LATER IN THE EVENING (6:02PM)
Anas: (scrolling through his phone at the dining table)
Kehinde: (running to catch her brother) If I catch you ehnnn. Let daddy come back. If I will not report you.
Anas: Ehn. Ejire.
Kehinde: Sir. You are back sir. (Runs to embrace him) Welcome sir. What did you buy for us?
Anas: Don’t worry. Trust me now. Where is your mum?
Kehinde: She is inside sir.
Anas: Kindly call her for me.
Zainab: (shows up) Kehinde, have you done what I instructed you?
Anas: Oh! There she is, You can go.
Kehinde: okay.... That’s what I’m doing.
Zainab: Hurry up. I need you to go and fill this gas for me.
Anas: Ummu twins.
Zainab: Sir, please give me a minute sir. (Faces Kehinde) Take. Fill 3kg and I give you 15 minutes.
Kehinde: Okay mum.
Zainab: (approaches him) Yes baba okomi, my brother in law.
Anas: Please have a seat. I want us to have a quick chat before everyone returns.
Zainab: Okay sir. (Obeys and lowers her gaze)
Anas: (lowers his gaze as he speaks) Ummu twins, thank you for honoring my calls. As you can see, I came back not quite long, but the scene I met was unexpected and I am here to ask few questions. It carries a lot behind it. I know you are going through a lot at the moment, even if you fail to show it, but instead you let your anger rule you. I respect you so much, even right before Haneefah. You cooked for me all the time. You loved me like your own. You always sang into my ears back then to get married and settle down. And here we are.
You have no idea of the higher position you hold in this home of ours. The first wife. The first woman to give our father another name of being called a grandfather. You blessed him with twins as his first grandchildren. You made this mansion a home with your presence because it all started from you before the rest. The wives are looking up to you, even my wife. She has always wanted to be close to you so you can guide her. I have sung your praises to her ears right before she stepped foot into this house.
Now imagine this is the side of you she is witnessing. Whatever is bothering you, you can talk to me like your younger brother, just like the old days. Just because I am married does not mean you cannot talk to me. I put you in such a high position in this house that every wife looks up to you. Now you have suddenly changed, and I will never judge your reasons.
So please talk to me. What is the problem? I promise you, shebi your husband is my brother. We three can gather mouth on his head and he will make amends please. Your pain is affecting everyone in this house, even if they do not say it. We are one family, remember? Do not let us divide because of you. Please, I am begging for Allah’s sake. Talk to me.
Zainab: (sighs heavily) Thank you baba okomi for everything and for always having my back. It really means a lot. (Looks down sadly) But ahhh. Jamiu hurt me so badly that I am losing myself. I am glad you know how we started. I am glad you know how this living together came in. You know how poor we were that chief had to make these rules. You know how my husband struggled a lot back then. At least Alhamdulillah we are okay for now.
I married your brother when he had nothing. I was there for him. I suffered with him until I became the talk of my family for living under the same roof in my father in law’s big mansion. I was brutally insulted, but I swallowed everything for the love I had for your brother. Not until early this year, after four children. Although it is not like we did not have issues, but it was something I endured for love and to avoid showcasing our problems to the rest of the wives.
Brother Anas, we have been married for over ten years now. The time we should be enjoying the fruit of our labor. Your brother is now cheating on me, saying I do not look attractive anymore after four children. From his mouth. Let us not dig deeper.
I happened to catch him red handed on a phone call with his mistress a few days ago, very early in the morning by 5:34am. He had not prayed Fajr. Even though I know we are not that religious, we still struggle with solat. I confronted him and it led to a heated argument. The next thing was your brother raised his hand to hit me. Before he killed me, I ran out of the room screaming for help. Everyone came out, including your wife. I was so embarrassed, but in pain.
Your brothers confronted him and he yelled at them not to interfere in his marital affairs. They were furious and we were left alone. Even your father did not show up.
