KHAIREE

CHAPTER FOUR

I turned towards Umma who was wiping her eyes with the back of her hands, she gave me a sympathetic smile and opens her arms for me, I crawl to where she's sitting giving her a very tight hug

"Umma please I can't get married, talk to him please umma make him understand" I said in between tears

" khairee you have no other choice than to accept  your father's decision, he's so adamant about getting you married No one can change his mind"

" No Umma try to make him understand you are his wife he will listen to you"

"He won't khairee, yesterday I spent half of the night begging him but to no vail he's so strong willed, he even warned me not to talk to him about this if not I will see the worst of him"

" Oh ni nashiga ukuna what am I going to do now?" I said covering my face with both my palms

"Just take heart my dear may be that's what is best for you" Umma stated

" No umma I can't give up now, Am going to ask inna to beg him, I know he will listen to her"

"Tabdijan! Inna? Lallai yarinya, let me tell you One thing you don't know, inna will never support you on this matter because she's much more against this Western education than your Father is."

"But why umma?" I asked a little bit confused

"Your grandmother lost her first born because of this western education. Your father was not her only child, he had a brother who was taken to a boarding school in the city and he never came back, they believe he was dead on his way back home during Holiday. That is why she and your father despises Western education so much".

"Allah Sarki she must be devastated at that time, may his soul rest in Jannah". I prayed  'my only chance is now gone' I thought before ambling out of the room with a very heavy heart, I'm totally oblivious of what to do next. I decided to visit my friend Bilkisu their house is next to ours

"Umma na tafi gidansu bilki" I announce before leaving

"Alright karki kai yamma" umma replied

"Ok" I headed to Bilkisu house,she's also the same age as me and we attended the same primary school. Unlike me, she's not much interested in furthering her education and so she's already betrothed and will tie the knot with the love of her life in the next summer.

"Assalamu Alaikum" I said before heading into the house.

"Wa'alaikumussalam" mama(bilkisu's mother) answered

"Ina wuni mama"

"Lafiya khairee Ya Maman naku"

"Lafiya lau is Bilkisu around?" I asked looking towards their room.

"yes she's inside go meet her in the room" I went ahead inside the room only to find her sleeping with her mouth agape. I smirk evilly and grabbed a sheet of paper by the bed side, squeeze it and put it in her mouth. She woke up instantly and smack me on my hands

"what the hell was that" she yelled

"my own way of telling you your mouth is opened" I grinned mischievously

" Now see who's here, to what do I owe this visit?" she asked and yawn at the same time

"well I needed someone to talk to and I thought of you"