Breaking Him

Three Years Earlier

Prologue

Maryam

I stopped right in front of his room and took in a deep breath before placing my trembling hand on the door knob.

Earlier, I had seen him and his friends comes into this room, and that's why I'm bringing them this refreshment. I just hope he won't pour it to my face- well, I should be used to it by now. It's already been two weeks of our marriage.

As I was ready to face his wrath that will definitely comes my way, I slowly and gently open the door but what I saw next really crushed my heart.... That's a video of me and my husband making love.

"But ho... how?.... How did that... How was he able to record that? An... and, why is he watching the video with his friends?." I asked my self with tears already flowing down my cheeks.

"Did you see guys! Didn't I tell you? She's inexperience!"

"She's a virgin. Can you all believe that?!" he told them laughing while the rest joined too.

"Wow! Man, this is so good." A guy sitting right beside him said, tapping his shoulder. As if, he's so proud of what he has done.

"Your wife moan as hell....... Can I borrow her for a day?." Another guy sitting across him asked.

"Innalillahi!" I inwardly exclaimed with my mouth agape. "He wants to give me out to his friend? Does that means- Subhanallah! He'll also sleep with me? A married woman? He will sleep with a married woman, his friend's wife?

"What's happening? What's happening to me? Why is this happening to me? Ya Allah, why are you testing me through this hard way? I haven't done anything wrong, so why can't I be happy for once?..... why are you testing me with so many difficulty? First, it was her and now him?" I silently thought crying.

"Believe me dude, I would want to" his face showing the sincerity of what he just said. "But you know Umma, she loves her like her real daughter, if she comes to know about this, I'll be dead"

"But guys, this is not fair. I mean, no matter what, she's still your wife, you should respect her for that. This lady is too innocent for all of this,she doesn't deserve all this treatment from you Kareem " one of them said, he sound pitiful-Well, the pity is for me. I need to thank him for standing up for me.

"I don't care! And how does that concern you? It's non of your business. I promised my self, that I'll make her life miserable! she'll have no choice but to leave this house,don't you get it man! I hate that lady! I don't love her! I love someone else!...but I can't even be with her, all thanks to that woman and Mom" he said in a cold tone.

He has changed. This is not the man I got married to, two weeks ago. Though, I know he doesn't like me but, he shouldn't have done this to me.

"But still, this isn't her fault! " the same guy yells. He sounds annoyed.

What are they talking about?

"I really don't care... Do I look like I care?!...she had the chance to talk to Mom, to decline what ever proposal Mom made to her! But no, she didn't!" He yells back at the same guy.

"C'mon guys, let watch this,its fun" he said laughing and the other fools join him.

"I'm out of here,I can't stand this" He hissed while standing up. " And you" he turned his head to look at him " You'll regret all of this that you're doing. I only hope, it won't be late when you realise all of your mistakes"

The more he move closer to where I was standing,the more my heart beat faster. He halts in front of me, his gaze fixed on my body making me feel uncomfortable under it. I finally summon the courage to look at him and there it was-the sympathy look. He gave me his weak smile and then, walk away.

"And you!" I heard my husband's hard voice. The sound of his voice only, could bring the whole building down.

I jerk and was shaking as he point his index finger at me. "What're you doing here?!" He roared.

"I...I...I'm... I'm here...to..give...I....I...I mean...I brought.... Some.... some drinks for...you...and...your.. your...friends" I replied stuttering.

"Oh! So you could finally kill me?! You wanted to kill me right?! Huh! So you could get all of my wealth to your self, is that not it?!" He ask in his usual cold tone.

Oh no! This anger of yours doesn't suit your handsome face!- snap of it Maryam,what are you doing?!

"No!" I quickly defended my self. "I would never do that...and.. this.. this is unfair...you can't...., I mean, you can't be playing this to your friends...its not proper...at least, I deserve some respect" I dare to say, looking down at my feet not daring to look into his eyes.

The next thing I felt was a slap across my face.

