Navigating Marital Struggles: A Story of Patience and Resilience
Relationships are often filled with challenges, especially when misunderstandings arise. This story delves into the complexities of Jabir’s life as he navigates his relationships with his wives, Amirah and Naila.
Navigating Marital Struggles: A Story of Patience and Resilience
A Confrontation with Amirah
Jabir became speechless after his wife’s attack. He heaved a sigh before responding. “The car is a wedding gift from Naila’s father,” he replied. “Lies! Why should Naila’s father give you this type of big car as a wedding gift?”
Tension Rises
“How have you been?” He dodged her question. “Why are you trying to avoid conversations around the car?” She insisted. “Because it’s pointless and needless! You’ve not seen me in seven days and this is what you do? Didn’t you miss me?”
Missed Connections
“Miss you because you’re my God? You really think you’re important!” She hissed. “Anyway, if you don’t miss me, I missed you,” he wanted to hug her again but she pushed him away. “Liar! You missed me after sleeping with another woman for seven days?! You missed me after cuddling with another woman for seven days while I cuddled the pillow?! Nonsense! Don’t rub it in my face, please!”
Apologies and Gifts
“I’m sorry if saying I missed you is tantamount to rubbing anything in your face,” he apologised. “I got you gifts,” he told her with a smile as he unzipped his bag and brought out the gifts he got for her – dresses, bags, shoes, and jewellery. “I don’t need your gift ..” Amirah was talking when her sister, Halimah, walked out of the guest room.
Family Interference
“What else do you want him to do for you?” Halimah asked her sister; she was carrying a bag in her hand. “Are you mad?” Amirah charged at her. “How dare you interfere in my conversation with my husband? Are you out of your mind?”
Halimah’s Departure
“You’re welcome, sir,” Halimah greeted Jabir instead of responding to her sister. “Thank you Halimah. And thank you for staying with my wife while I was away.” “It’s because of you, sir. How was your trip?” Halimah asked him. “My trip was fine,” Jabir replied. At that moment, he saw the bag she was carrying. “Where are you going?” He asked her.
Seeking Peace
“The moment I heard your voice, I started packing my bag. I’m going home. I can’t stay another hour with my sister. She’s a handful,” she shook her head. “Who’s a handful?” Amirah charged at her. “You’re really insane. Do you think it’s easy harbouring a glutton like you? You’ve almost finished my food in seven days. Go, I don’t want you again!” She yelled at her sister.
Jabir’s Concern
“Bro Jabir, you’re really trying,” Halimah pitied him and headed towards the door. “Please don’t leave now. It’s late. You can leave very early tomorrow,” Jabir tried to discourage her from leaving late. “I’ll be fine. I can’t spend the next hour with your wife. Please allow me to go!” She was adamant. “Okay, if you insist on going. Let me drop you off.”
A Heated Argument
“Why should you drop her off?” Amirah asked sharply. Jabir hissed at her and beckoned to Halimah to follow him but the latter refused. “Please don’t drop me off, sir. I’ll find my way. I don’t want her to torment you because of me.” “No, I can’t leave you to go home alone. It’s late. Please let me drop you off.” Jabir insisted.
Misunderstandings
“She said you shouldn’t drop her off. Is it by force? Do you have a plan to seduce her?” “How dare you?” Jabir turned to her sternly. Halimah quickly exited the house before Jabir could notice. “You’re really incorrigible!” He shook his head and went to the bedroom. When he got to the bedroom, he quickly made a transfer of 30,000 naira to Halimah with the narration – ‘Transport Fare’.
Seeking Solutions
Amirah came to join him in the room. “I have an idea!” She said to him, sitting on the bed. He didn’t respond. “Won’t you respond to me?” “Say whatever you want to say!” He snapped at her. “Don’t yell at me, please!” She snapped back at him. “See, the idea that comes to my mind is for us to sell that car you just drove home and use the money for my IVF. Since you said it’s your wedding gift. And since you also have a car already.”
