Anas: I’m okay. Why do you ask?
Jamiu: Have you seen yourself? You look miserable and unwell…
Anas: (smirks) I’m okay, brothers… just stressed out. That’s all.
Jamil: By who? Your wife?
Anas: Yoh! Why would you say that?
Junaid: We are just worried about you, that’s all.
Anas: Wait! (scans them one after the other) You guys are really here to talk about me? Gathering mouths on me? Have you looked at yourselves?
Jamiu: What do you mean?
Anas: Yes, you. You especially… (tries to control his emotions) Please, I sat here with you guys today for memories and good times, not to question my marital life when you should look deep into yours.
Jamil: Yep! Always the right one all the time…
Anas: Yes, I will be. Because my marital life won’t be hot bean cake in your mouths. Before you care to advise or bully your younger ones because you couldn’t lead as an example, look at your marriage so I can learn from it. (stares at Jamiu)
Jamiu: (adjusts his seat) Yoh, man! Why does it look like you are directing your words at me? I have been living right as a man in my marriage..
Anas: Yeah, right. (rests back on the couch) If you don’t have anything cheerful to talk about, then don’t ever use my marital affairs as a topic from mouths that can’t lead their marriages right.
Jamiu: Don’t piss me off.
Anas: There is nothing pissy here. It’s the truth.
Junaid: Okay! Let’s just change the topic.
Jamiu: No, we are not! I know he has had me in mind for months now. That’s why he has been avoiding us.
Anas: There is no point avoiding you. In as much as I can’t control how you lead your home, never think you can do the same with mine. That’s my point. Just because I’m the youngest doesn’t make me a fool. Don’t let Shayṭān use you guys as enemies of a happy home. Leave my marriage alone and work on making your wives happy, and see how Allah rewards each of you. The secret of rizq lies beneath your marriage.
Jamil: Now he is doing naseeha. I almost forgot we are talking to a religious man. We can never think the same. Look, brother, I’m only looking out for you because you always look stressed and tired. You barely have time for yourself. That’s the purpose of the gathering, to be stress-free. I won’t interfere in your marriage because I still have that little respect for you, despite you being my kid brother. You are a wise guy.
Anas: (softens) Thank you, brother
.
Jamil: Anytime.
(The atmosphere goes silent for a few minutes.)
Junaid: So… brother. (faces Jamiu) How have you been lately? Business, wives, kids?
Junaid: Wives! (chuckles)
(All eyes turn to him.)
Junaid: Sorry… my bad. Carry on, brother.
Jamiu: (clears his throat) Well, we thank God. Wives and kids are well taken care of, and work is going well. I just need to start finding an alternative business soon, because my boss is draining the life out of me, and I have a lot of responsibilities. So yeah, I’m good, and I’ll be even better as time goes on. That’s all about me.
Junaid: Responsibilities indeed.
Jamiu: (furiously stands to confront Junaid) What’s the matter with you, bro? You got some problem?.
Jamil: Hey! Hey! Guys! This isn’t why we are here, okay? Stop it! Junaid, stop doing that. It’s not cool.
Junaid: Fine. I’m sorry. (brings out his phone) Carry on, please.
Jamil: Sorry, brother.
Jamiu: Sorry? For what? You know… I’m grateful for my life. Yes, I have two wives, which I married legally. And about you, are you going to tell me you don’t have mistresses outside marriage? And you sit there saying rubbish? I brought mine home. And you? Sleeping around?
Junaid: Okay, that’s enough! Please, sit down.
Anas: (chuckles as he listens to their rant).
Jamil: Yes, please sit down.
Jamiu: Shut up! You don’t tell me what to do! I am your elder. I did what I thought was right, unlike you three.
Anas: And I respect you for that, brother. I guess now you’ve made your point, and I understand. We shouldn’t prolong this matter.
Jamil: So, Junaid… how is your life? Marriage, trials, and business?
Jamiu: (gets seated, focusing all his attention on what is about to come out of Junaid’s mouth)
Junaid: I’m not saying anything. I am here for peace.
