Over two hours had passed, and I had stopped crying. I was devouring a bowl of boiled rice and turkey stew while listening to Mom talk about how Saturday’s wedding would be lit.
I
was sticking to Dad’s advice- ‘to flow
along and pretend that everything is fine…even though it isn’t.’
“So,
you haven’t told me who dropped you off,” Mom said with a smirk as she stared
at me with curious eyes.
I
chuckled. “That was a new friend. A female friend,” I swallowed the food in my
mouth and smiled at her. “But if you’re talking about the black Toyota
Corolla…”
“Yes,
the tall man who drops you off every evening,” Mom stated.
“His
name is Farouk.”
“Are
you in a relationship?”
I
laughed shyly. “Very soon.”
Mom
grinned in excitement. “AlhamduliLlaah! You’ve finally found someone. This
means that I have another wedding to plan. After Rasheedah’s wedding is held on
Saturday, I’ll start working towards making yours even more glamorous,” she
looked down at the bowl of rice and whipped her head up. “Please, eat very
well. You need to add weight for your forthcoming wedding…ah, I need to prepare
the budget for drinks,” Mom stated as she swiftly stood up and started walking
towards her room.
I
was trying to drift my thoughts to something else when my phone chimed on the
table. Just at the right time!
I
picked it up and was unfazed to see Farouk’s name on the Caller ID. “Asalamu
‘alaykum,
Farouk,”
I said, matter-of-factly, as I clicked on the answer button at the first ring.
“Wa’alaykumu
salam. I was starting to think that you’ve been kidnapped. I’m glad to hear
from you,” he laughed.
My
forehead creased with a frown. “Farouk, what if we’re just being paranoid? I
spent just a few hours with Mutmainah today, and I can confidently say that she
is innocent. What will she stand to gain? This lady is suffering from a mental
health disorder. I’m sitting right here, wondering what she stands to gain by
kidnapping my sister!”
Farouk
remained silent for over five seconds before clearing his throat. “No one is
calling her the culprit. She’s only a suspect, just like everyone on our list…”
I
cut in. “We can’t suspect everyone. It is not right. I cannot believe you
planted such doubt in me that I started to think that Mutmainah might have a
hand in my sister’s disappearance. Khalid was right. Something is definitely
wrong with me.”
Farouk
gave a heavy sigh. “One thing I’m hundred per cent certain about is the fact
that we’re perfectly okay. We are not crazy. I did not frame a story. I have
nothing to gain. I’m trying to play a role in making sure that Rasheedah
returns home,” Farouk explained.
“You
should probably reduce the number of John Grisham’s books you read. I’m eating,
Farouk. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye,
Rafiah,” Farouk said coldly and hung up the call.
I
threw the phone on the table and stared at the ground with tears burning my
eyes.
***
Asmau,
Munir, and I were seated, at our usual corner, in the cramped restaurant,
eating from our plates of jollof rice. Today was different because Bushrah,
Munir’s love, was also seated.
Bushrah
was a petite and pretty lady with wide eyes and fair skin. She was dressed in a
blue-and-white striped blouse and a pair of jean trousers. Her ears were
adorned with silver rings and her bracelet- with her name imprinted- dangled
whenever she gesticulates.
Munir
couldn’t help but stare at Bushrah with a smile whenever she talked. He had
barely touched his food since Bushrah joined us at the table.
Asmau
and I gave each other a knowing look as we glanced at Munir. “Are you going to
return to the office with an empty stomach? Asmau asked and we both giggled.
Munir
smiled shyly. “You ladies should leave me alone, o. I’m not complaining.”
I
grinned at both of them. “So…is it official?”
Bushrah
chuckled and sipped from her bottle of Coke. “Yes, it’s official. I’ve said yes
to Munir.”
“Wow!
And you didn’t tell us!” Asmau glared at him.
Munir
raked his neatly-combed hair. “Things are quite different. You’ve tendered your
resignation letter and Rafiah is going through a lot. It is quite not the best
time to share my love story,” Munir explained as he glanced at me with
sympathetic eyes.
Asmau
squeezed my right arm. “I don’t know exactly how you feel…but I know that this
is not a great time for you. I’m so sorry for not being available to comfort
you. I’m glad Farouk’s here to support you.”
