MY RESOLVE

EPISODE TWELVE

RIHANNAH
It's been two weeks Qudrah came back from home and she hasn't said anything on why she'd her sim changed and why she's refused to talk to Salis when he calls on my phone. Alhamdulillahi that she eats now but her cheerfulness has dwindled and the room just seem to be boring. The only time I'm happier is when I meet up with Ajmal in my outfit for the assignment. He's tried his best and for once the first barrier has been broken but then my over protective inner self hasn't stopped whispering "hey girl,tread with caution. You can't be stung in the same hole twice. Tie your camel" and this constant reminder most times would want to make me hyperventilate reliving the past but I've mastered the breathing exercises and those work wonders.

I walked out of the lecture room deep in thought with my signature headphone on,thinking of how to help Qudrah out of her state and since whatever it is might just have to do with Salis,then he it is to unravel this mystery. I took out my phone and called him
"Hello Bros,what did you do to my friend?"
"Hi little sis,As salaamu'alaykum"
"Wa'alaykumusalam but would you answer me please?"
"Rihannah,I really don't know. I've kept calling her to no avail and as you know she's refused to talk to me through you! I'm so lost for words and thoughts! Why would she just go cold with me? If I'd done anything, couldn't she just tell me? Or is it that she's back with that Rey guy because you ladies....."
"Egbon mi! Quds would never do this but it's a mystery. That she's even refused to tell me and cries even in her sleep makes it more mysterious!"
"Ry,or is it that,that man who raped her is after her?"
"Who.....who told you.about that?"
"About what?....the rape?"
"Yes,that". I could hear him struggle for words
"Ehm.... actually,the last time she came to the house,I was on my way to your room and about to knock when I heard her tell you. Ry I don't care what that man or any man had once done to her,I just want her as my precious wife"
"I didn't know you know though in your shoes,I wouldn't want to lose her"
"So what do we do Ry? It's been two weeks,for God's sake!"
"Calm down egbon. Let's work out a plan "
"Really and what's the plan?" He asked eagerly
"Is it possible you come to school to see her?"
"You think she'd want to see me?" He asked
"I don't know but I know you want to see her,correct?"
"Of course"
"Deal sealed then!"
"Alright. Thanks dearie. Jazaakumullahu khairan. You're the best sis"
"You're welcome. Wa antum fajazaakumullahu khairan. Like you've another"
We laughed at my little joke. I got to the hostel just in time. I met Quds reading. I walked in,she looked up,smiled a little and went back to read. I took the book from her gently because she's obviously using that for a diversion. I dropped the book beside me,crouched down,took her both hands in mine and tilted up her head with my index finger. She looked at me then dropped her eyes
"Hey sunshine,don't avert your gaze. You've had your fill for two weeks but I can't stand it any longer.so,out with it!"
She looked at me and her eyes became glassy and yet the tears flowed! I hugged her.and allowed her to.cry. few minutes later, she's done
"So,does this have to do with your parents and your hijab?" I asked
"If it were that,I wouldn't have to smash my phone"
"You did what!? Smashed your phone?! And why's that?"
"I don't know but I guess I was so hurt!"
"Who dared hurt you? Tell me so I can go smash someone's brain!"
"Yeah,with your pillow soft punches" she joked. I smile and looked at my fist and couldn't help but laugh.
"So?"
"It's Salis or should I say his wife or is it wife to be?"
"Which Salis?" I asked
"Your brother of course!"
"He's a wife!? Who? Meerah?"
"Yes. She"
"This hasn't explained anything,so out with it"
She took a deep breath and told me everything that transpired. I looked at her bewildered
"And you believed her?"
"Why shouldn't I? Isn't he a man? Moreover she seems better than I am"
"Just shut up,would you?" I asked sharply and.she went mute obediently.
"Firstly Quds,Meerah isn't better than you and there's no reason to think like that because you both have your uniquesness. Secondly,we all know mom chose her for him but he doesn't even like her like.he does you. Even Sulaiman detests her gut. Thirdly,as a muslimah,you don't believe what anyone tells you especially when it involves another without carrying out your own findings. That's where benefit of doubt comes in. Then that she's pregnant,I don't believe that. Last time I checked,she doesn't even stay late with him at all"
"Then you don't know your brother!"
"What's that?"
"I called his phone around 11pm and she picked! How do you explain that!?"
"I really can't but he can. Then it's childish of you to smash your phone like you did!"
"Yeah,now I know. Now I understand why you always say we shouldn't react when angry"
"Alhamdulillahi that you've learnt your lesson. Get up,let's get you another phone"
"No! I'm buying it myself, please?"
"Ok. Just get another because my brother is losing his mind"
"He'd better but I'm not buying until next month. So he can wait!"
"Next month! Haha! Do you want to make him to come down with high blood pressure,or what!?"
"He'll be fine. The harder it gets,the more he'll appreciate me". She replied winking as she walked out. For one,I was happy I'd the plan with my brother! One whole month! That I'm expecting nikkah by then.

