ASMAU
As soon as I settled into the car and closed the door, I turned to face Abubakar, only to find his eyes fixed on me, his mouth slightly agape.
"What?" I whispered, feeling a bit self-conscious.
"You look breathtaking, really gorgeous," he complemented, his eyes still locked onto mine.
I blushed, "Thank you. Nanny Fatima gave me the makeup kit you bought for me but refused to give me."
He chuckled, "Sorry, I forgot about that. But seriously, you look so beautiful tonight. Tabarakallah, Ma shaa Allah."
I smiled shyly, and he turned on the ignition. We hit the road, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and relief about being out again.
After a brief moment of awkward silence, we finally arrived at our destination. I couldn't believe it when I saw that he had brought me to a beachside setting. The sight before me was breathtakingly beautiful. The decorations were out of this world, making me feel like I could walk right into the water. Two beautiful silver seats were set up with a middle table, all decorated elegantly with a glass candle holder, flowers, and beautifully arranged eating utensils.
"Do you like it?" Abubakar asked, standing behind me.
I shrugged casually, as if not interested, but deep down, I was in awe. "It's okay."
"Just okay?" he replied incredulously. "I expected something like 'it's beautiful,' 'elegant,' 'breathtaking,' any compliment at all, but you say it's just okay? Really?"
I nodded. "Yes."
"Okay, we're leaving," he said, turning to head back to the car.
"No!" I exclaimed.
He turned back to face me, raising an eyebrow. "What?"
"We shouldn't leave, please. It's beautiful," I admitted, a smile tugging at my lips.
He smirked and stretched out his hand for me. I ignored his hand and confidently moved forward to the table.
"I don't need your help," I whispered.
"You're stubborn, you know."
"Yes, because you made me stubborn," I rolled my eyes as he came over and pulled out the silver chair for me. "Thanks," I murmured and took my seat.
First, he served me some wine in a glass before serving himself and passing it to me. "Are you hungry?" He asked but didn't wait for my reply. "Don't answer that, please. It's such a stupid question."
He took out his phone and typed something. Immediately, two waiters walked up to us with chafing dishes in their hands.
I almost asked where they came from but decided against it. They served us mouthwatering dishes that were so delicious I couldn't resist taking more than what they served.
We continued eating in silence, with only the clinking of cutlery breaking the quiet.
"This is weird," I heard him say.
I looked up at him, my expression full of questions. "What?" I asked.
"Us," he replied. "You and me, you being angry with me. Can't you find it in your heart to forgive?" He asked.
I dropped the knife and fork I was holding and gazed up at him. "This is all your fault," I said with a heavy sigh.
He let out a deep breath. "I know, and that's why I'm doing everything for you to forgive me."
"And? If I forgive you, then what? We'll go back to how things were before, and you'll keep hurting me because of Iman?"
"Asmau, you know I don't hurt you intentionally, right? Look, what I want you to understand is that Iman was my ex-wife, and whether I like it or not, she'll still be part of our lives because we have kids together."
"Yes, I know, and I understand that. I understand that you both have history together. But—" I closed my eyes and took a deep breath because I felt like breaking down at that moment. "You always make me feel like you still love Iman, and it hurts so much. I just couldn't keep up with it, so I left, just so you could see how important I was in your life. And the worst part is that everywhere I go, it's about Iman. At your office, it's about Iman; at home, it's about her. Everywhere is about her, and you didn't seem to care how hurt I was about that. It reached the point that you were giving her gifts—"
"When did I ever give her a gift?"
"The night I had a miscarriage, of course, the night of your office dinner party. She told me and even showed me that you gifted her a box of jewelry because she helped you with that project of yours or something like that."
"What?" He asked, incredulous. "Asmau, wallahi, I never did anything like that. I didn't give her anything, so for sure she lied just to ruin your mood, and you believed her."
"Do I have a reason not to believe her?" I asked.
He sighed deeply once more. "But why didn't you tell me?"
"Would you have done anything if I did?"
"Of course I would have. Look, Asmau, I made mistakes by hurting you, but please, let's put it all behind us and start anew. I promise it won't happen again."
"What about Iman?" I asked.
