TREASURES AND THORNS

Chapter 74

<The Exhibition>

OMNISCIENT

The news of Nusaiba's indiscretion  spread like wildfire to the family members. They all expressed shock as to how she was able to carry out such evil acts right under their noses. Even those who had joined her in insulting Rukkayya frowned upon her actions.

Nevertheless, it hit Mammy hard. How could her ward have been on drugs right under her without her knowing?  It weighed on her for days after Nusaiba had been taken to rehab. They had unanimously decided to return her back to Bauchi as soon as she got better. It was the best thing for everyone involved.

Once again, Ahmad's parents invited Rukkayya. They had again felt the need to apologize for putting her in harms way. However, she interrupted them before they finished.

"I see you both as my parents and no parent would deliberately hurt his own child. There is no reason for  you to apologize to me. I don't want you to ever feel like you owe me an apology. You have been so good to me, I only pray Allah keeps you save and rewards you with jannah."

****

The hall in Sandabe grand Marquee was painted an off white colour. The floor was made of black marbles that gave the room a warm tone. The walls were far apart giving enough room for were far apart giving enough room for the attendees to glance at the photographs hung on the wall.
The photographs hung proudly on the walls, an evidence that the guests were in the right hall. Just as the theme had “Nomadic affluence,” the photographs told vivid stories an insight in to interesting life of nomadic herdsmen and their cattle.
The picture was taken from such vantage points that made on lookers a bit longer on each one, analyzing the fine details of the work.

The event had started by 10am on 13th March. The guests trapped in a small number till the hall became full of on lookers. The exhibitionist was attired in a cream Elizabethan button hole dress over a bogus circle skirt. A cute flowery turban covered her hair while a nude veil was wrapped smartly over her turban. She was the elegant looking exhibitionist as she greeted her guests with dimpled smiles.

    Quite a number of them had questions about the inspiration behind her picture which she answered beautifully.  Of a sudden, a special convoy arrived inside the hall.

An important dignitary must have arrived. Rukkayya thought “but who?” her question was answered.

The honorable minister of Education. Hajiya Safiya walked in to the exhibition hall. A surprise visit as no one anticipated or expected her arrival.

Mammy signaled  Rukkayya to come closer. Ahmad and Haneefah came and joined them.

“What a pleasant surprise, Madam Minister,” Hajiya Fatima greeted. She was dressed in a mustard bat Abaya dress. It had silverfish embellishment around the waist of the dress giving it a chic look.

   The minister returned the handshake smiling. She was attired in an Ankara A-shaped gown with golden studs tracing the fabrics flowery patterns.

“I’ll like to take a look around , if you don’t mind,” the Minister says.

“Please do,” Mammy beams. A silent exchange in their orbs ensued one no else knew about.

Rukkayya went round with her, explaining more about her pictures to the enthusiastic woman. There was a particular picture that seemed to have caught the woman’s attention. It was a picture of a cow that lagged behind the others. It had stopped to drink from a puddle while a young herds man wearing a Fulani attire waited behind him with a tick resting on his shoulders.

“I will be going home with this,” Safiya says.

“Excellent choice Ma!”

The exhibition was well attended by art enthusiasts and some associates of the Modibbo’s. Many praised her for having a good eye with astonishing
Rukkayya’s heart swelled  with joy, She felt more grateful to the Modibbo’s for their  continued support.

****

Alhaji Modibbo heard about the successful commencement of the exhibition. He smiled , like a proud father. It was a good timing that she also launched a campaign. It was the perfect way to kick. Start a career. As he was unable to attend , due to a business trip to Kano. Abba organized a grand dinner at Peaches to celebrate the success of the event.

A table was reserved for them at the Peaches Restaurant prior to the get together. The restaurant was given strict and specific orders about the type of service expected.

At exactly 8 O, clock, the whole family was seated. The ate, wined and dined. The evening was spent enjoying the company. Even Anty Hassana  commented on Rukkayya’s work. The smile on her face was big and sparkly.

The restaurant had been heavily guarded by Rofyan and his men from Omega security service. There work was easy as half of the restaurant was part of the Modibbo’s reservation.

“You know, My anxiety is fast asleep finally. Despite how meticulous we were with the planning I kept feeling that something like Basma pulling down a frame hanging on the wall and all the others falling off with it.”

“Kai haba Mammy!” Haneefah exclaims amidst the burst of laughter going round the large table.

“Everyone is so proud of you Dimples,” Ahmad whispers. “Me especially.”

She flushes red. “Awwwn, Albi!”

A banging sound snatches everyone’s attention, forcing them to look towards the stained glass double door. Horror fills the air like gas through a damaged hose. A large number of heavily armed men marched in to the restaurant. The trooped in, faces all concealed in black face masks assembling round the table occupied by the Modibbo’s. A couple of them marched down the  restaurant, a few stopping at the counter while others proceeded to the out of bounds rooms. The waiters were flat on the ground within second under the command of the men. These were gunmen with sophisticated weapons as though they were out to fight an army that matched their own preparedness.

They were out to fight war but on whom?