Jamil: Well, it doesn’t look that way..
Jamiu: You better open up, because there is going to be a problem tonight.
Junaid: Bring it on. (stands on his feet)
Anas: (gets up, about to leave)
Jamil: Where are you going?
Anas: To eat, to pray, and to sleep. I thought tonight was going to be like old times, but I guess I was wrong. I need to attend to my wife and prepare for tomorrow’s picnic as well. (smiles) Good night, brothers. (climbs the stairs)
Jamiu: I’m out of here too, because if I don’t leave now, a huge fight will break out tonight, and that’s the last thing I want for Dad. (takes his leave)
Jamil: (glances at Junaid) I’m disappointed in you. Always the annoying one. You ruined everything. You better not do the same tomorrow, because it won’t end well for any of us. (leaves)
Junaid: (sighs heavily) Well… that was unexpected. (falls onto the couch)
__________________________
Haneefah’s POV
It is the day..
The day we have all been waiting for.
A day I believe will bind us together, despite our different mindsets, despite our silent struggles. A day my heart has carried with hope long before it finally arrived.
And now… it is here.
I am still in bed, wrapped in warmth, lost in beautiful thoughts, while beside me my husband sleeps soundly, his steady snore filling the room. I smile to myself. My heart is already awake, racing ahead of the morning.
I turn off the alarm quietly, slip out of bed, and head to the restroom with light steps. I perform my ablution with gratitude, every splash of water grounding my excitement. I try to wake my husband, but he isn’t having it. He never looks good in the morning.
Soon, he heads to the mosque, and I remain behind, worshipping my Creator in our special matrimonial bedroom, pouring my joy and hopes into my prayers.
When I finally step out to see if the energy bubbling inside me is shared by the house, what I meet downstairs goes far beyond my expectations.
The first person I sight is Chief, already on his feet, calmly directing his workers. There is something admirable about that man. I walk up to him and greet him warmly, my brightest smile finding its way to my face. That old man is truly a legend.
I make my way to the big kitchen, and what I see there almost makes me laugh in delight. Two chefs, fully immersed in their craft, performing magic with pots, spices, and fire.
Suddenly, my baby kicks. A sharp reminder of life growing inside me. I wince slightly, but the pain melts into joy. He feels it too. The excitement. The fluttering butterflies in my stomach.
I try to lend a hand in the kitchen, but I’m gently sent out, reminded of Chief’s rules. I sigh with a smile.
Well… I guess it’s time to prepare my husband’s breakfast.
Time moves faster than I expect.
9:03 a.m.
My senior wives are awake now too, chasing after their children, calling out instructions, making sure baths are taken and clothes are worn properly. The house is alive.
I can’t help but smile.
This idea… this gathering… it came from me.
For the first time in a long while, I feel like I am putting genuine smiles on everyone’s faces.
And just as that thought settles warmly in my heart, I gasp.
Breakfast is ready. I carry the tray carefully back to our room, my steps light, my heart full.Haneefah: (uses her back to push the door open) As-salamu alaykum… (shocked to find him in bed) Honey!! You are still in bed? (drops the tray) Baby… (sits close to him) my king!
Anas: (groaning) Uh?
Haneefah: You should be ready by now. We are leaving the house by ten o’clock.
Anas: (eyes closed) You guys can go. I don’t think I can.
Haneefah: This better be a joke! Please… don’t ruin my mood.
Anas: Then give me a few minutes to complete this sleep. I need it more than ever, please.
Haneefah: (sad) You were not happy with the idea in the first place, so I understand. Shift, let me join you then, since we are not going.
Anas: (adjusts for her)
Haneefah: Anas!
Anas: (finally sits up) Haneefah! Wallahi, I’m having a severe headache.
