Sworn Sisters

It's another beautiful morning or maybe not

Kalthum turned and stretched in her bed as she welcomed the shining sun into her room with her eyes tightly close. She heaved in a long breath and a smile graced herlips when she felt the nice heat of the sun on her face.

" Finally, it's another monday " she yawned hungrily followed by the growling sound of her stomach. Yesterday she had to go to bed with an empty stomach since there wasn't food at home. She never allows their lack of money to affect her even a bit. Kalthum would always stand strong and smile it off.

She got out of her cracking sound bed. The bed ought to have been changed years ago but what option does she have when they don't even have moneyto complete their 3 daily meals the way they like. It has always been hard for their mother ever since their dad died with no family support .

Kalthum isn't classify as a rich girl even when their father was alive but atleast they never missed any meal of the day and things were kind of normal back then without complaints or everyday nagging.

She went out of her room to greet her mother who was already prepared for work. She teach in a government school down their area. The pay isn't good enough but they are surviving. Especially now that it's hard to get a job.

" Good morning mom"

Her mother Suwayba forced a smile" morning dear" she zipped up her hand bag." how was your night? "

" it was ok" kalthum replied curtly. She couldn't help the Hunger so she asked " uhm mom what do we have in the kitchen?I swear my stomach has been growling for food since I woke up " she expected to be nagged at but was surprised at her mother's response.

Suwayba heaved a sigh " My dear, I cooked some rice when I woke up. It's there in the kitchen. Make sure you leave some for your sister " her mother apprehended

" I'll mom. " she was over the moon. Aleast she will have something to put in her stomach before going to school

" anyways, when your sister wakes up tell her not to forget the message I left for her "

"OK mom" she nodded " I'll tell her "

" Good. I'll be on my way "

" I can help you with your bag" kalthum offered

" No, I can do it myself. " Suwayba declined and left the house.

j

There wasn't any close relationship between Suwayba and kalthum. Kalthum had always been a daddy's girl. His demise was so hard on her.

She never expected him to leave so soon. She always remember his last words" Take care of the family when I'm gone " he had whispered.

She doesn't understand why her dad would say that to her. She is the youngest. Why didn't he say that to her senior sister, Basma?

She remembered shrugging what her father told her, she believes that he only said so because he just felt like saying it. It was the heat of the moment, she always classify it as that .

She decided to end all thoughts and tend to her growling stomach. The rice wasn't that much but atleast enough to stop the growling. She drank some water after she was done and went straight to wake her sister.

On her way she heard her sister shouting at someone on the phone

" you can't do this to me "

Who could she be talking to? Kalthum wondered

" How can you dump me like that as if I didn't mean anything to you. Remember how I always do everything to satisfy you"

Everywhere was quiet again. It seems the other person was saying something

" just get off my phone! " kalthum heard her sister yelled

" ahhhhhhhjhnjhhh! I hate him !I hate him" her sister kept yelling in her room.

Kalthum decided to just barge in, she was worried for her .

" Basma? Is everything alright? " she asked with eyes wide upon seeing the stateher sister was in.

Basma stared a her with puffy eyes " he dumped me" she sobbed.

Kalthum ran to hug her tight " who is he? Who are you talking about? " she was confused.

" The man I was going out with " she said and wiped her tears.

Kalthum furrowed her brows, she never knew her sister was going out with someone. They always told each other things, then why didn't she tell her?

" Did he tell you his reason for dumping you on the phone? "

" No" Basma wiped her tears " I don't even know why I'm crying over him. Don't mind me "

" are you sure? "

" yes" she flashed her thirty two " believe me "

Kalthum heaved a sigh and shrugged " OK then since you say so"

" so.... What brought you here anyways? " Basma asked as she took a towel from her hanger. It was as if she isn't the one crying just now.

Kalthum realised that she had something to tell her sister

" I almost forgot. Mom said I should remind you about the message she left for you"

With furrowed brows " and what is the message?"

" how would I know " she shrugged " she didn't tell me"

" message? What message? I really don't remem...... Oh! I've totally forgotten "

" I can see now you remember "

" wallahi . I don't know how I almost forgot " she said with a slight hit of her head

" if I may ask what could this message be? " Kalthum asked skeptically. She wonders why her sister has that happy smile on her face. The smile has so much meaning to it.

