Her Mexican magic

‘I’m sorry hubby dearest, but this is the call of duty. Your nephew called in distress, telling me he needed our urgent help, so I had to have us committed because I thought it’s the kind of thing you wouldn’t mind doing.’ I explained. ‘Yes I wouldn’t mind doing it but at a time convenient […]

‘I’m sorry hubby dearest, but this is the call of duty. Your nephew called in distress, telling me he needed our urgent help, so I had to have us committed because I thought it’s the kind of thing you wouldn’t mind doing.’ I explained.
‘Yes I wouldn’t mind doing it but at a time convenient to me. What is it at Hamisu’s house that can’t wait till tomorrow? But because all you ever think about is your goody-two-shoes reputation, you couldn’t wait to commit us today; after a full work day in the office.’ Tahir complained.
‘I really don’t think this is the kind of problem that could wait. I mean the first thing he said after greeting me was ‘Aunty Bint please where can you get me a wife before Ramadan?’ and I answered ‘A wife before Ramadan, why would you need a wife so fast and especially seeing that you already have one?’ I responded. ‘I am not sure my marriage will last till the holy month. That’s why I need to make the necessary preparations in order not to be wifeless at such a time.’ He answered. ‘If you are having problems with Jabirah, why don’t you just tell me to come and talk to her? Why should you even consider the drastic step of a divorce and another marriage?’ I asked him. ‘It’s because there is no hope Aunty Bint. I tried all I could but there is no change in her behavior. I therefore decided to opt out and seek another wife.’ Hamisu explained. ‘Ok tell me everything.’ I urged. ‘It’s no use Aunty she isn’t going to change. In any case what I’m complaining about can’t be discussed on phone. We will need to be seated together so I can tell you everything. Since we can’t have that luxury, please scout around for a wife for me and let me know when you find someone suitable.’ He begged. ‘No, personally I don’t think your current marriage is beyond salvage, whatever your problems are we must attempt to solve them before we consider a divorce. So just expect us at your house after Magrib today. Your uncle and I will be there to see you both.’ I promised.
‘You see, it was like I said. It just didn’t occur to you to say ‘let me consult your uncle and see if he can make it today.’ You just got us committed. Sometimes I can’t help wondering that you take me granted. That you expect me to go along with everything you suggest as if I have no choice in the matter.’ Tahir grumbled.
‘I am truly sorry you feel this way. But it isn’t a matter of taking you for granted, it is more like a belief that you won’t mind coming to the aid of a young marriage in trouble.’ I countered, assuringly.
‘But did anyone have to do that for us? Just think, in all the years we’ve been married did any elders ever have to knock on our door to say they had come to mediate between us? If we could do it, why not them?’ he demanded.
‘I think it’s because we communicated well. From day one we were able to share our doubts and worries. That open and frank communication was the secret of our success. And though we had our trying moments, still we survived them without bringing in the elders only because we had a way of reaching out to each other. I have a feeling that most young couples today don’t have that skill or just don’t make the effort to talk to each other and so their problems easily get compounded.’ I observed. ‘And here we are, I hope Hamisu had informed his wife we were coming. It wouldn’t be fair to just drop in on her.’ I added.
‘I hope so too but given the way he complains about their marriage, I doubt if he will bother to tell her.’ Tahir replied, parking the car. Jabirah was watching the TV in the sitting room with the small baby on her laps when we made the salams and stepped in.
‘Wa alaikumussalam, you are welcome Aunty Bint. What a nice surprise. Oh you are with Uncle Tahir too? Please come in.’ She rose from her chair and quickly covered up with her veil. Then she knelt down and greeted us. After handing me the baby she explained. ‘Hamisu just went in after having his meal, I will go and get him now.’
‘You were right he didn’t tell her we were coming.’ I whispered to Tahir as soon a she left the room.
‘Yes, I noticed that.’ He replied taking the little boy into his arms while sitting next to me on the couch.
‘He will be joining us soon.’ Jabirah said as soon as she returned to the room before she proceeded to lay down a tray with drinks and glasses on it. ‘What can I serve you?’ she asked, pointing at the tray with a fruit juice pack and some canned drinks on it. 
‘Please serve us the fruit juice, thank you.’ I answered. Just then her husband appeared through the doorway and came straight to greet us. That over he walked back to one of the lone chairs and sat down.
‘Bint said you have some problems and wanted us to intervene?’ Tahir asked Hamisu.
‘Yes and it’s a good thing you have seen it yourself. That’s why I didn’t tell Jabirah you were coming because then you won’t see her doing the only thing she loves to do in this house that is watch Mexican soap operas. Her whole life revolves around it. She is so addicted to them that she plans her days and does her tasks in such a way that they will not conflict with her favourite soaps. The kids and I all come second to her addiction and I have complained countless times without effect. Now I am completely fed up and am willing to do something more drastic.’ Hamisu concluded.
‘Really? Is what he said true? Do you spend all your time watching Mexican movies to the detriment of your marriage?‘ Tahir asked Jabirah.
‘No uncle, it is just that as soon as I’m through with my household chores, well there isn’t anything else to do, so I sit down to watch them.’ She explained.
‘Please be honest with yourself, half the house hold chores are done by her house help. Whenever she comes here in the morning, because the TV here is bigger than the one in her room and therefore better for her viewing purposes, she doesn’t go back till 10pm. She brought over her prayer carpet and takes care of the kids from here. Nothing moves her away from the screen until she is ready to go to sleep. That is the extent of her addiction.’ Hamisu alleged.
‘Is he right Jabirah? You better be honest with us.’ I urged.
‘Ok Aunty, he is right about that but I did not choose to be glued to the TV because I have nothing to do, it’s because that’s the only way to preserve my sanity. You have no idea what I am going through living with him in this house. I was almost a nervous wreck before Telemundo channel began to operate. Now it provides my only escape from the horror of my marriage to him.‘ Jabirah accused.
‘What exactly do you mean by the horror of your marriage?’ I asked, shocked by her accusations. 
To be continued.