The window cleaner

An offer to greatness

The good days of Ramlahs life was upon her as she was living the best life of her existence. Just some months ago, she was sleeping on a rafia mat in a single room under the bridge with her family. Now she was in a mansion that had furnishings that were fit for the taste of a queen. She had accepted the job to serve as a nurse to Mahir but what she didn't Know was that she would also be a foster mother to the heir. This position had elevated her to the rank a lady in the Sheikhs Mansion. She had several maids who helped her with chores and other activities of labor. All she did was tend to Mahir just like he was her own son. She made his milk for him and fed him. She changed his diaper and petted him when he was crying. She backed him on her back and treated him just like any loving mother would treat her son. On a good day, Ramlah would have tended to little Mahir even without a single pay _to her, the payment that came along with rendering an activity that gave her joy was nothing but a bonus . In all her shades of joy , all she could think of was having a man like Siin in her life to complete her joy.  She had longed to see him again and offer even more gratitude , as she felt he  was the reason for the heightened success she achieved . When the Sheikh had asked her to bring Mahir over to his palatial mansion as Siin was coming to pay him visit, she felt very happy as she knew she had another chance to See Siin again. 

 A driver had already been waiting on her to execute his services. As soon as she was ready she lifted Mahir to her bossom. Tucked him in a warm embrace and hopped into the car.

An hour had bearly passed when they arrived at the palatial Mansion of the Sheikh. A Chaperone had already been on standby waiting for the arrival of the Sheikhs heir and his foster mother. The lady chaperone was an Arab lady in her late sixties. She was an elderly woman who maintained the agility of a youthful lady. Upon sighting Ramlah and the Heir , she flashed a welcoming smile and began to speak.

" Good morning lady Ramlah, how is my child doing today. ? " Said the Chaperone with a warm smile.

" Good morning ma. Mahir is doing very well. May the Good lod be praised. " Said Ramlah with Smile as she walked towards the Chaperone.

" God be praised indeed, oh what beautiful cheeks he has. He is truly a carbon copy of his Dad. You know, I was still a little girl when his father was born . My mother was a maid in this house before she died. Even though I was a little girl as at then, I was big enough to Carry the Sheikh who was also an infant as at then. My joy knows no bounds having been alive to witness the coming of his male child. " Said the Woman as she collected the boy from Ramlah and held him in her hands with great admiration in her eyes.

" Oh my goodness is that so . I can only imagine how much carrying Mahir would mean to you . " Said Ramlah in surprise as she followed the Chaperone to the main chambers of the Sheikh.

" Yes it's a great feeling. Sorry , I didn't introduce myself to you . My name is Busayna, I am the chief maid of this home. I was born here and I have no plans to ever leave this home. This is because the Sheikh treats me like an elder sister. " Said Busayna as she kissed the forehead of Mahir almost for the tenth time in admiration of the infants Innocence."

" Wow. You really have served the Shagori family for a long time. It's only rewarding that they take you in as family member. The sheikh is a kind man." Said Ramlah as she adored the sparkling luster of the White tiles that covered the most of the mansion except for places that were covered in Gold colour.

" The Sheikh Sheikh is indeed a Kind man. He has been a pillar of support and a vessel of benevolence to all of us. Our joy became complete when we heard he had finally been blessed with a male child. You must also know that the Sheikh has another Male child which he got by adoption." Said Busayna as she jeered playfuly at the baby to make it laugh.

" Is that so?. I'm just hearing of this feat. That person is really lucky indeed. " Said Ramlah without attaching much seriousness to the new topic. She was more concerned about the intense beauty of the mansion . Her attention had been caught by the flocks of peacock that roamed beautifuly across the marble tiled mansion.

" Indeed he Is a lucky young man. But his expertise is the reason this child is alive today. Only if you knew how much joy this Child brings to this family. Our years of humiliation are finally a thing of the past. " Said Busayna and shifted her gaze to Ramlah, for the first time, Since she had gotten hold of the baby.

" Sorry you said his expertise saved the child. Who might this man be?. " Asked Ramlah as she the conversation had swayed to a direction that caught her attention.

" You should know him better. He is your colleague at the facility. The one that performed the operation on Lady Charlotte of blessed memories." Said Busayna in surprised tone.

" Are you talking about Doctor Siin from the facility which I worked. " Said Ramlah in great awe.

" Exactly. That's his name. Doctor Siin Sebanyi. The tall and handsome fellow with a curly afro. Well , I need not say much about him. He is someone you know very much , but well maybe if you don't know him as much as i think you do . Then you can get started as soon as you step into the Sheikhs living room. The two of them are seated inside.

