Creme DeLa Creme

Creme 2

CREME DELA CREME

CHAPTER TWO

Love. That was what Home smelled of. There truly is no place like home. And Mum is home. Maimuna's hands were shaking with excitement as the car cruised into the familiar neighbourhood where she resided.

As they reached the gates of their resident, Hussaini her driver dropped out to open the gate. Their gatekeeper recently moved to another state and finding someone like him had been very difficult.

It’s been 10 days but to Maimuna, it felt like 10 weeks. Or even more. She had missed the sight of the boxwood shrubs that lined up themselves in the parking space of the house, the masquerade trees behind them protecting them like knights in shining armour. Several potted plants lined the front porch and some were even hanging from the roof. Her sister was a horticulturist by nature. And she had channelled all her energy and love for flowers and plants in their lovely home adorning every nook and cranny with her latest findings. It was a beautiful sight to behold. Some mornings when Maimuna will look outside from her balcony window, the fresh spread of nature made her feel like she was in a fairytale movie. Forget Disney, her house really looked like a palace in the Victorian era.

“Hussaini, make sure you come in and eat your lunch. “ Maimuna informed him as she and Fauzee went through the back door which led to the kitchen. An elderly woman was washing some fruits by the sink and when she heard the door shut, she looked up and her face lit up with a smile. It was the cook. Mama Fati.

“Oyoyo” Mama Fati gave her a tight hug and Maimuna hugged her back. When they pulled back, Mama Fati scrutinised her face before she beamed once more.

“You are just glowing. It seems you’ve enjoyed this trip more than any other one you’ve taken so far"

Maimuna giggled and patted her face “Well I can’t complain" they both laughed and then Mama Fati turned to Fauzia. “Hello Fauzia. Welcome.”

Fauzee nodded with a smile “Thank You Mama Fati"

Maimuna led the way to the living room through a spacious corridor where they met with the house help Aminatu on the way. They exchanged pleasantries too and Aminatu made her way back to the kitchen

She and Mama-Fati went out to help Hussaini bring in the luggage.

Just as predicted, the smell of imported Chad incense was emanating from the living room. The drapes were drawn in and a soothing cold air was blowing from the air conditioner. Fauzee couldn’t help it but heave a sigh of relief as her feet made contact with the lush carpet. She could live here for a very very very long time and will not get tired. It was so cozy.

“Anty!” Maimuna called out as she raced to her mother’s room leaving Fauzee in the sitting room. She saw her coming out of the bathroom, her face wet from the ablution she’d just performed.

“Miamian.” Anty smiled brightly at her. “Welcome back” She said as she opened her arms for her daughter.

“Ma!” She outed and sank into her mother’s embrace. There was not a feeling in this world that could replace what Maimuna felt at that moment. Her mother smelled like lavender with a touch of sandalwood and alot of love. She smelled like love. And that was where she wanted to be at the moment.

Hajiya Halima is an average height, dark, plump, Egbira woman from Kogi State. She’s a housewife who owns a popular salon that is thriving in the federal capital territory. After having her last child, Hajiya Halima decided she was done being a stay at home mom and full time housewife; she needed something to keep her busy and help her earn so Maimuna’s father set up a hair salon for her which now has two branches comprising of a hair salon, spa and mini supermarket where she sells different types of fabrics, shoes, bags and makeup items. It was and is still is a huge success for her.

“How was your trip?” Anty asked as she pulled her towards the bed and they both sat down by the edge.

“Fantastic” she answered simply. She always called her mother every morning to tell her how her previous day went and what she was going to do that day. Though she wasn’t out of things to gist her mom about, she just reserved it for another day.

Anty assessed her for a while before saying “I made your favorite “

“Moi moi?” Maimuna's eyes were large with excitement. Her mother nodded in the affirmative, her heart swelling because of how happy she’d made her daughter “Yay. Let’s go downstairs. I came with Fauzee”

Principled by her father to always set the dishes on the dinning table and eat there, Maimuna proceeded to set down the placemats and cutlery one by one as she usually does. This had slowly turned into a tradition and even after her father’s demise they always set the table but hardly eat there. They prefer eating in the parlour in front of the TV chatting with each other. It was more fun.

Fauzee and Maimuna helped themselves to a plate of delicious jollof rice with peppered chicken and moi-moi then sat in the parlour to eat. The house was quiet because everyone was either at work or in school.

