TREASURES AND THORNS

Chapter thirty one

“Life doesn't stop after losing someone, but it goes on without them differently. ”
- Nizar Qabbani

Dedicated to Safiya, my niece and dear friend who got married today. May Allah grant you happiness and peace of mknd like you've never experienced.

Baarakallaahu laka, wa baaraka 'alayka, wa jama'a baynakumaa fee khayrin.

Translation
May Allah bless you, and shower His blessings upon you, and join you together in goodness.

   AHMAD

<The surprise visitor>

Two weeks later

UNEDITED

I was surprised to see the name that showed on my phone screen. It was very unusual for the gateman to call me especially during office hours.

"Mallam Bello, is everything okay?"

I asked immediately after answering his salam.

"Yes haji karami, Its just that Hajiya Hassana just drove in."

"Anty Hassana? In our house?"

Anty H is just too much. I had no idea she had returned from her vacation. She even announced it with an impromptu visit.

"Eh Rankashidade."

"Nagode Mallam Bello, Ina nan tafe." I almost bolted out of the office. Every second mattered. She deliberately choose to visit my house when she knew I wouldn't be around. A perfect opportunity to grill my wife.

I kept imagining the worst until I pulled in to the main house. I bolted towards the front door stopping to catch my breath when i was in front of it. I opened the door and said salam. The voices that responded came from the stairway. There stood my dearest aunt in all her glory by the foot of the stairs, while Rukkayya stood three steps away.

"Surprise!" Anty Hassana exclaimed, a smile grazing her fine features. One would think Mammy was her twin from the way the resemblance was obvious.

"What a pleasant surprise!" I said smiling as I walked to where my wife stood rooted to the stairs. Judging from the look on her face, I knew my Aunt had started her interrogation. I wished I could have been there from the start, the thought of what Anty Hassana might have said to her in my absence left me rather unsettled.

"Hello dimple," I said as I placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. She flinched probably shocked at my display of affection. It only confirmed my conjecture. My aunt had already crossed a line. Ignoring her reaction, I held her hands tightly in mine.

"Anty H, I see you've already met my wife."

"Yes indeed I have."

"Good. Lets all have a seat then." I gently pulled Rukkayya down the stairs leading the way to the main living room. As if her senses had just been returned to her, she tried wriggling her hand free from my grasp but I held on tighter. I needed Anty Hassana to know that I was there to protect my wife. When I heard her chuckle, I could only pray the damage was reparable.

"I am starving!" Anty Hassana said immediately after sitting down.

"I'll check in with the cook, launch should be ready by now."

"A'ah! so your husband also tends to the affairs of the household by himself? What is your function then?"

"Anty H..."