Lovable Zainab

chapter 32

Chapter 32

Zainab's POV.

Today is August 1st. The day for the final hearing. Judgement will be made. Adam would probably be charged guilty or not guilty.

"Mama keep calm. You are trembling." My father said beside me.

I'm extremely nervous, the tension is real.

"Yes baba." I say.

I looked behind me where my mother and step mom sat. They both gave me a look if encouragement. They came to be with me and I really appreciate it. Judith isn't here this time but she sent me a message this morning wishing me good luck. Same thing with Amina she wished me good luck before leaving for work. Even Yusuf, he called me this morning and assuring me that I'll win so did my brother's. I swear they are the best when it comes to encouraging words.

My friend Fatima didn't even bother to call through out this period. She just stopped picking my calls and never calls so I didn't have any access to her in order for me to confront her. With her attitude lately I am starting to believe Judith is right about her.

"All arise for the honourable." We all stood up when we heard the announcement.

The judge took his seat and cleared his throat. "I'm giving each attorney opportunity to go over their arguments again before I pass my judgement. The prosecuting council may start.

Miss Ola stepped out adjusted her suit and stood in front of the judge and turned her back to him. "Your honor my client was abused and raped by this man. All the evidence proofs that he's not only guilty of abusing her but also his wife and also the murder of Rabia an innocent prostitute who was just trying to earn money to survive. Your honor the fact that Rabia job was illegal and was a mores doesn't give him the right to stab her repeatedly which led to her death."

"Your honor I'll present one last evidence. It's a video involving Adam's father." When Miss Ola mentioned this Mr Sani began sweating, his eyes widen. "This video was recorded when Mr Sani went to offer an arbitrary solution to Zainab in the process he confessed that his son committed the crime. Your honor I would like you to review the evidence before you make your decision. That would be all." She bowed and came back and had her seat.

Yes I sent the video Amina recorded to Miss Ola. It's also evidence and since Mr Sani told me that day that his son committed the crime I'm sure the judge won't have a hard time in making his judgement.

"The defending council it's your turn."

"Yes your honor. I'll like you realise that my client is being framed. Wrongly accused. He has nothing to do with Zainab. I want you to see the honorable man my client is and not listen to the lies and made up story this woman created. Your honor it's a ploy so that his father won't win a Senate seat I'll like you to put that into consideration. Thank you."

"I've heard all the arguments and I call for a brief recess so I can do my final deliberation before judging." He hit his hammer thing and left the room but not without making all of us stand up for him first.

Talk about power and authority.

"The arguments your attorney presented was good. Inshallah you will win." My father said rubbing my shoulder when we sat down back.

"Yes baba." I say at attorney Ola. She was quiet, glaring at Mr Sani her jaw clenched.

"Miss Ola are you alright?" I asked concerned

"Yes." She snapped at me. For the first time I saw another emotion that is not anger on her face. I saw pain.

"He's next." She whispered to herself. "And my name is Bisiola not Ola only Teejay calls me that." She corrected me.

The judge eventually came back. Everyone attention were on him. I glanced at Adam and I swear he was trembling.

I just couldn't imagine what I'll do if I lose the case. It would be a slap in the face, a big humiliation.

I suddenly found it hard to breathe as the judge started to speak. I concentrated on trying to breathe shutting every sounds except that of my heart beating.

When my breathing got steady I looked up to listen what the judge was saying all I heard was "therefore I sentence him to life in imprisonment."

I let out a sigh of relief as my father wrapped his arms around me pulling me into him as he whispered. Alhamdulillah. Yes all praise be to Allah.

I just burst into tears. Tears of joy, finally I'll have peace of mind.

"No you can't do this. Daddy don't let them take me. I'm sorry Zainab I regret my actions. Daddy please don't let them take me I don't want to go jail. " He yelled at the court. His father was crying and promising him that he'll appeal the case.

"Daddy I don't want to go to jail. Help me. I'm sorry." He begged struggling with the officers who held him.

"Mr Sani you are next." Miss Ola pointed at Mr Sani her eyes held promise.

Mr Sani looked scared. I'm sure he knows Miss Ola will fulfill her promise.

"Thank you attorney. We really appreciate your help you are the best." My father appreciated.

"Yes sir. Zainab I'm glad you finally found your Justice. If you'll excuse me I need to continue looking for mine." She said.

"What....." I tried to say but my father didn't let me finish.

"Good luck with that my daughter. May Allah guide you."

I wanted to ask her what she mind by looking for her Justice but my dad eyes told me to let it go. The woman is so mysterious.

"Attorney thank you for what you did for our daughter we are forever grateful to you." My mother thanked her and so did my step mom.

"Don't mention. If you'll excuse I have to go back to work." She said.

We let her go. Something told her that I might not hear from her again, but I'll forever be grateful.

After everything at the court and successfully dodging the press. We finally made it home.

We were welcomed by my Maryam who congratulated me. Saying she heard the news from the radio..

The next few days I received congratulations messages and calls from people who knew me.

I was finally at peace. Adam would spend the rest of his life  in jail. A smile spread across my face.

I wonder what would happen to Lami, would she go back to her negligent family or would those human rights people empower her so she could be independent.

Lami really had it bad she was unfortunate to marry a psychopath and she didn't deserve it. I just pray she find happiness again.