"I broke the partnership between Iman's family company and mine."
I looked up at him, perplexed. "Why would you do that? You guys have been partners with their company for years."
"I did that to cut off all ties with her. I want nothing to do with her anymore; she's just history. Look, Asmau, I want us to leave this country and start anew."
"But what about the kids? I mean, she's still their mother, right?" I asked.
"Iman doesn't care about her kids; she's just too selfish and thinks only about herself."
"I'm glad you realize that now," I stated.
"Look," He got up from his seat and walked over to my side, then got on one knee and brought out a ring. "Will you forgive me, Hayatie?" He asked, holding out the ring.
"I thought you were going to propose," I laughed.
"Propose why?" He chuckled. "I don't need to propose since you're already mine, and mine forever. Now, will you forgive me so we can forget all about the past and start anew? Please say yes," He pleaded.
I sighed and got up from my seat. "Okay, I'm done being angry. Shikenan, I forgive you. But please don't hurt me again because I don't think I will be able to take it, and—" Before I could continue, he pulled me to his body and wrapped his arms around me tightly.
"You talk too much, Hayatie, just shuushh," He whispered.
I acted like I didn't hear that and just enjoyed being in the arms of the love of my life. After two minutes of enjoying each other's embrace, we pulled away.
He cupped my face and placed a soft kiss on my lips. "I will take any punishment that you would want to give me if I hurt you again."
"Okay, then just forget about it. I love you," I said, looking at him lovingly with his hands on my waist.
He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply before opening them again. "How I miss those words coming from you."
"Well, get ready because you will be hearing them very often. Now let's finish eating and play inside this water; it's so beautiful, wallahi, all I want to do is place my legs inside."
"Your wish is my command, Mi lady. Now, let's go."
2 hours later
We just arrived back at the mansion, and we are currently heading to my room. "Habiby," I called, stopping in front of him.
"Yes, my—" Before he could finish, I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him so tightly.
"I love you so much," I whispered.
"Love you too, baby."
I slowly pulled away from the hug and took his hands. "Let's never fight again," I paused for some seconds, "because of Iman or anybody. Let's just be happy because we deserve it and let's continue building our family. I will admit it, the greatest mistake I made was leaving you because it's like I gave up on us. But I promise it will never happen again. I'm really so, so sorry," I whispered the last part on the verge of tears.
He quickly engulfed me in a hug. "Shuushh, it's okay, Hayatie. It was actually all my fault because I hurt you. I know I hurt you a lot, and you've been patient, but I promise all of that will change. I promise you it will," he assured, rubbing my back soothingly.
After some minutes of being in my husband's arms, I pulled away and wiped my tears. "Let's stop this now; the emotional moment is over. Let's go to my room," I smiled, holding his hand.
"Wait," He said. "We are not sleeping in this room tonight," he pointed at my room. "Let's go." He wrapped his arm around me and led me to a staircase that I never even knew existed in this house.
We went up the stairs, and I was wondering where we were heading to until we stopped in front of a door, and he said I should open it.
"Why me?" I pouted.
"Just open it, mana," He chuckled.
"Okay." I slowly turned the doorknob to be welcomed by darkness; the room was pitch black.
He walked past me into the room and turned on the light, and what I saw made me gasp:
It was a very beautiful room with a romantic trail of rose petals and candles leading to the bed. There was also a table with a bucket of champagne on it and some other things. Roses were present on the bed too.
The room looked incredibly beautiful; I was in awe. I smiled, covering my mouth with my hand, then turned to him.
"All for you," he smiled, gesturing with his hands.
"I love it, Habiby, thank you," I said, already getting emotional.
He walked over to me and cupped my cheeks. "No need to thank me, Baby. Tonight is all about us. Let's forget all about our problems and enjoy ourselves. We deserve it."
"Yes," I agreed, and he placed a kiss on my lips.
"I love you."
"I love you more, Habiby."
And that night was one of the best nights ever... 🌚
Morning
I had just finished taking my bath, and I emerged with a towel wrapped around me. Abubakar was sitting on the bed, engrossed in a phone call, likely with his PA, as I overheard that we were returning to Abuja the next day.
