Destiny

Chapter twenty three

It's almost a month since Ahmad had left for Lagos. Ever since his departure, she had sensed tension in his voice whenever they spoke on the phone.

When it became evident that something was wrong, she told him he could share anything with her. He had hesitated at first, but then he told what was happening.

She didn't freak out, instead she supported and reassured him and for that he was grateful. It pleased him immensely to know he had a partner with whom he can share just about anything. She might seem feeble and weak structurally, but she was rock solid at heart and he loved her more.

Baba Alhaji was growing impatient by the day. He was considerate when Ahmad requested for more time as there is a slight problem at his house. He didn't state what the problem was neither had baba Alhaji pressed him for it.

He understood the boy was under some kind of pressure, so he allowed him more time. What worries him however, was the fact that he is yet to give a date to the two families who had visited earlier.

Ahmad on the other hand, has been doing all his best to convince his parent to change their stand. They were his only hope. He hoped they will see his pain and finally give up.

The last talk they had, he begged his dad to talk to Ameena's uncle and ask for more grace period before they could iron things out. He had been ignoring his mom lately, his only hope was pinned on his father.

His father collected the number but promised nothing. Alaja who sat without saying a word in their conversation smiled. If only he knew how easy he just made things.

"Now is your chance to hold your end of the bargain." She said as soon as Ahmad walked out.

"I have done enough. Can't you see the damage you are doing to him? I said I will not support him and that's exactly what I did." He argued.

"Leaving them hanging will be impolite and clearing things up is the God honest thing to do." She advised.

The call did not come as a surprise to baba Alhaji as he clearly pointed out that he had been expecting it for some time now. What had totally caught him off guard was the polite explanation from Alhaji Masood that, however it may have pleased his heart to see the realisation of this alliance, he had to cut it off due to some circumstances that were beyond his control.

He had gone on to apologise profusely for the inconvenience.

"Do not embarrass me by apologising. The issue of marriage is something beyond man's power. If we wished for it and it failed, then it means they were not meant for each other... I also on behalf of my family, apologise for any inconvenience this relationship may have laid upon your family." Said baba Alhaji calmly.

"Do not say so Alhaji, I am the one who owe you an apology and I will continue to do so. I am really sorry for how things turn out."

"There is nothing to apologise really, it's all in the will of Allah. If he had ordained that they shouldn't be together, who are we then to say otherwise? You have a well mannered son, for that I commend you, I and my family will bear no ill will against yours InshaAllah. I am glad things are now in the open. Thank you."

"Believe me when I say I would have been glad had this alliance come to be. It would have been an honour to have your daughter as mine. I apologise again."

When Alhaji Masood was done with the phone call, he felt a pang of guilt. He had betrayed his own son, and for that, he is not sure if he will forgive himself. 

He walked out without a second look at his wife who sat at the edge of the bed with satisfaction written all over her face.

After that call, baba Alhaji sat with knitted brow and a deep scowl. This surely is a problem and he knows he had to make a decision about the fate of his poor niece. It is going to be tough, but it's something that has to be done.
______________________________________