Basma who was trying to pull off her clothes paused to answer her little sister

"of course I'll tell you"

" yay! " she squealed happily. She didn't expect this "I'm all ears" she sat on the bed.

" Do you remember the popular Aminu Dantata family that you know? The same one living in that GRA close to your friend's house"

" yes " kalthum nodded. Her sister have always been a fan of that family. She have always wishedto be a friend to one of the Dantata's daughters. That will never be possible because rumours has it that they are snobbish.

" That is where mom sent me to, can you imagine! " she said like it was the most important place in the whole wide world.

" so? Is that why you're this hyper?" Kalthum couldn't help but say

Basma scoffed " why do you say it like that? Like it doesn't worth my happiness "

" of course I know you've always wanted to go into that mansion. It's not as if they are some God or something. You always put them on high pedestal after all you've learnt about them being snobbish"

" excuse you young lady! Are you jealous because mom sent me there not you? "

Kalthum knew it would lead to an argument or whatsoever. Its not as if she was jealous, what she is annoyedwith is how high her sister talks about that family upon all the rumours.

Quite alright it's not as ifKalthum is a fan ofrumors , she herself had witness this snobbish act from one of the children. It happens to her friend who lives close to the Dantata's house.

" I'm sorry if you felt that I was jealouls. Wallahi I'm not,I'm only trying to prevent you from their rude ways. I don't like it when any of my family are being downgraded " she explained herself.

Basma smile at her sister "you shouldn't worry about that sis. I know how to handle myself "

she went forward to pull her cheeks

" hey stop it. It's painful " Kalthum swats her hand and rub the area her sister pulled.

" sorry"

Kalthum only glares at her playfully " you haven't told me what the message is all about? "

" You remember mom's friend, Umm kamal? "

"yes" she nodded " what's up with her? "

" She works for the Dantata family. She works there from Monday to Wednesday but will soon retire. "

" what does she do for them? "

" she does the dishes. Anyways as I was saying, mom asked me to take that clothes over there to her since she wouldn't be at her own house till on Thursday."

" oh"

" yes oh. Now You can See that I have a tangible reason for going there and you have nothing to worry about. I can handle all snobbish act. Don't forget I'm your big sister " she added with a smile.

Kalthum playfully rolled her eyes " gerrout DanAllah"

" ke kika sani. Is there anything eatable in the kitchen ?" she asked as she wrapped the towel around her body.

" yeah. Their is rice in the kitchen "

" ok"

" I might be gone for school before you get out of the bathroom "

" OK no problem. Wish you all the best and also greet your boyfriends fo....... "

Kalthum didn't wait to hear more as she banged the door with a loud sound. That's her sister for you. She has always been the social one amongst them.

***

" Aunty Suwayba, the principal called for a meeting. Come let's go" another teacher from another class came to inform her .

" what is it about? "

" I don't know " the woman shrugged

Teachers are being called for meeting by their principal who claims that she has important news to share with them. This has put the teachers in the dark. They could not stop wondering what this important gathering was for.

Chattering amongst them never stops. They shared their own maybes on what this meeting is all about .

The moment the principal walked in, all chattering stops. They all greeted her.

" Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I apologize for this unannouncedmeeting"

" so.. I'm sure we all know about this delay of salary payment. It isn't my wish for it to be delayed. Some of you haven't even received your last month payment but I assure you that it will be paid by the end of this month "

The staff concerned thanked her

" but unfortunately, today as I entered into the office I got this message from the government. This message states that we the staff of this school and also all government school in this state will now be receiving half of the salary which we normally use to earn before. "

Alot of "ah" eh" innalillahi" " jesus" and so many other exclamation went round . They never expect it and here they have been complaining about the salary being too small!.

" but why ma? " a staff asked

" They didn't state their reasons but they assured us that it will only be for a short period of time. I'm so sorry that we have to bear with them. If any of you cannot cope with this changes, I'll understand if you decide to look for better jobs out there.Thanks for your time " She finished and left the room.

Suwayba couldn't believe her ears. How will she cope with her two daughter's school fees? not even only that, they also have bills to pay. This is becoming too much for her. Her mind was already made up. She now knows which step to take whether it hurts anyone or not she doesn't care.

After her GST202 test, Kalthum dragged her tired self outside. Here she thought the test was going to be simple but it wasn't . Now she understood why most of her course mate usually insult their gst lecturer . GST has always been a course that is known to be simple but this lecturer of theirs makes it hard for them for no reason.

