Bamalli's Empire
Abuja,Nigeria.
11:PM
Handsome
I stepped my legs out of the plane,taking the air of my home,Nigeria. The place I've gotten accustomed to since my childhood,it's not my origin but it's a place that I can call my home,a place I had come to cherish.
As I descended, I had hoped to keep our return discreet, but the number of media and paparazzi was overwhelming. I couldn't help but let out a grunt of annoyance.
I despised this kind of attention, especially when I knew they'd all be clamoring for my wife's attention. They were eager to capture us in photographs and bombard us with questions about our honeymoon. Some were already snapping pictures as we made our way through the airport.
With the assistance of our guards, we managed to slip away to where our cars were parked. My hand tightly holding hers, we got into the luxurious Mercedes Maybach S650, followed by the rest of our convoy. It felt good to be back, and the atmosphere was surreal.
As the massive gate swung open, our cars sped in. I held her hand as we made our way toward the main entrance, with maids and guards in their uniforms welcoming us with greetings. She responded to each greeting with a smile, while I pretended not to hear any of it.
First love,wasn't in the main parlor, so we headed for the elevator. My wife couldn't stop smiling, as if she had won a prestigious award. I opened my arms for her when we arrived, but to my surprise, she went straight to Beauty, embracing her affectionately. I bit my lower lip, feeling annoyed and somewhat neglected. I couldn't stand sharing my mother's attention with anyone, not even my wife, who was currently in her arms.
I clenched and unclenched my fists, struggling to maintain control. "Control, control," my subconscious reminded me. I took a deep breath before sitting on a wicker chair in the room, watching them exchange pleasantries as if they had forgotten I was even there. Or maybe they had forgotten.
I cleared my throat for what felt like the hundredth time to grab their attention, and finally, I succeeded. "Oh, Handsome," First love said as if she had just noticed my presence, even though she had clearly seen me first.
"No don't come towards me. Is it not her alone that you know? Since I'm now an outcast just let me be alone" I said feigning my anger although I am upset but never at my sweetheart.
"Okay,Beauty lets go" she said with a shrug turning back her attention to Beauty.
Knowing she could actually leave suppressing the urge in her to hug me I quickly took a single step and engulfed her in my arms.
Her lips soon stretched into a smile and she turned before Pecking my forehead.
First love, with her infectious laughter, said, "Oh, my dear, you're still the same. Always craving for my attention!"
I grinned, feeling a bit sheepish. "Well, you know, you are my first love."
She's the only person in the whole world I can act my real self around,she breaks all the walls I've built around me. Around her there's never a boring moment,there's never a scowl on my face or if there is then it's feigned.
She chuckled. "I'll share my attention with your lovely wife, don't worry. After all, she's brought more joy into your life than anyone else."
I laughed at her statement inside my mind,what joy did she brought to the table?
As we settled into our luxurious mansion, First love insisted on a grand lunch. Maids and guards bustled about, ensuring our meal was nothing short of a royal feast. We laughed and chatted as we savored each bite, surrounded by the ones who had become more like family than staff.
Later in the day, after a sumptuous meal, we retired to the garden for dessert. As we sat in the garden, surrounded by the beauty of blooming flowers and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze,the table was adorned with an array of delectable sweets. First love couldn't contain her excitement as she said,
"Habibi, you must try this dessert; it's simply divine!"
I obliged and took a bite. "Wow, you're right,Firstluv! This is incredible."
First love, always the one to break the ice, said, "You know, when you were a little boy, you used to hide your spinach under the table."
I chuckled, recalling those mischievous childhood days. "I thought I was so clever back then."
Beauty couldn't help but join in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Oh, really? Tell me more embarrassing stories about him, please." She said stifling her laughter
First love leaned in with a conspiratorial grin. "Well, there was the time he tried to cook scrambled eggs for the first time. Claiming he wants to help me out in the kitchen,I'm telling you. He ended up with a smoke-filled kitchen and scrambled eggs that resembled rubber!"
I couldn't help but laugh at the memory,but I was quick to take the smile off. Now Beauty will make fun of me and I hate beign disrespected.
"Hey, I improved since then. Now I can make a mean omelette."
Beauty giggled, clearly entertained by these anecdotes. "I have to say, I'm glad I met the refined, egg-cooking version of you."
