Flash Back
12/12/2014
Mahmood is 20, Maimuna is 15.
*****
The night enveloped the world in its chilling embrace, casting a somber and melancholic atmosphere over the surroundings. The wind whispered mournfully through the trees, the rustling leaves coalescing into a haunting melody that tugged at her heartstrings. Each gust sent shivers down her spine, amplifying the coldness that had settled within her.
The moon, an ethereal beacon in the night sky, cast its unwavering light upon the sprawling neem tree that stood sentinel in the courtyard. Its radiance seemed to clash with the darkness that consumed her spirit, a harsh reminder of the stark contrast between the beauty of the world and the pain that resided within her.
Mama's cutting words echoed in her mind " Don't you dare ask after him again, you were the useless child that came in between us, and as far as i am concerned, your father is no more" the venom of this words sinked deep into her fragile sense of self-worth. The sting of her mother's hand striking her cheek still lingered, scaring not only her face but her soul as well. How could one innocent question ignite such fury and disdain? Maimuna longed for her father's presence, a missing puzzle piece in her fragmented life, but the mere mention of him unleashed a storm of anger and anguish in her mother.
She found herself at her usual spot in the farmhouse, seeking solace in the familiarity of the surroundings. As she glanced around, she couldn't help but notice that even Kyalla, the loyal farm cow, seemed, as if wearied by her perpetual state of misery. The sight of the large cow mingling happily with the other animals underscored her. It was as if they were partaking in a joyous feast, while she alone languished in sorrow.
Overwhelmed by a sense of desolation, She felt the weight of her loneliness deep within her bones. She yearned for moments of genuine happiness, for the freedom to shed the cloak sadness that seemed to cling to her existence. But in that moment, she felt isolated, the only one who couldn't escape the shadows that swirled around her.
Tears eluded her, unwilling to flow from her weary eyes. Her protector Adda amarya, had ventured out to a wedding dinner, leaving her temporarily alone. As the darkness settled like a heavy fog, Maimuna meticulously prayed for Adda amarya's safe return. She yearned for the warmth of her presence, the reassurance of her unwavering love.
An eerie movement rustled the leaves of the medium orange tree. At first, she dismissed it as a mere animal, but the creeping sensation in her bones hinted at something far unsettling. Her eyes widened with fear, causing her to instinctively jolt out of her sitting position. Thoughts raced through her mind, contemplating the possibility of a thief or perhaps something even more sinister—a ghost haunting in the dead of night.
The absence of anyone's presence during this late hour only intensified her apprehension. Kawu Abbati, was out of town, leaving her feeling vulnerable and exposed. The dark shadows cast by the moon seemed to conspire against her, heightening her fear and paranoia. As a voice called her name, her pulse racened, signaling the alarming realization that today indeed be her end.
Death was a notion that had lingered in Maimuna's thoughts, though she had envisioned a peaceful passing, slipping away gently in her sleep. The idea of meeting her death under a tree, at the hands of a wicked man or even a malevolent jinn, was a chilling departure from her wishes.
Devoid of options,her panic propelled her to seek refuge among the farm's animals. Yet her desperate sprint towards the safety of the herd was abruptly halted when a strong arm seized her, its grip constricting around her trembling form. The world seemed to spin as her fear's heightened.
