Hajia Zainab's surgery was successful and she was recovering smoothly. Imam saw the need to inform the elders and other members of his mosque about Aisha's pregnancy. Therefore, he called a meeting. All the members and executives of the mosque were gathered. After a short prayer, Imam Hussain started.
"Assalam 'Alaikum to you all. First, I must say Jazzakallahu khayr (May God reward you abundantly) to everyone for responding to this call. It has been a very critical time for me. As you all know, my dear wife just had a major surgery due to the gunshot by the armed robbers. Insha Allah (by God's grace), she is getting better. Thanks to you all for your love and support, prayers, visitation and care. You have been such a wonderful family and I'm so proud to have you all... Attakbir!"
"Allahu Akbar!" They chorused. "Alhamdulillah!!"
"Alhamdulillah, Thank you." He takes out a deep breath.
"I know you would be all wondering why I called for this meeting. It's no news that robbers invaded my house. The news here is that... I didn't tell you Aisha, my daughter was... rapped."
"A'uzubillahi! Yaa Allah!! Astagfirullah!!!" and many other exclamation filled the air. Some broke into tears.
"It's unfortunate, indeed." Imam Hussain continued.
'Through my daughter warned that I inform you all about the rape when she was in the hospital, I felt ashamed. I couldn't stand before you all and say my daughter was raped. I never knew a bigger shame was on the way."
One of the executives, Ustaz ladan asked.
"Imam, what bigger shame are you talking about? You're scaring me!..."
Tears gathered Imam's sad eyes ones again. Trying as much as he could to conceal it.
"My brother, it's with heavy heart that I say this... MY AISHA IS PREGNANT."
The whole mosque was filled with tears and wailings. 'O God, Why?! Yaa Allah! This can't be true!!' People were crying.
For an hour, there was deep sorrowing. Alhaji Aliyu, One of the executive of the mosque and also an elder decided to break the silence.
"Olorun oo!!!" He shook his head, painfully.
"This is too heavy for me. I don't know about the rest of you but... Imam Hussain. We are very sorry, we know that you travelled to Ekiti with your son, Ibrahim last week for your mother's fida'u prayer. This is not your fault or Aisha's, let's believe it's faith... It's the will of God Almighty, this could happen to anyone. Please don't allow this weigh your spiritual strength, our Iman. Everyone would agree with me that this is the time to practice sabr (patience). Now, the question is what do we do?"
Everyone took in a deep breath of fresh air. Thinking of the heaviness his last question..."WHAT DO WE DO?"
"Well spoken Alhaji." Mama Barakah popularly known as Iya owala (With her tribal marks as she hails from Oyo state), an elderly woman of about 56 years of age speaks in a low voice.
"Assalam 'Alaikum to everyone here. Wallahi, this is the saddest news I've heard and witnessed so far. It is indeed so painful and so unfortunate that this happened to our Aisha. Everyone here knows Aisha and everyday, I pray for her kind of Iman (faith) and Barakah (blessing)."
She paused for a while as tears fell from her saggy eye sacks. She wiped it away with the edge of her wrapper and sniffs silently. "I never imagined this would happen to our innocent and beloved daughter. Aisha will not keep that child, It has to be flushed. Allah would understand, this is my point."
Everyone in the meeting supported Mama Barakah except Alfa Luqman, the ladan of the mosque.
"Please and please, with due respect ma. I'm so sorry to say this but... We are in the mosque and Sin is Sin. There is no excuse that justifies sin before God Almighty. To my opinion, flushing that foetus is abortion! And abortion is second class murder, Aisha has always preached against this! In fact, I can say in strong confidence that the Aisha I know will never agree to abortion!" He turns to Imam Hussain.
"Imam! You know your daughter well enough, don't you? It's painful but she has to keep it to stop committing sins after sins. Her life is at stake here, please... Let her keep it!"
Alhaji Da'ud, the treasurer of the mosque stood up.
"Alfa Luqman, you are very wicked! Do you know what we stand to loose? The respect and fame of good work and hard work has brought us. Other mosques will make us a laughing stock, even the Christians! Imagine the shame and disgrace this will cause?! Our Imam will be on the news headline of blackmail and lot of souls would be lost! I'm not ready to be part of any shame o, let's just peacefully bury this within ourselves (as a family). Aisha must get rid of that pregnancy!"