It’s always a big deal when Maimuna travels by herself. She hardly does that. She’s usually accompanied by her brother or either of her sisters or her mother who usually just stays in the hotel room all day waiting for Maimuna to finish her businesses and finally return home. On some occasions she travels with her employees or friends. Even within Nigeria Maimuna hardly travels alone it was just that thing she found hard to do. She hates being alone. She doesn’t go out to eat alone though she is adapting to shopping alone she still prefers to have company. It was a hard decision for her to travel to London alone but everyone else was busy with one thing or the other. It had been about 5 years since she travelled alone and she travels atleast five times in a year. Once or twice a year she goes abroad and other times it’s nationwide.

It was a bit of a challenge going alone but she really enjoyed every bit of London. Her mother was proud of her. She is an independent woman but she also has her challenges and she’s never ashamed or afraid of them.

As she sets out to meet the group of architects by 5pm, she received a long awaited text from presido.

“Hey baby gurl. Hope u arrvd home sfly. Sowie I didn’t call been a bit occupied. Will tlk to you ltr. TC”

TC?

Her brain had to boot every time he texted her. It wasn’t the first time she was seeing TC but she always had to think long and hard to remember it meant ‘Take care’.

She sighed. She didn’t know if he would die if he wrote every word fully instead of the secondary school abbreviation which had stuck to him like a glue. It made him sound like an annoying teenager. His English is prefect, manners? superb, dress sense? excellent but texting is a quarter less than zero. He sucked at it. And that was one flaw she couldn’t get over. She always preferred to talk to him on the phone rather than text him. Texting with him irritates every single hair pore on her body and gives her goosebumps.

When she boarded the plane to Nigeria she called him and informed him, even briefed him on her activities of the day when she arrived but he only remembered to text her now?

On a normal day they go 48-60 hours without any form of contact and she would be fine with it especially since they both are very busy people and are always surrounded by people but for crying out loud she travelled! From one country to another and he just remembered about 8 hours later. Her plane could have crashed and she could’ve been dead. Looks like there would be trouble when he calls later. She’s not much of a trouble maker but he asked for this one. She was ready to give it to him.

Muhammad Bashir alias Presido is the member house of representatives representing Kano state in the house of assembly. He got the name Presido during his university days when he became the president of the Students Chemical Society of Nigeria (SCSN). He was a poultry farmer before he jumped into politics which brought him more fame and more money than his earlier business.

Him and Maimuna met on a flight to Italy. She and Fauzee were going on a business trip while he and his mother were taking his 10 year old daughter to get a bone marrow transplant. His daughter Yasmin, cried through the whole trip because she was having one of her ‘episodes' but Maimuna, whose seat was across from them in the First Class cabin offered her help and managed to lull Yasmin to sleep because other passengers were getting irritated by the incessant noise. When Yasmin awoke, Maimuna gave her her iPad and she played dress up games and watched a couple of movies. She didn’t make a fuss until the plane landed in Milan. Presido was impressed, and so was his mother. He thanked Maimuna as they all got off the plane and offered to take her to lunch and explore Milan to show his gratitude, but Maimuna rejected politely. Unknown to her, he had collected her contact information from Fauzee. And that was how their relationship blossomed into what it was today.

At first Maimuna was reluctant because the guy was married with three kids, but it had been long since she’d been in a relationship with someone who didn’t want her for her money or status. So she decided to give it a try. They went on a couple of dates and he sent her gifts to her office once in a while. He was romantic in his own way.

Their relationship was doing fine until when Yasmeen passed away a year ago. Presido was devastated and so was she. He couldn’t handle it. He went MIA on her for over two months and when he decided to show up, his only excuse was that he was grieving. Maimuna forgave him, because she knew how it felt to lose a loved one so suddenly. They took off where they left off but Presido has never been the same ever since. The phone calls became shorter and so were the text messages. Once in a while he’ll pop in to say Hi but it was becoming awkward instead of being romantic. Maimuna didn’t know what to do. And up until this day, she still doesn’t know.

Presido didn’t call that night like he promised, disappointing Maimuna who was ready to throw tantrums at him. She was ready to sleep in till atleast 10am before she goes to the gym by noon. Her jetlag was still activated, and she needed a lot of sleep and a much needed rest to deactivate it.

