CHAPTER LXII

ONE MONTH LATER

Happiness

Happiness is when you see your children happy and together. Happiness is that emotion you feel when the two sons you thought might not reconcile finally proves you wrong. Happiness is when you have peace of mind. Happiness is everything.

Alhaji ringim couldn't help but watch his two sons finally getting married. His heart warmth at the smile on their faces. He also knows that their wife's will surely take good care of them from where he had stopped. Even if he was gone ,he knows that his children are in good hands. They will continue his reign from where he had stopped.

It came as a surprise to him when the two brothers decides to marry at the same time.

On a second thought, alhaji heart aches at the fact that he was leaving too soon. Soon enough for him to even see more of his grandkids. At least he was able to see Mansir's son.

He hasn't told anyone about his deteriorating health which he had been struggling with For the past one month. His wish is to witness his sons wedding before he dies. His loving badiyya, he knows she will be so heart broken after his death. He wiped his tears again. The final prayer was said. They are now married, finally.

" Congratulations to us alhaji" his friend alhaji dabo said with a wide smile on his face.

" Congratulation brother. We're now in-laws " they both shook hands and shared a hug" I'm the happiest " a smile broke his face

" of course you are. To witness the marriage of your two sons isn't easy. It's something to be so proud of"

" Time flies so quickly. I can vividly remember when we also got married, it feels like a dream" alhaji ringim couldn't help but say.

" That's life for you. It moves faster than you can imagine. "

Guest came forward to congratulate the groom and the bride's parents. The mosque was filled up with people than they had expected. It was a wonderful day so far to say.

***

The brides were finally taken to their husband's house. The wedding was a beautiful and peaceful one. It wasn't that extravagant since the grooms and brides wants it that way. It was only a two days event and that was all.

Seated on the king-size bed was sadiq and his beloved wife rahama whose heart beats at what life might be like at her new home. It feels different for her. Atleast at her father's house she has people who looks after her but here she was on her own alone with her husband. It was time she becomes independent and the idea scares her alot. Yes ,she knows she has sadiq but it's different. She chose this and she herself must make It work out .

Sadiq watch his beautiful wife with thoughtful eyes. He wonders what was disturbing her.

" Penny for your thoughts? "

She raised her head up to meet his eyes " huh? "

" I was wondering what my wife might be thinking about "

She blinked " uhm, it's nothing "

" are you sure?" he moved closer to where she was sat in the middle of the bed " I know you too well. I know something is bothering you so please share this thoughts of yours with me " he pleaded with his eyes

She sighed softly " I'm scared" that was the only thing she could say

Sadiq couldn't help but chuckle " are you scared of what might happen this night or would you please elaborate more on what you're talking about"

She blushed deeply " i-i wasn't talki-ng about that "

" about what? " he smirked

" Please stop it sadiq " she whined then covered her face embarrassed " I'm talking about something else not that "

" oh really? So tell me what you're talking about then " he took her hand and held it into his " what is bothering my wifey"

" I know this might sound childish"

" just say it already " he encouraged

" I miss home " she covered her face after saying it

Sadiq paused. He was surprised that ,that was the reason why she was in thought

" is that all?" he asked.

She dropped down her hand " yes. I know it's stupid but that is the truth. This feeling that I'm a married woman is scares me alot. I've never felt this way before not until now. I don't even know what came over me. " she sighed

" I know i should be happy because today is my happiest day. I really am but I just can't help this feeling that I am leaving dad and everyone. I'm so used to home that leaving them feels like a dream. You're free to tell me off right now, I know I'm acting stupid and childish right now " she ranted

" I just -

" shush " he shut her up

She met his eyes and then looked down on his finger which was still on her lips.

" I understand everything that you said. It's normal, it happens alot. If you want you can give them a call . I'm so sure they are also missing you  most especially the twins" he smile genuinely " those two are something else "

She  also smiled remembering jamil's Last words. He had said " if yaya hurts you don't hesitate to tell me. I'll make sure to deal with him "

" Why the sudden smile? " sadiq asked

She shook her head " I just remembered what jamil told me "

" Don't tell me those two also gave you the talk?" he asked with wide eyes

she nodded with a smile "something like that "

" could you believe that jamila told me that she will cut off my hand if i make you cry! I was rendered speechless. I couldn't even respond to her and the shocking thing was what jamil said. He was like " Take good care of aunty rahama if not I'll chop off your balls ".

Rahama burst out laughing. That's more like jamil

" I was perplexed . Those two devil are something else"

" hey don't call them devil" she warned playfully

" OK OK fine " he raised his hands

" Good " she smile " now can we now talk about us. I think the home sickness is now gone "

" Really? " he cocked a brow

" hm"

He smile warmly . He held her face " I want you to know that I'm here for you whether in thick or thin. We will work this together you and I. "

" Thank you for understanding " she hugged him tightly " I love you so so much Mr mechanic" she stare at him intently

" and I love you too spoilt brat more than you could ever think of " he whispered as he stared down at her lips

" you think so? " It came out as a whisper

He nodded " yeah "

" Then show me "

That night the couple shared a bond that was worth everything . The night was filled with so much love.