Slap slap

He slapped me so hard on my right cheek before doing the same thing to the left. "How dare you talk back to me? Slap You have the gut to talk back at me?! Slap Just because my Mom is always on your side doesn't give you the right to talk back at me slap....

I closed my eyes tightly not daring to open them. I allow the tears to flow down my cheeks....I'm the head here and you!- don't have any right to talk when I'm talking! Slap You don't!" he roared. He pushed me, I fell down hitting my butt hardly on the floor and at the same time, all the glasses of the drink shattered on the floor.

"Man, I think it's okay, you really need to calm down,she's still your wife after all" One of the idiot said. I wish, I have the power to scratch that stupid face of his with my fingers.

"She's not my wife! And she will never be!" He said glaring at all of them.

"Can you all please leave" it's a statement not a request.

They bid their good bye and left. He make his way to the door and locked it.

Now, I'm doom!

"And you! You have the nerves now, don't you?! Do you realise you just talk back to me in front of my friends?! "

"I'm... I'm sorry but I'm.... I just...I'm only trying to defend my self" I said crying.

"Really? Defend your self from what? Answer me, you slut!" he shout graping my hair tightly.

When did he pull off my hijab? I didn't realize it.

He was hurting me badly and I couldn't even utter a word but to cry.

"I'm sorry please...I'm sorry"

"You're sorry?! You are f**king sorry?! Fine! I'll forgive you but you must pay for what you just did"

"Now stand up! I said....stand...up!"he yells through gritted teeth.

I quickly get up so as not to provoke him any further.

"Move closer"he said.

I was about to follow the other side because of the broken glasses on the floor but he stopped me before I could.

"What do you think you're doing?!" He asked. A sly smile on his face.

"There's.... There's a broken glass...I want to follow the other side"

"No, you won't, because you're going to walk through this broken glass" he smirk.

"Please Kareem....please don't do this......please" I begged crying.

"Before the count of three, you better step on that f**king thing...else, I might do something we'll both regret" he warned.

I'm so scared right now. He looks scary,he looks like a father scolding his own daughter. I slowly step on the broken glass and winced in pain. Ya Allah, this is so painful!

"Good. Now jump on it" he ordered.

"What?! Please...please no. Please don... don't do this to me please, I beg you please, don't do this please...I promise, I won't do that again...I won't enter the room without your permission... I won't dare talk back at you...please don't do this, please Kareem"

"I said jump!" He yells. One look from him and I dare not go against him.

I jumped on it and he started counting. "One.....two.....three.....four....five" he keeps on counting. My blood could clearly be seen on the floor and it was really hurting, I can't take this anymore, I really can't.

"Kareem please, it's hurting please" I begged.

"Keep quiet! One more word from you and I'll do worst than this"

"Ka...Ka....Kareem" I said and fell down, then darkness took over me.

____PRESENT DAY____

Maryam's POV

"I was asked to give this note to you Miss Maryam". Mrs Tania said as she smiled.

"Thank you".

I can't believe this, he still write to me!

"Congratulations,I'm sure your benefactor will be very happy!". I smiled again and she left.

It's already the end of the semester, I'm now a graduated of Harvard university in business administrative. It only took me two years to finish everything because I was a brilliant student and most of all, they all like me here.

I was outside when Mrs Tania had hand over the letter to me. Then I decide to go in and sit so I'll be able to read the note well.

Miss Maryam,

Do you know I'm so much proud of you? You've finally made it to the last semester...I'm so so proud of you".

K. Olatunji.

Oh my God! This signature!

I don't know how he look like but I believe that someday I'll know him.

I was so stunned when I learn that he's going to sponsor me but later heard from the scholarship department that apart from me,he had other scholars he was helping too. He's such a generous man. I wonder how much money he has.

He was one of my inspiration in finishing my degree in business administrative. I wanted to be like him.

