asks chuckling "What do you want Aisha?"

I smile "Anyway, Mami asked us to stay until after Maghreb"
He huffs "I don't like you driving at night but who am I to say no. It's okay but just make sure you send my regards"

"I will. Are you back home yet?"
"I was trying to wrap things up quickly so I'd at least join you before Maghreb but since you'd be staying longer I think I'll finish up"

"See, thanks to me you get to finish up"
"Really? You're taking the glory?"

I laugh "is that what I'm doing? Nah, I don't think so"

"Aishatu!!"Mami calls me.
"Na'am, ganinan zuwa (yes, I'm coming)" I yell.

"We'll talk later then, drive safe"
"Thanks you too and I'll bring back dinner or do you prefer to eat out?"
"Did Mami cook it?"

"Yes"
"Okay, I'll eat when I get back"

"Great, sounds like a plan. Byee"
"Take care"
I end the call.

•

Abdul and I sat in our living room upstairs eating, Mami made us Tuwon Shinkafa with Egusi Soup.

I could tell Abdul was enjoying it as he didn't say a word since he started eating.
"You're really enjoying yourself, you're quiet"

He nods "Of course, it's not ideal to eat and talk"
I burst out laughing "Wow. I never thought I'd hear you say that. Never"
He shrugs.

"That was good" he says as he leans on the couch.
I smile "Of course, I'm not in any way surprised".

"I'm curious though"
I nod "Yeah?"
"She didn't teach you, did she?"

I gasp staring at him in shock "Abdul what are you trying to say?"
"Nothing, just a question" he smiles.

"You're trying to say I'm not a good cook. You've not been enjoying my cooking"

He picks up his plate walking out and heading downstairs "I never said that"
I picked up mine and followed him out, trailing behind him and complaining.

"I can't believe this, I've always been told that I'm a great cook but today—today my husband has confessed that I'm not"

He huffs when he keeps the plate in the sink.
"Aisha that wasn't what I said"
"That's what you meant"

He huffs "What did I get myself into?"
"Fine, yes she didn't teach me but that shouldn't matter".

I smile "I told them about your promotion, they send their congratulations".
"I'll call to thank them tomorrow inshallah"

I nod "And Mami gave Zainab and I a pep talk while we were waiting for Maghreb prayer to be called"
"What was it about?" He asks curiously.

I lean on the kitchen cabinet "Well, about having kids early. Better now than when we're forty"

He laughs "Really? I'm not surprised, Ammi has been bothering me with the same thing"
"What did you say?"

He smiles and shakes his head "I'm thinking maybe I shouldn't tell you".
I follow him out "Just tell me"
"Nah, I don't think so"

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