Brother Anas, I am in pain in this marriage. I really want to divorce him, but what of my kids? I do not want to raise them alone without their father. That is the only reason I am still in this house. This same brother of yours punishes me and the kids by not dropping money every time we have issues. So I have to carry the responsibilities alone until he is finally pleased.
As I am talking to you, I am the one catering for our needs since the incident. Is it not better to be divorced and raise my kids alone? And as for my co wives, I know I have turned into a laughing stock in this house, even if they pretend to feel for me. I could hear their murmuring, which includes your wife. So I am sorry if I did not live up to your expectations, but I am in pain. (Tears stream down her eyes) I am tired.
Anas: (sighs heavily) I cannot believe my ears. Please stop crying. I am so sorry on his behalf.
Zainab: For how long will you continue to beg on his behalf when he does not change at all? Answer me. There is no point in your apologies. I am just tired. (Wipes her tears)
Anas: (exhales softly) I am short of words, but wallohi, I am promising you that he will make amends. You need to be patient with him for now.
Zainab: Why must women always be the ones to have patience in marriage? We abandon our homes and dreams just to come spend the rest of our lives with a man, and this is what we get? We turn into baby factories and lose our old selves. That is the sacrifice we make, and still we need to be patient for a man’s incompetence? Can you hear yourself? (Tears stream down her face) Do not make promises you cannot keep. I am just glad I could express myself to you so that when I finally change towards everyone in this house, at least you have heard my side of the story.
Haneefah: (enters the house and noticed the atmosphere) As salam alaykum. (Gently goes her way and avoids distracting them)
Zainab: I will not lie. Your wife is a sweet woman, but I know deep down they are making fun of me. It hurts even more without knowing what I am going through.
Anas: Wallohi, that is not true. You might be right, but not in this one. The reason I am sitting with you today is because of my wife. She did not even tell me all of this. She is worried about you and begged me to talk to you, that you are going through a lot at the moment. She did not even tell me what happened today. She is really worried about you, and she is a woman like you. My wife will never derive joy in another woman’s sadness.
If only you did not judge her and saw her for who she truly is, you would have seen how she longs to be closer to you. Do not judge a book by its cover. I can feel your pain as well. This is a hard phase of your life, but please do not hurt yourself because of my brother’s recklessness. I will try my best to speak sense into him. Please. (Feels for her)
Zainab: (nods in tears) I should return to my duties. Thanks for your time sir. (Wipes her tears and exits to her room)
Anas: (melts into his thoughts for a few minutes, then gets up and heads to his wife’s kitchen) Baby.
Haneefah: (blending tomatoes) Yes dear. Has it been settled?
Anas: (sighs) No. It is harder than I thought, and the fault is my brother’s. She misjudged you ladies, but that is the point. I need to speak with her husband. So, how was the market? You seem to have bought some stuff.
Haneefah: Alhamdulillah jare. The market was crowded. See how messy my khimar is.
Anas: I thought you used my car.
Haneefah: Yes I did, but still I am exhausted right now. (Turns off the blender and faces him) Were you able to get some sleep?
(Touches his forehead)
Anas: (smiles and grabs her waist) Just a nap. Only you can put me to sleep, and you know what I mean. (Caresses her)
Haneefah: Hmmm really. But as you can see, I need to prepare dinner or else we will starve.
Anas: With you alone, I am filled baby. (Tries to kiss her)
Maryam and Aishat: (sight them from their kitchen) Ahhh. Make una take it easy now.
Haneefah: (startled and pushes him away)
Aishat: Abi oo. We have been saying ekule since. Abi iyale mi?
Maryam: Yes oo. Not knowing her husband is back. E take it easy now. When you get to your room, you can continue. This is a public space.
Aishat: Welcome baba okowa. How was your journey sir?
Anas: (confident smile) Alhamdulillah. I hope I met you well?
