Chapter 9

"When did you even come back from Yola? How's yapendo?" Muhsin changed the topic because he knew how Yusuf would keep on insisting. "She's fine Alhamdulillah. They're also coming back to Abuja soon I think after Hadiza's wedding." They chit chatted more till muhsin was done with his work and they left the building together. "We should go to your house. I'm sure a delicious meal is waiting for you at home." "A delicious meal you say? You're joking right?" He laughed heartily. Yusuf slightly punched his shoulder, "stop joking around Muhsin. I know something delightful is already waiting for you at home." "I will not say anything because you'd think I'm accusing her but, let's get going then. You'll see everything with your own eyes." Muhsin hopped into his car as Yusuf also did the same. They both met at Muhsin's house. "I will show you the reason why I never invite anyone, I mean anyone to my house," he says as they walked towards the entrance. He opened the door and they walked into the grubby living room. Boxes of pizza and disposable cups lain around the living room. Pillows scattered everywhere. Her shoes, and scarfs careless scattered everywhere. What irritated him more was how the living room smelt and she didn't care. She raised her head up and looked at them. "Oh, Yusuf, you're welcome." She stood up from the couch while fixing her veil. For some reason she felt a bit awkward when she observed how he was looki around the living room in awe. "What is all this Amira? I don't even know if I'm married or I'm baby sitting. Just last night I cleaned everywhere in this living room but look at the filthy thing you did? Aren't you ashamed of yourself?" He was enraged. Not that he couldn't control himself but there were times that he gets fed up by her filthy behaviors. Yusuf didn't even get the chance to reply her greetings when muhsin started yelling at her. "Oh ya Rabbi, there he goes again. I'm sick and tired of this bullshit of yours, Muhsin. What the hell? Why do you keep bringing this up when this is all your fault? You refused to let me hire a made but you keep ranting about the house being dirty, am I some kind of your slave? Now it has reached to the extent that you will embarrass me in front of your cousin?" Words flew from her mouth that she never cared to even think if they were right to be uttered or not. The argument grew from nowhere into a tornado. He looked at Yusuf and pointed at him to his wife, "you see? Total bull crap. I can't... I can't deal with this anymore...." Yusuf attempt to drag him out of the room but he wouldn't bulge. Muhsin was stronger than him even though Yusuf was the oldest. He was too infuriated to let things go like that. "Listen to me carefully, you think all you do or say to me I can't do anything to you right? Are you even okay, Amira? Talking to your husband like I'm some sort of your play mate. I did not marry you to turn you into a maid but you are meant to cook and clean my house whether you like it or I have the right to add another wife in this house that will do all I want and make things right for me if you refuse to. You're not the only woman in this world, you should not forget that." His fuse simmered and fizzed like a firework in a chill autumn breeze, then he exploded with unrestrained fury. She remained as still as a cadaver and just as pallid, unblinking against his onslaught. Then, he stormed out of the house. He knew if he stayed longer, things would worsen. Yusuf briskly apologized to her before he followed his cousin outside to the parking lot. Muhsin was already in his car seated, head against the steering wheel. Yusuf entered the passengers seat and looked at him for brief seconds. "You shouldn't have said that to her Muhsin. It was too harsh..." "What was too harsh in my words? Her words weren't anything right? I am always the bad person right? Besides, I only stated a fact. By Allah If she does not change her ways I don't see any reason why I won't add a second wife within few months, just watch me." Yusuf was loss at words. He couldn't argue anymore. Muhsin was right and whenever he declares something, it stays that way. ** She paced around the room panicky, thinking of a way to tackle the problems she was facing. Her phone vibrated from the side drawer, jolting her out of her reverie. She hissed loudly and walked over to the phone. "Oh, Karima, I'm so sorry you haven't seen me. I will be on my way soon," she uttered and ended the call. She sighed and kept the phone back on the side drawer. She picked it up again and called the one person she knew that would help her. "Mommy, good morning. Mommy, I don't know what to do. I want to go out but muhsin is really mad at me and he said if I don't start taking care of the house he would add another wife and I know he's very serious about it."