Well,she's so good at acting is all I can say.
Who would look at us and believe that we aren't really in love if we could act this good? No one actually!
First love nodded in agreement. "Yes, he's come a long way. But let me tell you, even as a little boy, he was always so protective. There was this time when a bully tried to bother him at school..."
I interjected, grinning proudly. "And I punched the boy right on the nose. He never attempted to bother me again."
Beauty raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her face. "You were a little fighter, weren't you?"
First love nodded, still chuckling. "Yes, he was. But he also had a soft side. He used to sneak into the kitchen to steal cookies."
I pretended to look scandalized. "First luv , that's way getting out of line,you're revealing all my secrets!"
She patted my hand affectionately. "Oh, don't worry, dear. We all have our little secrets. Like the time I caught you trying to feed your vegetables to the dog,and the times you pretend to be sick just so I don't go to work and stay with you all day during your holidays."
Beauty burst into laughter, and I joined in, feeling the warmth of these shared memories. In that beautiful garden, surrounded by the people I loved most, we continued to exchange stories, laughter, and love, cherishing each moment together.
Loved most??
How is that even possible,well just scratch that.
And then I decided to ask her the million dollar question.
"First luv,do you have to send someone to capture our every move?" I asked and she smiled not even looking taken aback. Like she was expecting the question soon enough.
"You know, I just wanted to make sure you guys are safe. The two of you are my only reason to keep living and well I've to live to see my grandchildren. Isn't it?" and I nodded not even shyly. She's the last person I will act shy around!
"You did what you think was right for us" Beauty chirped in obviously trying to change the topic.
"Stay blessed my children. Allah kawo mun jikoki soon. Can't wait to hold your child to my chest" she said dreamily and I felt my chest tightened.
Why can't I give my only love the happiness she deserves?
Why can't I make her happy?
I know that there's no going back when it comes to this marriage,I'm I going to keep living this way,having a wife and not using her in the rightful way.
Sure I also want to see a child I can call mine,not later on in my life.
It just has to happen now.
Hours later, I found myself growing impatient. I needed to act on this desire that had been festering inside me. I turned to my wife and said firmly,
"Beauty let's go" I said losing my patience.
Her face fell instantly, and she began to turn away, her eyes welling with tears. "Haba, Handome, please let me spend the night here," she pleaded, but I couldn't wait any longer. The need to place my child in her womb that very night consumed me.
"No, Beauty, don't argue with your husband," First love chimed in, attempting to defuse the situation. "You both just came back. You need some rest."
Reluctantly, Beauty stood up, holding her veil in her hand. She draped her shawl over her shoulders. I placed my hand around her shoulders and first luv looked at us her gaze filled with so much warmth.
When we were closed to the door without a word I took the veil from her hands and draped it on her head closing her hair that was on display earlier.
As we drove back in silence, I couldn't help but think about the drastic step I was about to take. M
When I parked the car she was quick to alight.
Standing in the hallway,I reached for my phone and dialed Sam's number.
"Hey, what's up, man? An gama cin amarci an tuna damu. So You're back already?" Sam's voice came through.
"Yeah, back with the woman I can't stand," I replied, frustration evident in my tone.
Sam sighed. "Well, continue telling yourself that, but deep down, you know the truth."
Ignoring his comment, I outlined my intentions to him, explaining my plan to drug Beauty in order to achieve my selfish desires.
Sam's response was swift and sharp. "Amma Kai anyi dan iska wlh. This is not right, Handsome. You claim not to love her, yet you want to use her for your own gain? You want to use her so she could conceive and give birth to your kids. It's selfish and cruel."
I interrupted him, growing impatient with his moralizing. "I didn't call you for a lecture, Sam. I'll do what I want. And besides I'm sure you can do even more worst than this "
He pushed back, his voice firm. "This is unfair and downright wicked. If you don't love her, why rob her of her dignity? Why take away her choice?"
I hesitated for a moment, then countered, "Who said she's innocent? Who knows what
she might be hiding?"
"Oh Handsome except if you don't want to accept the truth but you very well know that she's not into bad stuffs" I hissed,who knows?
She might even be really worst.