“Well,
I must have crashed the relationship we were gradually building. I lashed out
at Farouk yesterday, and he didn’t deserve it,” I said with misty eyes.
“Oh,
no wonder. Farouk appeared very moody last night, but he never disclosed what
happened. And he took the first flight to Morocco this morning,” Munir said.
“Morocco?
Why?” I asked with a surprised tone.
“He
was meant to travel there last two weeks. He delayed his trip because of you, Rafiah,”
Munir added.
“SubhanaLlaah.
How could I have sent the love of my life away?” I whimpered in tears.
“Call
him…or send a message. Apologise for what you said. I’m sure he’ll understand,”
Bushrah advised.
“It’s
01:00 pm, Rafiah. We need to return to work. We can complete our discussion
later,” Asmau said as she sprang up from the chair.
“Please,
give me a minute,” I said as I took my phone and composed a message.
Asalamu ‘alaykum warahmatuLlaahi
wabarakahtuhu, Farouk.
How are you doing? I heard you left
for Morocco this morning.
I sincerely apologise for my
outburst. You didn’t deserve that, and I regret saying such words to you.
Kindly let me know you arrive at
your destination so that we can talk.
Regards
Rafiah.
“Rafiah,
Munir wants to book an uber for Bushrah. I’m wondering why he still doesn’t
have a car,” Asmau giggled as she slapped my arm.
I
clicked on the send button and looked up just in time to see Munir rolling his
eyes. “I’ll buy a car if you provide the money. Ahn ahn, Asmau, stop disgracing me in front of my babe,” Munir
frowned as we burst out laughing.
“It’s
nice hanging out with you guys. I had so much fun!” Bushrah smiled at us.
“Same
here. You’re such a breath of fresh air, Bushrah. Munir is lucky to have you,”
I explained.
“Thanks,
Rafiah. Let me not keep you waiting. I’ll just wait here until the uber
arrives,” Bushrah explained.
“You
guys should go ahead. I’ll join you later,” Munir gave us a knowing look as
Asmau, and I strolled down the road.
“I’m
wondering where Rasheedah is right now…and what’s she doing…and what the person
stands to gain from keeping her captive…and if she is still alive,” I prattled
as Asmau held my hand.
“I’m
so sorry. ALlaah will answer our prayers,” Asmau said as we entered the company’s
building.
“Aameen,”
I was saying when Mrs. Bola called my name.
“Please,
let’s discuss in my office,” Mrs. Bola ordered as I tailed her, wondering what
could have happened.
She
sighed heavily and glared at me as I shut the door behind her. “The task you
submitted this morning was full of errors. It’s obvious that you weren’t
concentrating,” Mrs. Bola said as she walked over to the shelf and grabbed an
empty mug. “Go home and have a rest. I’m giving you two days off. I’m doing
this because I know how trying this period is for you. But I don’t want this
same mistake to repeat itself when you return next week,” she said.
“It
won’t. Thank you very much, ma,” I said in appreciation before walking out of
her office.
After
bidding Asmau farewell, I grabbed my bag and left the company’s premises,
wondering how to spend the rest of the day. Definitely not at home, watching Mom
plan the wedding of Rasheedah, who is still yet to be found.
I
was wondering whether to visit an eatery and spend the rest of the day when a
thought came to my mind. Immediately, I reached into my bag and brought my
phone.
***
About
thirty minutes later, I was walking into the Kanu Ndubuisi Park to spend the rest of the day with Mutmainah and
her friends. Mutmainah had cheerfully invited me to hang out with them when I
explained that I was away from work.
I
tried to locate where they were seated, and my eyes caught the sight of over
ten people seated around a large table covered with a variety of food and
drinks.
Mutmainah
waved her hand as she spotted me and walked towards where we were sitting,
wondering if I had made the wrong decision. How could I feel free amid strange
people, who were probably children of influential politicians?
“She
is here!!!” Mutmainah screamed in delight as she ran and welcomed me with a
tight hug. Gosh! I’d never met anyone like Mutmainah.
“Asalamu
‘alaykum, Mutmainah,” I greeted as she held my hands.
“Wa’alaykumu
salam. I’m glad you could make it! Hey guys, meet my new friends,” she said as
she started to introduce me to everyone.
I
gasped in shock when my eyes caught sight of the tall and gangly man sitting at
the right end. Khalid.
