Ladeefah: Continued Plots and Happy Moments
Their lives continued to unfold, characterized by the typical mix of joy and challenge. Despite all the conspiracies Aunty Faheema might devise, requiring Fareesa to carry them out, none of them seemed to yield results. This failure stemmed primarily from the profound understanding that existed between the married couple, Fahad and Ladifa. Today, being Saturday, was the day Fareesa would be leaving to return to her family home. Ladifa was inwardly exceedingly happy about this departure, though no one would have been able to perceive her true feelings. She and Fareesa exited the house together with Fahad. He first dropped Fareesa off at her family home before proceeding to his place of work. At exactly 4:44 pm, a quiet tension hung in the air at Hajiya Inna’s residence.
Incitement and Sorcery Allegations at Hajiya Inna’s Home
Hajiya Inna, Aunty Faheema, and Fareesa were seated in the living room. Fareesa, continuing her usual chatter, was talking animatedly. She addressed Inna, saying, Hajiya Inna, there is something that, were it not for my fear of speaking, you might not even believe me. Do you know that Fahad actually does the laundry for that worthless woman, his wife! Hajiya Inna, think about it. Ever since their mother (Ummy) passed away, who has Fahad ever washed clothes for? Did he even do it for you? Fareesa was speaking with the sole intention of inciting Inna. And she succeeded. Hajiya Inna sat with a visibly angry, stern expression, vigorously and repeatedly jerking her foot in frustration. Seeing Inna was silent, Fareesa continued her assault, saying, this whole situation is just too much! It would be one thing if she had borne children… But no, they clearly used sorcery on Fahad in their family home and completely control him. Hajiya Inna, Fahad even went so far as to completely renovate his wife’s family home. How much does he ever give you? Yet, the other day, I personally heard her thanking him simply because he had bought a new car for her miserable, destitute father!
The Push for Polygamy and Family Manipulation
Hajiya Inna was deeply shocked to hear this about Fahad. Fareesa confirmed it, adding, Yes, indeed. Inna, some of this is so repulsive that even a dog wouldn’t partake of it. As I said, he is in actual servitude to her and her parents, treating them as if they are responsible for his wealth. It would be slightly more tolerable if she had conceived, but she has not even once had so much as a missing period! All she does is eat, go to the toilet, and create a giant mess of things. Hajiya Inna, you must insist that he takes another wife, if only so that you might see a grandchild. This gave Hajiya Inna much food for thought. Both Fareesa and Faheema were inwardly smiling, sensing victory was within reach.
Conspiracies Against Ladifa and Future Plans
Ultimately, Hajiya Inna spoke with grim resolve, stating, He must take another wife; that is how this will be. Yes, Hajiya Inna, it is even worse than you imagine, added Fareesa, further fueling the fire. Inna promised to find a solution. Faheema smiled and urged Inna to act, warning that if she didn’t, Ladifa would change Fahad beyond recognition. Fareesa then asked Inna when Fahad had last visited. Inna confirmed she had last seen Fahad two nights ago, late at night, and he had left in such a hurry, staying less than ten minutes. Fareesa quickly blamed Ladifa for this. Inna concluded by again stating that she would find a solution and dismissed the two from the living room. Fareesa and Faheema were overjoyed. They went into Faheema’s room and discussed the next steps, knowing Fahad didn’t love any woman other than his wife. Their plan was for Inna to insist on his remarriage. Assuming he wouldn’t have anyone in mind, Inna would suggest Faheema, thereby achieving their goal.
Marriage Proposals and Romantic Moments
Later, Faheema asked Fareesa about Kabir, a man wishing to marry Fareesa. Fareesa smiled but indicated she was holding him off while she awaited university admission. Faheema scolded her, telling her not to wait and that another woman might get the admission and Kabir first. When asked how to inform her family about Kabir, Faheema suggested Fareesa text Fahad, who would then inform their father. Fahad was at home with Ladifa, who was resting her head on his lap as they talked, when Fareesa’s text arrived. He smiled upon reading it, remembering his late mother. Ladifa noticed his distant look and admired his features. Overcome by a profound love and an intense fear that someone would take him away, particularly over the children issue, she held him tightly. Fahad teased her and Ladifa cried, begging him never to turn his back on her in any situation. Fahad comforted her, stating he was hers forever and reassuring her regarding the children issue. Later, she noticed a new fragrance on him. Though he teased her about it, they soon shared an intimate moment before preparing to leave the house. Ladifa forces a smile, claiming she wants to visit Hajiya Kaka (another grandmother). They exited the house, with Fahad treating her with genuine affection by opening the car door.
A Cold Welcome and Continued Insults at Hajiya Inna’s
Upon arriving at Hajiya Inna’s house, Ladifa was overcome with intense anxiety. Hajiya Inna was in the living room, wearing her glasses and reading a newspaper. She observed Fahad’s respectful and affectionate treatment of Ladifa as he held the door for her, privately acknowledging Fareesa’s words. She was visibly stern as they approached. When they offered their respectful greetings, Inna replied coldly, instructing them to proceed inside while she followed. In the parlor, they found Faheema and Fareesa engaged in conversation. They both offered their standard respectful greetings to Fahad, but Fareesa acknowledged Ladifa’s greeting with cold indifference, and Faheema completely ignored Ladifa. Fahad immediately asked Fareesa for Abba’s location, and upon learning he was at Faheema’s mother’s section of the house, he immediately exited the parlor to find him.