Still looking at the beautiful handwriting on the paper,I was smiling broadly. I remembered when I had started my university. I seemed like a lost soul at that time. I felt like everything seemed to have no more meaning.... Mom and Dad was so angry when they find out about everything that had happened, Maimuna especially, but I beseeched them. Then, Dad asked if I would want to go for a vacation but instead, I told him I would like to further my education in a very far place and he agreed,Mom was so adamant at first but later gave in....But however, everything change when the scholarship department told me that I was one of those that will be given scholarship.

Then I decide to start my new life and try doing something good in my studies. I really do owe him a lot.

Still in my dreamy land, I heard his cheerful voice. "A letter from an admirer?"

I glance up and saw his handsome face MANSUR

"Hey! good afternoon". I smiled. "It was a note from my sponsor".

"I was just kidding love". I glared at him.

"Okay fine! I was just kidding". He chuckled.

Mansur is really a nice guy and one of the most richest guy in the world, he's handsome, caring, playful and most of all romantic. I bumped into him someday when I had started my university class and from then, we became friends,he asked me out so many times but I told him to give me some time,he knows about my past because I told him.

"Congratulation my love....you're now a degree holder,I can't imagine! Then, you were just in your first year and-"

"Oh cut the stupid story Mansur" I said hitting his arm lightly and he smirk.

"So wanna go eat lunch with me?"

"Of course, handsome".

"Great!" He winked before I quickly pick up my bag and we left.

*****Next day*****

"Come on Maryam, let's get going". Mrs Abubakar said.

"Yes Ma'am". I smiled. I was so happy, it's my first day of my vacation for the past two years.

"I wonder if the kids are going to like these more than the last time" I looked at the cupcakes I personally bake and pack for the children at the Orphanage.

"You're the best baker I've ever known in the whole world..so don't worry they will love it"

For two years now, I've been working at her cake shop. Thanks to Mom and my love for cake that made me secure a job here. If she hadn't make me work hard then when I was a kid, I wouldn't have been able to secure a job here.

Thinking about Mom, I missed her so much and even though we talked day before yesterday, it actually feels like eternity.

I bring out my phone and dial her number, she pick up at the first ring.

"My baby!" She exclaimed happily.

"Mom! As salamu Alaykum....good morning Ma"

"Wa alaykumu salam...morning my dear... How are you doing? Sorry, I was suppose to call you yesterday but I was too busy that's why"

"Mom, its fine seriously"

"So, when would my beautiful daughter finish her exams?".

"Mom, don't get mad, okay?... Actually it was yesterday"

"What?! And you didn't bother to tell us and to congratulate you?!!"

"Mom, that's why I had said you shouldn't get mad"

"Subhanallah...so how was it? Do you enjoyed it? And how-"

"Hello princess"

"Dad!"

"Good...good morning Dad"

"Jawad! give me back my phone, I need to talk to my daughter!".

I heard mom voice and I chuckled.

"Calm down woman, she's also my daughter too". I heard Dad replied her.

"So my princess, how are you doing?"

"I'm fine daddy"

"So, you're through with your exam and you didn't bother to tell your parent?" He asked dangerously.

"Erm.....Erm daddy, I'm sorry... I....I wanted to-"

"Its okay my princess, I'm just so proud of you"

"Thank you daddy"

"So, when are you coming home?"

Silence

Silence

Silence

"Maryam?"

"Yes!!!....Sorry daddy, but I don't know yet,I don't know". I answered honesyly.

"Okay fine. I'll give you enough time but don't you think that I'm going to leave you there all alone by your self, sooner or later you'll have to come back home.. OK?"

"OK Dad"

"I-"

"What's that sound". I thought.

"Nana let...me talk...to her". I heard Dad's voice but why is he talking like that?

"Maryam, I'll call you back okay?"

"Dad, any problem?"

"Not at all dear..OK bye"

"Bye Dad"

I waited for him to hang up but he didn't and what I heard next really made me laugh so hard.

"Nana! Come here and finish what you started! I'm really in the mood!"

Geez!

I laugh as I hang up my self.

"Your parent?". Mrs Abubakar asked.

"Yes" I said smiling.