She sighted her best friend sitting on the bench under the tree from afar. She yelled her name even when she knew people were looking at her like she was crazy. She didn't care so she shrugged

" Zaynab!" she shouted again and her friend heard her so she stood up and walked fast to catch up with kalthum.

"hey! How was the test? " Zaynab asked as she got closer

" Meeeen,it was crazy. What about you, did you enjoyed it?

Zaynab snorts" Enjoy what! I didn't enjoy anything fa. I didn't finish it self"

" I thought I was the only one that find the test hard!"

" You're not. Even all the gurus of the class also find it hard too" Zainab said with a small laugh " you need to see how they kept scowling "

Kalthum laughed along

" Have your sister called you yet?" zaynab asked after she sobered up

" Why would she call me? " Kalthum was confused so she furrowed her brows.

Zaynab rolled her eyes " have you forgotten where you said she was going today? "

" oh. You mean the Dantata's mansion " she blew out a breath" I'll get to ask her when I go home "

" ok " zaynab said " Anyways, guess who's back! "

Kalthum looked at her skeptically " who? "

" My brother. He called some minutes ago informing me about his arrival. Can you believe it"

A blush crept up kalthum's face " oh"

Her mind went back to her first and last conversation with him before he traveled 'I fancy you' so he told her.

Zaynab's brother is also one of Kalthum's many crush. Kalthum has always known him to be a playboy and you can't even imagine her reaction when he said those words to her plain self. Not once have she ever pictured that a playboy like him would have a crush on her. Since then, Zainab wouldn't stop teasing her about it.

" oh?! Is that the only thing you can say? Just oh? "

" Why are you acting so dramatic about it? "

" why wouldn't I be dramatic. I just told you that my brother who is crushing on you is back and the only reply you could give me was oh! Just imagine !"

Kalthum groaned softly " can you please reduce your volume? People are watching "

" I don't care "

" DanAllah enough. Infact I need to be home soon "

" is this your way of telling me that you're going to ditch me? " Zaynab pouted " if it's because of the talk about my brother, I was only joking "

" No,its not about that. I have some laundry to do "

" oh ok" she felt bad

" Don't worry, we'll have all the time tomorrow to talk " Kalthum assured her

" sure? "

" Very sure "

" Good. Lets go so I can escort you to stop a tricycle "

" Aww thanks bestie "

***

The moment Kathum entered the house, she knew something was off and why is because of the shoes outside. It's her mother's shoes, the same one she wore to school today. Why is she back so early? she wondered.

She said a little prayer in her mind hoping that it isn't another bad news. She said her entry greeting .

" you're finally back" came her mom's reply. Definitely something was wrong.

" yes mom." her eyes then shifted to her sister's who was trying hard to avoid eye contact.

" Good. Come have a seat .There is something I need to tell you " her mother told her.

She didn't waste anytime, nor did she asked any questions. She did as she was told. This must be serious.

" well, I'm sure you must be surprised to see me home this early "

Kalthum nodded. Afraid that her mouth might say the wrong thing especially now that her heart was beating rapidly.

" Good. Today at school we had this important meeting and the outcome wasn't good at all. "

Kalthum was still quiet. She waited for her mom to continue

" Our salary has been reduced. I'll be receiving half of the amount I normally collect.

" what! " kaltum shouted. This caught her by surprise. It's too small

" Thank you, imagine my expression too" her mom Suwayba said.

"Now what? " Kalthum couldn't help but ask. Already she knew where this might leads to.

" I'm getting there already "

" OK "

" luckily when I got home your sister told me about this opportunity that atleast lightened my day a little bit. When she went to the Dantata's home, Umm kamal told her about this two vangant post in the house. They needed two cleaners "

" so? What does this has to do with us? "

" just listen" her mom said sternly. She hates It when she's being interrupted

" Since my salary can't pay yours and your sister's school fees,I was thinking that maybe after this semester, you two might need to defer your next two semesters so you can work in the Dantata's home as the cleaners they are looking for. By doing this you can earn money and I too can also look for a new job. It's only going to be for just one year"

One what?