***

ONE MONTH AND A WEEK LATER

Honeymoon was finally over and both were expected to resume work as there are load of work waiting for them at the office.

Rahama helped her  husband to button up his shirt  " have a nice day at work "

He pouted " i wish I can stay here with you"

She laughed " but you can't. Work calls"

He groaned loudly " it's so annoying that I'll be leaving my beautiful wife "

" your beautiful wife will be here waiting for you. The sooner you go the earlier you get back" she pushed him

" OK OK. Fine " he kissed her on the forehead " don't miss me too much "

" I won't " I will, she wanted saying

" Wait till I get back "

" I will"

He looked at her one last time before finally going to work. She blew out a breath and went back to the kitchen to wash the dirty dishes. Her phone rang beside her.

She quickly wiped her hands before picking  up her phone.

Badiyya was written on the screen

" Hello badeeeeee" rahama squealed loudly

" Hey" came badiyya response. This isn't the badiyya rahama knows.so what is wrong?

" Badiyya, why do you sound strain? "

The next thing badiyya broke into tears. This got rahama alarmed " what is the problem? " she untied the apron around her immediately.

" rahama ,it's dad. He is being rush to the hospital. I don't know who to talk to but you. I don't know What to do rahama" her voice breaks her heart

" first, you need to calm down badiyya. Breathe in and out "

Badiyya repeated the process continually

" Good. I need you to go back to his  room go check how he is doing. Sadiq and I will be there before you know it.

" OK, please be fast "

" I will. "

Mansir isn't in town as of now. He lives in Abuja now with his new family.

Rahama quickly put on her long hijab and quickly texted sadiq to meet her at the hospital.

***

He rushed into the hospital worried sick. Since he was familiar with the hospital, he went straight to the doctor's office were he found his wife and badiyya already seated waiting for him.

" Thank God you're finally here" badiyya stood up and ran to hug him " Dad is dying, yaya. His health has worsened to the extent that he can't be saved . He hid it from all of us " she breaks down all over again

Sadiq didn't say anything instead he acted like the big brother he was. He held her close " he will be fine "

" Promise me " she look at him with her now red eyes

" I promise " he himself wasn't even sure

Rahama blinks away the tears that tried falling. She wants to be strong for badiyya. It will be so hard if she loses her dad. First it was her mother who is in jail and now it's her dad.

Sadiq made eye contact with the doctor who  has something important to tell sadiq

" erm Badiyya , can you please excuse us?i have something to discuss with the doctor "

She nodded " ok. " rahama also followed sooth.

It was now the doctor and sadiq " what is it doctor? What are the chances that  my father might survive this? "

" I know this is so hard for all of you. Your father hasn't been strong for a month. His heart is deteriorating and can't be fixed.I'm so saddened to  tell you that he can't be saved. He only have 2% chances of surviving this"

" So you mean we shouldn't even try anything ?"

" No. It will only be a waste of money and time, I'm so sorry"

" This is it then? "

" yes" said the doctor

" But can I talk to him now "

" Sure why not. But-"

" But what doctor? "

" He wouldn't sound as sharp as before " the doctor gave him a head up

" I understand "

***

Alhaji ringim looks thin and old on the bed. Why haven't he noticed this changes, sadiq thought.

He sat beside  his dad on the bed " Dad" he called

Alhaji ringim blink while trying to open his eye. He took in his surroundings before taking note of who was sat beside him.

" son" he said hoarsely

" Dad"

" Help me up" Alhaji beckons

Sadiq didn't waste much time. He placed a pillow at his back for him to rest on it.

" Thank you" he cleared his throat

The room was silent for a seconds

" uhm, son how is my daughter in-law? "

" she is fine. She is outside with badiyya " he answered

" OK. Thank God yoir sister isn't here to hear what I want to tell you" he smile sadly

" but why father? Why have you been hiding your state of health from all of us?" he bursted. He had tried pulling himself together but failed miserably.

" Don't you trust us ? We are your children, we ought to know."

" I know son, I know."

" Then why did you find the need to hide it?!"

" I don't want my sickness to be a hinder in your marriage . You just go married and I want you and your brother to be happy. I know I don't have much time left so why waste my time going to the hospital? Right now, I'm only waiting for Allah's time. Finally,I'll be with Fatima. "

" please stop talking like this dad " his voice cracked " I need you here with us. We all need you here. "

He smiled " I wish but I have few days left. I can feel it in my body. I'm getting worse each passing day"

" But I want you here" he verge out

" I'm so sorry son"

" What about badiyya? She will be so heart broken. I can't imagine how she will feel after you're gone. It hurts alot dad"

" That's why she has you and your brother. You two should try all possible bast to be her mother and father "

" it'll be so difficult for her "

" I know " said alhaji " I love each one of you with all my heart. I wish I can be here forever for you three, I really wish"

" I love you Dad" that was the first time sadiq said those words to his father. Alhaji joy knew no bound upon hearing those words.Now he can finally rest with a happy smile on his face.

" I know you do" that was his reply

"