BY ZEE ASLAM
CHAPTER EIGHT
They had decided to go back home while the nurse maid come back to look after Umma since Sufyan will be moving to their house when the sky started grumbling persistently.
The bright blue sky transformed into an ocean of blackness.
The sky grumbled continuously again bringing a threat of a rain. They did not wait for the pregnant sky to burst before they hopped into the car and drove off.
No sooner have they left the hospital premises that the sky burst open and the rain poured down massively.
Farida’s phone rang and mama was the one calling. Since she was driving, Bello picked the call and put it on speaker.
“Good evening mama” Farida said fixing her gaze on the road.
“Where are you”? Mama shouted ignoring her greetings.
“My mum was rushed to the hospital so I have been there but am on my way home now”. She replied with utmost respect.
“So because your mum was admitted we should starve to death abi”? Mama asked and Farida glared at Bello. The rage in her was burning fiercely.
“Am sorry but I had no choice besides Husna is there to cook na” She expressed sternly.
Keep quiet, do you want to stress her for me or do you think it is easy to be pregnant. Well, how would you know when all you know is to eat, sleep and run your mouth like a tap. ‘Mama said’.
Farida closed her eyes and the tears she had been trying to hold back fell off on her cheek.
“Babe pull over” Bello said to her but she nodded and said, “don’t worry am fine”.
Don’t give me excuses, just do as I say. “He shouted again and she came to a halt immediately”.
Babe please I am sorry, I know this is a hard time for you but continue to exercise patience, everything will fall into place soon In Sha Allah! “He said to calm her down”.
“Never mind, am perfectly fine” She uttered and dried her tears.
I know the woman I married, I know when you are fine and when you are not. So please stop pretending. It is written all over your face that you are in a mess right now. Please do not take Mama’s words so hard. “He consoled but it seemed his words did more harm than good because she led out a loud cry”.
“Hey comon, what did I say wrong”? He asked confused.
“Now you are beginning to sound like your mother” She said while starting the car.
Haba babe, how can you say something like that, do you think I wished for all this to happen, it was just so unfortunate that things turned out this way and I have to take responsibility for my actions. Am doing all this because of Mama. You are the only woman I will love till infinity.
“He said and moved closer then planted a kiss on her cheek”.
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The rain had stopped before they got home, it was only drizzling a bit. They alighted from the car almost the same time and walked in.
Farida’s heartbeat increased when she stepped her foot in the sitting room but luckily for her, mama wasn’t there so she heaved a sigh of relief and headed to her room. Bello went into Mama’s.
Mama was sitting on the bed with Husna’s head placed on her lap. At the sight of Bello, Husna raised her head while smiling sheepishly.
“Welcome”, she said to him but he ignored her and sat on the arm of the couch close to the bed.
“Bello”, Mama called out and he turned to look at her shocked. Mama hardly call him by his name.
“Your wife must leave this house today”. She said.
Her words sank down into his brain.
“What do you mean”? He asked confused.
“I mean you have to divorce your wife today or you will chose between me and her”. Mama repeated.
“Mama why”?. Bello asked amidst confusion.
“Are you still asking me that, isn’t it clear to you that she is not capable to be a wife”? She asked him.
Mama please you don’t have to go this far, I love my wife and we are living in peace, isn’t that all that matters. “He marveled”
“You just don’t see fault in everything about her, Okay just imagine this, today I called to know why she was late from work but she rained abuses on me and even said you won’t do anything about it when I eventually let you know”. Mama said without any doubts.
Bello just stared at her shocked. What baffles him most was the fact that she had to stoop so low to lie against his wife. Did she hate his wife this much.
“It is either you do as I say or I leave your house and by so doing, you will have to pay for the months I conceived you in my womb and the breast milk I fed you for two years”.
Mama said with finality jolting him back from his thoughts.
