The truly ideal one

‘So how did it go?’ I asked anxiously, as soon as Tahir stepped into our sitting room. ‘Well, I guess.’ He replied evasively, walking towards his favourite chair. ‘You mean the problem was solved?’ I asked again. ‘More or less.’ He answered, again enigmatically. ‘Please tell me more, I’ve been pacing up and down this […]

‘So how did it go?’ I asked anxiously, as soon as Tahir stepped into our sitting room.

‘Well, I guess.’ He replied evasively, walking towards his favourite chair.

‘You mean the problem was solved?’ I asked again.

‘More or less.’ He answered, again enigmatically.

‘Please tell me more, I’ve been pacing up and down this room since the three of you left for Harira’s father’s office, four hours ago. I only took a break to pray Zuhr and then serve lunch before I resumed my day vigil. And yet you return and feed me nothing but monosyllables? What are you trying to hide?’ I queried.

‘Nothing, just give me some lunch and I’ll tell you all that transpired at her father’s office.’ Tahir responded.

‘If it requires you eating before you tell me, then the news must be bad indeed.’ I said, walking towards the dining table.

‘On the contrary, the news is very good Bint. I just didn’t expect to be interrogated right from the doorway. That’s why I’m taking my time reporting to you.’ He replied, removing his cap and stretching out on the settee. 

‘Really? I knew her father will be very reasonable. I mean no responsible father will put his daughter’s happiness at stake because his wife is so materialistic.’ I enthused, walking back to sit next to him. 

‘He might have appeared reasonable but the credit for solving the problem goes not to him but to his daughter. Just get me a glass of fura from the fridge and I’ll tell you all that happened. I can have my lunch after Asr since I’m not really hungry.’ He requested. 

‘Ok, hubby dearest, I’ll do anything for this special report.’ I joked, rising to walk towards the kitchen fridge.

‘You see, Alhaji was greatly surprised to see us.’ Tahir began, after his first sip of the cool, traditional beverage. ‘Maybe because Harira had told his secretary that she alone had come to see him. He couldn’t hide his surprise when he rose and shook my hand. He added that he thought she had come alone. 

She introduced us and quietly left the room with her young suitor, after he had greeted her father. I tried to make a case for them. Because, like I told you before we left, the young man had made a good first impression on me. Harira’s father listened to me respectfully and even said he agreed with all I said. But, he added that his wife was the problem because she has a pathological fear of poverty. They had suffered a lot, as a young couple due to poverty, this is why she vowed that none of their five children will go through what they went through. Additionally, Harira is their only girl so she desperately wants the best for her. 

I quickly reminded him that their life story should convince his wife that Almighty God enriches whom He wills when He wills. They started out in poverty and now they are rich. I also emphasised the fact that Aminu isn’t really poor. An educated young man with a job and a car, who is also willing to rent her a decent accommodation can’t be seen as wallowing in poverty. So I appealed to him to convince his wife to accept to their daughter’s choice. He said he will try his best and quickly asked his secretary to send Harira in, from his reception room. To my great surprise he looked at her and said: “I’ve heard what Malam Tahir said and I want to give you and Aminu a chance. But I will buy all that your mother demanded then send them to Aminu’s family so they can bring it as if it came from them. I think this will pacify your mother. What do you think?” He asked his daughter, smiling.

“I think it’s not worth it. I do not want us to pacify mother, I want us to convince her. If you buy those designer items and suitcases, I will not wear them. It’s also my belief that Aminu’s family will not accept the offer. Please father, our duty is to make mother understand. Not agree to her demands.” Harira pleaded.

“But you know your mother Harira, that won’t be easy to do.” He replied. 

“Yes I know her but we are not obliged to do her bidding when she is being unreasonable, father. Indeed we are duty-bound to oppose her because not one of what she is demanding is a religious requirement.” Harira insisted.

‘She is right. Please listen to your daughter and then guide your wife. Otherwise you might insist on something that could cause you regrets.’ I advised. 

“Yes, you are right Alhaji’ Harira said, agreeing with me “I will surely run away from this town if mother insists on having her way.” She vowed.

“Please don’t ever consider that option my dear. I will surely make your mother see sense in this regard. Thanks a lot Malam Tahir. I promise to talk to her this evening as soon as I get home.” And with that he walked me out of the office. I briefly told Aminu what her father promised to do, and urged him to be patient till they communicate their decision to him. Then I got into my car and drove home. All the way here I was applauding Harira’s actions. She might think she had found an ideal spouse in Aminu. But to me she is the truly ideal one.’ He concluded.

‘Yes, she is. Alhamdulillah, all’s well that might end well.’ I said, smiling broadly.

Concluded.