MUSTAKEEMAH’S POV
I never believe this night could make me realize something really amazing about me, I felt so useless and used for every dirty work on earth, this monster raped me mesilessly that very night! I cried like the world was about to end but he turned a deaf ear, I pleaded for mercy for the fact that he raped me he beat me till stupor…. But few months later, That was when I realized that this life doesn’t want sincererity nor kindness but you got to face your fear and fight back because the more I beg for help and mercy the more I land myself into more troubles, this decision was hard for me to make until the very day I realize I was pregnant, I cried like the world is about to end like how can I be pregnant for a monster like him? No it cant be true, I began to hit my stomach so hard that I almost passed out, how could I be pregnant? I always take those pills; after much thinking critically I realize I didn’t take any pills the night he naked me…. I cried alone in the kitchen but I couldn’t help the fact that am carrying another monster inside me.. and the worse part he might not want the child, he might hate me more for this…. the doctor that usually come to treat me anytime he injures me also diagnosed that I am pregnant and because I am mature enough to know the signs, feeling tired, sleeping, nauseous, vomiting and morning sickness, which the monster in my life also noticed but I tried it hide it from him but I never realize that I cant hide it forever.. until this night
Mustakeemah: (presents his dinner) Sir, here is your dinner… (she stands, waiting for him to come out of the bathroom)
Mubarak: (wiping his face with a towel, stepping out) Is my dinner ready? I’m starving.
Mustakeemah: Yes, sir.
Mubarak: (sits without changing into his nightwear) Honestly, I’m starving. Can you believe I didn’t eat anything for lunch? I’ve been busy with work since morning.
Mustakeemah: Sorry about that, sir. (as he opens the food, she begins to feel uneasy but tries hard not to show it) Sir, can I leave now?
Mubarak: Not yet.
Mustakeemah: (feeling more uneasy as he takes the first bite; she can’t hold it anymore) Sir, please excuse me. (she rushes out, covering her mouth)
Mubarak: (shocked, stands quickly) What just happened? (moves to the door) Mustakeemah!!
Mustakeemah: (responds faintly from afar) I’m coming, sir… (thinking to herself) Oh my God! What if he finds out? What am I going to say?
Mubarak: Mustakeemah!! Where are you? (walks up to her) Why did you run off like that? Is something wrong? Talk to me, baby.
Mustakeemah: (surprised by his soft tone) Sir, I’m fine… I just need some rest, that’s all.
Mubarak: (thinking deeply) Hmmm… vomiting in the morning? I’m not a fool. I just hope it’s not what I’m thinking. But I need to calm her down so she opens up. (clears his throat) Look, honey, sit down. (sits her gently) You know I’m your husband, right? And you know how much I love you?
Mustakeemah: (confused in her thoughts) Why is he acting this way? He knows he’s pretending to be nice… (aloud) Honestly sir, I’m fine. I just need some rest.
Mubarak: You think I haven’t noticed you lately? Look at you—extra beautiful. Your skin glowing like fine wine, your body getting chubbier… Definitely something good is happening. And I’ll be very happy to hear it.
Mustakeemah: (thinking) Ehhhh! I think he knows. He just wants me to say it. But what if he beats me after I tell him the truth? Yet I’ve never seen him this nice… maybe he’s happy I’m carrying his child?
Mubarak: Baby, talk to me. I’m eager to hear it from you.
Mustakeemah: Well… uhmm… sir… I think… I’m… pregnant.
Mubarak: (stunned, his chest tightening) Oh my God. She’s pregnant for real? (panting heavily, thinking to himself) No! This can’t be happening now. I’m not ready to be a father. I have to do something. But what if she dies like Maryam, my first love? I’d never forgive myself… Still, I must act fast.
Mustakeemah: (noticing his worried face) Sir, are you okay? You look troubled… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get pregnant either. But you forgot to give me the pills that night when you… when you forced yourself on me. I mean… we both forgot. Please forgive me, sir. (goes on her knees)
Mubarak: (forces a smile, hiding his thoughts) She mustn’t know I’m not happy. She mustn’t suspect anything. (clears throat) It’s okay, my darling. This is wonderful news! Can you believe it? We’re going to be parents! I can’t believe I’m going to be a father. What a blessing, my love. (embraces her tightly) Thank you for this great gift, my angel. I love you so much.
Mustakeemah: (shocked, barely able to breathe in his arms) So… you’re not mad at me?
Mubarak: (pretending) Why would I be? You’re giving me the best gift ever. I’m so proud of you. I love you, Mustakeemah.
Mustakeemah: (smiles faintly, still confused) Thank you, sir…
Mubarak: (letting her go, with a fake warm smile) So, how are you feeling? Should I call the doctor for a proper check-up?
Mustakeemah: I’m fine, sir. All I need is rest and to eat well… for the baby’s sake.
Mubarak: Good. Have you eaten?