I was honestly excited but also a bit sad because I would really miss Katsina and the people here.
"I'll get dressed quickly so we can leave," I informed him as soon as he ended the call.
"We're going to visit Adda Zahra and Abeedah and then head to the company to discuss my transfer back to Abuja," I explained.
"Don't keep me waiting, Hayatie," he said.
"I won't," I replied with a smile, picking up the dress that had been laid out for me on the bed.
"I'll be right back," he said and leaned in to plant a kiss on my forehead.
"Where are you off to?" I asked, looking up at him.
"I want to go inform everyone that we're leaving tomorrow."
"Okay, Habiby," I said, resuming my lotion routine, while he walked out.
After I had transformed into my dress, I heard my phone ringing. I quickly rushed to the bed and grabbed it.
"Hello, Ya Aminah," I greeted.
"Asmau, I've been trying to reach you," she said with a hint of urgency.
"I'm sorry, Ya Aminah. I just finished taking my bath," I explained.
"It's okay," she sighed. "It's about Auntie."
"What happened to our mother?" I asked, my concern growing.
"She's awake," Ya Aminah informed me.
"What?" I exclaimed, excitement coursing through me. "Are you serious?"
"Do I sound like I'm joking? Ma'u, you need to return to Abuja soon," she urged.
"Yes, I do. I'll go inform Abubakar immediately," I replied, my heart pounding with happiness.
"Wait, Abubakar? Are you guys back together?" Aminah asked, her voice filled with excitement.
"I'll explain it to you when I return. I have to go now," I said, eager to share the good news.
"Okay, safe trip," she said before hanging up.
I quickly rushed to the bed and grabbed my veil before making my way to the door. Abubakar was in the sitting room speaking with one of the securities when I interrupted them.
"Abubakar," I called, capturing his attention.
He looked up at me, "Yes?"
"Abubakar, we have to return to Abuja today because Auntie just woke up," I announced, a big smile on my face.
"Really?" he asked, and I nodded.
"Alhamdulillah," he whispered, happiness evident in his voice. "Can we please return to Abuja today?" I pleaded.
"Yes, of course, we will. I'll call Rosaline to book a flight for us immediately," he said, taking out his phone.
"Okay," I sighed, feeling eager to see my mother again.
*
Hours later
Abuja..
"I'm really scared" I whispered to Abubakar who stood beside me while holding my hand.
We are currently at the front door of Aunty's hospital room and I feel so nervous to set my feet inside. I mean I don't know how many questions I will be bombarded with, how will I explain myself?
"Don't worry I got your back" He smiled and squeezed my hand reassuringly.
"Thanks" I smiled back.
I bit my lips nervously before slowly turning the door knob. With a beating heart I said my salam before walking into the room.
The first person I set my eyes on was Ya Hanne, Summaya and Ya Aminah who were sitting on the hospital couch and speaking about something but immediately stopped when their eyes landed on me
"Asmau," they all turned to me, surprise masked on their faces.
"Yes," I smiled a bit and turned to my right. My eyes suddenly landed on my mother, who was facing me while sitting on the hospital bed, with a smile plastered on her face.
"Ma'u." Oh, how I missed her voice. She opened her arms for a hug, and I quickly rushed to her and wrapped my arms around her.
"I missed you soo much," I said, hugging her so tight like my life depended on it. Tears of joy were already cascading down my cheeks.
"Oh, my dear Asmau, I know you missed me, but please don't break my bones," she said, and we laughed. Then I quickly pulled away from the hug.
"Sorry, Aunty, I'm just so happy," I said, wiping away my tears and sat down beside her.
They exchanged pleasantries with Abubakar before I also exchanged pleasantries with my siblings. I asked Aunty how she's feeling now, and she said she feels much better than when she woke up at first. We talked about some other things before Summaya asked me the question I was dreading not to be asked.
"Yaa Ma'u, where have you been?"
My heart skipped a bit as the air suddenly became so tense, and I exchanged looks with Abubakar. I didn't actually give a thought about how I will explain things to my siblings. The only person that knows the reason I left is Ya Aminah.
"Uhm, I—" I started, but Abubakar interrupted me.