Life
and Everything in Between (Episode Twenty-Three)
Khalid
lowered his eyes in shame as I stared at him with questioning eyes. How could
he…how could he hang out with friends when my sister was still nowhere to be
found?
“Are
you okay? You seem…off,” Mutmainah asked as she patted my shoulder.
“Yes,
I am. Getting here was a bit stressful. The sun was very intense, so I’m just trying
to unwind and get myself together again,” I explained.
“Oh.
I’m so sorry. Let me get you a cold bottle of Chapman,” Mutmainah said as she
walked over to where the cooler was kept.
The
table appeared bigger than it looked when I was still a stone-throw away from
it. There were packs of fried rice, ofada
rice, assorted meat, boxes of steaming pizza, and a significant number of
drinks. I couldn’t help but ask the cause of the occasion.
“I
know you’ll call us lazy youths, but we’re just hanging out and catching up
with what we’ve been up to. We do this every month,” Mutmainah explained as she
handed me the drink.
“Thanks,”
I said as I gulped it down and glanced at the people talking cheerfully.
There
was Halima, the pretty lady dressed in a red gown. She had barely touched any
food or spoken to anyone. She had been focused on her phone since I got there.
Aisha, the rotund and fair-complexioned lady whose smile could light up the
world, had been talking about her trip to Mexico. And there was Khalid, glancing
intermittently at me and pretending to be interested in the short grasses.
“That’s
Khalid, the guy I told you about,” Mutmainah said, pointing at Khalid.
“Oh.
He’s the one?”
“Yes.
Isn’t he cute? Wouldn’t you do anything to get the man of your dreams?”
I
rolled my eyes. “Oh, well. Farouk is gone. I don’t think it will work out. I
got on his nerves last night, and he travelled out of the country this
morning,” I explained.
“If
I were you, I’d be on the plane now, ready to win him back,” Mutmainah said
with certainty.
“How
far can you go to get the man of your dreams?” I asked her.
Halima
looked up from her phone and stared at me. “Mutmainah can do anything,” she
said and whispered in a low tone. “Rumour has it that she has a hand in
Khalid’s fiancée’s disappearance. She wouldn’t admit it, though.”
Mutmainah
raked her head and strode off uncomfortably. “It’s dhur time, guys. Aren’t we going to pray? Well, I’ll be waiting for
you at the mosque,” she muttered and walked away hastily. ‘
My
body shivered in shock and fear. What if we were right all along? How far could
she go to make Khalid hers?
I
was still wrapping my head around the recent event when Khalid walked up to me
and cleared his throat. “Asalamu ‘alaykum, Rafiah.”
“Wa’alaykumu
salam,” I replied brusquely.
“I’m
sorry. They are my friends. We’ve all been together since childhood. I’m as
worried as you are. Hangouts like these are what keep me going.”
“Indeed.
You made me believe that I was crazy, knowing full well that Mutmainah could do
anything to get you,” I glared at him.
“I
still don’t believe she has a hand in this. By the way, what are you doing
here? How did you become friends?”
“Leave
me alone, Khalid. I have important things to take care of,” I said as I walked
to a quiet corner and dialled Asmau’s number.
“Hey.
Are you home now?” Asmau asked as she picked the call.
“I
need your help. I’ll explain all you have to do…but first, I need to find
Mutmainah.”
***
My
mind was a whirl of confusion. Sweat dripped from my green-coloured veil as I
descended from the uber and stood in front of Mutmainah’s gate.
Was
I doing the right thing? What if I ended up getting missing like Rasheedah? How
could Mom survive? Doubts filled my mind as I stared at the blue-painted
bungalow. I was contemplating leaving when a voice made me shriek in fear.
“Wetin you dey find?” A tall man, dressed
in a security uniform, called out.
I
cleared my throat and forced a smile. “Mutmainah told me to wait for her at
home. She’s currently in Alausa, Ikeja.”
The
man scanned me from up to down with curious eyes. “You’re right about that. She’s
in Ikeja. Why did she tell you to wait for her?” he asked.
I
shrugged. “How am I supposed to know that? She just called and told me to wait
at home. She promised to join me soon.”
“Okay.
Make I call her,” he said and dialled
Mutmainah’s number.
