Tears Of Summayah - Episode 21

 

The examinations began in earnest and Sumayyah studied hard, often seeking help from Jamiu whenever she got stuck on any topic or subject. They started a schedule of sorts; studying together from the late hours of the evening after dinner, until midnight. It was on one of such nights while they were working through a Mathematics problem, that Jamiu decided to inform Sumayyah about his upcoming Post UTME examinations.

“I hope you understand now?” Jamiu asked Sumayyah, and when she nodded, he continued. “Sumayyah, there’s something I have to tell you.”

“What is it?” . Sumayyah asked as she closed her books, so she could concentrate fully on him.

“I want to tell you that soon I’ll be travelling to do my POST-UTME in Abuja.”

Sumayyah was surprised and saddened by the news, as she was already used to having Jamiu around. “So soon? I will be very lonely and I- I am going to miss you.”

“I am sorry.” Jamiu took her hands in his. “I won’t be gone for long in shaa Allah.”

“How long will you be gone for?”  

“3 days…, maybe 4days, at most.”

Sumayyah gasped. Four whole days? “That is too long.”

Jamiu chuckled

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. “No, it isn't. Don’t worry, I will be gone and would return before you know it.”

Sumayyah sighed. “So, when do you plan on leaving?”.

“In two weeks’ time.”

“Okay, no problem.” Sumayyah was relieved that she still had two weeks to spend with him before his trip.

Jamiu smiled and gave her the second piece of news that he knew would cheer her up. “Mom would be around by tomorrow.”

Sumayyah beamed with smiles. “Ohh, that’s great news! I must prepare something for her.” She looked at Jamiu excitedly. “What is her favourite dish?”.

“Jollof rice and chicken.”

Sumayyah nodded and playfully swatted Jamiu’s arm “Okay. But you should have informed me since yesterday.”

“I only just found out myself this morning. You should just relax, you know you have to concentrate on your exams and I don't want anything to jeopardize that. We can visit without bringing her food, after all she has maids to prepare her meals.”

Sumayyah would not hear of it. “I can't just go there empty handed.”

“Okay, I understand. Just make sure you rest and take your medication before going to bed, alright?”

“I will. Goodnight.” Sumayyah greeted as she left the sitting room to get ready for bed.

“Goodnight.”

**********
The next day was a very busy one for Sumayyah, as she visited the market on her way back from school so that she could purchase the ingredients for Mrs. Aminat’s special dish. She got to work immediately she arrived home and prepared the meal, after which she got herself ready for the visit to her mother- in-law’s. Finally, the newlyweds made their way to Mrs Aminat’s residence, which was located downtown. As soon as Jamiu caught sight of his mum, he immediately rushed into her open arms.

“Assalamu alauykum mum!. Welcome. I hope your trip wasn't stressful?”

Mrs Aminat hugged her son tight and showered him with kisses before she replied. “Thank you dear. My trip was uneventful, and I am all the better for seeing you.” She turned to look at Sumayyah and pulled her in for a hug too.

“As-salaam alaykum ma.” Sumayyah greeted shyly.

“Walaykum salaam dear. How are you?”

“I am fine ma and you?”

“Alhamdulillah I am good too.”

“Mum, I brought this meal for you, as a welcome home present.” Sumayyah smiled as she handed the basket containing the meal to her mother-in-law.

“Thank you Sumayyah, but you shouldn't have bothered yourself. I don't want any kind of stress for you, you know you are very fragile.”

“Mum, it wasn’t any trouble and I wanted to do it for you. Please eat it before it gets cold.”

“Jazakillah khair dear, May Allah (S.W.T) continue to bestow you with goodness.”

“Wayakum, amin ma.”

Mrs. Aminat smiled at her daughter-in-law and marvelled at her beauty. However, she couldn’t help but notice that Sumayyah’s eyes were a little sunken and she looked frail. Mrs Aminat turned to Jamiu with a frown on her face, ready to berate him. “Jamiu are you taking good care of Sumayyah? She looks like she is not eating properly.”

Sumayyah jumped to Jamiu’s defence. She didn’t want him to get scolded because of her. “Mum he is trying his best.”

“Yes, I am.” Jamiu smiled and added. “Although, I have to force her to eat sometimes when she decides to skip her meal.”

“Mother that's not true!” Sumayyah glared at Jamiu.

Mrs Aminat laughed heartily, enjoying the young love birds’ banter. “Come on you two, you don’t have to argue. Sumayyah make sure you don't skip any meals. I would hate for you to get sick”

Sumayyah nodded. “Okay, mum.”

Mrs Aminat led them into the sitting room where she and Jamiu discussed his travel plans to Abuja for the upcoming Post-UTME exams. When they finished, Mrs Aminat went into her room and brought out a beautifully wrapped package, which she gave to Sumayyah.

“This is for you dear.”

“Wow! Thank you so much mum, I am really grateful.”

“Don’t mention it dear.” Mrs Aminat hugged the newlyweds once again and bade them goodbye. “Please take care of yourselves okay. Allah Hafiz”.

“Allah Hafiz and take care of yourself too ma.” They replied and made their way home.