CHAPTER NINE

I HAD a terrible dream when I was sixteen and in SS2. It felt so real that I had no option than to visit Maama's house even though I haven't set foot in it since that unfortunate incident that is etched in my head. Ama is crying out for help calling out to me, shouting my name and asking why I have abandoned her and had done nothing to save her from that same giant evil man that molested her. I was running towards her, trying to save her but I couldn't reach her until she let out a guttural cry that shook the whole house. I woke up with a start and prayers at the tip of my tongue.

Zulai is no longer in control of the house because I provide for almost everything, the worthless orphan that she never spends a day to reminding me that I am is now the person that feeds and clothes her with the earnings from my numerous businesses because Alhamdulillah by now am even selling Hibiscus drink, Ginger drink and water and I owned a freezer. In short, I've become the jack of all trade because whatever I see or learn, I start selling out and God so kind, everything I touched, He puts barakah in it.

Being that it's the weekend, I arrived at the house around 2pm with a Salam after knocking at the huge door. There had been some renovations and changes and the house looks more beautiful and intimidating. My heart started beating fast as footsteps approached from what I knew to be the dinning area and to my shock and surprise I saw that same man that I've seen years ago molesting Ama walking towards me with an undecipherable look on his face.

"Who are you looking for ?" He thundered.

"Good afternoon sir! I came to visit Maama, Ama and Muhammad. I was once a maid here " I managed to squeak out even though my whole body is shaking with fear.

"I know who you are and thank God you are here. I've been looking for ways to deal with you" he smirked making me feel more fearful of him.

I started muttering dua's in my heart which gave me the courage to stand still and not slump down on the ground or loose my conciousness. He was about to say something when Maama descended from the stairs looking sick and haggard.

"Ahh ahhn who am I seeing like Fatima Bintu. So you're alive?" She playfully stated as the giant man walked past her  without a word.

"I hope you've greeted Alhaji. He's Ama's father" she asked motioning for me to take a seat. I nodded with a smile after which we exchanged pleasantries. She informed me that Ama and Muhammad are now in boarding school and will be coming back that same day.

"I'm happy that you're here. Why don't you help me prepare something for them because I'm a bit under the weather as you can see"  she sounded sad. I couldn't say no to the woman that has been kind to me when I had nothing and no one even though she abandoned me and I don't know her reason for doing that, I can't stay mad at her or turn her down when she obviously needs my help.

"Don't worry Maama, just tell me what to do and I'll get it done in shaa Allah" I said with a smile that hasn't reached my heart. She gave me instructions on cleaning Ama's room saying that Muhammad's is out of bounds because he locked it and left with his key and then asked if I can cook well and told me what to make. I was scared thinking she's going to go back upstairs and leave me alone with the evil man who she's unfortunate to call her husband but thankfully lay in one of the couches in the living room. I set out to work with a heavy heart filled with more questions than answers to the mysterious life Maama and her children are living.

I finished everything within a short time being that am fast at doing things. I wanted to take my leave but Maama insisted I wait for Ama and Muhammad's return. I didn't protest much because I know that after that day, I will never make the mistake of setting foot in that house ever again. Maama asked after Fiddausi saying that she just left without notice and refused to collect her last salary when I was sick and that when she went there neither Fiddausi nor her mother could offer any explanation so she had to resort to getting another maid who also left after a few weeks.

"I've even lost count of the people I've hired after you. I wanted to bring you back but Ama begged me not to without telling me her reason. She was so adamant I had to oblige her" she narrated, sounding sorry not knowing that Ama saved my life from her evil father. I then started wondering what if Fiddausi witnessed the same thing or God forbid he had done the same to her? I prayed that the latter not the former is the case because I can only imagine how devastated she must be feeling up till that very moment.

They came back after Asr sallah which I offered in Ama's room pervently praying to Allah to save us from the evil man whom I still don't know the name of and safe guard our dignity and Imaan. Ama was shocked to see me, she looks beautiful and all grown up. We exchanged pleasantries like old time buddies and I told her my reason for coming without omitting a single detail of the dream.

"I wanted to meet you since that day but I was bedridden for almost a year. You are always on my mind ever since and God knows that I've been traumatized over what I saw. Please tell me what is going on I promise not to utter a word to anyone. Whatever it is, I will take it to my grave" I vowed.

Ama started crying uncontrollably after she locked her room with a key.

"I am glad you're still alive Fatima, I don't know why or how you escaped death because he wanted to kill you but Alhamdulillah you're still here and I can see that life has been good to you" she sniffed before she continued.

"My father, my so called father, the man who is supposed to be my knight, my protector against all kind of harm that may come my way, my pillar of hope and strength has been molesting me for years, since before I know what it was and it has always been in that manner.

He will tie me up and satisfy his carnal cravings chanting in a very strange language and it was recently that I came to know that he is part of a cult and what he does to me and other innocent souls, even my own mother is his source of wealth. I managed to run to a boarding school but he also follows me there whenever he deems fit. I informed Maama last year when I thought I can't take it no more and I was shocked to know that she knows and can't do anything about it. She told me the number of times she tried to run, how he almost killed her and how she thinks she has been binded to this house and can't leave no matter how hard she tries"

"I know that I'm already a damaged goods and no one would want me because my own father has destroyed my life because of his greediness for money and the woman who can fight for me to death can't even do that so we've accepted our fate and we are praying that Allah will bring a way for us to escape this life because I'd rather beg on the streets and sleep under a bridge than sleep in this Godforsaken big house and all the luxuries it comes with"  I was paralysed and couldn't say anything for what seems like hours. I never knew that actual people not movie or book characters live this kind of life but here I am in front of a beautiful damaged soul who has been living in hell all her life.

I thought losing one's parents is the worst thing that could ever happen to anyone. I thought that living in poverty, always thinking of where your next meal will come from is a bad life not knowing that some people have everything but yet they have nothing and aren't even happy.

"Innalillahi wa Inna ilaihi rajiun! I wish this is also another dream Ama. I am so sorry to hear this and am so sorry for not coming sooner, I thought you didn't want to see me or talk about it. I am truly sorry for everything" I sobbed out, not knowing what else to say.

"It's not your fault Fatima please don't ever blame yourself. Allah knows what we are going through and He will soon bring and end to it by His will" she consoled wiping her tears. It seems like she has long embraced her fate and her heart is hardened.

We spoke for hours on end, thinking of a way out but we are too young to come up with a solution. I left after Maghrib salah promising Ama that I will come back before her break ends. I met Muhammad in the living room and he didn't even acknowledge my greetings. He has changed a lot but in a very negative way. I hurriedly ran outside and continued running until I reach the front door of my uncle's house where I met Zulai fuming with anger. I totally forgot to tell her where I was headed before leaving the house.

"I am really sorry aunty, I went to Maama's house and she asked me to help out with chores that's why I'm late" I explained even before she asked. It's not that am afraid of her like I used to be but I still accord her with respect for the fact that she's older than me and she allowed me to have a roof over my head in her husband's house who seldom visits nowadays and when he does he brings nothing for our upkeep.

"You should've told me ai, I was beginning to worry thinking you've started following men" she spats with venom.

I smiled and walked past her because I'm used to her taunts and abuse. She never miss the chance to throw bad words my way but I've vowed to never let them pull me down or make me sad. In shaa Allah I will fulfill my dreams and she will be there to witness my triumph.

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I think this is the longest chapter I've written since the beginning of this book. Do tell me what you think and please press the star button and give me a vote.

Thanks for reading UW🤗