The court is now in session, everyone rose to their feet as the bailiff announces the Judges' arrival. Habeebah shot to her feet looking utterly nervous and distressed, she has bags under her eyes clearly showing that she is lacking sleep and has been worked up about the whole situation. Seeing that she was developing cold feet to appear in court, Humairah, Farouk and Suhaib accompanied her to show support and stand by her knowing she was going through a hard time.
A tall portly figure appeared behind the Judge's table and settled into the big chair. He picked up the gavel, and smacked it down on the wood.
"You may be seated." Came the husky voice of the Judge.
They all sat down again except Habeebah, who was lost in thought and had to be tugged down back into her seat by Humairah.
"Hey! Everything will be fine, okay?" Humairah said gently squeezing her hand.
"Okay." Habeebah muttered squeezing back.
"The case before the court your honour is a divorce case between Mrs Habeebah Hassan Ribadu and Mr Mahmoud Abdulwahab Jalo." The bailiff voiced. "The accused is charged with domestic violence." He added.
"The plaintiff go ahead and present your case." The Judge said taking of his spectacles.
"Thank you your honour." Bukar said bowing.
He cleared his throat then continued "Your honour my client here," Bukar said glancing at Habeebah. "Has been in an abusive marriage for the past thirteen years, she has gone through a lot of torture and maltreatment from her husband, in person of Mr Mahmoud Jalo. In here is everything you need to know about my client Habeebah." Bukar added handing over the file to the court clerk who passed it to the Judge.
"Her first priority your honour, is her family. She is a good woman who possesses good traits. Your honour! My client here Habeebah would like the court to dissolve the marriage between her and Mr Mahmoud Jalo, that is all for now your honour." Bukar said taking his seat.
Habeebah looks somewhat composed now, the fear she felt few minutes back isn't evident on her face anymore all thanks to Humairah. She looks around for Mahmoud, but couldn't catch a glimpse of him. "Didn't he come?" She thought to herself.
"The defendant please proceed with your case." The Judge said looking at Habeebah's file.
"Your honour! I am Barrister Mukhtar Bello, the defendant's lawyer." The lawyer said looking nervous. He must be because his client is no where to be seen.
"Your honour? Mr Mahmoud Jalo is a good man, he has been married to Mrs Habeebah for the past thirteen years and in those years, Mrs Habeebah hasn't shown any sign of a good wife to my client or a good mother to her kids. She is a characterless woman who shows no respect whatsoever to Mr Mahmoud or his family." Barrister Mukhtar lied ignoring the gasps that was coming from the audience. "She......" Mukhtar continued but was cut short by Bukar.
"Objection Your honour! The defendant's lawyer has no right to defame my client's character without any proof." Bukar voiced clearly annoyed.
Habeebah on the other was furious, she couldn't believe that Mahmoud could go to the extent of defamation to get what he wants. Right now, she can't even stand the sight of him.
"Calm down, deep breaths, you will be fine." Humairah soothed rubbing circles on her back. She could feel how tensed up she is at what Mahmoud's lawyer is saying.
"I am fine sister, very fine. I just can't believe he could stoop this low to defaming my character to get what he wants, I despise him so much now. I can't stand the sight of him." Habeebah said through gritted teeth. "By the way, where is he?" She added looking around. That was when Humairah noticed that Mahmoud wasn't in the courtroom.
YOU ARE READING
The Power Of Calmness
General Fiction"I want to become a renowned lawyer and Human Rights Activist when I do grow up." Seven year old Habeebah, happily said to her father. As time passes, we as humans tend to move closer to reality. Because, with each passing second, nothing stays stag...