Commotion reigned everywhere. Some were already threatening to leave and Aisha shouldn't keep the baby. Only few people supported Alfa Luqman, Mama Barakah and some walked out of the meeting angrily.
*** Hours Later ***
Back Home
Imam Hussain called me and Ibrahim.
"My children, I never foresee this evil temptation. It's too heavy that I can hardly bare and I'm at the verge of loosing everything." He paused for a while looking terribly sad.
"The police are still on this case, unable to find the robbers. How I wish I could.... Do something. Today, I gathered the elders, executives and other members in the mosque to inform them about your pregnancy, Aisha. It didn't go down well. Sorry to say this but Aisha, you can't keep that baby."
"Dad!" Ibrahim called. "I said it from the unset, now see?! We would have done this without telling them and nobody will know but your over-pure daughter in her selfishness decides to make us a laughing stock!"
A strange voice sounded in my heavy head...'What am I dreaming? Can someone just wake me up from this nightmare or tell me it's all a lie'...
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Translations
Da'ud: David
Olorun o: O God
sabr: Patience
Iman: faith or trust in God
Barakah: Blessing
Iya Owala : Iya, Mother. Owala, Person with tribal marks.
Ladan: A person who calls for prayer in the mosque.
Luqman: An islamic name.
Shaytan \ Ash-Shaytan : Devil or Satan
Fidau prayer: A special prayer after 40 days prayer made for someone's death.
Ekiti: A state in Nigeria where Aisha originally hails from. (In West Nigeria)
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"I'm surprised at you dad! What has gone wrong with the integrity and faith you once held? The standards you set up... Dad!" I uttered in regret and dismay as hot tears streamed down my face, as if I was been hitten by a rock. It's unbelievable."How can you allow them play with your spiritual intellect? Where is your faith dad? This is Ash-Shaytan whispering in your heart... Imagine an Imam's daughter going for an abortion. Do not give in dad, please." I begged in tears."I'm tired of this already!" Ibro hissed and goes upstairs, into his room."Then let them go, dad! he who stands with million of people without Allah is standing alone! I know you're the imam of the central mosque, it means nothing... Not even your tears will change my mind, dad! I'm keeping this baby!!"
Minutes Later...Standing by the side of the road, still puzzled about everything. A keke napep (tricycle) stopped in front of me as Adunni came out."OMG Aisha!" Dunni threw a hug on me."It's been a while. Are you traveling?""No, I'm not oo. You didn't even visit me in the hospital. Its not fair.. I actually waited for you"Really? Pardon me my friend. My mum sent to Agege to stay with her sister that just gave birth to a set of twins. Well, I spent only five days there and I wanted to visit you but... ""Hmmm, Dun-ni.... As in?" I joked as we laughed away."I heard about th
"You would have followed me home and you wouldn't have to leave like this. I guess this is a good bye for both of us..." Dunni muttered sadly."I'll miss you, Dunni." I held her hands tight and broke into tears again."God knows I'll miss you more. Try to call me, Aisha. Keep me posted and try to visit whenever you can, okay?""Okay, I sure will. Bye for now, sis.""Okay bye!!!"Adunni stopped a keke napep and zoomed off the empty road. I recited a prayer in my heart as we moved. It was the first time, leaving my family behind like this."Awunaka Yaa Hannan, Awunaka Yaa Sultaan : I solicit Your help, The most Compassionate, I solicit Y
Months Later...Hajia and I walked into the city's general hospital. We entered one doctor's office and as it is, Hajia Maryam regularly visits the general hospital."Assalam 'Alaikum." Hajia greeted as she knocked the door."Amin Alaikum Sallam. Please, Come in"A deep muscular voice replied from inside."You're welcome ma" He kindly greeted "Please, take a seat."I and hajia sat in from of him."Pleased to have you around ma, what shall I offer you?" He said, adjusting his glasses.He asked staring at me. I looked away, feeling shy and strangely awkward."No...Not
Mum stared at me in amazement.Doctor Abdullah asked."Have you ever aborted?"My heart suddenly sank to his titanic question, leaving about a million thoughts in my head."Never!" I replied coldly."Then it should be how you are born. You were born with a perforated womb."'How possible?' I smirked for a while, everything seem confusion and is still confusing to me."I'll advice you really have to reduce stress. Once you hit 7 months, you'll have to come for check-up in the hospital.""What?! But why?" Mum cuts in. Her eyes requesting immediate answers.
