Unpredictable

Episode eight

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Salma came back home after visiting her step mom. She had talked to her about wanting to end her marriage with Muhammad. She can’t keep up with him. He had been rude and arrogant to her since that day. He told her that she was a fool to have agreed to marry someone who does not love her.

Ammu pls i can not live with him. Cried salma to her step mom, Zakiyyaz

Well that is your problem. Zakiyya said shooting her a glare.

Do you know that i married you off to that man because his mother insisted and. Wanted to get rid of you. You should know that if it was my choice the man will definitely be poor. I will advise you to not even think of coming back to this house ever. You are no longer a part of this house. Zakiyya said smirking. I can assure you that even if you two divorce, there’s no room. For you here.

As she entered the living room, she muttered her salam most likely to her self and to her surprise, she saw Muhammad seated on the couch.

What? It’s a bright day. Doesn’t he have work to do? It’s not even weekend. She thought to her self.

Waalaikumussalam. He answered looking anywhere but her.

You should get ready, we are going to visit my parents. He told her as he walked towards the door. I will be back in ten. And with that he exited the door.

She walked to her room so she could get her self prepared before he returns. She sighed as she dropped her bag on her bed. She was planning to take a nap because she had only one lecture that day and it was over but her plan was ruined by the ultimate party pooper.

Muhammad came back after ten minutes. Salma. He called out.

No answer.

Salma. He repeated again.

No answer still.

SALMA. He shouted getting impatient. He stormed to her room fuming with anger. As soon as he open the door he spotted her coming out of shower. He turned and looked at the door his face burning with embarrassment. Well salma was also blushing from head to toe.

I will be waiting in the living room. He said before he leaves the room.

Salma opened her closet to get her clothes. She couldn’t believe he saw her with only a towel on her. That was totally embarrassing. She thought.

She picked out a decent clothe as usual and dressed her self up. She applied a light make up on her face and she left the living room where Muhammad was waiting for her. Well actually she braved her self up because she really didn’t want to see him after what happened.

When Muhammad left Salma’s room,he practically sprinted to the living room. He kept seeing Salma’s shocked face flashing in his mind. He shooed the thought away as he waited for her.

As he waited patiently,salma appeared in the living room. Muhammad glanced at her figure By the other side of the room. She looked dropped dead gorgeous as she was smiling while talking on her phone. He couldn’t help but admire her beauty. Masha Allah. He thought.

What? Salma asked.

Ohh no he didn’t just say that out did he. He just f****d up.

Nothing let’s leave. He ordered heading out side the house to his car.

As soon as they got there. Saudah who was preparing for aviation school and Zulaiha who was preparing for university to study aeronautical engineering ran from inside their house bouncing before they landed on their brother enveloping him in a bone crushing and warm hug. They missed him so much.

Saudah and Zulaiha both love flying. So they are interested in anything that has to do with planes which is why they will be studying courses related to flying.

They left their brother and proceeded to go and also give salma a hug. She was lucky they were nice to her. If he is her head ache then they are surely her cure.

What a complicated life. She always thought.

They entered the house with the two girls trying to catch up with their brother.

Why is he normal with them and very rude to me? She thought.

Most of his relatives told me that i was lucky to have him but it is otherwise.

His mom told me that she knew we did not want this marriage but i should be patient, he will surely come around

Well i have been living with him for three months now and it only gets worse.

Such thoughts kept on racing on her mind but she kept it to her self. After all she has no one to talk to except Jiddah who is now married. She also has her problems.

Salma was welcomed by her in laws with smiles on their faces. It reminded her of her father. She remembered his full blown smile ever she shows him her results revealing good grades. Ibrahim loved her dearly and she knew it.

Salamualaikum. She greeted mama and baba.

Waalaikumussalam salma.They answered in unison.

How are you? Mama asked.

I’m fine alhamdulillah. She answered as she passed a bag full of beverages to fatimA. She had grabbed it before leaving their house. And this is for you.

Thank you dear. It is so nice of you to think of us. Mama replied collecting the bag before glancing at Muhammad.

Salamualaikum mama,baba. He greeted nodding his head slightly at them. He was still angry that they forced him into marrying her.

They spent more time exchanging pleasantries before they proceeded to have lunch. After lunch was served, Saudah and Zulaiha dragged salma to their room so they can chat and they left Muhammad with their mama and as for baba, he had an emergency meeting so he left for office.

The girls chatted mercilessly and salma was surprised that they were so open to her. They talked about aviation and related things,celebrities and so on. Salma excused her self to get water from the kitchen. As she walked down the stairs that would lead to the living room then the kitchen. Just when she was about to enter the living room she heard Muhammad and his mother talking. She didn’t mean to eavesdrop but her curiosity took over her and she stayed to hear more.

Muhammad. Fatima said,When ever something is not right, I can see it on your face. She continued, and it has been on your face for three months now. What is wrong with you? I hope you don’t pour all your anger out on your wife. She finished looking very concerned.

Well I can’t answer that positive.

Muhammad replied grumbly.