"She left due to work, and I gave her my permission," he said, and my eyes widened out of shock. I didn't know he would cover up for me.
"But Ya Ma'u, when did you start working? You didn't tell us," Rukayya asked.
"I started some months ago, and I'm sorry I didn't tell you guys. It was all new to me," I whispered the last part.
"How many months did you spend there, Asmau?" Aunty asked.
"Almost nine," I whispered, and she smacked my arm.
"Ouch," I yelped in pain. Her hand has always been so painful.
"Nine months, Asmau! I hope you went with the kids?" She asked.
"Can we not talk about it now, please," I pouted, feeling so guilty about everything.
I watched as she gave me a suspicious look before the door opened, revealing Babaji, my stepmom, my cousin Fatima, Ya Jameel, and Ya Hadeeza. We exchanged pleasantries with them, and I had to repeat that lie we made up earlier to avoid any drama.
"Alhamdulillah is all we can say," Babaji smiled. "Maryam, you honestly made us so worried," he said to my mother.
"I'm sorry; I also didn't expect that to happen, but—" She paused and closed her eyes for a while as if thinking. "Where is Salma?" She asked, scanning round the room.
I also wanted to ask this question earlier because since I arrived, I didn't set my eyes on Ya Salma.
"Yaa Salma was here when the doctor announced that you woke up, but it's weird that she has suddenly disappeared," Rukkaya said.
"She was?" Aunty asked, and Rukkaya nodded.
"What's wrong?" I asked, seeing how worried she looked.
"You have to find her."
"Why?" I asked.
"I didn't fall all by myself down the stairs—" She paused and took in a deep breath. "I was pushed, and it was Salma."
Everybody looked so shocked, as series of gasps were heard all around the room.
"Maryam, what are you saying? You know Salma is my daughter, right!" My stepmom snapped.
"Yaya, of course, I do, and she's my daughter too. That's why I can't hide the bad things she did. We need to save her from herself before it's too late."
"Maryam, are you sure about what you're saying?" Babaji asked.
"Yes, I am, Muhammad. Why will I lie about this?"
Suddenly, it clicked in my mind, the memory of the day I found Auntie lying lifelessly on the floor with Ya Salma standing beside her, looking terrified. Maybe it was because she actually pushed her.
"Yes, Auntie is telling the truth because..." I began to narrate everything I saw that day.
"Innalillahi wa'ina illahir raji'un," everyone in the room whispered repeatedly, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on them.
"So, Salma actually tried to kill you? But why would she do that?" Ya Hanne asked, a mixture of shock and confusion in her voice.
"Yes, why would Ya Salma do that?" I echoed, my own questions mirroring my sister's.
Flashback
"Iman, you can't do that to me!" Salma yelled through the phone. "Do you want me to go tell Asmau what we have been plotting against her so Abubakar will hate you? You know he will hate you when I tell him that we have been plotting against his dear wife! And he will hate you more when I tell him that we murdered Abdul and Layla, right?"
Aunty, who was standing by the door, gasped as her eyes widened in shock. How could Salma do this!? She had taken two lives.
"Look, Iman, calm down. I won't tell anyone, but make sure your plan of breaking Asmau and Abubakar works this time around because I won't think twice about implicating Asmau," she hissed.
Enough was enough!
Without second thoughts, Aunty decided to confront her. "Salma!!!" I screamed her name the moment I stormed into the room. She flinched, making her drop her phone on the floor.
"Aun...Aunty," she stammered with a frightened look.
"How could you do this, Salma!? When did you become this wicked and heartless?!! Asmau is your sister, for God's sake!! She's my daughter! Salma, you're like a daughter to me, but I never knew you were capable of this!"
"Aunty, you heard wrong. I don't know what you're saying," she played dumb.
"Don't you dare lie to me, Salma! I heard everything you said on the phone, and you were talking to Abubakar's Ex-wife, Iman, right!?" I asked, and she fell on her knees, tears streaming down her face, and started begging.
"I'm sorry, Aunty, please don't tell anyone. I promise I will stop," she pleaded, her voice trembling.
"I won't let you harm my daughter, Salma! I'm sorry that you've taken this path," I said with a disgusted look before turning to leave the room.