Just then, Imam Hussain walked in. Ibrahim rushed to him as he didn't want to spill the bean with his own mouth either. The expression on his sweaty face was like 'It was all dad's fault.'"Honey. Òkòò mi,Òlòwò òrì mi! È káábò..." She threw her hands around him and held him tightly. Ibrahim ran back, watching them both as if he wasn't."Where's Aisha? It's been 3 weeks since I got dischaged and I've not set my eyes on her? Neither have I heard from her as well. What's going on? Please, talk to me."Imam Hussain looked dumpfounded as he was totally speechless."Errrr..... Aisha is fine." He started thinking of words to calm her down. He didn't want to lie or cause any m
****** In Lagos ***4:00 a.mHajia Zainab cut the vain in her right wrist as she he passed out immediately. Dad and Ibro rushed her to the hospital while Danlami stayed at home. She got admitted and the doctor said she might need a psychiatrist.???*** In Abuja ***5:00 a.m.I couldn't sleep. I kept dreaming. Dreaming my mum was in pain or about the incident or being lost in a forest or even loosing my babies through operation. I keep having different kind of nightmares but I keep on praying as we
***A week Later,My Waec result was out and It was a distinctionful, excellent result that deserves waiting for. I mean, I scored seven A1's and two B2's out of the nine subjects I registered for.The jamb result was equally awesome! It came out with 330. Well, mum... I mean Hajia Maryam is working an admission for me into the university of Abuja and ABU, Zaria. I just can't wait to become a gynecologist. Yaay!!...***One Bright Morning...After offering our usual Subhi prayer, the Akerele's called me behind. Mum started..."Aisha, my dear. It's six months already, how
***"Okay. So, when I got there, she said she was tired of staying indoor all day. You know, deens has no one here and she's always busy on her phone so I suggested we take a stroll outside the hotel. That was when she started.""She started what?""She psyche up when I told her I can't hold hands with her in public. She thought I had someone else and got pissed up for no reason.""That your girl sef! Her own too much.""Yeah. So, I bought a rose with a ring in it. I wasn't sure if it would work but I tried and… Madinah rejected it.""Why?""She said that I was dating the shopkeeper and ran back to her room, breaking everything her hand could touch.""Uh! I wonder what is going on with that Madinah sef. I thought she said she was getting better…""Nothing is wrong with Madinah,
***They jerked to its vibration. Zayd's heart felt as if it suddenly dropped as he picked his phone. It was Zaytoon."Excuse me please," He told Madinah and picked the call, taking few steps away from her."It's almost dark, aren't you coming home?!" I started."I'll be on my way dummy! Hajia, You can't even salama!" He replied and hissed at the same time I did. "Don't bother making dinner for me, okay?""Whatever Mr. Lover-boy! As if I care!" I finally cut the call.After the call, an awkward silence remained between them. Zayd remembered what he was doing before the call.'How stupid could I be!' He smirked, nibbling his lower lip, anxiously."So you're no longer angry at me, are you?"Zayd broke the face-stuffing silence that was killing them both."Not at all..." A s
It was a cool afternoon. One of those days that early afternoons would grow enough to look like late evenings -The time when one could mistake Thursday to be a Saturday...Madinah and Zayd decided to go for a simple stroll outside the hotel, under the warm sun, side by side, the way lovers usually do. The yellow sun hide under the thick clouds as if it was shy about their little romance. Of course, there's nothing as beautiful as roaming the streets of Lagos with someone you truly love so much... You'll end up rather impressed than disappointed.Madinah wore a tight black leggings and a long, purple, indian-gown with a black pashmina that fits her well. She hanged her long-armed, purple purse and wore a shiny, black sneakers to match the outfit. Zayd on his own was wearing a casual, white polo shirt and a black jean. This outing was what Madinah needs at least, to Zayd. He stared at her from time to time, admiring how gorgeous she looked even withou