"Are you really going back to Nigeria?"

"Not now, I guess...why?"

"Nothing... I'm not just ready to miss you". She said and I smiled.

Every Saturday, Mrs Abubakar would visit the Orphanage home and I always accompany her. I also volunteered teaching them how to read and write, which was not so easy for me.

Today is Saturday and we're both going to the orphanage.

"So, are you read?". She asked.

"Yes"I replied with a smile holding the cupcakes in my hand.

*******

"So nice to see you after a very long time" Mansur said.

"What? What do you mean after a long time? We saw each other last week remember?"

"Do we?" He asked acting dumb.

"Oh come on, stop acting". I replied rolling my eyes.

I led him to a vacant table near the counter. Few people were only there. Most of them are familiar with me because they were like our regular customer. They also know I was the chef here, all thanks to my one and only mother who had taught me all this.

Mansur and I sit and that was when I realise I was still putting on the apron over my gown. I was putting on a fitted black gown,with a low cut at the back. White high heel and white baby hijab.

"Oh sorry I forgot i was putting on this" I apologize taking the white apron off me.

"It's nothing...you always look beautiful in any attire Maryam" Mansur commented staring at me.

I didn't give him a reply instead, I changed the topic "so how was your flight?"

"It was the usual" he said.

I really don't know what's wrong with this guy, he's a governor son and also a business man but he's just too lazy.

"No, no don't give me that look, you know I don't like it"

"Then be serious I can't believe you're like this,how come you become a wealthy business man with you been so lazy!"

"It not my fault.. You just marry me and you'll see the changes"

Okay, I think this is getting to somewhere else.

"Excuse me...I'll... I'll be right back". I said and he smirk.

"You don't need to run baby...I'm already on my way going". He said standing up.

"I'll come back next month baby". Mansur said when we were outside.

"Sure" I replied.

"No, thank you hug for tonight?". He asked catching me off guard when he lean to kiss my forehead.

"M..Mansur". I stuttered.

"You don't know how much you make me happy Maryam...thank you". He said.

"See you love" he wink before he entered his car and drove away.

****

Lying on my bed, I heard my phone ringing tone.

I look at the caller ID and roll my eyes before picking up. "Hello sister"

"So, how was it with Mansur?" She directly asked me.

Imagine. No how are you? How is school? Crazy girl

"Fine sister"

"What do you mean fine....what kind of remark is that? aren't you going to give him a chance?"

"Maimuna! Mansur and I are just friends and-"

"Right, friends....Yeah, what's the rush right? I absolutely believe that what will be would be. There's no need to rush things, what's meant to be, will surely be"

"Yes". I said more like a whisper. Love shouldn't be rushed, most importantly it shouldn't be forced.

We talked and talked till there's nothing else to say again.

"I love you Maryam" I could feel the intense emotion embedded on that statement " I miss and hope to see you soon"

"I missed you and love you too sis" I replied.

******

We have a very big event, so I was working and working, most especially I had to help for the preparation.

I was expected to bake cake because according to Mrs Abubakar, a very important benefactor fell in love with my cupcake the last time he or she visited the orphanage, I was not around.

"I'll be happy if you could meet our benefactor today.... the person I had told you about, You'll meet him today, won't you?"

Him? A guy?

"Erm... Ma'am, it's okay if someone likes my cake but is it necessary to meet him?"

Mrs Abubakar smiled and said. "It's time for you to meet someone dear, you've been so engross with your work and studies that you weren't ready to give anyone a chance....and besides, you don't have any boyfriend, do you?"

"Ma'am?!!! Are you seriously saying this?".

"No dear, it's just that the first day I saw him, I don't know why but my heart remembers you right away. When he said he love your cupcake and he wanted to meet the baker,don't you think its a sign dear?"

"A sign of what mother?"

"God's way dear"

I looked at her confusedly, I couldn't understand why my heart skipped a bit. It had been a long time already since I felt the same familiar beating.

******

"Most of the guest have arrived.... Ma'am is looking for you". Mrs Gloria said.