" Oh mine." Gasped Ramlah in excitement. This is really good news. So Doctor Siin is now the son of the great Sheikh. I'm really very Happy for him. And yes I know him. He is a very kind hearted fellow." Said Ramlah whose excitement had began to make her feel uneasy. She couldn't possibly point out which news made her happier. Wether it was the aspect that Siin had was now the son of a billonaire or it was the fact that Siin was inside the living room and she was going yo meet him again. Busayna had noticed the sudden emotional unease and the subconscious checking of her grooming.

" It seems to me that after all , you might just know this young man more than I think you do."

Said Busayna and winked jovially at Ramlah.

" No... Not at all. Sorry what do you mean ma.?" Said Ramlah, who was almost falling into a confusion for reasons known by Busayna.

" You like him don't you.? " Said Busayna with a smile.

" The baby you mean. ? " Said Ramlah trying to pretend not to know who Busayna was talking about.

" Oh common sweetheart. I mean the young doctor. After all. He is good looking , well built and

Very intelligent." Said Busayna and winked again at Ramlah.

" Yes.. yes he is . But I hardly even know him. " Said Ramlah and tucked her head towards the ground in Shyness. She was surprised that such an elder lady took fancy in issues of youthful courtship.

" You don't need to be shy. I may never had gotten married but I have fell in love many times than I can remember. I know when a girl genuinely likes a man. I think your feelings are in line with the right person. You two will make a good match." Said Busayna as she knocked on the door to the Sheikhs palor.

Ramlah was too shy to speak even she wasn't , she felt the proxy from where they stood by the door and where Siin might be sitting inside the living room, would be close enough for him to hear her. She chuckled and smiled at Busayna with with a face full of excitement and surprise.

" Yes. come in ." Said a hearty voice from inside the living room.

" Let's go in ." Said Busayna as pushed the door keenly and ushered Ramlah in.

" Good morning Sir. " Ramlah Said and knelt in greetings to the Sheikh who was excited walking towards them to Carry his son.

" Oh good morning my child please be on your feet. How are you two doing. How is Mahir." Said the Sheikh as helped Ramlah to her feet before collecting the infant from the hands of Busayna. Siin also stood up to welcome trio and greated Ramlah in a humble tone.

" Good morning Ramlah how have you been and how have my little brother been doing ." He asked as he walked to the Sheikh to also collect the infant in his hand.

" Mahir is doing very good. He smiles a lot . He is very active. It's totally a joy filled ride always being by his side. " Said Ramlah and bowed her head to the ground to parry off the waves of anxiety Siins gaze was splashing at her.

" Please let's all have seat. I have prepared a small feast for this small meeting of family members in blood and in bond. Hehehe . And mind you . When I said I prepared this feast . What it means is that I cooked all this delicious meals my self. You guys are in for a treat. Ask Busayna hear. I used to aspire to own my own food line when I was a teenager. I was so good in the kitchen that my mother of blessed memories would ask me to cook for my dad on special occasion. Little people wonder where Mariya got her flair for cooking, well if you guys are among the wonderers, I will say , wonder no more. Hahahaha." Said the Sheikh as he passed the infant to the stretched hands of Siin , who had already sat on the sofa. Everyone in the room joined The Sheikh in his laughter irrespective of wether they found his words funny or not. Busayna went to the extent of stomping her feets to the floor and holding her stomach in Laughter.

" Oh my Lord. You would have also been a very famous comedian. I recall the golden days when were kids. You used to thrill us with your jokes and melodious voice. And yes The Sheikh is a fantastic cook.But he hasn't been in the kitchen for decades. I hope he hasn't lost his touch. " Said Busayna as her words burst a fresh roar of laughter in the room.

" Well the only way to find out on a glorious Sunday morning like this. Is to take deep breaths and enjoy the feast. Rice in tomatoes sauce, olive baked potatoes, chicken source and my favorites. Lobsters in wild spinach congea. All for your pleasures my dear. I'm not sure Mariya would be able to join us due to her schedules. But I have no doubt that Minata would soon be here to grace the gathering. " Said the Sheikh and snapped his fingers to indicate the teams readiness for the food devouring. Three chefs who had been on standby, immediately conveyd a mini dining table to the front of each person before arranging, the various cuisine, the Sheikh had prepared for them.

All this while Ramlah found it difficult to stop stealing glances at Siin even after he had caught her for the dozenth time. She felt she had under calculated his handsomeness and the well being of his physique.thus she saw need to recalculate her prior assertions.perharps it was her poor maths skills that constantly saw her stealing glances at Siins physique so that she could score him well this time around.

She was still lost in her romantic arithmetic when the call of the Sheikh had smacked her off getting a final answer.

" Ramlah is there a challange so far?. Do you need anything to aide you in caring for the my son.?" He asked with great Gusto as devouring the various courses of meal.

" Not at all sir . I have more than enough. May your benovolence be praised sir." Said Ramlah and bowed her head slightly in respect.

