Married To A Tyrant [PREVIEW]

Before The Wedding - Part 9

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MANSUR

"You know how girls nowadays like to waste their time putting on makeup and all that." Aunty Rahama laughed nervously, glancing up at the staircase for the seventh time  I rolled my eyes and stared at Umma's feet, not bothered by what was going on. I actually hoped that Salma wouldn't come downstairs, and this entire sham of a marriage proposal would be forgotten completely.

"Ai babu komai. Ko wadannan yaran da qyar na samu suka fito da wuri (Don't worry about it. Even these girls took a very long time before they got ready)." Umma replied, rubbing her feet gingerly. I gritted my teeth as I stared at her legs. Umma has been dealing with diabetes for a very long time now. I knew she was too stubborn to go to a specialist, but it was obvious that she was hurting. Her left leg was completely swollen, and her right leg was beginning to swell up as well.

"But before she comes, I guess we should start the formalities." Uncle Yahaya, Abba's older brother said, removing his cap.

"Yes, of course." Salma's dad said, leaning forward. "Since it's something that's within the family, I guess we can just speed up the process. No need for overcomplicated protocols."

"Forgive me for asking, but I haven't noticed Uncle Sharif with you guys. Is he not here?" Aunty Rahama asked, looking straight at Umma, who averted her gaze. My eyes went immediately to Rukayyah, who was already opening her mouth, but she shut it quickly. I narrowed my eyes at her, daring her to speak. Wisely, she kept her mouth shut.

"Um... He's feeling a bit...under the weather, so he asked us to come without him. That's why we came with Yahaya and Mas'ud. Aminu said he'll get here before we start anything." Umma said, her eyes fixed on me as she spoke. I averted my gaze, not wanting to discuss anything related to Abba.

"Very well. Ladies, you can wait for us in the living room upstairs. We'll call you when we're done." Uncle Kabir said. Aunty Rahama stood up and led the way, while all the ladies followed her. Rukayyah stood up reluctantly, dragging her feet as she exited.

"Mansur, you should leave as well. We'll call you when we're done." Uncle Yahaya said, just as Uncle Aminu walked in with Uncle Mas'ud, sweaty and flustered. "Assalamu alaikum." he gasped, muttering something about their car breaking down on the way. We all replied his Salam before I turned to face Uncle Yahaya. "Why should I leave? Are we not going to discuss my marriage?" I asked.

Taken aback, Uncle Kabir leaned forward slightly. "Yes Mansur, we are going to discuss your marriage. But that is why your family members are here. I believe you've spoken to them prior to your arrival. Anything that has to be said, they'll say it on your behalf." he said.

"But I want to be here." I said.

"Kai, tashi ka bar wajen nan (Hey, stand up and leave this place)." Uncle Mas'ud suddenly said, glaring at me. Everyone kept quiet as they watched us.

"I want to be here." I replied adamantly.

"You are not supposed to be here." he said, his eyes locked in a staring contest with mine. "We'll call you when we need you."

"But I..."

"If you can't leave, we'll leave this place so you can handle everything." he said, reaching for his phone and cap.

"Mansur, just stand up and leave." Uncle Kabir said, smiling at me. For a brief moment, I considered staying put and jeopardising this entire proposal. But I decided otherwise.
So, I grudgingly stood up and left the living room, just as Uncle Yahaya started to apologize on my behalf.