The Young Scholar Chapter 1 Episode 23

 EPISODE 23
 

 
Author’s POV
“Peace for thyself is the peace for thy neighbour which begins with a prayer.” “Your neighbour is your nearest family.” “Love your neighbour as you will love yourself.”
 
 
A beautiful warm morning… After Subhi Salat Abdulrasaq returned home to take a nap. At exactly 8:30am in the morning, the postal man  bang at his door.
 
Postal man – knock knock… (He bang the door with his closed hands)
 
Abdulrasaq – Asalamu alaikum… Please give me 5seconds. (He came out to see who it was)
 
Postal man – Good morning sir…  
 
Abdulrasaq – Good morning to you older man.
 
Postal man – Are you Mr. Abdulrasaq Muhammad?
 
Abdulrasaq – Yes sir… How can I be of help to you? (Speaking in a respectful manner)
 
Postal man – I came to deliver a letter to you… Here! (He handed the sealed envelope to Abdulrasaq)
 
Abdulrasaq – Thank you very much sir (He read the address on the top end of the letter, it reads “From Nana hauwa to Abdulrasaq”)  
 
He entered his house and open the envelope to read the letter.
 
It reads:  
 
Dear Abdulrasaq,  
 
How are you and hope everything is fine with you? I’m glad you found a new family who care about you so much.  
I also want to apologize to you my son for not being able to reply your letter earlier because of my health condition.  
 
I really do need you around because I have missed you.  
Remember the words of your father, Obey Allah and be respectful. I know you will always make us proud.
 
Yours sincerely,  
Nanahauwa
 
In his mind he thought of what could possibly be wrong with his mom and felt very uncomfortable learning she’s not healthy.
 
Abdulrasaq – I think I will need to go and see her. (He couldn’t sleep again, he became so restless)
 
Mummy Khadijah – kpo kpo kpo… Asalamu alaikum mallam Abdulrasaq. Come make we see your face well this morning.
 
Abdulrasaq – Wa alaikum salam ma (He came out as instructed)  
 
Mummy Khadijah – I don miss your gist and company and assistance.
 
Abdulrasaq – same here.. unfortunately I will be traveling tomorrow morning Insha Allah.
 
Hearing this Khadijah came out from her house immediately..
 
Khadijah – Where are you traveling to?
 
Mummy Khadijah – take am easy Khadijah, Ahh haa, you not me ask the question myself.
 
Khadijah – sorry mom, I was just curious.
 
Abdulrasaq – I am going to Kene tomorrow.. I got a letter from my mom and she said she had been sick.  
 
Mummy Khadijah – Ohh so unfortunately.. you really need to go check up on her.
 
Khadijah – (feeling sad… She went back inside angrily)
 
Abdulrasaq – (noticed his intention to travel hurts Khadijah) I will have to inform my leaders in the mosque and my friends so they will all be aware.
 
Abdulrasaq spends the rest of the day arranging his bags and luggages then also inform the important people about his journey.
 
After ishai that evening, he noticed Khadijah was still looking moody and sad, so he had to call her to spend one last moment with her.  
 
Abdulrasaq – I’m sorry this my journey is impromptu. I just got out from prison and I’m going on a sort of vacation. You’re already missing me right?
 
Khadijah – it’s okay I understand you have to go.. I’m okay with it.
 
Abdulrasaq – I know you not okay and I’m really sorry this time… But you deserve to know this “You’re the only lady who has caught my attention and when the time comes to choose a soulmate, I will choose you”
 
Khadijah – (put on a very lovely smile) You really feel the same way about me?
 
Abdulrasaq – (smiled) if I say I do it’s more like we are starting a relationship… I’ll have to give you an answer to that when I’m back.
 
Khadijah – Promise me you won’t stay too long
… Please, a day without seeing you it’s like a thousand days. When you were in custody I felt in complete.
 
Abdulrasaq – I’m really sorry about how you feel.. you need to try control it. You can fast and give charity.
 
Khadijah – Just Promise me you won’t stay too long…
 
Abdulrasaq – I wish I could make such promise… Just help me hang on the word I say to you “You’re the only lady who has caught my attention and when the time comes to choose a soulmate, I will definitely choose you” because I care too.
 
Khadijah – (blushing.. ) Thank you.. (she wish, she could hug him) I know you won’t let me hug you..
 
Abdulrasaq – I will but tomorrow when you will bid me goodbye.
 
Khadijah – okay dear.. I’ll miss you
 
Abdulrasaq – Me too… Let’s go to bed, it’s late
 
They both went inside their various home to crash for the night.
 
Curtains…
 
 
It was a very long night for Khadijah. She couldn’t sleep because she had a lot of things running through her mind. Her Obsession for the Young Scholar became so intense and she just doesn’t want him out of her sight.  
 
Khadijah – ( maybe he will just stay for a day.. no no a day is too short the distance is far. I guess he will stay for a week or a month)
I just hope he returns back on time. I pray so  
 
She kept on illusinating until she eventually fell asleep…
 
The morning fast approached and the Young Scholar got set to leave Apelle. His well wishers came to bid him goodbye.
 
Mummy Khadijah – (Present a small gift rapped in a fancy nylon) Here give this to your mom for me
 
Abdulrasaq – Thank you very much ma
 
Daddy Khadijah, Daddy Habib and Daddy Summaiyah gave him some money. So much love and assistance from neighbors. The Young Scholar is really very lucky.
 
Abdulrasaq – You all are my family and I know Allah will give us an opportunity to meet again. I want all of you to remain this loving to one another even in my absence. This is how we are supposed to live with one another, This is Islam (he entered the vehicle as the passengers complete)
 
Tears roll down their chick as they all waved him goodbye. In their heart they hope that someday their path will meet again…
 
To be Continued….
 
The End of Chapter 1
 
Written by Masud Umoru