" please mom I can't defer any semester. I can work and also go to school. I don't need to defer two semesters. Please mom"

" yes I also thought so but they demand that this cleaners must live in that house 24/7 . So now you see that you can't work and go to school at the same time "

" I can look for other jobs " Kalthum suggested

Her mom shot her a look " why are you always difficult? Your sister here have already agreed to it without complaining but your case is always different. "

My sister and I are two different people, kalthum wanted screaming back. Her sister have always dreamt of living in that mansion so this was her opportunity. Basma have never been serious with school anyways.

" Tell me where can you get a cleaning job that pays 50,000 naira per month? This is what they are willing to pay! why can't you just grab the opportunity. Imagine how much you'll receive for a whole year. This is an opportunity. Their isn't any harm in sacrificing a whole year to work. It's all for your own good "

This made sense somehow. But it's still hurting that her mate will leave her behind.

" just think about it sis. One year isn't that far. It'll come and pass like it never happened " Basma finally said something. She has been quiet all this time

" Don't mind her. She never sees the good side of things. " her mom said tersely and left the living room.

Suwayba's behavior towards her hurts alot, She wouldn't deny it.

" please sis"

Kalthum forced a smile. " I'll do it. after all is for everyone's good "

" yay! " Basma ran to hug her tightly " you'll never regret this"

" I hope so" she muttered quietly only to herself.

Dantata's house

A home filled with joy to some people while others classify it as a dungeon. The fact that their workers are paid so well isn't denied but these employees works almost twenty four hours a day without resting. They are also well fed too that's another advantage they have. Food wasn't a problem.

One of the oldest worker in the house umm Abdulrasheed, she is almost a mother to the children because she does almost all what is required of a mother to her children since their real mother is always busy with work same with their father. But unfortunately, not all the children are grateful to her for that . Some of them still makes sure she knows her place in the house.

Umm abdulrasheed climbed the staircase with a tray containing a plate of food and orange juice. She was heading to one of her favorites room, Faisal. He has been locked up in the gym room for almost five hours. She had to talk some sense into him for working himself up before he finally came out of the gym room.

umm rasheed knocked on the door

" come in" Faisal said

She twist the door knob and gently went in with the tray in hand " your food is here " she sang and went to put it on the small table close to his bed.

" Thanks " he took the glass cup of juice

She gave him a warm smile "I knew you are hungry. I wonder why you want to kill your self in that room full of iron " she shuddered

" how do you expect me to be as fit as this?" he pointed at his abs " I need to look healthy Nanny" he smile charmingly

He usually calls her nanny while some times he calls her granny.

She chuckles " just eat your food already before it gets cold "

Faisal dragged a stool and put it beside the table. He sat on it and dive into his food hungrily.

" have I told you that you're the best Cook?" he said with a mouthful of rice

" more than you can imagine " she answered with a slight chuckle

" then I'll keep on saying that cos your food is just the best" he told her almost spitting out some rice

" Manners boy, manners " she scolded

" This is what your food always do to me. I tend to forget my table manners" he drank some water.

She only shook her head at him. He was her best boy after all. More like a son to her

" I'll leave you to your food. I need to go check on the twins. Those two won't be the death of me " umm rasheed said with a roll of eyes

Faisal chuckles " Good luck with them" he thumbs up at her. " to be precise good luck with Hassana. Hussaina isn't around"

She blew a tired breath and finally went to the two tigress room. Hassana and hussaina, the last born of the house.

***

The girl with the beautiful doe eyes stare down at the poor woman whimpering on her knee

" how many times have I warned you to stop waking me up this early? " she gritted out

" MA, I swe-ar I didn't me-an to wake you up but your mo-m gave me orders to" she trembles on her words

" isn't that same thing? You still woke me up you stupid woman! "

" I'm so sorry ma. I'll never repeat it ever again "

" what's going on here " a wide eyes umm Rasheeda asked as she came into the room just to see one of the maid kneeling

" thank your lucky stars you got saved. Get out! " The maid need not to be told twice.

