Devil in Disguise: The Price of Silenceup

Chapter one "In a land where power hides evil, only courage can awaken justice." In a country where the dreams of the youth are shattered and hope is twisted, in a city called Kantika, life is harsh. The common people live hand to mouth, while the youths gather in the ghettos to ease their frustrations. The city is filled with vipers corrupt leaders who do nothing for their children but hoard power for themselves. Occasionally, they throw scraps to the people, but their offspring suffer, their rights are trampled, and their small hopes are crushed. Many find themselves trapped in the ghettos with no hope for tomorrow. Kamal, the only surviving son of the late Kareem, once had a bright future. He ran errands for a wealthy and powerful politician, just to help his family survive. In a land where the son of a commoner could hardly dream of a job, Kamal, despite earning a Master's degree in English Language and graduating as the best student in his department, spent seven years unemployed. He had believed that good grades would earn him an opportunity to shine. Instead, disappointment weighed heavily on him, and his family pressured him to prove his worth. Hannah, Kamal's mother and the widow of Mantau, began to see her son as a failure. She urged him, "Age is not on my side. I'm getting older, Kamal. Must I die before I see my grandchildren? Find a maiden, marry, and give me grandchildren. Behave like a true son of your late father." Kamal knew no peace, disturbed day and night by his mother's pleas. Finally, he met Rahab, a young woman who became his wife. Even then, life did not improve much. Kamal accepted a low-paying teaching job at Abdullahi Maikano College of Education, earning a mere five thousand naira a month to support his pregnant wife and elderly mother. Known as "The Young Professor" during his university days, Kamal still carried the brilliance of his youth. One fateful evening, rushing home after a long day at school, worried about his wife and mother waiting for him, Kamal met a stranger the devil in disguise. "Young man, I hope you're not in a hurry. Can we talk?" the man asked. "It has to be brief," Kamal replied. "My wife and mother are waiting for me." "Oh, come on! Are you not a man?" the stranger scoffed. "I don't know why young people love women too much!" he added, smiling mockingly. "Please, be quick," Kamal insisted. "I've heard of your intelligence and bravery," the man said, looking deeply into Kamal's eyes. "I want you to work for me. Your salary will double." He handed Kamal a white envelope thick, heavy with cash. "Thank you, sir! Only Almighty God can reward you," Kamal said, bursting with excitement. "I am at your service anytime." "Good boy," the man said with a grin. "Now, go meet your family." When Kamal reached home, his joy was obvious. His mother and wife wondered what had brought him so much happiness. That night, Kamal was sent along with a group of boys on an errand arranged by Mr. Bamako the stranger he had met. They were to ambush Bamako's political opponents. But fate was not on Kamal's side. In the clash that followed, Kamal was killed, leaving behind his pregnant wife and grieving mother. Kamal’s death crushed his family. His pregnant wife, Rahab, fell into deep sorrow. When the time came for her to give birth, there was no money to pay for her hospital bills. Complications arose during labor, and Rahab bled heavily. On her deathbed, she made a final request to Kamal’s mother: "Please, name my daughter Khadijat." Rahab passed away soon after childbirth, leaving behind a fragile baby girl and a heartbroken grandmother, Hannah. Hannah raised Khadijat with love and sacrifice. But tragedy struck again when Khadijat was just ten years old. Hannah died, leaving Khadijat alone in a world full of hardship and sorrow. Before her death, Hannah had entrusted Khadijat to Mrs. Gambo, a kind but barren woman who worked as the head teacher at the local primary school. Under Mrs. Gambo’s care, Khadijat felt some comfort and attended the best school in their small town. Mrs. Gambo promised Khadijat that after an important meeting in Abuja, she would arrange for her to travel to the United States to continue her education. But fate was cruel. On her way back from Abuja, Mrs. Gambo was killed in a car accident. Khadijat, now fifteen, was left truly alone her world shattered once more. There was no one to comfort her. No one to listen to her fears. She lived in a lonely