SALIS
I really can't still remember the event of that night two weeks ago. All I can remember was Meerah calling me sounding like she's at the verge of death,telling me she needed to go to the hospital. I didn't think twice,I took my car key and drove off .
When I got to her house,no one was there except she. I sat in the living room,called her number but she didn't pick. Then I waited and heard the clanging of heels. She walked to me without the head cover. She didn't even look sick
"Meerah,I thought you said that you're very ill?"
"Yes I am"
"But you don't look it"
"Look ill, you mean? But I'm. I'm sick of waiting for you to make the move,so I'm helping you". She went to the door,locked it and dropped the key in her pocket and then I understood her plight.
"Meerah,don't do this. Let's get married before we indulge in this act,please?"
"When will.that be,Sali? I can't.hold it any longer". She gave me a cup filled with drink which I helped down at once since my throat felt so parched because I was really holding my anger.
"Soon, Meerah soon" I replied slurpingly. I couldn't believe that was my voice. It sounded like that of a.drunk.
"Don't worry Salis because it is right now" and that was all.i heard before I was swallowed by the darkness.
I woke sometime later and heard her say "....... we're getting married...... you're the slut....baby.....wife...." The words were just conjurred up and made no sense. I stood up and caught her unawares and then she suddenly started crying and I looked stupefied
"What's it Meerah? What happened between us" I looked under the duvet I was clad in and found out I was naked and obviously she's too
"You....ra..ped....me" she said
"I did what!?"
"You raped me" she insisted.
In as much as I was sure that I didn't,I just needed to get out and clear my head.
"I'm sorry Meerah. I guess I found you irresistible last night. We'll talk about this later,please?"
"Or do you want more?" She asked with a pleased look
Hmmmmm! So much for rape. I need to figure out what's fishy. I dressed up and gave her a peck,took my phone and car key and lest the room. When I got to the sitting room,I found the half finished drink she served me with. Good! I took the cup and since she'd returened the key to the key hole,I emptied the cup content into a bottle in my car and drove off to a Biochemist friend

I just hope it wasn't Quds she called even though I want to believe so but her number has been called to no avail and just.then Ry called.
Having spoken to Ry,I just hoped it'd work. At least I need to know what have done wrong.

AJMAL
Hmmmmm! Never judge a book by its cover,so the saying goes. I knew that girl has goodness all wrapped around her. She's everything in one and I'm happy she's loosening up a bit. At least we can banter if nothing else. The assignment is completed and submitted. Amazingly on the presentation day,everyone was wowed by how she presented. I chose her to so to pass a message that the hijab isn't a deterrent to smartness,intelligence or halal wealth. Amazingly,we made an A and our presentation was the best. I couldn't just help being happy and for that I bought her her favorite Greek yogurt and I still can't erase the happiness on her face when she delved into it. She must so love it like Quds had inted. Quds! I wonder what's with her recently. It's obvious her mood.change is bothering Ry too and I'd help unravel what it is so Ry can be happy even Rey has been bothered.
I fished out my phone and made to call then I felt a presence. I looked up and found Molly fuming
"Alright Molly, what's it?"
"So it's her,right?"
"It's who?"
"That covered thing? She's the barrier between us,right?"
"Molly! Can't you get it! There's never been an us! We just had what we had! Spur of the moment!"
"To you maybe AJ but it's more to me!"
"I'm sorry but get used to it"
"You should.get used to the fact that no one can come between us Aj not even she!"
And with that she stomped off. I looked at her retreating back and just couldn't hate who I was more. I just hope that's a mere threat,else?
What's really going to happen now? Meerah then Molly?

Read,comment,criticize,appraise.

Rizqahwrites 😘