Abshir is your mother Fadumo Usman? For once I thought I said it out-loud. My intention was to say it, but the words won't come out. It took me a several minutes to come to my senses. I had no doubts , he was the son of my stepmother. I couldn't decide whether to break the ice , or wait till he find it out.
*****
I came home that night,dropped my hand bag on the floor, my body collapsed on the sofa. I was petrified, I laid there with rational judgments. I contemplated for quite some time and deemed perhaps this is a sign for me to stop holding grudge against my father and his family. However, I couldn't find a place in my heart to forgive my father.
I woke up in the morning hooyo petting my hair. In a very deep voice she said, get ready they are on their way. I got up with discomfort muscle cramps that I obtained from the couch that I slept on over the night. As I was getting ready, I came up with few scenario that would get me out of this mess, that I have placed my self in. However, Most of my master plans were unsystematic. One plan after another, I obtained a brain freeze.
I snapped out of my illusion : when my cellular made a cheeping sound. It was txt message from Abshir. "I GOT A SURPRISE FOR YOU". For once my apprehension was relieved. And then again, the message wasn't eloquent, I wasn't sure if we were on the same page. Nor did I wanted to jump on the conclusion.
I replied "Can't WAIT!!" I needed to sound as innocent as possible. I heard a knock on the front door, I approached downstairs. Hooyo said in a demanding voice, "They are our guest, be nice" She turned and tucked her visible hair that where pointing out on the sides in her gabsar (hijab) and opened the door. Father was first to come in, his wife behind him. Last but not least was abshir. I didn't have a perfect surprise face, but I pulled together what I had to convince him I'd no idea that he was family. He leaned on the door, pointing at his face he said, surprise!. You guys know each other, said his mother,engaged in fake smile .
Abshir faced my father, he cleared his throat.And announced "I am asking for your daughters hand".
Simultaneously, both his mother and I stressed "HAND"!.
The only person in the scene that was more excited to hear the news was my mother. She grabbed my fist so firmly, as she covered her smile on her hand. I studied my fathers face, I could sense a disagreement. After a moment of silence. My father placed his hand on mine, "This is your choice aabo" He said. Mother and abshir both shook their head, consenting.
I was planing to end this relationship. Nevertheless it seemed to be heading to the next stage. Not once did I took it into consideration to agree to this proposal. A week after after the news was disclosed. While I was in my room. Mother came up to me and said, God knows when I will depart from here.You're father is the only relative you have. This is one time opportunity take advantage of it. It was then when it hit me. Since I could remember, I always wanted a revenge over my father and his family. This was the perfect time!