"Yes, I'll be out now Ma'am". I smiled and she left.

At the mention of guests. I immediately feel my heart skipped a bit again.. Oh what's wrong with me?

I went outside finally and found Ma'am talking with some people. When she saw me, she gestured me to come.

I went to them and greeted and to my surprise, they all answered nicely and warmly. I heard someone clearing his throat joining us from behind.

"Mr Kareem Abdulazeez, thank goodness that you're here. This is chef you've been wanting to meet"

Mr Kareem Abdulazeez?

My heart skipped. I turned and looked up at those two familiar brown eyes. Just like the last time,it was the kind of look that could make you feel as if you had just fallen into a dangerous trap .

Innalilahi wa'ina illaihi raji'un No! this can't be...this can't be happening!!

Maryam's POV

"This is the baker you would like to meet Mr Abdulazeez " Ma'am said.

Seriously! What would you do when you see the most hated man of your life again? What would you do when you thought there was no way that he could ever exist again. There he was standing right next to you like a ghost who had just come back to life from where he was buried years ago.

I blinked my eyes again.

No, this can't be happening! This can't be happening to me!

"It's nice to meet you Miss Maryam". He said, he wasn't even looking surprise to see me. He looked like he knew I would be here already. He stretch out his hand but I don't know if I should take it or not.

"Maryam, you're not affected " My subconscious tell me.

I clasped my palm with his but I didn't say anything. After that, I tried to excuse my self from there but Ma'am voice stopped me. "Where do you think you're going to? I haven't yet fully introduce you to Mr Kareem".

Ma'am, there's no need for that. I know him! I actually know this heartless man!

"Maryam, this is Mr Kareem Abdulazeez. He's been our benefactor for over a year and half now.

I was sure that he was seeking my eyes all throughout the introduction but I didn't give him the chance to catch my eyes. Instead, I averted my eyes away.

I quickly left when an announcement was made to start the event. My heart was beating fast as I walk back to the kitchen.

Kareem?... Kareem was the benefactor who fell in love with my cupcake? For two years, I tried to forget him. And when I was at the verge of doing so,he now decide to show up his face out of nowhere.

Just don't think about him Maryam, and moreover, there's no way you would ever accept him back.

Huh? Did he ever asked you to accept him back? He didn't right? He was even calling you miss Maryam. He's probably married by now, so there's nothing to freak about. Yes, he was probably married to that lady Hafsa. He must have been happily married with his P.A.

Just pull your self together! Prove to him that you're no longer the Maryam he used to know...show him that you've changed,you are now a changed person.

Thus, I supervised the servers in placing the cupcakes on the tray. Now, when this would be served, I will have to endure someone in there or better yet show him the new me. That, will be better.

I continued working and working as I made sure everyone enjoyed their dessert.

"Maryam dear, Mr Kareem would like to say something to you". Ma'am said when I had stood by their table.

I raised one of my eyebrow and looked at him. A smile appeared on his lip...how could he be acting like this? Like our parting was the best parting on earth. "Please do take a sit Miss Maryam.. Join us" he offered.

Ma'am, Mr and Mrs Fawad,Mrs James and he here in the table.

"No thanks ". I rejected his offer.

"Have you eaten dear?". Ma'am said in a concerned tone.

"I'm done eating, please don't worry about me". I lied.

"What do you want to tell me Mr Kareem". I faced him bravely.

"How about taking a sit, miss Maryam?". He asked again for the second time.

"I don't have time to have a seat right now, Mr Kareem. Now, if you'll excuse me if you have nothing to say". I said coldly.

You can actually see the surprise look on Ma'am's face and the rest. Ma'am shot me a glare.

Him on the other hand, didn't seem to be surprised at all.

"I would like to tell you that your cake is the best cake I've ever tasted". He said when I was about to take a step away from them.

"Thank you". I said and then leave.

*****

Now, it's only I and Mr Kareem. I could feel his gaze on me but I refuse to look at him.

