When He died

Part 2

Ibrahim

Ibrahim got up from the sitting room as soon as he was able to get away from his wailing mother. Everything as it was happening broke his heart. As mother’s friends came and took her into their arms, he wanted to go see his brother. The Alfas were already making the arrangements as per Muslim doctrines. He got to the door and paused for a moment to steel himself, he was a man after all. He opened the door and stood there in shock. He saw his brother’s wife grinding on his dead brother. He was shocked and confused. She was oblivious of his presence and he quietly closed the door wondering what to do. He was still standing there when he felt someone place a hand on his shoulder. It was his uncle.

Rokeeb

Rokeeb came in from where the grave was being dug. He couldn’t believe he had buried his older brother just a year ago and now he was going to bury that brother’s son. He was going to find a room to be by himself when he saw Ibrahim, his cousin, with his head bowed and shock on his face standing by the door where his brother was laid. Poor boy, he had barely gotten over the death of his father and now this. He placed a hand on his shoulders. Ibrahim turned at him and pointed at the door. Rokeeb nodded, such a sad situation. Ibrahim pointed at the door again, Rokeeb felt overwhelmed by sadness. Poor Ibrahim, so shocked at his brother’s death that he could not talk. It was his turn to be shocked when Ibrahim pulled him by his shirt sleeve and opened the door. The sight he saw made him gasp.

“La ilaha ila lah” (Nothing else exists (la ilaha) except Allah(ila lah))

He knew he had to take quick action. He rushed into the room.

I felt powerful hands grab me, lift me through the air and ran with me to the sitting room. What the heck! I really have to talk about this family thing with my husband. I was pissed. The hands dropped me on the floor and I saw my mother in law come towards me. Uncle Rokeeb pulled her away and breathlessly pointed at me shouting “abomination”! I did not understand. I heard the whole room give a collective gasp as the countless eyes focused on me. Uncle Rokeeb emphasized again.

“She was having sex with him.”

My mother in law screamed “Allah!!”

What was wrong with having sex with my own husband in our own house? I was just tired of this people. And I was warned not to marry a Muslim but I was in love with Haleem. I should have married Adewale instead. He was a Christian and loved me a lot. I was still lost in my thoughts when I felt a strong whack on my face. I looked up dazed. What was going on here? Is this some form of traditional right?  I burst into tears. Where was Haleem right now? Shouldn’t he be protecting me?