FATIMA'S POV
Here I am...sitting at the edge of the world, at least in my mind and my heart. You may not know but I have reached my limit as to what life could turn into when you are betrayed by the one you trust most.
My name is Fatima and Malik is my husband and childhood friend. We have always loved each other since we were young and it was not new to the world when we announced our decision to tie the knot.People came to the wedding, and in fact, we got so many expensive gifts,s, more than you can think or imagine. The wedding was in a grand style and the celebration lasted for a week. Ladies were jealous of my luck and I was so happy to be with the man of my dreams.
His parents loved me so much and gave me all I wanted. They treated me like their own daughter and cared for me. Maybe that was the reason why I did not know the surprise that awaited me.
A year after my wedding, his family started coming up with different questions about childbirth. They asked me questions about why there was a delay in my conception. And when I had no answer, they threatened me with another wife's stuff.
Amen every time I complain to Malik, he defends his family and calls me a problem in his life.
"Well, It's normal for a man to be angry in such cases, "My parents had told me.
And in the light of their advice, I walked. I did so many tests and operations just to get pregnant but all to no avail.
Two more years passed with no positive results on my side and a lot of harsh treatment from my husband's family. His sister beat me up one time because I did not pound yam for her and my husband saw nothing wrong in all they did.
(smiles) I even took them to court one time, but my family told me to release them as I would also lose my marriage in a bid to defend myself.
A few months ago, I slumped in the bedroom,m, and by the time I woke up, I found myself in the hospital with my husband right beside me. And for the first time in my life, I forgot my pains for a moment and basked in the attention my husband gave me. He cried for the first time since our three years of marriage and held my hand. And when I called his name, he kissed my forehead and thanked Allah for his mercy.
I asked him what the doctor said was wrong with me, but he said I should not worry, so I guessed it was a minor thing, but the incident that followed next made me realized I have been dwelling in the valley of death all along.
Just a few days after I was discharged from the hospital, Malik came in with another lady, and he said she needed help with accommodation for a month. As the good wife, I agreed. I believe that is the least of the things I can do just to make my husband happy. He began to come home early and not stay up late at night, and when the lady was sick, I took good care of her and made sure she ate on time.
My husband no longer complains about my inability to give him a child. I was worried at first, but then I felt it must be that he has realized God gives children, and we should wait till He gives us our own. His family now treat me very well and even assist me sometimes.
"This is what I have always wanted Allah, Allhamdulilahi" I said aloud in my excitement.
The next surprise came in when I least expect it.I found a drug in my room and when I checked with my doctor,he said it is responsible for hallucinations and sleepiness and anyone who takes it without having any of these symptoms will have the symptoms.What surprised me was that, my husband gave me the drugs and said it will aid my pregnancy and I have used it for a year.
I got back home and met my husband's family in a surprise meeting with me. They told me about how the lady we accommodated in the house is my husband's second wife and she is pregnant with his child. They told me that it's either I accept the lady as the second wife or move out of their son's house.
Am I not back to square one? Where do I start from? How do I deal with this wickedness and devil of a husband?
Fiction.
Picture is mine