Unfortunately Presido wasn’t about to let her rest. He was on her mind all night and just as she was in the deepest depths of her sleep, he decided to call her.

She almost didn’t pick up but thought she might just give him a chance to explain himself. She usually was ‘sober' in the mornings, he should be thanking his lucky stars because she didn’t have the energy to start a fight.

“Maimunari tawa “ he sang the moment she answered the call.

“Abban Yasmin” she said dryly. She didn’t think she was capable of being this cold, but wow.

Muhammad swallowed a lump. He knew he was about to receive worse when ever she used that tone. Or when she addresses him as Abban Yasmin. He sighed, trying to gather all his armour in other to protect himself from the war that was slowly brewing.

“Okay. Baby I kno....” he began.

“Don’t baby me. “ She cut him off.

“I’m sorry. “

Maimuna sat up on the bed. “Really? You are? For what exactly are you sorry dear Muhammad.?” She gritted her teeth.

Feeling defeated, Presido sighed and wiped his face with his palm. This is going to be difficult, he thought.

“Are you busy today?” He asked.

“Very busy”

“It’s Saturday.”

“And so?” She rolled her eyes. He didn’t think she was going to let this pass lightly did he?

“Can you spare me some minutes please? Please. I miss you and I want to see you. Plus I need to apologize face-to-face. Please don’t say no.” He pleaded.

Maimuna was silent for a moment. There was a time she used to get all mushy, melted and affected by how he used to profess his love and apologize and plead with her. Now she just feels numb. Is something wrong with her?

“Maims!” he coerced.

Maimuna closed her eyes briefly as she massaged her temples. Why do relationships have to be this complicated sometimes?

“Okay. I will text you time and place later. “

“Thanks my dear. I will be waiting. You rest now. Take care. Love you. “

“You too. Bye“ she replied groggily. He wasn’t getting any love back. Something deep inside her was telling her that this relationship was approaching its expiration date. And to her utmost surprise, she felt like she was ready to let it go without a fight. Now that was a new feeling. She tossed her phone on the bed and it landed somewhere by the edge.

And there goes her sweet morning sleep. That was how she gave it up and started getting ready for the day. She wore sweatpants and shirt then picked her hijab to wear when she goes out.

Just as she picked her phone and backpack to head down, her brother came knocking.

“Come in Faisal.” She ushered him in.

“Big sis” he gave her a tight hug, lifting her off the ground. Faisal was taller than her. And his broad shoulders and bulky stature made Maimuna look like a tiny teddy bear in his arms. They both laughed heartily as he tried swinging her around but failed. That woman might be small but she was heavy.

“Faisal put me down. “ she punched him.

He instantly let her go. “I missed you so much.” He smiled cheekily.

She knew why he was being like that, she stared at him with utmost scrutiny as she waited for him to ask her what he’d been meaning to ask her all along.

“Did you get it? “ he was practically jumping when he asked. She couldn’t understand the amount of Adrenaline shot he got. He’s such a mood sometimes.

“Where is it?” he asked with so much enthusiasm.

“It will arrive in the cargo with my other stuff in about a week. “ She grinned.

“Oh wow I can’t wait” his eyes shone with excitement. “What of the samples?”

She walked back to the other end of the room and opened one of the suitcases that were lying about, ready to be unpacked and relieved off of all the souvenirs and goody goodies they were carrying. Inside, she picked out a small wooden box and removed two pieces of material of about one yard each. She walked back to Faisal who was still standing in the middle of the room and handed the materials to him.

“Maims. This is perfect” he gasped as he felt both fabrics between his fingertips. Great texture. Soft. Smooth. “You sabi oo “ he added with a smile

“Before nko? What do you take me for?” She wiggled her eyebrows at him

“The boss ofcourse" he laughed “Actually the only person I can trust with this"

She blew her nails in a dramatic way and shot him a lopsided smile “Ofcourse I’m the best person for the job. “ she stated and they both laughed.

Faisal her 26 year old brother had just started a male clothing line comprising of his brand of suits and tuxedos. He got fabrics of different designs, textures and colours of textiles from all around the world.

He ordered some custom made designs of different Britain made fabrics and had asked Maimuna to help him check them out and to make sure they were shipped on time. He had also asked her to choose a good lining material, buttons and pocket handkerchiefs.