house surrounded by spider webs and dangers lurking like vipers. She avoided the world outside, afraid that exposing herself might invite more pain. Instead, she watched life pass her by through a dusty window upstairs, dreaming of a different life. One afternoon, as she watched from her window, she noticed a group of cheerful girls playing outside. Curiosity drew her near. "My name is Aisha. What's yours?" one of the girls called out. "My name is Khadijat Gambo," she replied shyly. " Oh... Mrs. Gambo’s adopted child. I’m so sorry for your loss," Aisha said kindly. "But why don’t you come and play with us?" "I prefer to stay alone," Khadijat answered. "I don’t want to bother anyone with my problems." Despite her fears, Khadijat eventually walked around the town with Aisha and the other girls. For the first time in a long while, she felt a glimpse of happiness. But not all faces in the ghetto wore kindness. One day, while they played near the market, a group of rough-looking boys approached them. They pretended to be friendly. Nasiru, their leader, introduced himself and his gang: Khaseem, Jahdat, and Sule. Their behavior unsettled Khadijat, but she and her friends, afraid of causing trouble, agreed to be friendly. Nasiru, noticing that Khadijat lived alone, saw an opportunity. He visited her one afternoon and, pretending to be kind, forced himself upon her. Though she resisted with all her strength, Nasiru overpowered her. Khadijat cried out in pain, pleading, "Nasiru, please... take what you want but don’t hurt me!" Ignoring her cries, Nasiru r***d her and left her bleeding in her lonely home. A month later, Khadijat fell gravely ill. Mrs. Olana, a kind woman married to Mr. Okala during her youth service, noticed her worsening condition and took her to the nearest primary health care center. During the medical check-up, it was revealed that Khadijat was pregnant. Terrified, Khadijat at first refused to say who had assaulted her. Nasiru had threatened to kill her if she ever mentioned his name. But under Mrs. Olana’s gentle care and constant encouragement, Khadijat finally broke her silence. In Khadijat’s culture, an unmarried girl becoming pregnant was considered an abomination, punishable by public stoning, especially for the girl. But Mrs. Olana, moved by Khadijat’s innocence and helplessness, promised to protect her. She hid Khadijat’s condition from the community and sheltered her until the child was born. In secret, Khadijat gave birth to a beautiful daughter. She named her Abena, a name that symbolized an eagerness for knowledge and a deep desire to achieve something meaningful in life. Khadijat raised Abena with Mrs. Olana’s support, but fate struck once more. Fifteen years after Abena’s birth, Khadijat fell seriously ill. She was rushed to a nearby clinic, but despite the efforts to save her, she passed away. Before dying, Khadijat left Abena in the loving care of Mrs. Olana, entrusting her dreams to the next generation. Abena grew up under Mrs. Olana’s loving guidance. She was smart, determined, and full of hope. With Mrs. Olana's support, she attended the university of her dreams, determined to create a better life than the ones her mother and grandmother had known. At the university, Abena became best friends with Varine, a cheerful, hardworking girl. The two shared a small house and did everything together. One evening, after returning from the market with baskets full of tomatoes and other goods, Varine looked exhausted. Her mother sold tomatoes and insisted Varine always bring Abena along when going to the market for safety. As they walked home, they chatted about their future dreams. "I want to be the best journalist after graduation," Abena said with a bright smile. "And I want to become a great medical doctor!" Varine added, laughing. They were both full of life and dreams. Suddenly, a shiny car pulled up beside them. A man stepped out and called Varine over. Startled, Varine froze. She had heard too many stories about kidnappings and assaults in the city and didn’t want to become a victim. But Abena, tired and eager, urged her, "If you won’t answer him, I will!" Reluctantly, they approached the man. He smiled warmly and said, "I’m sorry for bothering you. I’d love to buy some of your tomatoes. Could you bring them to my house?" He handed them a thick wad of cash far more than their entire stock was worth. Abena excitedly reached for the money, but Varine pulled her back. "Abena, are you crazy? You don't even know this man.