OBLIVIOUS REDEMPTION

CHAPTER 27: Ummy's Rules

~Let your smile be an Autograph for others, for one day the sun will shine brighter than ever, and the stars will twinkle more than ever~

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Yasmeen:

The bright sun that brings back not light alone, but new hope and freshness to man, burst upon the crowded city in clear and radiant glory. Through costly-coloured glass and windows, it shed its equal ray.

I perched on my windowsill, gazing at the lurid sun, trying to appreciate its beauty. That's when I remembered today is Saturday and I decided to spend the day at Ummy's house.

After breakfast, Ahmad headed there immediately. And I joined him shortly afterwards.

Ummy and her children were having a wonderful conversation when I got there, But the talking stopped when I walked in. They all turned and stared at me, mouths hanging open, looking at me with the same horror and disgust they would exhibit if I had just walked into the room naked. I stood there frozen, hyperaware of their scrutiny

"I need to talk to you Yasmeen" Ummy said

"Alright Ummy" I replied, with the sweetest smile on my face

"In private, let's go to my room" she said, as she led the way to the room, with me trailing behind her.

When we entered the room, she sat on her bed and I sat beside her on the floor. Ready to listen to whatever she's going to say attentively.

"I want to lay out some rules for you. From now on, You should go to habiba's room and greet her every morning just like you do to me. Call the rest of Ahmad's siblings that are not living with us anymore very often and greet them too" ummy began...

"There are some of my children that are married, we know how marriage works. They all cook for their in-laws, why not you? Is it because I am not demanding or selfish? Or are you just feeling too big?"

I inwardly sigh in disbelief, and I thought to myself. Marriages are not all the same, she knows how her own daughters marriage works, but not mine. I myself is yet to discover how mine works, that's if she'll stay out of my nose.

Ummy continued....

"Ahmad is my eldest son, and you're his wife. You're suppose to assume some responsibilities in this house. But you do nothing, is it because I don't treat you like a mother in-law treats her daughter in-law" Ummy asked again

I'm married to your eldest son, like you've just stated, but You're telling me to greet your daughter every morning, a girl that is a lot younger than I am, and you're telling me you're not treating me like a daughter in-law? The little voice in my head asked.

But instead of telling her that, I replied with "Okey Ummy, don't worry. I will make amends, thanks"

"From now on, You will start cooking for me very often, even if it's something as small as a pepper soup" she said

"My daughter brings me food, but you don't. What sort of disrespect is this?" Ummy said bitterly

But you just said I'm not your daughter, I'm your son's wife remember? That means I don't have to do whatever your so called daughter does for you. Besides, My duty is to my husband, not his mother or his sisters. The little voice in my head whispered in my ears again. But of course, I didn't tell Ummy that.

I zoned out as she kept talking, and talking and talking. I didn't hear the rest of it.

I thanked her when she was done and I promised her she would see some drastic changes.