AYAT, THE OVERCOMER

EPISODE FIVE: SECRET UNFOLD

Ayat and Bint

Ayat paused and glanced at Bint. "Do you have water? I'm thirsty."

Bint nodded and searched for her bag. "Yes, there's water in my bag, but I can't see the bag now." She stood up to look around when Ayat raised a pink school bag.

"Isn't this the one you're looking for?"

Bint smiled. "Yes, that's it. You can take the water. It's inside the bag."

Ayat unzipped the bag, took out a bottle of water, and unscrewed the cap. He took a long sip, finishing all the water in one go before placing the empty bottle back in her bag. Then, he continued his story.

---

Zaynab's Ordeal

Zaynab left her room, filled a pail with water, and carried it to the backyard where the bathroom was. It was a small, makeshift structure built with wooden planks and covered with palm leaves, just big enough for one person at a time.

As she poured the cold water over her body, a sense of relief washed over her. She picked up a chewing stick and brushed her teeth, rinsing her mouth before stepping out.

Back in her room, she dried herself with a wrapper and applied osùn, a local cream, over her skin. It made her body glisten, giving her a fresh look. As she gazed down at her belly, she sighed. The pregnancy hadn't started showing yet, but she knew it was only a matter of time. How would her parents react when they found out?

She knew her mother might eventually forgive her, but what about her father? Would he ever accept her again?

Wiping away the tears that had escaped down her cheeks, she prayed that this mistake wouldn't shatter her family's peace.

She pushed the thoughts aside and got dressed in a simple Ankara gown. Hunger gnawed at her stomach, she hadn't eaten the previous night. She pulled the plate of food closer and opened it. Amala and ẹfọ with oya meat.

As if someone might take it from her, she ate hurriedly, savoring each bite. When she finished, she drank some water and leaned against the wall, waiting for her food to settle.

Moments later, a strange sensation crawled up her throat. Her stomach churned. Without warning, she ran out of the room, rushing to the backyard just in time to vomit everything she had eaten.

A wave of dizziness hit her. She clung to the wooden pillar for support as the world spun around her.

Meanwhile, her mother entered the room with a bowl of herbal medicine. Seeing the empty plate but no sign of Zaynab, she frowned.

"Where has this girl gone again?" she muttered. She stepped out and called, "Zaynab! Zaynab!"

Hearing no response, she walked towards the backyard. There, she found Zaynab kneeling on the ground, gripping the pillar weakly.

Panic surged through her. She rushed forward, grabbing her daughter's arm. "Zaynab! Eh eh! What's wrong with you? Is anyone around? Who should I call? What should I do?"

Zaynab tried to stand, but her legs wobbled, and she collapsed again. Her mother hurriedly lifted her and carried her inside.

"Zaynab, please don't close your eyes," she pleaded.

With her mother's support, Zaynab made it to the mat in her room. Her body was damp from the water her mother had poured on her when she fainted. Now, she lay in only her undergarments.

After what felt like an eternity, thirty minutes at most. Zaynab's eyes fluttered open.

Her mother sighed in relief and moved closer, holding her palm. "My dear, how are you feeling now? Should we go to the clinic? I don't understand this sickness."

Zaynab shook her head weakly. "No, Mother. I'll be fine."

Her mother studied her pale face and white palms. "But your eyes... your palms... they're too pale. It's as if there's no blood left in your body. And this constant vomiting is worrying me." She hesitated, then asked, "Zaynab, is it what I'm thinking?"

Zaynab's heart pounded. She swallowed hard, squeezing her eyes shut to hold back her tears.

Her mother gently caressed her palm. "My child, if something is bothering you, tell me. We will find a solution together. What is it?"

Zaynab leaned back against the wall, her voice trembling. "Mother..."

"I'm listening, my dear."

Tears welled in her eyes. "I'm sorry."

Her mother's stomach clenched. "Sorry? Sorry for what?"

Zaynab struggled to find the words. When she finally spoke, her voice cracked.

"I... I am pr... pregnant."

Silence.

For a moment, her mother simply stared, unable to comprehend what she had just heard.

"Look me in the eyes and repeat that," she said, her voice eerily calm.

But Zaynab couldn't. She lowered her gaze in shame, feeling as if the ground should open up and swallow her whole.

"I'm sorry, Mother. I'm really sorry."

Her mother slowly stood up, trembling with anger. "Zaynab, what have you done?" she whispered. "Why? How could you do this? What are we going to do now?"

Zaynab had no answers. She could only sob.

Her mother's voice rose. "Won't you answer me?"

Zaynab flinched but remained silent.

Her mother took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "Fine. Tell me one thing. Who is responsible?"

At this, Zaynab's sobs turned into full-blown cries.

"Crying won't change anything," her mother snapped. "Tell me. Who is the father of your unborn child?"

Zaynab wiped her tears with the back of her hand. Her voice was barely a whisper.

"He's the one I went to see last night, Maami."

Her mother's expression darkened. "And what did he say?"

Zaynab lowered her head even further, her voice breaking.

"He rejected it, Mother.