" Good now next to you Busayna. Is there any thing you need to keep on the smooth running of the affairs of the home. ?" Said the Sheikh with a grin on his face.

"Oh my Lord is there anything we ever lack in this house? We are always fine . Thanks to your benovolence. " Said Busayna amidst her giggle.

" You must grow out of this character of flattering me hehehe." Said the Sheikh as he smiled heartily at Busayna.

" My Lord , saying your praise gives my heart it's peace." Said Busayna as she smiled Shyly at the Sheikh. At that moment, even the mosquitoes in the living room could tell that a chemistry existed between the two oldies.

" Thank you Busayna that is elating. Now to you Siin. I asked you to come over for a reason. I know you are an excellent doctor. And I believe you have been doing great things with the blades as usual. I have read several of your commendations from the Royal health ministry. Well done my boy. Keep up the good feat." Said the Sheikh.

"Thank you Dad." Said Siin and the Sheikh continued.

" However, I believe that you may be operating under your full capabilities in the facility. I have thought over and over and have come to a conclusion that you should join me to work at the Towers. To achieve great things in life you must be ready to take on greater challanges. I believe you need a bigger challange than what is posed at you . However I am a man of understanding. I do not force my rendition on people. I will give you a week to think about idea." Said the Sheikh.

" Wisdom my Lord , nothing but wisdom.You insights are worthy of emulation my Lord" Said Busayna as she nodded vigorously in solidarity to the Sheikhs oppinion even before Siin could Speak.

" Oh Father you are truly generous. Your idea is full of development. But dad , I am scared that I may not be a good manager as I am a good surgeon. It would break my heart to ever let you down sir. Oh benevolence father. " Said Soon with his head tuck to the ground.

" There is always a first time for everything. Busayna, Don't you recall that fateful day of the past when my father hijacked me in the kitchen, shoved me into the car and drove me straight to the tower. That was my first day at work. It's iconic right...hahaha , I was only seventeen then. Today I'm glad he did. You see my son. Some times in life, circumstances would bend you into taking unplanned decision and most times those decisions would lead you to achieving greatness. I used to be weak, my dad made me strong. I want to make you strong. I fear that when Mahir is all grown up , I might already be with my ancestors. He will need then to learn from his brother , if you let go of the baton , who would be left to finish the race. " Said the Sheikh , in a very sober tone.

" I totally understand your point father and I will try my best to uphold the families glory. I believe in due processes, thus I will accept your offer of meditatating about it. " Said Siin and bowed his head in respect.

" You are a wise man. A wiseman is never in a hurry and neither is he slow. He takes his time to complete his task in time. Take your time to think it through." Said the Sheikh as he robbed his belly. From on top the expensive silk covering. Just then baby began to cry and Siin who was holding him stood up and passed him to Ramlah. He noticed she was tensed by the proximity of his closeness and smiled at her.

" Ramlah makes a good mother Dad. I go to bed happily knowing mahir in good hands." Said Siin , to the Sheikh without taking his gaze away from Ramlah. For the first time in many days he was beginning to the see the beautifull work of nature on her face . How beautiful her eyes were and oval her preety face was. He came to realize how crimson her small lips were and how pointed her nose was. Her height and physique was that of Blooming young lady. Indeed Ramlah was blessed with rare beauty _ was the convictions of Siin about her.

" Oh indeed my Son and beautiful to. Mahir is really lucky to have her as his mother." Said the Sheikh in tone full of life.

Ramlah was so shy all she could do was chuckle and tuck her head to the ground.

" She is so shy and modest. She will make a good companion for Siin. My Lord, shed some wisdom on your subjects." Said Busayna, with a teasing smile directed at the Sheikh."

" Busayna you never change. Still a riot as always . Well wisdom eh. I think the two of you are in the perfect age group for each other. It's always good to start young. I didn't get married on time and I regret it. I was to engulfed making Money that I didn't realize time was passing me buy. The earlier you settle down the better for you . However unlike what Busayna posits. I am not a match maker , I am rather a victim of match making. My marriage with the mother of my four daughters never went past the the first decade. It was fixed by my dad to solidify ties with allies ,I never really loved her and she didn't love me to. Ten years later into our marriage, we peacefully decided we have put on quite an entertaining show and it was Time to call it day. Love finds those who seek it. My advice for you two, is that if you have feeling's for each other you should not hesitate to speak out, as time waits for no one. This is my advice for all of you." Said The Sheikh in a Sober tone. His words had made Busayna so emotional as it was the only instance that she hadn't laughed at all.

" Thank you Father. You really are an embodiment of knowledge I'm sure the gave the girls quite a run for thier time in your younger days. " Said Siin with teasing smile.

" Well I still give them a run for their time till now. Haahahaha." Said the Sheikh as he burst into a flare of laughter. " All Ramlah could do, was tuck her head towards her clutched hands and smiled vehemently.