MUST READ: Alkyabba SEASON ONE (PART TWO)

By Miryamah AQ

miryamah230@gmail.com

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In case you missed the previous part CLICK HERE

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I love you too

I shut my laptop and climb up to bed cuddling myself up in a ball as I await sunrise. My journey to Zazzau begins at cock crow. With a heavy heart,I say my prayers and close my eyes to sleep but I couldn't.

Tomorrow is gonna be hectic.

My alarm buzzed at exactly 5am. I scrambled out of bed with a splitting headache as I made my way to the bathroom. I performed wudu and prayed subh then I quickly showered and changed into a white laced top and pink cup skirt. I wrapped a pink and white floral hijab and applied some little makeup. Some light foundation and a little eyeliner,mascara and candy yum yum lipstick. I sprayed my face Victoria secret perfume. I took in my reflection in the full length mirror and smiled at myself. At 21,I was a really good looking young woman. I was a good replica of my mum. Strong and independent.

With the help of the maids,I dragged my luggage downstairs. My breakfast of French toast and coffee was waiting for me. I was hoping for something much more exquisite but I gobbled it down anyway since I was hungry and was running outta time.

The car was out front by the time I was through and all my stuff was inside. I hopped inside the black Mercedz GL 450 and we headed to Zazzau.

I slept throughout the journey because I didn't get the chance to sleep the other night.

At exactly 11:05am,we arrived at Zazzau. My heart was already beating erratically as we neared home. I kept fidgeting on my seat and my Palm was sweaty as hell.

Breathe Miriam.....Breathe

The car pulled up at the entrance of the Waziri's palace and I nearly fainted. The deed is done. Am here again. After all those years,now am back to the same hell hole I ran away from. I closed my eyes and tried breathing through my nose but I couldn't. The door opened and I turned to see a palace guard dressed in a green and red robe acknowledging me with a nod. I smiled and got down. I fished out my RayBan shades from my bag and wore them. I took in the view in front of me. Nothing has really changed,apart from the new fleet of cars parked at the spacious parking space, the house was still the same. Old and ancient as I left it. With lots of traditional arts marring the walls

I wasn't a visitor or a foreigner and so I just knew where I had to go to the moment I alighted from the car.

The West Wing.

That is where all the wives of the Waziri reside including their maids and servants. It houses four main chambers which was originally made for his four wives(my step mums and my mum) but the fourth one is now occupied by his mother,my grandmother. Each chamber has four bedrooms,two living rooms with the second situated in the master bedroom, five bathrooms; the fifth being in the other living room, a kitchen, courtyard and servants quarters.

Its a royal Hausa family so you should expect more than one spouse and a lot of kids and grandkids too.

As usual,I met almost five palace guards guarding the entrance to the West Wing. Immediately,the two guards behind me decided this is the best time to announce my arrival.

"Maraba da zuwan BATURIYA*. Maraba da zuwa masauratar Zazzau. Maraba da wannan Baquwa. ......."

I clenched my fists by my side,nose flaring as I walked into the gates. If I had the chance,I could've punched them in the face. I hated the word 'Baturiya' with passion.

Ever since I reached the age of six,and fully understood the consequences of interracial marriage,and finally realized I was a half caste,I knew I didn't belong in 'this world'. Growing up with a racist of a grandmother who hated my mum so much was enough torture. I was 'named' baturiya. An outcast. A foreigner. In my own home.

This was one of the things I was dreading but I was prepared. I was determined to face all the shenanigans that were bound to happen on this day. I was strong. I need to be strong for Ma and I.

And so with my head held up high,I entered my grandmother's quarters with a Salaam.

A very welcoming scent of incense sticks and Arabian perfume bombarded my nostrils. Just as I expected, her majesty the 'Queen' was in the main living room with her board of gossipers surrounding her. Her eyes widened as our eyes met.

Surprised to see me old lady?

She composed herself and maintained her demeanor and grim look as I squatted down and greeted her.

"Barka da yamma Hajiya Babba(Good evening Ma)" I greeted as I settled myself on the posh Italian carpet in her living room. It was not surprising that after all these years,there still was no single chair in her living room apart from the one she sits on.

All others have to sit on the floor because she's the 'Queen' and when the Queen sits on the chair,others sits on the floor.

She gives me a disdained look,a glint of shock in her eyes.

"You still haven't forgotten your father tongue after four years? I'm impressed"

For heavens sake what is a father tongue?

"Barka kadai" she finally answers "How was your trip?"

"Fine Alhamdulillah" I replied,my head glued to my nails.

"To what do we owe this visit?"

"Abba sent for me."

"Oh yes he did. I asked him to."

Of course I knew you asked him to do

so. After all,you're the superior over

him. What even.

I was tempted to roll my eyes at her but I kept my cool.

"Your room is already ready. I wasn't expecting you today though. You may go in and rest. We will have a meeting when your father returns from Fada(the palace)." She stated. "And by resting,I don't mean you should go in there and lock yourself up. You have to go and say Hi to all your mothers"

I was definitely going to go and rest

even without your consent your royal

highness. Stop acting all too bossy.

And I have only one mother,the person you hate so much. I wanted to say all this but instead,

"Sure. Na barku lafiya" was all I said as I acknowledged the others.

The maids helped me with my luggage to the last room at the end of the corridor which belonged to my mother before she moved out. It was the second largest after the master bedroom. It has big French windows and long drapes the color of the sky. Fresh flowers grow on the window panes. A bookshelf stood at the far end of the room and a reading couch placed beside it. The room has an aura of a 1960's French movie. I was already planning on redecorating the moment I stepped my legs inside.

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To be continue tomorrow