Finding Peace Amidst Turmoil

Navigating relationships can be challenging, especially when emotions run high. This story explores the intricate dynamics between Jabir, Amirah, and Naila, shedding light on the struggles and moments of clarity.

Finding Peace Amidst Turmoil

An Unexpected Confrontation

Like the seven wonders of the world, Jabir stared at Amirah in disbelief. “I want my husband!” she repeated. He took a deep breath, trying to suppress his anger. He didn’t want to deal with the situation angrily. “Have you forgotten that you’re a visitor here? This is Naila’s time, and I’m with her. What’s your problem?” he asked.

A Visitor’s Demand

“I’m a visitor here, and that’s why she should forfeit her time for me. Aren’t we supposed to honor our guests?” she asked mischievously. “You’re a clown! If you like, don’t leave. Stay here and torment yourself with what’s not your business. What I won’t take is you knocking on the door again. If you knock, I will bundle you out of this house. And for your information, you’re leaving tomorrow morning. I thought your reasons for coming here were noble. Get out!” He walked in and slammed the door in her face.

Returning to Peace

Jabir returned to the bed. “What does she want?” Naila asked. “Please ignore her!” he replied, pulling her close. “Does she need anything?” Naila asked again. “Ohhh! Please stop worrying yourself! She doesn’t need anything. She’s leaving tomorrow.” “Why? I thought she was staying till Monday.” “She can’t stay till Monday. She’s leaving tomorrow,” Jabir said firmly. Naila decided not to press further and they enjoyed a beautiful night together.

Morning Tensions

The following morning, Jabir went to the mosque, and Naila prayed at home. After praying, she went to the kitchen to make breakfast. While she was busy, Amirah walked in. Naila greeted her cheerfully, but Amirah responded dully. “You’re such a good pretender,” Amirah said. “After telling my husband not to come to me last night, you’re smiling at me like a saint.”

Misunderstanding and Accusations

“Why should he come to you?” Naila asked calmly. “You’re in my house, and I’m running my days, not yours! Why do you like to intimidate me?” Amirah raised her nose. “I just know that you’re a pretender,” Amirah said. “Your assumptions are just a figment of your imagination, ma!” Naila replied. “Because of you, my husband said I must leave today ..” “Point of correction, ma. It’s not because of me. If you have issues, don’t involve my name. Thank you.”

A Heated Exchange

“Who told you I’m having issues with my husband? Are you praying that I should have issues?” Amirah asked. “Ma’am, please stop twisting my words,” Naila said, frustrated. “You said it just now that I have issues because that’s what you want. You’re a Jezebel! And my God will shame you. You think because I don’t have a child yet, you’ll be the first to give him a child, right? You’ll be disappointed. I’ll have a child before you!” Amirah said and walked away angrily.

Seeking Solace

“Oh my God! What sort of person is this? What if we were living together? I don’t even want to imagine it!” Naila cringed. “I’m not here to compete with you, ma’am. Allah will give each of us a child according to His plan. I need cold water because I’m frustrated!” She opened the freezer and took out a bottle of chilled water.

A Loving Morning

Naila finished in the kitchen and entered the living room as Jabir came in. She rushed to embrace him. They shared a long kiss, but Amirah’s cough interrupted them. She had her bag in hand. “Why don’t you just remove your clothes and do it here?” she hissed. “Before I see more horrible things, I’m out of here!” she said and headed out.

Parting Words

“Let me drop you off!” Jabir offered. “Didn’t you see my car when you went out this morning? I came in my car,” she replied harshly. “Please have breakfast before you leave. It’s ready!” Naila said nicely. “Keep your food. I don’t want it,” she hissed and walked out. “Thank God!” Jabir raised his hands in relief after she left. “I’m thankful she came in her car. I wouldn’t have to take her home,” he said and Naila nodded.

Cherishing Moments

They had breakfast, feeding each other lovingly. Jabir savored every day spent with Naila, not wanting it to end. But eventually, the five days with her came to an end, and his nightmare was about to start again.

