The Young Scholar Chapter 2 Episode 5

Author’s POV 

 “You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness”

Continuation from previous episode…

After rejoicing for an hour, Khadijah and her family made a toast to mark this special day. Yakub arrived shortly and both (i.e Yakub and Khadijah) of them made a conclusion on a fixed date for her Nikkah.

Yakub – Asalamu Alaikum Sir… (Talking with Khadijah’s dad) Khadijah and I have pick a date for our Nikkah ceremony and we will like to let you know about it.

Daddy Khadijah – Masha Allah… What day is it? So we should get prepared.

Yakub – on Friday, April 3rd  next month. It would be done immediately after Jummah prayer.

Mummy Khadijah – I think that day would be a public holiday. It’s a “good Friday”

Daddy Khadijah – Masha Allah.. May Allah grant us long life and prosperity.

Yakub – Amin (They all said Amin)

Meanwhile Khadijah tried to know what Amina intended to tell her, so she met with her privately.

Khadijah – Amina, you were trying to tell me something before mummy scold you. What is it tell me.

Amina – it’s nothing to worry about sist.

Khadijah – Are you sure?

Amina – Yes I’m sure

Khadijah – Even though you are sure, still tell me what I need to hear.

Amina – it’s about Yusuf and Habib. They came here last night.

Khadijah – Really? What brought them here?

Amina – They just came to invite mom and dad that they are getting married soon.

Khadijah – Wow… Allahuakbar!!… Thank God. I’m so so happy for them. When, have they fixed a date?

Amina – Yes they have… It think Yusuf’s own is next week.. and Habibs own the following week.

As they were discussing, Mummy Khadijah caught them again and became so furious at Amina.

Mummy Khadijah – Amina is something wrong with you. Didn’t I warned you not to say anything with that your big mouth? (She search for a cane as she spoke)

Khadijah – Mummy please calm down, she’s just telling me about Yusuf and Habib’s Nikkah. Why didn’t you want her to tell me about it?

Mummy Khadijah – (still furious… Brought out a cane and bonce on Amina) When I deal with you now you’ll know when ever I tell you to keep shut you’ll keep shut.

Amina – Mummy please I’m so sorry… It was Khadijah that came to meet to tell her.. I swear I didn’t tell her anything else.(she cries)

Mummy Khadijah – Shut up your mouth (She kept flogging/whiping her.

Khadijah – (Looking confused) Mom please stop it we have a guest and you are doing this.. why are you beating her up?.. is there something else you are hiding from me?..

Daddy Khadijah and Yakub rushed in to see what was going on as they heard Amina screaming..

Daddy Khadijah – What is going on here? (He asked)

Yakub – (held Mummy Khadijah’s hand and collected the cane from her)… Please ma have mercy on her.

Mummy Khadijah – (Still furious) Walked away to the sitting room.

Daddy Khadijah – (followed his wife to know why she was so furious) Honey… Why did you get so furious, what’s wrong?

Mummy Khadijah – I’m sorry my husband. I just don’t want anything to spoil our daughter’s mind on getting married to Yakub.

Daddy Khadijah – Why do you fear this much?

Mummy Khadijah – Because Abdulrasaq is back and I know our daughter she loves this man too much. And I don’t think he cares about her that way. I don’t want her to lose this opportunity she has now.

Daddy Khadijah – Everything would be fine my dear.

Khadijah heard everything but kept calm. Yakub pet Amina and then prepared to leave.

Yakub – I will have to leave now.. Please ma take it easy on Amina she is just a little girl.

Mummy Khadijah – Thank you very much my in-law. I’m so sorry for the embarrassment

Yakub – It’s okay ma… I understand. (He held Khadijah’s hand and they both walked out together)

Khadijah – (quiet and down)

Yakub – What’s up with you?… You seem sad?

Khadijah – Nothing… I’m fine. Just not happy with the way my mom beat Amina.

Yakub – I know, Just Cheer up. You can talk to her later to know why she was so upset.

Khadijah – I know why already…

Yakub – (He opened his car) Why?…

(They both heard as a voice screamed out to call “Khadijah”)

Khadijah – (Turned to see who it was)…

Yakub – (saw the face) Who’s that?

Khadijah – That’s Abdulrasaq… The Young Scholar….

To be continued…

Written by Masud Umoru