Haneefah: It’s okay then. I’m going to take my shower. (gets up and moves to the restroom)
Anas: (hurriedly gets down and moves to the dressing room, brings out a small bag from its hiding place, opens it, brings out some medication, hurriedly throws them into his mouth, returns to the bed, takes the glass of water from the tray, and drinks it all) Ahhhh! My head… (touches his forehead, panting heavily)
Haneefah: (comes out, about to undress, then notices him) Are you okay?
Anas: Just… (panting) just a slight headache. I will be fine.
Haneefah: Are you sure? Or should I bring paracetamol? (moves closer)
Anas: I’m fine… that reminds me… (gets down and holds her hands) I want you to do me a favor.
Haneefah: (strange stare) what is that?
Anas: Don’t say anything or interfere in whatever they are talking about, please. This is not a command, but if you obey me, then it means you honor my request… okay?
Haneefah’s POV
A lot runs through my mind at that moment. Did something happen that I am not aware of? But I couldn’t ask further questions, because all he wanted to hear from me was a promise… and I gave it.
The excitement in me died instantly. I began to wonder if my idea would backfire.
Time passed, and everyone was set. Some were outside with their kids, while my husband and I were just leaving our bedroom. I watched as the workers carried different dishes into the family bus.
My husband held my hand as we reached the stairs. He feared more than I did. What a sweet man. He helped me downstairs and led the way.
Reaching outside, everyone was already set, exchanging greetings and complimenting one another.
Baba Okomi…
Jamiu came out with his new wife, looking stunning, as they joined us in the bus. My co-wives kept looking out through the glass, as if they were expecting someone.
And behold… our senior wife stepped out, dressed elegantly and attractively, holding her kids. We praised and admired her until her husband noticed and joined us in the car.
Then Chief followed, overwhelmed with joy as he saw our happy faces. His personal assistant accompanied him to the bus, and the driver started the engine, driving out of the compound as the gateman waved at us.
I happily rested my head on my husband’s chest and heard him whisper his adhkar. I felt truly safe with him. He patted my shoulder while others did the same with their husbands.
Including Rahmah. But Zainab rested her children’s heads on her body. It felt strange, but we couldn’t ruin the moment.
The neighborhood was noisy and nosy, pointing at our bus as we passed by. But I guess I was the only one who noticed every little thing. Perhaps we were famous in the neighborhood, just as my sister once said.
It took us almost an hour to get there, and behold… the place was breathtaking. As we drove through the gate, everyone in the bus couldn’t stop admiring and expressing their amazement.
After the bus parked, we stepped down and were guided to our booked garden spot. When we got there, I couldn’t help but admire my father-in-law. This man is truly amazing.
We all admired the decorations, breathed in the fresh air, felt nature around us, and touched the beautiful carpet-like grass.
Chief: (joins them) Aha! What are you still waiting for? Have your seats. Let’s begin.
Jamiu: We were actually waiting for your arrival, Dad. The great mind behind this beautiful family. (everyone smiles at him).
Chief: Thank you, son… uhmm you! (points at Junaid and Anas) Help me to my chair. You know I can’t sit on the floor like you people. I’m old. (everyone chuckles)
Anas and Junaid: (obey and accompany him to his chair)
Chief: (gets seated) Please, have your seats, or do you prefer chairs too?
They all decline and happily sit close to their spouses, while Zainab sits close to Haneefah.
P.A: You parents have nothing to worry about. Your kids are in safe hands, having fun at the playground and being watched by the security team. Chief booked the playground for them alone.
(The family applauds happily.)
Maryam: This is amazing. Now I can have a real family moment without being disturbed by our kids.
Junaid: Now that’s what I call a family picnic. Dad, we shouldn’t be saying this, but we are proud of you. (everyone bursts into laughter)
P.A: (claps in the air) Let’s go, guys. (signals to the chefs) Serve the snacks and drinks first. (the chefs proceed)
Anas: (sadly watches Chief happily looking at everyone, unaware as tears fall from his eyes)
Aishat: (first to notice) Baba Okomi, are you crying?
Anas: (hurriedly wipes the tears) Me? No!!
Everyone gazes at him.