Returning to Tension

As he drove home that evening, his heart was heavy. “This is not okay!” he told himself. “How can I be going home and my heart will be racing? For how long will I continue this unrest? Oh Allah, come to my aid,” he prayed. He got home, parked the car, and headed to his apartment. The door was locked from inside. “Again!” he mumbled sadly. He knocked on the door, and Amirah’s voice was heard. “Sleep outside!” she said. “Why would I sleep outside when I have another home?” he said and turned to leave without begging.

A Moment of Defiance

Hearing what he said, Amirah quickly opened the door. He hissed and entered. “You would have gone back to your second wife if I didn’t open the door, right?” she asked with disdain. “Yes, I would have, happily,” he replied. “And you would do that and expect the pleasure of Allah, right?” “Keep quiet!” he yelled. “You should worry about Allah’s pleasure over yourself because you’re not a good wife. Each time I’m coming home to meet you, I develop cold feet. You keep giving me troubles every single day. I’m scared for my life.”

Confronting the Past

“Stop playing the pity card! You brought this upon yourself. If you had just stayed with only me, there wouldn’t have been any trouble.” “Joker!” he smiled wryly. “You’ve always been a troublemaker. Naila was never in the picture when you chased my younger brother out of my house. Naila was never in the picture when you snatched the money I gave my sister. Naila was never in the picture when you told my elder brother to mind his business during one of your outbursts.”

The Real Problem

“The coming of Naila is never the problem. You are the problem. Even your family knows that you’re problematic. Did you hear what your sister said when she stayed here after I married Naila? She said she couldn’t stay another hour because you’re a handful. I don’t know why I’m hesitating to send you packing. Maybe because of what people would say; that I sent you packing because of my second wife. But I really don’t care anymore! I’m scared to have a baby with you because I don’t want my child to take after you. You’re an embodiment of trouble. Don’t you get tired?”

Amirah’s Response

“Have you finished telling your story? Nobody can send me out of this house. And I’m going to have a child for you, so don’t try to avoid the IVF responsibility. I know you’re trying to delay because the time you promised to give me money is near. Don’t try nonsense with me. You told me you were expecting money in three months. Your three months are almost up. Don’t be unfortunate. I have said my own,” she warned and walked out.

Jabir’s Prayer

Jabir sat weakly on the chair and sighed deeply. “Ya Allah, if I’ve done anything wrong for you to place this woman in my life as a punishment, please forgive me. Astagfirllah! Ya Allah, please forgive me. Save me from this woman. You alone can deliver me from her. I know she’s a trial in my life. Ya Allah, please relieve me of this trial,” he prayed fervently.

Living with Two Wives

He continued his life, sharing a five-day duration with each of his wives. One wife was the comfort of his eyes, and the other was a pain in his neck. Going to one wife gave him joy, while going to the other gave him palpitations. His stay with one wife was pleasurable, while the other was filled with nightmares and torment. Like the Yoruba saying: “Akeregbe lo ma juwe ibi ti a maa fi okun si” – meaning each wife will determine her place in her husband’s heart.

The IVF Promise

Days passed, and the time Jabir promised to provide money for Amirah’s IVF came. She didn’t forget and sent him reminders every day. Fortunately, he got the money he was expecting. On the night he told her, she demanded he send it to her account.

A Heated Argument

“Why should I do that?” he asked. “Because you promised to give me all the money,” she replied. “I didn’t promise you that!” he shook his head. “Liar! You promised to give me the whole ten million naira and now you’re taking a u-turn. What type of man are you?” “Have you finished ranting? I remember my words vividly. I said: ‘I don’t mind giving you everything for the IVF.’ That was never a promise. I said ‘I don’t mind,’ not ‘I will.’ Can you see the difference?”

Final Decision

“Don’t try to confuse me with English. You’re a deceptive man,” she accused. “Keep quiet!”