My New Home

Chapter Twenty-nine

It is Hamdeeyas’ baby Aqeeqah (naming ceremony) today. I planned with Hadeeza to leave as early as we could so that we can help her dress.

That was the arrangement on the day we met with her after she was discharged from the hospital post child birth. I rushed through my morning chores and left the house early to join Hadeeza at the junction and from there we went to her house.

By the time we got there, the house was filled to the brim with people milling about busy with different activities.

When we got Hamdees bedroom and saw her, she was practically glowing. It looked as if she had been bathed in Henna and soaked in perfume. Her Hausa relatives had outdone themselves that we looked useless being there. But I was glad when she told us to help her exchange her necklace and earrings because it’s too heavy and her neck is about to cave in while her ears are about to fall off. It might have been a menial task but we’re happy to be doing something for our friend.

The baby also was not spared from their beauty torture. They applied a bit of Henna on her fingers. I thought they’re crazy for doing such a thing, because she’s still a baby and could stain her body, Hadeeza however thought it’s cute and she’ll do the same when she has another baby girl. The baby also has two piercings that has been adorned with studs with a necklace loosely woven around her neck.

They didn’t start the program till after Asr salah. By then, Jamal had called for over ten times. The last time he asked if he should bring my luggage so I can room with my friends since i seem to enjoy staying at her place so much.

Few hours and some Gbegiri, goat meat and Tuwo wraps later, the baby was named Aisha. Hamdeeya thanked us for showing up and we took our leave.

Contrary to what we thought when we arrived in the morning. Hamdeeya was more than happy to receive us and majority of the crowd that we met at her place were not related to her at all. They were simply acquainted, so she was glad to see some friendly faces. She actually have a very large family but they’re not really close and definitely don’t like each other as much.

By the time I got home, Iya ewe was ready to chew me up. She asked me to open my eyes well; that this is Lagos and if I get kidnapped for moving about in the night, it’s my cup of tea but they’re worried because they do not have a replacement for my family should I go missing.

Mama too was mad at me and she spoke harsly to me for the first time. I accepted my fault since I did come back very late from the party and I also think they’re all tensed and passed the aggression to me. I was proven correct when the next morning, Ameera told me that we might have a wedding sooner than expected.

“Whose wedding would it be?” I asked.

“Qoriahs of course. That’s what they concluded on when her boyfriend came with his parents’ again   yesterday”. She replied. “His parents were too happy about the turn of events. They even jabbed that Alhaji should have agreed to their proposal when they visited the other time.

Alhaji was not happy, but he agreed that they should marry after all, Qoriah was aware of his employment status initially and still chose him”.

“What’s Qoriah's take on this?  Before she could answer, I added. She should be happy. Didn’t she introduce him as her love interest the other time and even prepared them a sumptuous meal?”

“She’s happy about the arrangement because she seemed to like the man for a reason unbeknownst to me. She’s only sad about the situation at which she got what she wanted. She wished that Alhaji approved willingly and was not forced.  Faria then sighed dreamily. I want Remi's parents to make it fast too so we can celebrate together. I’m craving party rice”.

“Then get your own wedding done where you could have as much party rice as you wanted. You’re old enough to get married”.

“That would be fun. She agreed but what you need to do for me now is to get a Ma-sha Allah brother and marry me off”. She joked.

“If Alhaji would permit me, I’ll do that in no time. There are so many potential husbands that we can choose from”.

“You’re not serious”. She said and nudged her shoulder with mine playfully.

When we got back to the living room, Mama announced that we’ll be starting our Arabic school the following day. I was glad to hear that. Perhaps I’ll be able to improve on my recitation. Jamal had been helping me with my reading but it wasn’t enough. He’s busy with work and his gossip update. He couldn’t miss out on either.

The following day as planned, all the women of the house except Iya ewe was prepared for Arabic class. Mama Bauchi went with us to register us and possibly ask for special treatment because she heard that one of the Ustadh (teacher) is so razz, he beat up anybody even if you’re an adult or married. The madrasah retained him because he’s their best teacher and as soon as they could find a replacement, he would be discharged.