Chapter 21

Sitting on the bed with bow head was aunty Yasira. She to was grieving over the same person as sadiq. How can she forget her sister , mother and friend? .She always remembers how Fatima ( sadiq's mother) stood by her since the day their parents died.

Aunty Yasira had two elder siblings but death took them away quickly. The first, which was sadiq's mother and the second died as a result of sickle cell at the age of 15 and finally, yasira was the third and the last born of the house. She vividly remember how her elder sister,fatima took the shoulder of the responsibility of a mother and father even when she also was having problems in her husband's house . Aunty Fatima, was a woman with a heart of gold, she never gives up on what she believes in and may her name continue to be exalted.

Aunty yasira wipes her tears, there is no death which had ever affected her like the death of her sister, even her parent's death never once affect her. Their is no day that she doesn't put her in her prayers. Allah gives and takes, who are we to complain.

She held up her head high , no more shedding tears, she scolded herself. She got down the bed yawning.

" you're finally up" said her husband, Alhaji Dabo. He close the door of the bathroom

She return him with a bright smile " yeah and you're finally out of the bathroom " she went forward to hug him.

He look surprised at first " don't forget, I'm all wet with water" he reminded

She sighs in satisfaction " who cares"

They stood in each other arms for seconds. Finally, Aunty yasira pull back.

" so, if I may ask my lovely wife, what is the reason behind this much affection not that I'm complaining"

" it's nothing " she lied. He saw through all the her fake smile. He held her hand and walk them to the couch.

" sit" he order and she sat down. He sat close to her. Already, he has this feeling that she is still affected by her sister's death. Although, he wasn't close to Fatima that much before her death. He is only a friend of Alhaji Ringim.

On a faithful day,he went to the Ringim's house and that was how he came across yasira who also came visiting and fall overly for her beauty. She was so young then. He was surprised that Yasira accept his proposal of marrying him, he never expects her to.

Fatima was against the marriage back then but there was nothing she could do when she figures that her kid sister was also in loved with the Alhaji. For the happiness of Yg e'en hhasira, Fatima support the union wholeheartedly.

" I have a feeling that you still haven't gotten over the death of your sister. I didn't say you should forget her, all I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't let it bring down your spirit. Instead, you should pray for her, pray for Allah's mercy upon her, give out sadaqah. Who are we to question our lord, she has spent her time on earth and less I forget, she has a son who I'm still yet to know, why don't you spend this day with him. Share memories about her with him , it will relieve some grieves. " he held her hand in a comforting way coz she was already crying again.

" please my dear wife, cry no more. Why don't you give her son a call, we don't know how he is feeling right now. "

she nodded " I will give him a call. I haven't seen him for years now, he is a dodger I tell you" she chuckled softly

" He is a man by now I guess. The last and the only time I met him was when I asked for your hand in marriage. I won't forget how he kept staring at me back then from afar. I wasn't able to see his face clearly and I'm sure he also doesn't know me well. I was scared that maybe I did something wrong, later I found out that he doesn't want me to take you away.He sees you as his elder sister " Alhaji dabo chuckled . Yasira laughed along with him.

" sadiq has always been like that. " she said.

" well, I think it's high time I know him well. Especially now that Mansir and Rahama are about to get married soon"

Aunty yasira look at him surprised " Don't tell me you're talking about my sister's wicked senior wife's son?.When did all this happen. I have no idea that Mansir is seeing Rahama"

" why are you saying it as if Mansir is a bad person"

She scoff " who knows, he might be as wicked as his mother "

Alhaji Dabo wasn't happy with what Yasira said " please let's just forget this matter. I don't think Mansir is as wicked as you put him to be. I have met this young man so many times and he isn't how you put him to be"

" he might be pretending " she quietly mumbles

" did you say something? " ask Alhaji Dabo

She turns to him with a fake smile " no, I didn't say anything. Aren't you late for work? " she said instead

He gave her scrutinizing stare and sigh " I don't even know why you're angry"

She raised her brows at him " who said i was angry? " " I don't give a damn about what you do "

" watch your tongue Yasira . Don't forget am still your husband " he yell

She soften down when she noticed that he was already getting angry . Why am I even disturbing myself if Rahama marries Mansir or not? After all ,they are both birds of the same feathers. She internally shrugged.

She decide to put a smile on her face and slowly work to her now angry husband. She rub his arm to calm him down " My husband, the love of my life, I'm so sorry for getting you all riled up. Am sorry for over stepping, I promise to support whatever decision you make concerning Rahama's marriage from now hence forth "

He scrutinized her, trying to see if she was lying " you promise? " she nodded

" I promise "

He pull her for a hug " I don't like it when we fight over small issues. I know you also want the best for Rahama" she hummed softly

They finally pull out of the hug. Alhaji Dabo check the wall clock and was surprised that it was already 8am.

" I better get going . There is a particular young man I ask to come see me by 8am ,concerning some things "

" I hope it's nothing serious ?" asked aunty yasira, concerned.

" well, I don't even know how to put it. But don't worry, when I get back from work I promise to tell you all of it " he kissed her forehead

" OK then, if you say so"

**