"Thank you Aunty, we really appreciate all your love and care for us". The children said as they all group hug me. I just love this kids,may be it's because they are orphan and I know what I had went through when I was also a kid. That's why there's nothing I can't do for them.

I hug them back and smile at them. Unlucky for me, they all left again leaving me and him alone.

"You've changed a lot wife"

Wife? Wife? How dare him call me his wife! And of course, yes, I've changed.

I turned to look at him raising one of my eyebrow at him. Now, why are we putting on same colour of cloth? I was putting on a dark blue palazzo trouser and dark blue fitted top with white veil and white heels. He was also putting on dark blue trouser and white inner shirt with dark blue suit,even his shoe is also white.

"You've changed...a lot". He repeated again.

"Everyone change Mr Kareem... You can't expect me to be the same girl you used to know". I answered coldly.

"Maryam can-"

"Why have you come here? What's your main reason for coming here? Is there no any orphanage you can donate to except this one? How comes you get to know about this place when infact, this is not Nigeria?". I questioned him.

"I came to claim someone back". He said moving closer to me.

"I came to claim you back Maryam". He said using both of his hands to hold my shoulder.

"Please leave me alone... Just leave me alone and let me go. Else, I will walk out from here". I threatened.

"I don't care Maryam! I don't care! I once do the mistake by letting you walk out on me, two years ago but today, I won't. I'll never let you". He said firmly.

What's wrong with this guy? Why must he show up all of a sudden? Why now? I hate him! I hate him and his gut... I don't know who gave him the confidence that I'll accept him.

"So, you've finally shown your true reason for coming here huh?! I had wondered too, af all places,why here? How comes you get to know about this place when in fact, it's not Nigeria". I asked furiously, glaring at him. But what came next from his mouth makes my heart drop,I can't believe it. I really can't believe what I just heard.

Maryam's POV

"I had no other option Maryam, Mom is sick".

Mom is sick? Mom is sick? For how long? I do asked of them from my family and they always assured me, they are all doing fine. Could they be lying?

"Mom...mom is sick?". I asked not able to control my mouth and emotions. I loved Mom a lot. She has shown me nothing but true love. She had always treated me like a daughter, I can't bear it if anything happens to her.

"Yes Maryam, Mom is sick. Ever since you had left, she isn't her self anymore. She got her heart attack back again and she was very ill, she was hospitalized for about 4 weeks and when her condition was getting better, she was discharged and her treatment is been given to her at home".

"How sure am I that you're not lying? May be you're just saying this just to make me come home with you". I glared at him.

"I can't lie with such a thing with you. Though, I really wanted to take you back but I can't lie with such a thing. I can't stoop so low".

I don't even know what I was feeling right now. Mom was sick? And I wasn't aware? Mom never told me anything. Dad too, even Maimuna! Why must they hide something like this from me? Why?! They know I love Mom very much and I can't bear if anything bad happens to her. I really need to go back,I need to make sure, she's fine.

"Maryam believe me, I wouldn't lie to you. I'll be going back to Nigeria next week Monday. I'll wait for you, so we could both go back together"

"And who told you, I'm coming with you? Even though you might be saying the truth, I'm still not coming with you". I spat angrily.

Who gave him the impression that we're now OK? One thing I hate about him. He and his stupid ego, he always thinks he could get anything anytime he wishes.

I was about to turn and leave when his hand hold my wrist firmly. "Maryam I'm sorry, if I may have offend you-".

"Of course you did and I'm not ready to forgive you yet, so please, just go away from my life! I don't want to see you ever again,I hate seeing your face, I hate you Kareem"

"I'm sorry but I deemed in going no where without you, you are my wife".

"STOP!...just stop it Kareem, I'm not your wife OK! I was never your wife! You never treated me as one,for all the time I was living in your house, you've always treated me like a maid! You've always treated me like a trash! You've never treated me like a wife! So please, just go and leave me alone".

"I'm sorry.....I'm sorry Maryam...I'm really sorry". He begged as he placed both of his palm on my cheeks. This moment, I wish I could forgive him but I Just can't.