His business has been going well and he was almost sure it will blow massively when people see the various designs and bespoke clothing he would make out of his ‘A’ grade materials and fabrics. Faisal was talented, no doubt. And he was lucky he had full support from his family and were all rooting for his success.

After showering Maimuna with so many thanks, Faisal finally left with a big smile on his face and a contented heart while Maimuna went downstairs to have her breakfast and see what remains of her Saturday. No gym for her today, sadly. How is she gonna loose all this extra weight if she keeps skipping days?

In front of the TV in the sitting room was none other than their youngest sibling, Aisha. She was watching Jodha Akbar on Star Life for the millionth time.

“Big head”

Aisha turned abruptly and a wide smile stretched her lips.“Munari” She teased back then stood up and gave her a warm hug.

“When did you get here?”

“Around 7am. I thought you were sleeping. I didn’t want to disturb you. I know how much you hate your sleep being interrupted.

Maimuna wiped an invisible tear. “You get me so much. You’re my true soulmate.” she said dramatically and they both laughed.

“How’s school?” Maimuna asked as she settled on the loveseat and folded her legs underneath her.

Aisha was about to tell her how the cultural day went while she was away in London when Maimuna’s phone rang.

She answered in an instant.

“Hello. Yeah. Good afternoon. Yes. .....yes ofcourse. Oh my God. That’s today? I thought it was next week. So sorry I must have gotten it mixed up.”

Aisha turned her attention back to the TV as Maimuna continued conversing on the phone with God knows who.

“ Hmmmm.....yes. ....... Oh wow thank you. It’s an honor. .....Yes. That’s the problem. I don’t know if I will be there. Alright. Give me some time. I will get back to you. Thanks. “

She turned to her sister with a suspicious look. “So what are you doing today? “

“Chilling at home. Why?” Aisha raised a perfectly tinted eyebrow in question.

“There’s this event tonight. Which I totally forgot about. Youth something something award. .....?”

Aisha rolled her eyes. She can’t believe her sister. That’s literally the most trending organization and every member is considered a super rich entrepreneur celebrity, but Maims just called it ‘something something’. She felt offended.

“You mean the Northern Nigerian Youth Initiative Award?”

“Yes. Yes. So you know it?”

“Hello? Everyone knows it.......well except you apparently. “ Aisha rolled her eyes at her sister.

“They are giving me an award of self made businesswoman of the year. Plus something about top twenty youth employers. I don’t even know how they got the data of my employees. “ Maimuna said her eyes wide as saucers, the news just sank in at that moment. Saying it out loud made it even more shocking. Oh where was her father on this day?

“Ya illahi!!” Aisha shrilled in excitement. “That is amazing. I’m so proud of you. “She jumped out of her seat and hugged her.

“Yeah. Thanks. “ Maimuna smiled and peeled her off her body. “So..... I was thinking if you’re not too busy tonight you could go in my stead .....maybe?” She crossed her fingers.

“That would be ama....”. Aisha started but then paused and composed herself. “You know I do need to stay home this weekend and chill. I don’t want to stress plus I have a test coming up so I need to .....”

“I will give you 10k” she knew her sister only wanted to get paid despite the fact that she was dying to go.

“Come on. Ten thousand Naira is too cheap for my 5-6 precious hours”

“What?! The event is 2 hours, three hours at most. “ Maimuna eyed her.

“The stress of deciding what to wear, looking for the available and perfect makeup artist, sitting through the boring speeches of how to be a successful entrepreneur. You know the list goes on” Aisha stated trying to maintain a poker face.

Maimuna sighed and picked up her phone. “You know what, forget it. I will just call Fauzee or one of my managers attending the event to just collect the award for me. “

“Wait wait wait. “ Aisha quickly held her hand. “20k. Deal? I need to pay my tailor. “ she batted her eyelashes.

Maimuna smiled. “Deal. “ 

“Yay!” Aisha squealed and gave Maimuna one more hug before she scurried up the stairs to start getting ready. Maimuna’s stomach growled and that reminded her that she needed to eat. Breakfast was laid on the dining table. She picked a plate and stuffed it with some scrambled eggs, sausages and toasted bread. With a large mug of Chamomile tea in hand, she sat in front of the TV and ate her breakfast while Ree Drummond’s face was all over the screen as she was making some frittatas on this episode.