Chapter 5

"You would have followed me home and you wouldn't have to leave like this. I guess this is a good bye for both of us..." Dunni muttered sadly.

"I'll miss you, Dunni." I held her hands tight and broke into tears again.

"God knows I'll miss you more. Try to call me, Aisha. Keep me posted and try to visit whenever you can, okay?"

"Okay, I sure will. Bye for now, sis."

"Okay bye!!!"

Adunni stopped a keke napep and zoomed off the empty road. I recited a prayer in my heart as we moved. It was the first time, leaving my family behind like this.

"Awunaka Yaa Hannan, Awunaka Yaa Sultaan : I solicit Your help, The most Compassionate, I solicit Your help, The King."

Hajia Maryam stopped a taxi as we left for the hotel she lodged in.

*** At The Hotel ***

I told Hajia Maryam everything. It happened only 9 days ago.

"Leaving only me, my mum and the house-keeper, Danlamin. Even though Danlami was beaten up blue-black and locked in the guest room where he stays, they know he had nothing to offer. The armed robbers stole #200,000 for the mosque's renovation, my mum's jewelry and other expensive things. About five of them raped me. My mum in the act of stopping them got shot on her head and I passed out. Up till now, I'm scared of being accidentally touched due to that shock..." 

"Subhanallah!" Hajia Maryam muttered as she could not hold her tears.

"I really admire your faith, Aisha. If I was in your shoes, I don't think I can take the steps you've taken. You're a heroine, my dear. You're about opening a new chapter in you life." Sureness and sincerity laced her promising words.

"Immediately your waec and jamb results are out, I'll make sure I do all in my power to get you admission into University of Abuja."

"Subhanallah, Really?" I was amused.

"Yes, of course. My younger sister, Hazimah lectures there! Insha Allah, things will work well for you. May Allah reward your faithfulness and put zina to shame."

"Amin, ma. Thanks for the immeasurable love and kindness you've shown me." I smiled, taking a delicious bowl of catfish pepper-soup she bought for me.

"Thank God and worry not." She smiled back.

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The Next Morning...

I recited this until we got to where she lived at Maitama, Abuja.

Bismillah tawakkaltu 'ala llah. Allahumma inni a'udhubika an adilaaudalla au azilla au uzlina au azlama au ajihala au yujhalu alayya.

In the name of God, I put my trust in God. There is neither strength nor power but in God. Oh my Lord, I seek forgiveness from You, Not to ho astray or be lead astray. Wrong others or be wronged by others. Deal harshly to myself or be harshly dealt with by others.

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In Abuja...

The second weekend I got there, I attended the same assalatu with Hajia Maryam called I.Y.L (Islamic Youth League of Nigeria). It was a beautiful one which her and her husband attended every Sunday. In fact, She was the Amira (female leader) of the Islamic Association and her husband was the P.R.O (Public Relation Officer) of the mosque. 

Other members became my friends and everyone moved along with me as I attended regularly. In no time, I had lots of friends and we got along well enough. Some would think the Akerele's were my family as well because of our closeness. 

Not long, my body started changing due to the pregnancy. It was being obvious with the symptoms I have. People were beginning to ask silly questions while some thought Alhaji Akerele had secretly married me as his small wife since Hajia Mariam is barren.

One morning, Mr. & Mrs. Akerele called me to the living room after our usual Subhi prayer. As it is, I've grown to love and care for them like my own parents. So I've started calling them mum and dad.

"Aisha dear, how are you doing?"

Her husband started.

"I'm fine, dad." I replied with a smile.

"And how is your stay here? Hope nothing is bothering you?" Hajia Maryam asked.

"Not at all mum. I'm fine and I'm grateful, Alhamdulillah."

They looked at themselves with an identical smile, looking like mine.

"That's good to know, Praise be to God. Errrm... We called you because people are becoming curious about your pregnancy."

"Yes, Aisha." Her husband continued.

"We took a long thought about this issue and we plan to tell them that you're married and your husband died. You only realised you're pregnant after his burial, we want you to tell them the same as well so there won't be any misunderstandings."

I was shocked looking at both of them sitting in front of me.

"Astagfirullah..." I almost whispered.

"Any problem, dear?" They questioned as their smile dropped.

"Dad, Mum... With due respect, I'm not sorry to say that I CAN'T DO IT. One Sunday, I shall use my story as a message and every other girl like myself would learn from."

"What?! I don't understand why?"

"Lying is a sin, mum. No matter what, I'll never lie to the people I call my family and I'll tell the the truth no matter how bitter."

"Dad, Mum... I raised up an idea in the youth meeting last week that we should visit and pray for the sick in hospitals and give them presents, fruits and any form of sadaqah (Charity). What do you think?"

"Masha Allah! I'm amazed at your iman and your uncompromising stand. Keep it up." Hajia Maryam was stared at her husband lovingly like she was asking him to 'say something'.

"You're just like a daughter to us, Aisha. Were so proud of you."

"Thanks a lot for accepting me for who I am and giving me a go ahead on these issues. May Allah continue to shower blessing on this family."

"Amin..." They chorused as I walked to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

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A WEEK LATER...

On Sunday....

I and some of the executives in the youth wing walked straight into the doctor's office. The doctor welcomed us and lead us to the nurses that would lead us to the various wards we wanted to visit.

We visited six wards that day in five different hospitals. Although it was hectic, it meant a lot knowing how the sick were struggling to live and how relieved they felt at the end of the day.  The patients, doctors and nurses were grateful for our visit.

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Akerele: A Yoruba name, meaning, small but mighty.

Assalatu: An Islamic Congregation or Association where they gather to worship every Sundays.

Awunaka Yaa Hannan, Awunaka Yaa Sultaan : I solicit Your help, The most Compassionate, I solicit Your help, The King.

Subhi Prayer: Morning Prayer.

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