"We can never work! It's over between us!".

"But you're still my wife! You're my wife!". He bursted frustratedly.

"We can get a divorce, I don't want to be with you again".

What's wrong with him? He never wanted me as his wife then, why now?

"No". He answered firmly.

"Kareem?!"

"No I won't.. I won't let you go again. I'll never divorce you".

"I hate you Kareem... I can't believe you just show up in my life after two years, claiming me back like I was nothing. Do you know my problem with you? You believed you have the final say! You believe you could do anything you wish to. Well, too bad I'm no more the girl you used to know. Why don't you just go and find someone else to fall for your trap because I'm never going to Kareem Abdulazeez" I finished bursting my heart out as I turn to leave but sees four pieces of eyes looking at us with wide eyes.

"Ma'am?! Mrs James?". I asked.

"You...you are Mr Kareem Abdulazeez's wife? "

"Ma'am, I can explain". I tried to defend my self but it was too late when Kareem beat me to it.

"Yes, Mrs Abubakar, she is my wife"

Ex wife. Oh! We're not even divorce yet so apparently, you're still his wife.

"My God! So there's something between you two"

"That's why you sound so cold to him the other time? You really is our benefactor's wife?! "

I can't stay here much longer. I want to appear strong but my body was betraying me.I had to leave,I need to go away from here. Without taking much time, I excused my self from them. "Excuse me". I said running back inside.

I made my self into the kitchen as I burst into tears, I thought I have forgotten him but no, he's still there in my heart, I hate seeing his handsome face with that perfect muscular body,his tall well built body. I thought I hate everything about him but deep down inside, I missed him,I missed him and his arrogance that made me fall for him in the first place. I wanted to hate him but I can't...

Thinking back about what he had told me earlier,could it be true that Mom is sick? Why didn't anyone tell me anything? Mom, I hope you'll be fine soon, I really hope...Ya Allah, please grant my mother in law good health....

"She's sick because of me,may be I shouldn't have left,now she's on sick bed". I scolded my self.

"I'll have to go back to Nigeria, I really need to see Mom, she's very important to me. But first, before that I need to call Mom and ask her. I really need to hear the truth from her" I thought before wiping off the tears away.

***Two weeks later***

I smiled proudly as I saw my certificate right in my hand. Finally, I'm now a graduate, I can't believe it. I'm so proud of my self,I need to call Mom and Dad to give them the good news.

Last two weeks, I had called home and Mom was so shocked to know that Kareem had reached me where I was but the main question is 'was Mom really sick?'

Mom answered sincerely and told me she was. She said she didn't want anything to distract me from learning and that's why she always tell me everyone was fine. She also told me how Kareem had gone to our house and asked for forgiveness from my parents and also where I was staying, but they strictly told him to distance himself from me but being the stubborn that he's, he refused and won't stop not until he found where I was.

Mom said he really was a changed man now, very obedient and respective, not more the arrogant and selfish Kareem. But should I believe that? He could be lying or probably pretending.

Mrs Abubakar was so happy when she find out about me being Kareem's wife,at first I thought she was shocked and would be angry since I kept something like that from her,even though we are close, I choose to keep my secret to my self,I don't want lecture from anybody.

She also begged me to give him a chance again,she told me they did heart to heart talk and judging from his ways, he's now a changed person. Why is everyone saying that he's a changed person when I know it's definitely a lie,he was just pretending, he only want me back because of Mom.

I called mom and told her about the good news,she was so happy and prayed a lot for me. She promised to pass the good news to Dad and Maimuna.

I will leave this country tomorrow, I wanted to tell Mom that but instead, I wish to surprise them. Kareem came to me last week and ask if I would go home with him but I declined, telling him I won't leave here forever, I know I sound harsh but I don't care.

*****

"Maryam, we'll miss you a lot, and so as the kids too". Ma'am said crying.

"I know ma'am, I'll miss you too" I replied crying before hugging her. We've both quite build some strong bond together and leaving them,her especially feel like I'm leaving piece of me here.

