Due For Inheritance (D. U. I)

Chapter 2

“I’m only trying to help you out mum. You know if worse comes to worse, I still have a job at Father’s company and I, Hauwa, can never be kicked out by anyone”. She said while beating her chest.

“Don’t brag my dear. Remember we started this conversation because you don’t want to lose your fiancée not the other way round. I do care if AbdulAhad died or lived. One thing that’s sure is that as long as his sons, lawyers and the companies still existed, I will never lack. Hajara said . Do what you will but I will remain here, not moving an inch from this mansion”.

“Suit yourself. Don’t say I didn’t warn you when his sons turn their backs on you and refuse to provide anything in this house. You only have girls. You have no male child to fight your battle and the one you’re raising will never help you as well. You may have nurtured him but you are not his mother, and I definitely will be fighting for myself only because the competition will be tough and I don’t need an extra baggage”. Hauwa concluded.

“I don’t need to you to fight my battles. Hajara countered. You’re not better off than those you’re warning me against. If it came to that, I’m certain that you would be the first person to leave me to my fate and I assure you that the other children I raised will never desert me”.

While she talked, Ali walked in and looked at the grim faces of the two before he spoke. “Who’s deserting whom?”

“Who do you want to know, Hauwa rounded on him. Why do you love to interfere in our mother- daughter bonding anyways? I’ll appreciate it if you keep your nose out of our business next time”.

“Sister, don’t let me start on you. By the time I’m done questioning your virtues, you’ll leave here in tears and I’m sure mum doesn’t want a repeat of last time performance”. Ali equally rounded on her.

Hajara quickly cut in before the argument escalated. “You should both stop that right now. Hauwa and Alli, you both have work to do, so get to it right away”.

“But mum...” Ali started.

“Which mum? Hauwa sneered. Isn’t your mum in heaven or did she come back?”

“Get out of my room before the count of three. Hajara roared. One Two...”

Before she completed her counting, they both fled out of the room.

******
Haleema is having one of her days again. Her second cousin, Charles plans to get married and the bride’s family has presented their never ending list. The list has been checked and divided amidst the family members. She was accorded the largest share because she married rich, never mind that her husband is missing and she has six children to cater for. Her family believed that even if her husband was dead, he left her with enough to sustain her so she’s expected to contribute the most of what is written on the list.

The issue on ground now isn't the fact that she doesn’t have the money to contribute or purchase all of those things in the list,  but she's worried that if she skipped it, she’s worried that her family might retaliate when her little sister is ripe for marriage. Of course, she could afford to shoulder her sister’s responsibility but her husband’s disappearance has brought her aspirations to a halt. AbdulAhad might have given her a life insurance in funds as far as she and her family were concerned but the same cannot be said right now. The family is unstable and everyone is walking on eggshells. They do not want to be deprived of their share of his property if he happens to be dead, neither do they want to be kicked out of the house for misbehaving if he turned up alive. Also, those silly extended family of his, that had been absent since forever has been paying them visit from time to time. They especially come to her wing the most because they claimed she’s the most generous of all the wives and due to the unneeded special attention, she’s losing funds faster than her co-wives.

She was brought out of her deep thought by the familiar ring tone of her iPhone. She checked the name of the caller, gave out a long hiss and ignored the call. It was the head of the family again. They have no consideration whatsoever and that’s what her family has in common with her co-wives family and AbdulAhad’s. Their families were all poor and over dependent. AbdulAhad’s family is a bit better off but they might as well have been dirt poor since they only spend among their immediate families while some doesn’t even spend on their family at all.

The phone rang out a second time and she ignored again but she had to pick up on the third ring otherwise she would lack excuse to give to him when she finally had to speak to him on phone.

“Ehihie ọma (Good day)”. Haleema greeted.
“Kedu ká I si eme ugo (how’re you doing Ugo)?” He asked.

“Alhamdullillah I’m doing good papa Udo how’re you doing too?” She replied.

“I have warned you several times not to reply me with that thing again, just saying fine is enough”. Pápá Udo replied, his distaste showing clearly in his voice.

“Papa Udo abeg, don’t start with me today. You know I’m a muslim before you gave me a long list of things to contribute and you’re also aware of the fact that the money will be coming out of the pocket of a muslim. So, if you hate us that much, you better stop calling me now”. She retorted.

“It’s okay na, I was just kidding. You know how playful I can be”. Pápá Udo conceded.

“I’ve heard you but I don’t like that kind of joke. Why did you call?” She asked even though she already had inkling as to the reason for the call.

“Nothing much, my child, I wanted to remind you of Charles approaching date. We have to hurry and the bride’s parent has been disturbing “. He pleaded.

“Why are they in hurry? Is she pregnant?” she asked incredulously.

“She is not. Just put us in mind. Do you get that?” He replied and disconnected the call.

Between AbdulAhad’s relatives, her family members and her six children, she would be the first person to feel the full effect of AbdulAhad’s absence. Haleema thought. At least she’s closer to her co-wives; maybe they can guide her on decision making.

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