"Well I've said my own opinion and it's left to you but you don't need to follow this way. Don't forget how you treated her life back then and now you want to rape her?" He said sounding quite unbelievable
Sam wasn't swayed. "Handsome, if you don't love her, then divorce her. Let her go and find happiness elsewhere."
My frustration flared. "I can't do that. Not as long as First love is alive and well."
My words hung in the air, and I realized the slip I had made. But I quickly covered it up, determined to stick to my plan.
"Well of course I have to divorce her but only after she gives birth to at least three children for me"
"Just believe me,you love her dude"
"I told you I don't. How many time do you want me to tell you that I in fact hate her"
Sam's final advice was laced with concern. "Try to make her fall in love with you, if only for your own sake. But don't force it. Otherwise, she'll hate you, and you'll pay the price."
I dismissed his advice with a disdainful snort. "I have other things to worry about."
"Fine," Sam responded tersely. "But remember, if you go through with this plan and she tells First love, don't come looking for me."
With that, Sam hung up, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the troubling path I had chosen. My egoistic and wicked desires were leading me down a dangerous road, one where the consequences might be far greater than I could ever anticipate.
Beauty
Unbeknownst to me, tears began to stream down my cheeks, and in my fear of being heard, I quickly muffled my sobs with my palm. I had heard everything, every cruel word that Handsome had spoken the night before.
Innalillahii wa inna ilaihir raji'un, I whispered silently, seeking solace in prayer. Now, I questioned whether Handsome had any chance of entering paradise, for his cruelty knew no bounds. I couldn't fathom why the world had dealt me such a cruel hand.
The soft feelings I thought had begun to grow between us vanished instantly, and any hopes that he might be changing for the better evaporated. It seemed that everything that had transpired during our honeymoon had been nothing but a facade.
La haula wala quwwata illa billah,
I continued to pray as tears stained my cheeks.
Allahumma ajirni fi musibati waklifni khair an minha.
With each prayer, I found a modicum of relief.
That night, sleep eluded me completely, and an overwhelming sense of fear enveloped me like an impenetrable shroud. It felt like he would attack me any time soon.
I felt small, naive, and utterly powerless, incapable of facing the magnitude of the situation that had befallen me. It was all too much to bear.
Throughout those long, harrowing hours, I clung to my faith, turning to prayer and the soothing verses of the Qur'an. Verses that I thought of.
وَإِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ فَارْغَبْ
(And to your Lord direct [your] longing)
The verse encouraged me as it emphasize turning to Allah in times of distress and placing our hopes and desires in Him.
The words of the Almighty provided a fragile sanctuary, offering solace to my trembling soul. They were a beacon of light in the darkness, a source of peace in a heart wracked with fear, transcending the boundaries between purity and imperfection.
The next morning, I woke up feeling weary and drained, my eyes puffy from crying. I managed a weak smile as I caught my reflection in the bathroom mirror, telling myself that this too shall pass. Quranic verses came to mind, offering a glimmer of hope.
قُل لَّن يُصِيبَنَا إِلَّا مَا كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَنَا هُوَ مَوْلَانَا ۚ وَعَلَى اللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ "الْمُؤْمِنُونَ
(Say, "Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector." And upon Allah let the believers rely.)
This verse reminded me to trust in Allah's decree and rely on Him during trials, knowing that He is my only protector.
ًAfter my morning routine, I dressed in a simple brown one-shoulder dress, its length above my knee. I pulled my hair into a messy bun, not bothering with my appearance, as the weight of the previous night still pressed heavily upon me. Every glance at my face would reveal the turmoil within.
I descended the stairs, my heart pounding with apprehension, dreading an encounter with Handsome. The maids greeted me politely, but I responded with a mere nod, my thoughts elsewhere.
"Hey," I called one of them, my voice trembling.
"Is he out?" I asked, and she confirmed with a nod. Only then did I allow myself a sigh of relief.
"What did he have for breakfast?" I inquired further, although I knew he only ate food prepared by me, First love, or the chef back in Bamalli's empire.
"Only coffee," she replied, and I signaled for her to leave. She scurried away, and I finally relaxed a fraction.
"Madam, your breakfast is ready in the dining room," another maid informed me.
"Who cooked today?" I asked, eyeing the line of male chefs that stood before me.
