The Expensive Daughter Of A Pauper

Chapter 23

The long awaited moment has come. The moment when all my untold story is to be revealed. My ears widened like antennas ready to receive radio waves. Fully focused, just the way a mathematics teacher could have wanted in his class.

"Hassan met my dad to seek for my hand in marriage. My dad enquired from me whether I love him or not. After strategic thought that will unbeknownst to me be a disaster, I said 'yes'. That which I will regret for the rest of my life,"mom breathed heavily and continued.

"When Idris came back from a journey and knew about my engagement, he covered up his worries and objections and didn't tell me I was his choice. That girl he has been telling me about. That one he loved dearly. He showed real bravery. Whenever I ask about the girl he loved, he always say they were no more together and that really got me disturbed.

Most people were happy for they believed I and Hassan were a perfect match. On the day of my wedding, I got to know I was the girl Idris loved and he was there, outside, with the groom, happy as ever. The happiness was skin dip, I knew. I seemed not to have any chance to talk to him. I couldn't just let the issue die down without asking why he hid the truth. It is, in my village, disagreeable for a bride to go out at times like that. If not, I could have gone and ask why. He was a man of agreeable character.

Few moments later, after officially becoming Hassan's wife, Idris came into the house to deliver some foodstuff. He gave me a veil, full of embroidery as a gift. I didn't talk to him about it. He didn't talk to me about it. But I knew what he did was a sacrifice for my happiness. Rayyan, Maryam and Zara don't make the mistake of concealing  your love, say I love you to whom you love before it's late."

"Aunt sometimes it's hard, not able to predict what reply will bounce back,"Rayyan spoke, trying really hard to push his shyness and sound more serious. Maryam's eyes were on him now. I knew it that in her heart, she was saying,'just say to me and my answer will be pleasant'.
"Rayyan, no matter how harsh the reply is, it is always better than not saying it completely. By hiding it, you may loose the chance of getting what you love."
His lips curved into a smile as he nod in affirmation.

"I won't deny the fact that I was completely happy after the marriage. The world told me I look more beautiful. When I knew I was carrying you inside me, I was more than just happy."Mom became mute at that moment. She didn't say anything anymore and didn't seem to say. That was when Aunt Zaliha went on with the story.

"Your father and mother nurtured you with love. I got married to a man in Kanwa village and I left. I came back a week before your mom's delivery to help her and be by her side. But you guys need to know that she had never complained to me or her parent about her husband for he was a responsible man.

Hassan left home early without taking breakfast four days before you were born. He went out in a haste, neither I nor your mom have seen before. He met and had some discussion with your maternal grandfather in his farm and left after that to his own farm. Shortly afterwards, your grandfather was reported dead. He was found to have suffocated to death. That got your mother in shock and labor the very next day. Your dad was no where to be found on that day and the next. Rumors had it in the village that your dad was the murderer but me and your mom didn't believe. And I still don't believe."

"But I do,"admitted mom.
"Yes you do and I am fully aware of that. You see Amina, today is a day to say the truth. You have never listened to me back then but now you should, please,"that was of course Aunt Zaliha's only wish.

"You have been trying to repair this relationship but that will not happen. We are here today talking about him because of Zarah,"said mom.
"Yes I'm trying to bring back your love but with truth. Please listen to me. I can never draw towards you someone who can harm you."