“Hello…okay…okay…I go open am,” The security officer said
and ended the call.
An
hour ago, I had stolen Mutmainah’s phone and handed it to Asmau. The security
officer had spoken to Asmau, thinking it was Mutmainah.
He
opened the gate, and I strode in, glancing around and wondering if I had done
the right thing. If I don’t find Rasheedah, I’d probably be spending the rest
of the day in jail for trespassing on private property. He unlocked the main
entrance, and I stepped into the medium-sized fully-furnished living room.
Mutmainah
had once revealed that she was living alone in the apartment her father rented
out for her. I could spot award plaques hung on the wall and a framed quote of
Paulo Coelho. As I walked further into the lobby, I perceived the smell of
onion wafting in the air.
Could she have a flatmate? What if
someone found out I was here?
I
spotted a room and gained the courage to open the door. I screamed in fear when
I spotted someone sitting on the bed- no one else but Rasheedah, reading a book
and eating from a bowl of peppered macaroni.
“Rasheedah!”
I screamed in shock and excitement as I ran to hug her. “You’ve been here all
along! We’ve been looking for you! We’ve all been worried!” I said amidst
tears.
“Oh.
You finally found me,” Rasheedah said blankly and dropped the book on the bed.
Rasheedah
didn’t look like someone who had been held captive against her will. Anyone who
stepped into the room would have assumed that she was in her room, having
lunch, and reading a book. “What’s happening? Weren’t you kidnapped?” I asked
in confusion.
“Yeah,
I was kidnapped by Mutmainah,” she responded.
“Why
do you look like someone…who isn’t desperate to get away? Why do you feel so
comfortable? What is going on?”
“I
don’t know what to do anymore…or say. I was kidnapped on my wedding day- the
day that was supposed to be the most memorable day of my life. I thought I was
getting married to the love of my life. But then, Mutmainah sent someone to
capture me. But guess what? Khalid isn’t bothered that his wife-to-be is
missing. He is now engaged to Mutmainah. They’re planning to get married while
his fiancée is still missing!” Rasheedah said in tears. “Mutmainah promised to
let me go when they tie the knots. I just…I feel ashamed for choosing love over
education. My colleagues would have written their final papers, but here I am, kept
against my will because of a man.”
I
hugged her tightly. “It is no fault of yours. Everyone falls in love. That
doesn’t make us weak. You’ve done nothing wrong, Rasheedah,” I tried to pacify
her.
“No,
I have. I shouldn’t have chosen Khalid. I’ve brought so much shame to our
family that I’ve accepted this predicament. Please, Rafiah, leave and inform
Mom and Dad that I’m fine. I’d return soon, I promise.”
“What
are you saying? Mom is currently planning your wedding. She is not in her right
senses. And you want to remain here? What is going on?” I was saying when
Mutmainah stepped into the room.
“I
have a camera installed, so I knew when you got in,” she said and settled on
the chair. “I had no idea that you were Rasheedah’s sister. I thought you were
a true friend,” she said matter-of-factly.
“My
sister must be released immediately. I’ll report you to the police…”
Mutmainah
cut in. “What would you say I did? It doesn’t look like I held Rasheedah
against her will, no? I sincerely apologise for everything. I know I
overstepped my boundary…but I wasn’t thinking straight. It happened so fast.
Khalid broke up with me and got engaged to someone else all of a sudden. I am
truly sorry,” Mutmainah begged.
“I
am leaving with my sister. I’m highly disappointed in you, Mutmainah. I kept
hoping that you wouldn’t be the one. But alas! Here you are,” I said as I held
Rasheedah’s hand, and we walked out of the building.
Life
and Everything in Between (Episode Twenty-Four)
It
felt like a dream. I couldn’t believe that I was heading home with Rasheedah by
my side. I was set out for work this morning with no iota of knowledge that I’d
be returning with Rasheedah- hale and hearty.
And
that was why, when we returned home, Dad had cleaned his eyes more than once to
be certain that he was staring at his missing daughter. And Mom had shed
uncontrollable tears as she wrapped her arms around Rasheedah.
The
next series of events followed, praising me for my act of bravery and filling
Rasheedah’s stomach with too much food. We had spent the rest of the night, in
the living room, listening to Rasheedah recount all that happened when she was
away- how she had received a call from a strange number pretending to deliver a
surprise package and how they had carted her to an unknown destination.