Verbal Abuse and Polygamy Plans
Ladifa was left feeling increasingly isolated and mistreated. Once Fahad was gone, Faheema let out a long, vicious hiss of contempt. She looked directly at Fareesa and said, Some women follow their husbands around like tails. If only they had actual self-worth, they would bear him a child and regain their dignity. Fareesa laughed and added her own insults, mocking Ladifa for being barren, she said. It is incredibly pathetic. We are absolutely tormented that Yaya has saddled us with a childless woman! Imagine, in five years, she has not even once so much as had a missing period! Yaya must simply take another wife, so that we may see a grandchild in our household! Fareesa concluded her vicious rant, glareing at Ladifa with unrestrained malice. Ladifa kept her head bowed throughout this verbal assault, the insults burning deep within her. The two conspirators soon exited the parlor, leaving Ladifa alone with her profound pain. When Hajiya Inna later entered, she completely ignored Ladifa and proceeded straight to her own room.
Hajiya Inna’s Ultimatum and Defiance of God’s Will
Fahad returned after a considerable absence. Seeing no one in the parlor but his wife, he immediately entered Hajiya Inna’s room, where Fareesa was continuing to incite Inna against Ladifa. Fareesa fell silent as he entered. After they again exchanged greetings, Fahad informed Inna that they were preparing to leave. Inna commands him to sit. She then orders Fareesa and Faheema to leave. Inna tells Fahad, Open your ears and listen well. This is no longer a request; it is a command. I will have no part in any defiance, nor would your father before you. Fahad stared at her in utter astonishment. Hajiya Inna continued, You are to take another wife. If you do not have anyone in mind, I have chosen your cousin, Faheema. It is on your account that she has not married. He was stunned. Inna stated she would see his bloodline before she died and gave him exactly one week. If he did not produce a woman of his own choice, he would marry Faheema on the upcoming Friday.
A Strained Journey and Polygamy Decisions
Fahad opened his eyes, which had turned deep red, and tried to reason with her. Hajiya Inna, children are a gift from God. The doctors confirmed that both Ladifa and I are healthy. Inna cuts him off, confirming the wedding date of the upcoming Friday. After Inna exited the room, leaving him alone, Fahad struggled to his feet and left the room. Ladifa, who had already exited the house earlier to escape the insults, was waiting by the car. She had been crying. Observing his visible distress upon exiting the house, her own anxiety increased dramatically. Their journey home was spent in a strained, heavy silence, with neither party uttering a single word. The next day, Hajiya Inna formally informed Abba and other senior male family members of her decision. Since they knew her stubborn nature well, none of them offered any significant resistance to the plan. Faheema’s mother, who was abroad on business, was informed over the phone and accepted the decision, even though she was inwardly unhappy because she knew Fahad didn’t love Faheema. The responsibility for the wedding arrangements fell to Faheema’s uncles, and since it was a wealthy family, everything was rapidly arranged in a new house for the new bride.
The Unwanted Wedding Day and Desperate Collapse
Ladifa had never before displayed any significant outward anger or resentment. This time, however, she wept uncontrollably and insisted on going home to her parents’ house. Fahad used every possible plea and argument to convince her not to leave, but she was adamant and refused to stay. Her parents, upon learning of the situation, ultimately accepted her decision to stay with them, recognizing that anger and resentment were not conducive to a happy household. They offered Fahad their profound sympathy and apologies for his difficult situation. It was Friday morning, at 10:00 am. The marriage contract between Fahad and Faheemah was formally solemnized. Faheemah’s joy was unbounded. For her part, the newly-married woman was filled with sorrow at the thought of leaving her parents’ home, but Faheemah’s true feelings were different, eager only to begin her new life in her own home. Fadeela, Fareesa, and Faheemah’s maternal aunts and other relatives escorted her to Fahad’s house. As post-wedding events concluded, Fahad tries to leave. Faheemah quickly blocked his way, demand to know where he was going. He says, to my room. She pouts, expecting to sleep together. He enters the bathroom, bathes, and exits his room before going. She bathes and puts on sleepwear. Around midnight, not seeing him return, she enters his room, lies in his bed, and joins him.
Secret Pregnancy and A Strained Meeting
Faheema is confused and in pain from Fahad’s treatment during their wedding night. She notices there is no stain of blood on the sheets, which fills her with fear, wondering how Fahad will perceive this. When she awakes in the morning, Fahad is gone. She texts him, which he ignores after realizing it’s from her. Fahad drives to Ladifa’s family home and knocks, but the house is locked. He asks a boy, who confirms the family is out. Fahad calls Ladifa’s phone, but it is off. He successfully reaches her father, Abba, who informs him that they are fine. Abba mentions that Ladeefa had fainted and was rushed to the hospital. At the hospital, the doctor revealed that Ladeefa is three weeks pregnant, news that brings immense joy to her parents. Ladifa begs her parents not to inform anyone, including Fahad, until she has fully recovered. As the tricycle approaches, she sees Fahad’s car. Instantly, she is overcome by severe distress and rage at the thought of Fahad sleeping with another woman. Ladifa enters the house, ignores Fahad, and lies on a sofa.
Rejection and Hatred: Ladifa Pushes Fahad Away
Ladifa’s father gives Fahad permission to enter. He finds Ladeefa on the sofa. Fahad immediately approaches her, begging her, Haba Ladeefa, please forgive me, and let’s return home. Ladifa burst into tears, accusing him of lying, she says, If you truly loved me, you wouldn’t have gone and slept with another woman. I command you to stand up and exit this house; I have absolutely no desire to see you! Stunned by her first-time aggressive response toward him, Fahad, visibly pained, leaves Ladeefa to give her space, though he continues to reiterate his love. Ladifa shouts, I hate you, Fahad! Dazed, Fahad slowly exited the room and left the house, leaving his wife in her agony.