Chapter

Manmusa kodogi

Bida, Niger state

Amina

"Amina" the voice called. My pace increases as I hurried through the street, there are just few people, mainly minding their own businesses.

"Aminatu" another voice shouted again. I recognise the voice so well. That's the problem with our area boys, always looking for people's trouble. I've warned them so many times about calling me 'Aminatu' but they still went along. As I have better things to do, I choose to ignore them, if not I would've given them a piece of my mind. I'm the kind of person who doesn't tolerate any act of unjust. I almost tripped on a stone by their yelling, it'll be of no use right now, my only thought is to see myself at home.

As I entered the next corner, I heaved out a sigh of relief, seeing our house in view. Gliding towards the zinc metal door with a smile on my face. My mother will be very happy if she learnt about my achievement today. I gently place the empty rubber container beside the used firewood, removing my almost faded brown hijab. Our house is a simple one with two bedrooms and a parlour. Whereas the toilet and kitchen are located outside. Me, my mother and my Grandmother sleep in one room while father sleep in the other room. My hand came in contact with the door knob pushing it open.

"Mama-" my words were cut short seeing the actions taking place in front of me. Grandma holding the back of my mother's hair with a murderous look on her face.

"I knew all your plans, you want to rub off all my son's wealth to you and that egoistic daughter of yours. I should've known better when Ndagi came to me about marrying you. I don't know what he sees in a widow like you. Now see what is happening us, you're a bad luck to our family." Grandma seethe tightening her grip on my Mama head. Can't she see she's in pain and the fact that she didn't even bother by what my mother must be going through angers me. Walking toward them in a long stride, I yank her hands away.

"Don't lay your hands on my mother ever again" I spitted. She was taken aback by my words, as her eyes widened a bit before masking it back with her evil smile as always.

"So the prideful daughter is back huh?" She said sarcastically, folding her arms across the chest with a sly smirk. A smirk i hate so much.

"Mimi, go back to your room" my mom ordered but being the stubborn as I am, I wasn't ready to listen to her. I know talking rudely to your elders is improper but I'm not going to sit back and watch her insult my mother however she wants. My mother might not bother, but I won't keep quite.

"What did she ever do for you to be treating her like this. What is the fault in being a widow, is she not a human too. That's how he sees her and married her. Hajiya, I respect you because you're my mama's mother in law if not......" I couldn't complete my sentence feeling my mother's hold on my arm pulling me back.

"Mimi, didn't I warn you about talking back to your elders. This matter is between me and her, don't meddle"

"But-"

My mother raised her hand indicating me not to utter another word. I know what she's feeling deep down, but she choose to ignore it. I hate to see my mother in tears. She's a strong woman but one way or the other, Hajiya finds a way to make my mama cry.

"I don't want to hear anything from your mouth. Now go to the room" she commanded. No matter how angry I am, I always follow her command. Taking one look at the woman standing few miles away from me, a slight remorse could not be seen on her face. I grumpily sprinted to my room not before throwing her a glare. The moment I closed the door behind me, I sank on the cold leather carpet floor. Anger and pain are what I felt at the moment. Why can't we live an easy life, why is life so unfair to us. First losing a father and now my mother suffering in the hands of another cruel people. Why are they treating us like this? Are we not humans too? A lone tear escape me as I remembered how our lives are back then. You'll hardly see my mom sad, she's always in her happy self but after my father's demise, she completely changed. She's no more the cheerful and happy woman. I asked her so many times, why she agreed to get married again but her only answer is that 'It's for the best' and I can't seem to see the best in this marriage. A marriage that brings nothing but sufferings. The husband doesn't consider her as a wife, so as his mother. Then what's the point of the marriage if there's no trust in between. We're always the ones to suffer. It's the small business that mom does that supported us up to where we are now, I also sell food by the roadside to get something for us, even though she insisted that she'll take care of everything, I know for the fact that i can't let that happen. I don't want to leave all the burden to her. The only thing Hajiya does, is lazing around, insulting us the way she likes and later on ask for food whereas her son is God knows where living his life. If it's up to me, I wouldn't give a dime to them but my mother being the kindhearted she is, give them which angers me so much.

A knock emerge from the door which brought me back from my world of thoughts. "Mimi" my mother called. I always like it when she calls me that. The same name my father used to call me with. Getting off the floor, I unlocked the door.

"Mama" and that's it I broke down in tears, hugging her tightly.

"Shh Mimi, it's okay I'm fine" she ushered patting my back.

"No you're not mama, I know you're not, you're just holding it in" I pulled apart. She let out a smile. A fake one at it. Taking my hands, she lead us to the six by seven mattress set on the floor.

"Tell me Mama, let it out you're not okay" I ushered again boring my eyes in hers. I know her so well, she's holding it in.

"Promise me something Mimi, what you did today shouldn't happen again. I don't like the attitude you pulled back then, that's not how I brought you up" she whispered calmly. One of the tone she uses whenever she's serious about something. I also know that I'm wrong but how long can we keep quite and let them insult us, how long will I endure it? I placed my palms on hers as I watched her intently. I see the strong woman in her eyes but she's showing a weak woman to them and it makes them enjoy their evil act the way the like.

"Mama, I cannot promise you something that I know will not happen. We have to stand up to them. You're the only one struggling to find money for the house. What did they do in return, insult. What of our family, we can go to them for help" suddenly, mama stood up. I don't know why but every time I bring up our family, her demeanor change. It feels like she's hiding something from me.

"Go to Maman Aesha house, tell her to borrow me one thousand naira I'll pay her back tomorrow" she completely change the topic. I opened my mouth to say something but stop, I will leave her for now.

"Okay Mama" slipping my hijab once again, I went straight to the door then remembered that I haven't told her about my achievement today.

"Mama, I forgot to tell you. I sold all the moi-moi today" I said proudly with a bit of smile. Her face lit up hearing my words. That's the only thing I want to see on her face. Happiness.

"Really?" She asked and I nodded in return.

"Alhamdulillah I'm so proud of you. Now go and come back fast before Magrib and don't stay long I know how you and Aesha can be"

"Insha Allah"

As I left the room to the parlour, I passed by Hajiya and Kaltume her daughter, as always plotting another evil plan. Kaltume is someone I don't associated myself with. She might have an innocent face but she's a snake under the green grass. I'm glad they decided to ignore me because that is what I planned on doing. Aesha is my friend. She's the only one I trust and get along with, all the rest are being kind for show. Their house is two blocks away from ours. Aesha's father is the head district of our area, they're not that rich but not also poor.

I pushed open the black gate, entering the compound I was met with Yawo Larai Aesha's mother holding an empty bucket.

"Good evening Yawo" I greeted. That's the name our area people used to call her. Yawo means a new bride. The woman offered me a smile as she respond to my greetings.

"How are you Amina and your mother?" She inquired keeping the empty bucket on the ground.

"We're all fine, she's the one that even sent me to you that you should borrow her one thousand naira, she'll pay you back tomorrow Insha Allah" I informed the way my mother instructed me.

"Sure no problem" the woman untie her wrapper from the corner bringing out a one thousand naira note.