But Salma grabbed my arm. "Please, Aunty, you're my mother too. Ki rufa mun asiri, do you really want me to go to jail?" she begged desperately.
"I don't want you to go to jail, Salma, but you must be accountable for your crimes," I said as I firmly pushed her hand from my arm. I continued to make my way out of the room.
I could hear her behind me, shouting and pleading for me to stop, but I refused to yield and kept descending the stairs. She persisted, grabbing my hand.
"I will burn down this house and everyone in it if you tell them what I did!" She threatened with an angry look.
"Go ahead, then," Aunty replied as she struggled to break free from her tight grip.
"Goodbye, Aunty," she said, and before she could process what Salma meant, she felt myself being pushed and immediately started tumbling down the stairs.
The next thing she felt was pain all over her body before darkness covered my sight.
End of flashback
I closed my eyes and tried to control the tears that were threatening to fall. I couldn't believe she would betray me like this. Why my sister, of all people? I know we were never really close, unlike my other siblings, but I never thought she could ever do this to me. And I never thought she could murder someone. Is she really the Ya Salma I know?
"She can't get away with this," I said, wiping away my tears.
"And she won't. That's why we need to find her as soon as possible, especially now that she knows I'm awake," Abubakar stated.
"Don't worry, Aunty, I will inform the authorities, and we will find her as soon as possible," I assured.
"Iman too," I sniffed. "They should pay for this."
They won't get away with their crimes.
*
"Why don't you want me to stay here with you for the night, Aunty? I really want to," I insisted.
I had been pleading with her to allow me to spend the night with her at the hospital. However, my mother, being my mother, disagreed. She argued that I had a family to look after, so it was better if I just went home.
"Asmau, I said no," she replied sternly.
"You don't want me close to you?" I pouted, feeling a bit hurt.
"It's not that, Asmau. Your husband is already waiting for you outside, so it's better if you follow him home. He will be sad if you don't. Besides, Aminah and Summaya are going to stay here with me, so just go," she waved me off, trying to reassure me.
"That's right, Ma'u, go home. We will take care of things here," Ya Aminah added.
I sighed, reluctantly accepting. "It's okay," I said, grabbing my phone and placing it inside my handbag.
"And we have things to talk about tomorrow," Aunty stated.
"Toh, Allah ya kaimu goben," I prayed, moving closer to her and giving her a warm hug. "Goodnight," I whispered, reluctantly pulling away.
"Okay, my dear, Goodnight," she smiled.
I bid my siblings goodbye, promising to return the next day, before making my way outside.
*
Minutes later, as I settled into the car, Abubakar was engrossed in a conversation with the authorities responsible for locating Ya Salma and Iman. I patiently waited for him to conclude his call before speaking.
"No news yet?" I inquired, securing my seatbelt.
"Unfortunately, nothing yet," he replied, "The police went to Iman's residence, but it was vacant. It appears they've gone into hiding, knowing they're wanted by law enforcement."
"I hope they are apprehended soon; they are a huge threat. What if they—" I trailed off, hesitating, as Abubakar glanced at me. His reassuring grip on my hand.
"Everything will be alright; I won't allow any harm to come to you," he said.
I mustered a small smile. "I believe you, Habiby."
He tenderly kissed my "I love you."
"And I love you more," I playfully countered.
"Nah, that's not true. You know I love you more," he teased, and I couldn't help but chuckle.
🥀🥀
As soon as I stepped out of the car, I paused to take a quick glance at the house. Even though it was nighttime, the outdoor lighting illuminated the compound brightly. Not much had changed, except for the flowers around the house that had grown significantly since the last time I was here.
"I didn't tell the kids that I returned to Abuja with you," Abubakar stated as he walked over and stood beside me. "I want it to be a surprise," he added with a smile.
"Oh, well, that's okay. I just hope they'll be happy to see me," I said, rubbing my palms nervously.
"Of course, they will," he reassured me, wrapping his arms around my shoulders. "Now, let's go," he gestured, and we walked over to the front door.
After he unlocked the door, we entered and made our way to the living room. A smile crept onto my lips when my eyes landed on my kids. Abubakar and I stopped a bit away to watch what they were doing.