"As from today, I'll be the one cooking in this house, except when I'm in school during lunch hours," I declared. "I'll handle both breakfast and dinner. The rest of the chefs can prepare meals for themselves and the house staff. Is that clear?"
They all nodded in unison, and I continued, "I don't want to see any of you wandering around the house when he's present. None of you should enter his apartment for cleaning purposes either. We will make use of the intercom if you're needed."
I ate breakfast in silence, my mind still consumed by thoughts of the previous night. After the meal, I retreated to my apartment, holding my phone tightly as I contemplated who to call, who to share my plight with. There was only one person who could understand, my confidante, Ameesha.
"Amarya," I choked out when she answered, and I immediately burst into tears, finally releasing the heavy burden on my chest. Ameesha listened patiently, letting me cry it all out.
As my sobs subsided, I recounted the dreadful events of the previous night, sharing every painful detail with her. Ameesha took a deep breath before offering her thoughts.
"Are you still there?" she asked, and I nodded, grateful for her presence.
"This is a serious situation, but don't worry, I've got you. We'll find a solution together."
"Ameey, I don't want a solution," I confessed, tears still lingering in my eyes. "All I want is a divorce. I can't endure this any longer. I'm afraid of the day he'll take advantage of me, and I can't bear it. I'm vulnerable, too weak to face this. It's too much."
Ameesha reassured me, her voice soothing. "No, baby, don't say that. You're strong, not weak. Insha Allah, nothing like that will happen. Just continue to be patient and don't ever think of ending your marriage again, even if it's toxic. Hold on."
But I couldn't contain my frustration. "Ameey, do you know what you're saying? It's clear that he doesn't love me. How can I do this? I deserve happiness too."
"I think you have gone crazy,I can see you are losing it but calm down. Do you think he'll divorce you whilst First luv is alive or I dunno maybe you want her to die so it could be possible"
"Ya ilahii! Ameey I didn't even thought about that. Those that means our marriage is not dying anytime soon. What can I do please? I want a man,I really need a man. You can't believe how I've been enduring staying close to him through out the holiday despite all the concoctions Aunt Falmata had used on me. I seriously need a man,someone who'll cherish me and make me the happiest woman that I deserve to be".
Ameesha's reply was gentle. "But do you love him? If you do, then stay and make him fall in love with you. You're a woman, Beauty, and you possess everything, and more, that a man could desire."
"That's not the point, Ameey. I thought he was changing, that he cared for me, but he proved me wrong. I want a divorce; I can't stay with him any longer."
My friend tried to reason with me. "I can feel your pain, but please, continue to be patient. Try to change him for the better, and I promise you, by Allah's will, both of you won't regret getting married."
"I'm afraid of him, Ameey," I confessed, my fear vivid in my voice.
"Hey, what have you done with the Beauty I've known for a decade? Where's that strong, no-nonsense girl?" Ameesha asked, her voice filled with concern and warmth.
"She's gone, Ameey. Yazeed killed her," I said, my voice breaking.
"Then bring her back," Ameesha encouraged, "because she's the only one who can help you survive in this cloak of darkness."
With Ameesha's words echoing in my mind, I made a silent promise to myself that somehow, I would find a way to resurrect that strong, resilient part of me and confront the challenges ahead.
***
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For anyone out there facing any hardship remember this verse
لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۚ رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَا إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِ ۖ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا ۚ أَنتَ مَوْلَانَا فَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ
(Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear. [...] So pardon us and forgive us and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people.)
Let it remind you that Allah does not give us trials beyond our capacity to endure and encourages us to seek His forgiveness and mercy during difficult times.
So keep being strong,be patient and one day it'll all be a story Indeed, keep your strength and patience unwavering, for one day, the hardships you face will become stories of resilience and triumph. As the Quran reminds us:
Surah Az-Zumar (39:10):
Say, "O My servants who have believed, fear your Lord. For those who do good in this world is good, and the earth of Allah is spacious. Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account."
And again in Surah Al-Isra (17:109):
And they fall upon their faces weeping, and it increases them in humble submission.
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286):
...Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...
In times of hardship, remember that your patience and trust in Allah's plan are building a stronger, more resilient you. One day, you will look back on these trials as stepping stones to a brighter future, guided by the light of faith and perseverance.
So keep it going!