Mrs James hug me and so as the other staff not leaving the part that they will all miss me.

BACK TO NIGERIA

I'm at the airport waiting for my crazy sister. We both agreed to surprise my parent.

As I was about to move, probably find a suitable place to stay, I mistakenly bump unto someone. "I'm sorry"

"I'm sorry miss". We both said.

Wait a minute, why does the voice sound so familiar?

I raised up my head and wide my eyes when I saw the true owner of that two dark eyes Khalid!

"Khalid". I called but he only looked at me for a second before turning on his back, walking away.

"Khalid wait!". I ran after him as I tried to catch up with him but he never stopped.

I know I did something wrong, for two years I never contacted him, Mom and Maimuna always tell me how he has been disturbed by my sudden disappearance but I told them not to give him my number, I'm not just ready to face anyone yet. I know he loves me a lot, I agree I made a big mistake.

"Khalid please wait, hear me out!". I yelled because I could no longer catch up with him again. But still, I got no response from him.

I smiled wickedly as I thought of a tactic to use, he loves me, even though he's angry with me right now, he won't be able to bare my pain.

"Ouch!!!". I yelp loudly so that he could hear my agony voice.

He suddenly turned around and amble back to me. "What happened to you? Did you hurt your leg?". He asked squatting in front of me looking so worried.

"I'm sorry". I replied, instead of answering his question.

"I'm sorry Khalid, please forgive me. I...I don't know, I just have to leave everything behind and find my own happiness and freedom, please believe me, I never wish to forget you". I said bowing down my head.

"Maryam, I understand you. It's fine, I'm glad to see you". He said. I raised up my head to him and I saw him smiling widely at me. What?! Isn't he supposed to be mad at me?

"Khalid... I'm sorry". I said again.

"It's fine seriously Maryam. Let's get you to the hospital, your leg need to be treated".

"Erm....actually, there's nothing wrong with me, I just had to lie in order to get your attention.

"You lying snitch!". He glared and I smiled wickedly.

"Sorry, that was the only way I could use to gain your attention". I said as I stood up on my feet.

He helped me with my bag before asking. "So, how are you doing?".

"I'm good".

"You know, I know where you went to, but I wanted to give you your privacy, that's why I didn't bother you".

'Thank you Khalid. For being understanding". I said while he nod his head.

"Back for good?".

"Yes...."

"Did you also know that Mom was sick?".

"Yes..he...he told me".

"Hmmm". I hummed.

"So, how is life with you? Any lucky girl?".

"Well.....yes, there's".

"Really?! like really, really?!". I asked excitedly and he nod his head.

"Who? Is she pretty?".

"Calm down woman, you talk too much. Well, she's someone that you know".

"Really? Wait a minute! Kareemah?". I guess and he nod smiling.

"I knew it!". I squeal happily and he laugh at my silliness.

He told me everything and I was so happy for the both of them. I wonder how will kareemah react when she sees me,will she get mad?

Not long after, my sister came,she was so happy to see me after two good years,I'm now back again.

We entered Maimuna's car as Khalid drove us home while his driver took his car back home. We were both happy to see each other and can't help stop gisting each with each other, Khalid only rolled his eyes at our childishness attitude but we don't care

When we reached home my parent were so happy,mom especially. She can't stop hugging me,I showed them my certificate and they were so proud of me. Mom cooked my favorite and we all eat and enjoyed our self not long after that,Khalid decide to take his leave.

I begged him not to let anyone knows that I'm back and he promised not to,before he left.

We talked and talk till I felt tired and mom asked everyone to go and sleep. That night, mom tugged me to sleep. I mean, I'm not a kid anymore right? Before darkness engulf me, I promised to go check up on my mother in-law first thing tomorrow morning.

I closes my eyes ready to fall into dream land when I heard Mom voice. "Good night my beautiful daughter.. I really missed you a lot. Thank you for coming back". She said and I smile a little before sleep took over me.