"Yaa Feeyah, what's 23×6?" Noorie, who was lying on the carpet with some books in front of her, asked Safeeya. Safeeya was sitting on the couch with a pillow propped up against her chest and a bowl right in front of her as she used her phone.
"Noorie, do I look like a calculator?" She asked sarcastically. "Wait, you said 23×6, right? Let's see..." She closed her eyes and moved her index finger for a few seconds to calculate. "One hundred and thirty-eight," she answered.
"Thank you, Ya Feeyah. What about--"
"Look, I'm not your calculator, ki kyale ni, I'm busy," Safeeya complained.
"Okay, should I bring my verbal reasoning assignment?" Noorie asked, knowing very well she was looking for trouble.
"If you like, bring all the assignments in the whole world and drop them in front of me," Safeeya eyed her.
"You're bitter," Noorie murmured, and I almost laughed but bit my lips to avoid laughter escaping.
"What did you say?" Safeeya asked.
"I said you're the best sister ever."
"Good."
"Let's go in, Hayatie," Abubakar whispered behind me.
"I don't know, but okay," I whispered back nervously. I was afraid the kids wouldn't be happy to see me because I left them, and I really didn't want that.
"Yaa Feeyah, when is Mummy coming back?" Noorie asked, and I looked up at Abubakar.
"I don't know, Noorie, but hopefully, she will return soon," Safeeya replied.
"Okay," she sighed.
"How will you react when she returns? And are you mad at her?"
"How will my baby be mad at me?" They quickly turned their heads in our direction as soon as they heard my voice. Their mouths hung agape, and their eyes widened.
"Surprise!" I said, waving my hands up and down.
"Mummyy!" Feeyah exclaimed with a grin on her face. She quickly sprinted over to me and pulled me in for a hug. "I'm soo glad you're back! I knew you would return! I just knew it!"
I pulled away. "Yesss, Babyyynaa, of course, I wouldn't leave you behind." I kissed her cheeks.
"I missed you."
"And I missed you more." I embraced her once again before walking over to Noorie, who still stood in her tracks looking shocked.
I crouched down to her height before speaking. "Baby, won't you hug Mummy?" I asked her.
My mouth dropped when she ignored me, packed her books, then quickly made her way upstairs.
"Noorie!" Abubakar called out to her.
"Noorie, come back here!" He ordered.
"Noor--" I interrupted him.
"It's okay, habiby, I will talk to her," I managed to smile even though I was hurting inside.
"Safeeya, where's Ansar and the twins?" I asked.
"Ansar and Afeen went out with Uncle Najib; he picked them up earlier, and they went to have fun, while Afeena is sleeping in the room," she replied.
"Okay, I will go upstairs," I informed and hugged her one more time. "I love you."
"Love you too, Mummy," she replied with a grin.
"Go freshen up; I will inform Saratu to bring your luggage upstairs," Abubakar stated.
"Okay, then," I said before making my way upstairs.
Firstly, I went to Noorie's room to talk things out. I knocked softly on the door before entering. Her head was buried in her pillow while she clutched it tightly.
"Babyn Mummy," I called out softly as I approached the bed. "You're angry at Mummy, right?" I asked, but she ignored me. "Do you want me to cry?" I questioned while pretending to hide my face.
"Leave me alone," she mumbled, her voice muffled by the pillow.
"Noorie, nidin?" I asked. "Okay, then," I whispered and brought both of my palms to my face, faking sniffs.
"Are you crying?" I heard her ask, and before I knew it, she tried to remove my palms from my face. "Mummy, kibar kuka," she said.
"I will stop if you forgive me."
"But you left me."
I looked at her. "No, Noorie, I didn't leave you, and that will never happen."
"But why didn't you go with me then?" She asked, tears in her eyes.
"Sweetheart, it's not that easy, you know, but please forgive Mummy." I pleaded.
"I will forgive you if you promise never to leave again."
"I promise I won't ever leave my baby again, so now can I get a hug?" I asked with a smile, opening my arms for her.
She quickly wrapped her tiny arms around my neck. "I love you, my Mummy," she muttered.
"And I love you, Mummy's daughter," I said back with a warm smile.
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