"How is he doctor?!" Madinah rushed to the doctor in charge of Zayd."Calm down young lady, he's alright now. Thank God the wound wasn't beyond his tissues and didn't lot slot of blood. Well, You can now see him.""Thank you doctor. I'm so grateful Zayd is alive!" She smiled."Thank God. We'll be discharging him later in the evening because he needs a lot of rest." He said and left for his office while Madinah went to Zayd's word.Zayd was sleeping when she entered and bandaged at the side of his back. A short nurse that was giving him a drip signalled her to sit and quietly left.Madinah sat on a red plastic chair facing where Zayd was lying. She stared at his weak face and held his hands tenderly.Tears gathered her eyes at she watched him breath slowly. It's all my fault. It's my fault you have you go through these. She weep silently.***
A Month later...I was watching an interview of the president Muhammadu Buhari on National Television Authority (NTA). It was an interesting Saturday program that I really loved. Grandmother was in her room having her usual afternoon nap when Zayd ran out of his room. I came rushing out after him with great enthusiasm."Zayd! What happened?! Any problem?!""No o, not at all." He said sweating pefusely.Tears gathered in his eyes and he was rubbing his head confusedly. It's so strange of him, I couldn't figure it out."But why are you acting this way?""I had a nightmare! I'm scared, Zay! Dynah was going to die. I felt her breath slowly leaving her body, it was so real...""Calm down Zayd. Why are you acting like a baby. It's just a dream, nothing more, please come inside." I pleaded."No... I can't. How would I
"Excuse me, please." She smiled at his face and answered the call."Assalam Alaikum, Jazid!""Yes, I got here minutes ago... It's just so hot here like hell.I miss you too. Don't worry... I'll be back in three months time. I just had to visit Nigeria, At least once before I die.I'm with one of my friend... Just family friends you know?"Okay bye, I'll chat with you later."She smiled and tapped the end call space on her phone.***Zayd's P. O. VWait... Who was that? Jazid. Was he her boyfriend? Why would she refer me as just one of her family friends? How long have she known him? How close are they?"Zayd!" Madinah called."Zayd! Zayd!!" She gently tapped his hand. He went silent as if he was off minded. She must have noticed since his bright smile
3 Days Later..."So you're going to meet Madinah today?""Yes..." His eyes immediately turns to me, looking kind of teary. "I can't help but to feel nervous.""Huh-huh... My twin brother is in love." I joked.He replied with a silly look."So, have you called her yet?""No, just email.""So how would you two meet? I mean how would you understand each other?...""Don't worry, Zay. I'll call her when she gets here."I couldn't help but to smile... Since our parents passed away, it's been so difficult to see so much joy and happiness in Zayd's smile. He looks so cute with it. I stared at him lovingly. He seemed so happy."You seem so happy, bro?""Yes, of course... I'm so happy, I'll finally meet the love of my life today. It also seems she has friends in Nigeria."
3 Days Later..."So you're going to meet Madinah today?""Yes..." His eyes immediately turns to me, looking kind of teary. "I can't help but to feel nervous.""Huh-huh... My twin brother is in love." I joked.He replied with a silly look."So, have you called her yet?""No, just email.""So how would you two meet? I mean how would you understand each other?...""Don't worry, Zay. I'll call her when she gets here."I couldn't help but to smile... Since our parents passed away, it's been so difficult to see so much joy and happiness in Zayd's smile. He looks so cute with it. I stared at him lovingly. He seemed so happy."You seem so happy, bro?""Yes, of course... I'm so happy, I'll finally meet the love of my life today. It also seems she has friends in Nigeria."
"May I have your order, please?" The waiter ordered."Shall we order?" Zayd asked her staring at her beautiful pearl-like face and doe-like eyes. It was as if he was having dinner with the moon."Yes, sure." She let out a soft smile, exposing her cute dimpled cheek.She collected the food menu from the waiter and ordered what she would like.Zayd couldn't help but to keep staring at her mesmerising beauty."What should I ask you first?" He smirked, still staring into her eyes. There is so much I'm curious about."Me too... It's nice seeing you, I was only 5 then... about 15 years now, right?""Yes... It is. What about studies? What did you study?"Studies is fine... I'm through with my degree. I studied business administration and I'll be taking over dad's company after him. What about you?"