Jamiu: Daddy’s boy!.
Chief: (gazes at Anas happily and smiles) Please, let’s make this picnic a memorable one for me. Who knows, this moment might never happen again. And I wish your mother was here right now, to see the family we created out of love.
Everyone starts getting emotional.
Haneefah: (feels the moment, thinking) This is definitely going to be a memorable one, for sure..
Anas: (gets up) I shall start the opening prayers.
Everyone brings forward their hands.
Anas: (clears his throat) Alhamdu lillahi nahmaduhu wa nasta‘inuhu wa nastaghfiruh, wa na‘udhu billahi min shururi anfusina wa min sayyi’ati a‘malina. Man yahdihillahu fa la mudilla lah, wa man yudlil fa la hadiya lah. Wa ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharika lah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh. Allahumma salli wa sallim wa barik ‘ala nabiyyina Muhammad, wa ‘ala alihi wa ashabihi ajma‘in.
Everyone: Amin ya Allah.
Anas: Allahumma inna nas’aluka khayra hadha al-yawm wa khayra ma fihi, wa na‘udhu bika min sharrihi wa sharri ma fihi. Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdik, ash-hadu an la ilaha illa anta, astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayk. Amin. (rubs his hands on his face and body and settles back to the floor)
Everyone: (does the same) Amin.
Jamiu: Ya ustaz!
Junaid: Ya sheikh!
Jamil: My alfa nla!
Everyone chuckles.
Haneefah: (smiles at him, admiring, and whispers) That’s my husband…
Anas: (smiles back)
Zainab: (stylishly glances at her husband and Rahmah holding hands, while she sits alone, slowly falling into depression).
Chief: (clears his throat) Now, we shall begin this picnic with story time.
Anas: (smiles)
Jamiu: Yeahhh!
(The wives smile at one another as they are served the first delicacies.)
Chief: There was a great man, a mentor, a great leader I once worked for. His name was Mr. Singh. A great man with a big heart. He was an Indian, of course. I worked for him for thirty good years, and I got to spend ten years in India. I learned a lot from him.
When I first got to India, their lifestyle felt very strange to me as an African. Their food, their culture, and most importantly, their family system of living under one roof. I found it very uncomfortable, especially for his children and wives. But they seemed happier, so I guessed that was their way of life.
Until one day, my boss asked me to come to India and become the manager of his company as a reward for my loyalty of my service. Trust me, my salary increased, and there were more opportunities.
My family, especially my mother, was against it. She said it was a corrupt country, that people were killed anyhow for money, and that if I died there, my body would be burned into ashes. She put fear into my heart.
But my father… may Allah be pleased with him… said that to be a man, you must take risks. And those words have stayed in my heart till today.
(His family listens attentively as they dive into his life story, their minds filled with imagination.)
Chief: (continues) My mother warned me again not to settle there and not to think of marrying any of them. She said that once I was ready for marriage, I should come back home, and she would keep the most beautiful flower for me.
(Everyone chuckles and smiles.)
Chief: (continues) When I finally got to India, I thought I would rent an apartment and report to his mansion every day. But it was a plot twist. (switches to an Indian accent) Mr. Singh ordered me to live inside his mansion.
(Everyone bursts into laughter.)
Zainab: (smiles and listens attentively)
Chief: At first, I declined, but I had no choice unless I wanted to be deported back to Nigeria. And mind you, I was the first child in my family to travel out of the country. Of course, I wanted my family name to never be forgotten, and it never was.
Inside the mansion, I was the thirty-fourth person when counted alongside his family and workers. Everyone lived together happily, but it wasn’t comfortable for me. I couldn’t go out and enjoy myself the way I imagined.
After spending a year with him, I almost quit because of the crowdedness. Anytime they wanted to hold even the smallest ceremony, there was no need to invite outsiders, we who lived in the mansion were already many.
And Indians celebrate every little victory and festival in their country. Now imagine how hard it was for an African like me.
Everyone chuckles