Aishat: We thank God oo. We just wanted to wave hi to her, but since she is busy with you, we will come back later. (Turns to Maryam) Boya, let us go to the kitchen and prepare dinner as well. Time is going. (They retreat)
Haneefah: Welcome ma. (Faces him) Please go upstairs so I can concentrate.
Anas: What if I choose to cook with you?
Haneefah: You and I know that is nothing but distraction. Please baby.
Anas: Fine. (Leaves the kitchen) It is almost time for solat Magrib though.
Haneefah: Okay baby. (Turns on the gas stove) (Light fades)
(light fade)
Haneefah’s POV
A month passed and everything was back to normal. I finally got to live like the rest and with purpose again. Life was going smoothly. I minded my business and tried my possible best to avoid bumping into Ummu twins. I did not have the strength for chaos in my life.
My husband surprised me by opening a business of my choice, and I could not be happier. Like finally, I would not be left all alone in this huge mansion.
One thing always baffles me, and that is my father in law. He is a man of honor. We barely see him come downstairs, except at night. He is always in his private apartment with his personal chef and cleaners, and I know he never wants to inconvenience us in any way.
Another morning filled with hope and daily lives to accomplish again. I inhaled the peace as I came downstairs with my husband, heading out to our various sources of income. The kids were running around the house while I stopped for a while to admire them. Soon, my kids would join them.
My husband headed out first to get the car engine working. I could not stop admiring the kids, not knowing I was being watched. As I raised my head, shocked at first, then smiling back, it was my father in law, happily watching his grandkids.
Haneefah: As salam alaykum sir.
Chief Olakunle: Walaykum salam hajia mi. I see you also enjoy watching the kids play uh?
Haneefah: Abi oo. They are just adorable, and their laughter alone brings hope.
Chief Olakunle: That is what gives me long life and good health, if I must say.
Haneefah: That is beautiful sir. Uhmmm sir, I have always wanted to ask, do you need our help with anything? Just name it sir.
Chief Olakunle: No my child. I am perfectly fine, thanks to my assistant. Seeing all of you brings me joy every day.
Anas: (shouts from outside) Baby, let us go now.
Haneefah: (bright smile) I am coming my love. We are going out sir. Take good care of yourself.
Anas: Go along now, and you too, be home safe. (Happily waves at her)
Junaid: (approaches him) Dad, good morning sir. (Bows) How was your night rest?
Chief Olakunle: Good morning my son. (Bright smile)
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Anas: (driving and listening to the recitation of morning adhkar)
Haneefah: (checking herself through the mirror, applying lip balm) Hmmmm.
Anas: What are you doing?
Haneefah: (pauses) Applying lip balm of course.
Anas: Why?
Haneefah: Aha. Do you not see how dry my lips are, due to over kissing?
Anas: So other men can be attracted to you uh?
Haneefah: See, leave me abeg. I am only trying to moisturize my lips.
Anas: If that is what you want, then come here, let me help you with my lips. (Tries to focus while driving)
Haneefah: (bursts into laughter) You must be a joker.
Anas: I am serious. I should have ordered you to be wearing niqab, wallohi.
Haneefah: Oh really. Are you feeling insecure?
Anas: (makes a U turn) All I know is clean that lipstick or whatever you call it.
Haneefah: Wait. Where are we going? This is not the way to my shop.
Anas: I am taking you home. Does the road not look familiar?
Haneefah: (looks around and gasps) Do you mean my home?
Anas: Yes. It has been three months after our nikah, and it is high time we paid them a visit. I thought you would be happy. (Quickly glances at her and finds her getting emotional) What? Are you about to cry?
Haneefah: (emotional) I wish I could hug you right now. It is as if you know my mind. I have been dying to see them.
Anas: Well, I am glad. (Drives through the street)
Haneefah: (caresses his beard) My amazing husband.
Anas: Hey. Do not start what you cannot finish. I do not want to lose focus please. (Finds a place to park the car)