“I’ve
officially ended things with Khalid. I need to face my studies and start
working towards actualising my dreams. Probably along the way, I’ll find love
again,” she had said with certainty.
The
next morning, our house was filled to the brim with family, friends, and
well-wishers, excited to celebrate the return of Rasheedah. Asmau and Munir
visited after work and I sat with them in the verandah, listening to recent
events. Tolu and Najeebah had returned from their honeymoon, and Mrs. Bola had
assigned everyone with more tasks than usual.
“I
want to tender my resignation letter. I know I haven’t made the necessary plans
to become a professional writer, but I can’t keep pretending to love
accounting. I want to stop experiencing that dreadful feeling of getting up in
the morning and heading to work. Well, I’m grateful for the period I spent at
Futnair. I wouldn’t have met you or Munir,” I said, glancing at them. “But, I’ve
made my decision. I’ll probably regret this. I might be broke for days, but,
eventually, I’ll find my foot.”
“Yay!
That makes the two of us. I’m proud of you!” Asmau grinned at me.
“I’m
proud of you, too. Lest I forget, Farouk asked of you. I told him everything-
about how you found Rasheedah,” Munir stated.
“He’s
probably laughing at me right now, saying that he was right,” I chuckled.
“No.
He’s proud of you. You were able to get Rasheedah out of the lion’s den, all
alone. You got Mutmainah to trust you. You singlehandedly planned an escape
plan. You should be on the headlines of Daily
Trust,” Munir laughed.
I
rolled my eyes. “Don’t flatter me too much. Really? Daily Trust?”
“Why
isn’t Mutmainah at the police station? Don’t tell it’s because of her father’s
influence,” Asmau said with a frown.
I
let out a shudder. “I have a recording of Mutmainah’s conversation, but I really
do not think we’re going to do that. Mom and Dad are so excited Rasheedah is
home that they are not bothered about apprehending her,” I explained.
We
spoke until dusk, and Asmau and Munir left after observing maghrib. I was still sitting in the verandah and thinking about the
implications of my life decisions when Rasheedah joined me.
“A
penny for your thoughts, Rafiah,” she slipped her right arm around my shoulder.
I
sighed heavily. “Well, I’m wondering what Farouk is doing right now and if he
misses me as much as I do.”
“I
am the cause of all these. Why do I cause so much unhappiness to our family?”
“Rasheedah,
you are witty and beautiful and smart. Don’t you ever think less of yourself. And
I’m glad you’re choosing your studies over Khalid. You’re not perfect, and no
one is. Believe me; the house wasn’t the same when you were away. You’re, like,
the one that lights up the family.”
Rasheedah
held me tightly. “Thank you, Rafiah. I really appreciate this. How do I assist
you in getting Farouk back?”
“Mutmainah
suggested that I fly over to Morocco and beg him,” I said as we both giggled.
“Typical
Mutmainah! Let’s compose a message. I’ll be the one to send it,” Rasheedah
grinned as she brought out of her phone.
Asalamu ‘alaykum warahmatuLlaah
wabarakahtuhu, Farouk.
How are you? I trust you’ve been
good? Well, you have to. You’re probably exploring beautiful places in Morocco
and taking lovely pictures. I guess you’ve tried out most of their dishes and written
pages of your new story. I believe you’re happy and as vibrant as always.
Well, I’m not. I’ve been miserable
since I lashed out on you. I made a mistake, and I’ll spend the rest of my life
wishing I could make amends. Yes, you were right. Mutmainah-the beautiful and
sweet lady- was the one all along! How could I have doubted your words?
I am so sorry. I regret my actions
and wish you forgive me for all I said. I wish we could continue learning more
about each other…and spend the rest of our lives together, exploring, learning,
and growing. I love you, Farouk. I didn’t realise how much I do until I lost
you.
I’ve met men that made
me feel less of myself. I started to doubt my value that I felt it was too good
to be true when you came into my life. Every single moment we spent together, I
wondered if you were a figment of my imagination. But you’re not. You’re real,
Farouk, and you showed me that I deserve to love and be loved.
If you don’t respond to
this message, I’ll assume you’ve moved on…and probably found someone else. And
I really hope to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Rafiah.
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