Then what is wrong with you, you shouldn’t do that to your wife. She doesn’t deserve it.

Muhammad looked at his mother like she just said something impossible.

He took a deep breath and he exhaled loudly while using his fingers to brush his hair.

Mama i-I just miss Kamila.he said sadly. And it doesn’t help with salma being here.

You have to forget about that girl Muhammad. You’re a married man fisabilillah. Fatima said sternly.

Mama, Islamically i have been given the right to marry more than one wife. He told his mom sounding as if it’s nothing.

WHAT?? His mother said in shock her voice raising a little bit.

You can’t take of one wife and you’re thinking of another. Muhammad i know you and i can assure anyone that you won’t be just among them most especially since you don’t love Salma. She said trying to convince him.

Fatima loved her son dearly and she wanted the best for him but he couldn’t understand her.

But mama… he started but was cut off. Don’t even try that Muhammad. It is not an advice it is a warning. Fatima stated.

Salma listened quietly as they conversed. She wished Muhammad can convince his mother into divorcing her.

Do you know why i wanted you to be with her? Fatima started again.

Muhammad listened quietly without a word. After all he had nothing to say because he had no interest in that topic.

I went to this park one day. Your cousin jafar invited me so i can meet her. They were just friends and i was like a mother to him. Her father just died then and she was depressed so i agreed to meeting her.

What? Jafar and Muhammad are cousins? That’s ridiculous. They are totally opposite of each other. Salma thought.

I was about to cross the road when salma pulled me back. Alhamdulillah i didn’t go ahead because there was a car coming and i didn’t notice. I would have been dead. Fatima continued. She asked if i was okay and i assured her that i was fine. Before she left. I didn’t even get the chance to thank her because i was shocked.

What? So mama was the woman from the park? Salma didn’t capture her face well so she didn’t recognize her.

Wow.

I met with Jafar at the end of the park and he told me that she just departed. She had to meet her therapist. I told him of the girl that saved me and her features and he told me it was her. He told me that they became friends because they both are usually at the park when they are free. Sometimes he would meet her sitting with her father in peaceful silence.

Tears started flowing down salma’s beautiful face as Fatima continued.

He told me that her father died recently and she was hurt. I remembered her face when she asked if i was okay. She looked terrified. I found out from Jafar that she had a step mom who tortured her and it would be worse since her father is not there to save her anymore.

Babaa…

Salma tried to hod herself so she wouldn’t cry.

After i heard everything i felt sorry for her. I told Jafar to marry her but he told me that even though he would like to, he can’t take care of her and her responsibilities. He recently got a job at that time so he wasn’t well off. After all he was leaving for Mexico then.

Definitely she would be a burden to him. The food,shelter,clothes and education. He couldn’t afford it.

Muhammad looked at his mother as she finished her sentence.

So you forced me into marrying her right? He asked looking away. Mama you forced me into marrying an orphan. I’m your son mama,you should not have done that.

I can’t be selfish Muhammad. And don’t say that orphan word again. What if i and your father die,you will also be an orphan then. Fatima pointed out.

A soft sob escaped Salma’s lips and she used her had to cover her mouth so Muhammad and his mother won’t hear her.

Then why didn’t you force Jafar like you forced me? Muhammad asked his voice starting to rise again.

Because i don’t have authority over him as i do with you. And i wanted my son to help this helpless lady. Fatima answered.

It was then salma appeared in the living room with tears clouding her vision. She couldn’t hide anymore.

Mama. She called out.

Fatima looked up just to see salma sobbing in front of her. She knew that salma heard everything at that moment and she regretted it.

What are you doing here? Muhammad asked. Salma couldn’t respond so Fatima stood up and approached her. She tried to comfort her but to no avail. She knew salma was hurt.

Mama, i would like you to know that whatever you would do I WILL NEVER BE SOMEBODY TO HER. Muhammad shouted pointing towards Salma.

His words stung Salma’s heart even though she knew he meant it.

His phone started blasting his ringtone and he answered the call instantly.

WHAT? he shouted.

WHAT HAPPENED TO HER? and with that,he stormed out of the living room to take care of his mess.

Salma I’m really sorry… Fatima started but salma cut her off.

Mama don’t worry. I passed through worse.

She remembered when she would come back home feeling hungry and Zakiyya would tell her that there’s no food for her. She would have to sleep without eating and will wake up the next morning and trek to school with out breakfast.

There were times when she dreaded to come home mostly when their results have been distributed because Zakiyya will beat the jahannam out of her if her grades are higher than Safiyya’s. If she tries hiding her result, Zakiyya will force her to bring it out.

There were also times that Zakiyya will force her to wash their clothes overnight.

If she had passed through all that then what were Muhammad’s words to her.

INNALILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHI RAJI’UN. Fatima muttered before slumping back on the couch.

Muhammad is making every hard. She said.

Salma looked at her and she nodded in approval to what she said.

Mama don’t worry everything will be alright. She said knowing that it is impossible as long as she lives with Muhammad…

Phewwwww… and this is the longest chapter. Kindly vote and share.

Xx❤️