Mustakeemah: Actually, I can’t eat the food I prepared. I just don’t know why I hate the smell… I’ll find something else.
Mubarak: (inwardly furious) My own food you hate? And you say it to my face? Hmmm… (outwardly calm) Anyway, go take care of yourself, shower, and rest well, my darling. (kisses her forehead) I’ll be expecting you in my room.
Mustakeemah: (watching him leave, still confused) What just happened? Did he just speak kindly to me tonight? All because of this pregnancy? (smiles faintly, holding her belly) My little angel… maybe you’re the game changer. Maybe Allah sent you to save me. If so, please come soon, because mummy can’t wait to have you. I can’t believe I’m going to be a mother. So I’m carrying another life inside me… Subhanallah, so magical. Maybe my life will finally change for the better.
Mubarak: (watching her secretly from afar, his smile fading into rage) Hmmm. This foolish girl thinks I’m happy. Who told her I’m ready to be the father of her child? Even the one I truly wanted taught me a bitter lesson. I’ll never make that mistake again. That child must never be born. Never.
***********************
Few days later, the entire family of Mrs. Shola were mourning the death of their beloved mother, sister, aunt, and cousin.
Bolanle: (mourning) I can’t believe Mum is gone! She left us in this wicked world all alone. When she knew she was about to leave, why couldn’t she take me with her? Why?!
Ayomide: (speaks angrily) It’s not too late oh! You can follow her.
(The entire family gasps in shock at Ayomide’s words.)
Bolanle: (gasping) Ahhh! Ayomide! Is it me you’re talking to like this? Since when did we become enemies? Why would you say such a nasty thing to me—your own sister?
Ayomide: Sister? Are you really my sister? Have you forgotten Mum died because of your spoiled life? Did any of you know Mum died because of her? She’s the real murderer here! She was the one who called Mum on the phone, threatening to kill herself if Mum didn’t come. Stop pretending, Bolanle, and accept the fact—you killed her!
(Everyone gasps in disbelief.)
Bolanle: (breaking down in tears) I never knew you hated me so much until today, Ayomide! Do you think I wanted this? If I had known she would die, would I have ever said such a thing? Do you think I’m happy that she’s gone? She was my mother too! I loved her—she was the most amazing woman in the world. But I had to speak up because of how she treated Mustakeemah!
Ayomide: Oh please, spare me that trash! These are nothing but fake tears. You never loved Mum—you hated her so much you gave her high blood pressure! Despite being her favorite child, you misused her love and ended her life. Are you happy now? You think I don’t know your plans? You wanted revenge because of Mustakeemah. You see us as enemies, and now your plan succeeded. You should be rejoicing! Since you even said Mum should have taken you with her, it’s not too late—enter a car and hit a trailer. Go and join her!
Elderly Woman: Will you two shut your mouths? If Ayomide is senseless, must you also be foolish enough to listen to her nonsense?
Ayomide: Big Mummy, I swear she killed Mum!
Elderly Woman: Oh, shut your dirty mouth before I shut it for you! Now I see how naïve you are, only pretending to be sensible. What has happened has happened—we cannot question Allah. We must be grateful in all things. What is more important now is your father’s health. Or have you forgotten him? Instead of praying for his recovery, you are busy fighting over the dead. Wipe your tears and tighten your belts; life’s journey is just beginning for you.
Bolanle: Thank you so much, Big Mummy. We really appreciate it, ma… I just miss my mum. (She breaks down in tears again.)
Elderly Woman: It’s okay, my darling. May Allah grant her Aljannat Firdaus.
Ayomide: Oh, please! (She angrily gets up and storms out.)
Niece: Ayomide! Come back here now! AYO!
Elderly Man: These children are spoiled—their parents didn’t train them well.
Bolanle: I’m sorry on her behalf, sir. Please forgive us. It’s just hard to accept that our mother is gone.
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The next morning, Mubarak woke up expecting his breakfast beside his bed. To his surprise, his wife was still snoring and turning on the bed. He didn’t hesitate—he slapped her body to wake her.
Mubarak: What the hell are you still doing by this time of the day without my breakfast next to me? Are you nuts? My friend, will you get up and prepare my breakfast?
Mustakeemah: (she gently gets up, scratching her eyes) I’m sorry sir. You know I told you I need more rest because of your child, so I thought you would give me the opportunity to rest. I’m sorry sir.
Mubarak: (laughs in disbelief) See this rag oh! So just because you’re carrying a child, that’s why you’ll starve me? Since when did we start this nonsense? Is it because I tolerate your stupidity too much in this house? If you don’t get out of this room now and find me something to eat, I will cut off your head and place it in your hands! And mind you, this should be the last time you ever try this rubbish with me. I’m letting you go scot-free because this is the first time you disobeyed my food rule—if not, you know me well. Now get lost before I lose you!
Mustakeemah: Okay sir! (she runs out of the room)
Mubarak: As if I care about that child!