Jabir’s Frustration
“Haha!” He shook his head. He didn’t know what response to give her. “Say something now!” She urged him. “I’m finally admitting that I’m in trouble! I’m in serious trouble! How did I get here? Arrrggggg!!!” He was frustrated.
Addressing Concerns
“Why are you in trouble? And why are you acting like the IVF won’t benefit both of us? In fact, it’s going to benefit you more because the child will bear your name. Are you telling me you can’t sacrifice an ordinary wedding gift to get an eternal gift of a child?” She quizzed. “Amirah, you know what? I’m sick and tired of your troubles. Can’t you just give me peace of mind? My heart always trembles whenever I’m coming to you because your troubles make me shiver in fear. I’m tired. Please give it a rest. Give me peace of mind. Give me peace of mind for God’s sake. You’ve not seen me in seven days and the first thing you confront me with is trouble. Don’t you get tired? If you’re not tired then I’m tired. I’m tired oooo. I want to rest from your troubles, arrrggggg!!!” He lamented in pain and quickly, he rushed out of the house to the mosque.
Amirah’s Determination
“You, you don’t know anything. I’ll frustrate you till you get the money for the IVF. That must not happen before me,” she said.
Seeking Refuge
Days passed and Amirah’s trouble increased with each day. Jabir always looked forward to his time with Naila. In her, he found comfort and happiness. She helped him manage the tension from Amirah, providing a shoulder to lean on and a home. She was his peace haven. They created a strong bond.
Naila’s Support
Naila got the job she interviewed for shortly after their wedding. Jabir was very supportive, often showing up at her office to see her. They loved each other deeply and were inseparable. Whenever he had to leave Naila to go to Amirah, his gloominess returned. He wished he could be with Naila alone without interruption.
Cherishing Moments
Gradually, a month had passed since Jabir and Naila’s wedding feast. Jabir completed the usual suffocating five days with Amirah and was eager to go to Naila’s house. He left on a Saturday, looking forward to a date they had planned.
Amirah’s Intrusion
Since it was already a month since Jabir and Naila consummated their marriage, Amirah really wanted to know if Naila was pregnant. So, after Jabir left for Naila’s place that Saturday morning, Amirah also packed her small travelling bag and went to the same destination. An hour after Jabir arrived at Naila’s place, a knock was heard on the door. Naila, who was closer to the door, moved to it and asked who it was.
Unwelcome Visit
“It’s me, Amirah, Mrs Akinsola,” she responded, and Naila gasped. “Who’s at the door?” Jabir asked. “I think it’s my co-wife.” “What?” Jabir exclaimed, getting up and walking to the door. “Amirah, what are you doing here?” Jabir asked, raising his voice without opening the door. “I’m here to pay my co-wife a visit. Am I not welcome?” she asked, and Naila quickly opened the door.
Entering the Home
“Of course you’re welcome,” Naila said as she opened the door for her to enter. “Asalam Alaykum,” Amirah greeted as she walked in majestically, looking around the house in scrutiny. “Walaykum Salam Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh,” Jabir and Naila chorused. Jabir couldn’t stop staring at her in awe. He knew she was definitely up to something.
Settling In
“Please have your seat,” Naila ushered her to a seat, and she sat down gallantly. Naila went to the kitchen to get water for her. She offered it to her politely, and Amirah addressed her. “Since the day you paid me a visit, I’ve been meaning to reciprocate but then I’ve been really busy. So I just decided to come now and spend the weekend with you. I’ll be leaving on Monday,” she told her.
Hidden Intentions
“Oh! That’s very thoughtful of you,” Naila smiled wryly. Jabir squeezed his face. It was going to be a weekend filled with trouble, he knew for sure. “You’re welcome,” Naila said to her co-wife. “Please show me to the room,” she said. “All right, please come with me,” Naila replied, and Amirah got up and followed her.
Unveiling Motives
Jabir shook his head.