" I asked a question didn't I? What just happened? " umm Rasheeda asked the 19 years old in her front

Hassana scoffed " can you believe that good for nothing maid! She dares woke me up from my nice sleep. I don't know who even hired her! "

Umm Rasheeed stood speechless " is that why you were about to slap her? That woman was only doing her job for crying out loud and don't forget she can give birth to you"

" Then she should have waited till I woke up myself" Hassana shot back

" I can't believe that you're this wicked. "

She gasped " me? Wicked? What have I done now that is of any wickedness? Don't I have the right to put her in her place?. After all,she is here to work. She is just a slave to us same as you" she closed her mouth realizing her mistake

Umm Rasheed was already used to her harsh words "thank you so much for always reminding me of my place in this house. You're absolutely right, I'm a slave to you all" she gave a weak smile

" I'm so sorry nanny. I swear I didn't know when those words came out. I didn't mean to tell you off like that. You're like a mother to me and everyone of us "

" You don't need to lie just to make me feel good. You said what was already in your mind for a while now. Don't forget, this isn't your first time of saying this. " she sighed " don't you worry, I'll never disturb you ever again. I promise to stay on my lane from now henceforth. Have a nice day miss hassana" umm Rasheed went out heartbroken

Hassana blew a breath "I didn't mean to tell her off like that " she said to herself and went into the bathroom to do her business.

***

Immediately Umm Rasheed got out of the twins room, she broke into tears. She don't understand why that girl doesn't watch what she say. She is too spoilt and doesn't cares whether what she says to people hurts them or not. This isn't her first and this won't be her last either.

She wiped her tears and decide no to allow her words hurts her. In her old age,umm Rasheed still doesn't know what she is still doing here in the house. She ought to have left the house a long time ago if it wasn't for Faisal who is the one holding her back. That boy loves her so much as if she was his real mother.

If he finds her in this state she was in right now, Hassana wouldn't hear the end of it and umm rasheed don't want to be the reason why the two fight.

" Nanny? "

It seems luck wasn't on her side after all

Faisal stride to her with questioning eyes " what happened to you? Why is your eyes swollen? "

She tried avoiding his firm gaze on her " it's nothing son. A fly entered my eyes and I've been trying to remove it"

He snort" that's a plain lie nanny. Their is no single fly in this whole house. Please tell me what happened. Is it Hassana? I'm very sure she is the one. I'm going to deal with he-

" wait! " she dragged him back as he was about to enter the room " please just leave her alone "

" why would I leave her alone after she made you cry. This isn't the first time Nanny " he roared out

" just calm down please"

" I can't calm down if that good for nothing girl doesn't comes out of this room and apologize to you "

" please-

He entered without listening to her pleas

" HASSANA" Faisal yelled immediately he entered the room

The culprit was by the mirror. She was frightened by his sudden entrance. When she saw umm rasheed trailing behind him, she knew she was in trouble.

" ya-ya-

" Don't yaya me. How dare you! What gives you the audacity to insult Nanny here!

" Faisal-

" Nanny please let me handle this "

" Wallahi yaya I di-dn't me-an to talk ru-dely to her"

" of course you meant it. You've been doing this for a very long time now. Kneel down and apologize to her before I open my eyes " he commanded

Need not to be told twice hassana knelt down" I'm sorry nanny. I promise I won't insult you ever again"

" Anytime I find out that you talk back at her again, believe me you'll see the bad side of me. Infact I won't get that iPhone 11 Promax which I promised you as your birthday gift. That's my punishment for you .

" please yaya don't do this to me. Wallahi I've changed. Please forgive me " she broke into tears. Already she had advertised it to her popular rich friends the she would soon be a owner of an iPhone 11promax and they couldn't wait to lunch it together. How would she explain to them that she isn't going to get that phone again. They will label her as a liar.

" The deed has been done already."

" Faisal pleas-

" Nanny please leave me with her. She deserves it for all she has done to you"

" but -

" please Nanny "

Umm rasheed felt bad for Hassana. Yes, she is rude,proud, snobbish and spoilt but it still pains her that she is the reason why she wouldn't be able to receive her birthday gift from her brother.

" I'm so sorry yaya "

" sorry for yourself" he said and turn around to umm rasheed " nanny let's go"

Umm rasheed followed suit as they left the room leaving a sobbing Hassana behind.

" that was harsh" umm rasheed said immediately they were out of the room.

" that's what she gets for making you cry"

" but you promised to get her that phone as her birthday gift! It's bad not to fulfill a promise"

" I don't care nanny. I really don't care. If she like,she should cry from now till tomorrow , I just don't care, period"

She sighed " ok" and they both walked down the stairs

" So when are the two cleaners resuming? "

" umm kamal said they will start tomorrow "

" OK then. I need to be at the office now "

she smiled warmly at him" Alright dear. May Allah be with you" she stood on her tiptoes and peck him on his forehead.

" Thank you"

***