Why are you being stubborn? I warned you several times not to run and jump any how, instead you should walk gently like the girl you're. You're a girl for goodness sake, leave those activities to the boys. Understood?" Aunty Yayya a middle aged woman reprimanded her 12 year old daughter
Batoola nodded innocently " I was happy and eager to tell you I sold out all the bean cakes " She handed the was of Naira notes to her mother.
Aunty Yayya's face broke into a grin "Good girl, your good is over there" She gestured towards a small kitchen made of zinc.
Looking at my co wive and her daughter, i felt a sense of nostalgia. Those were the exact words my own mother Inna tells me on a daily basis.
"You should walk gently not running, you shouldn't jump and climb up the trees. Being a girl you've to behave like one . Soon enough you'll be a wife and eventually a mother" She usually concludes with a big smile. The way Inna talks of becoming a wife and a mother, you'll think it will the next day.
Growing up in our community, I love roaming about flying kites and running after either Habib, my twin or Mairo, my friend. But I was cautioned to stop because in their words, those activities are boyish. I wanted to be free as a bird, enjoying the wonders of nature but i was forced to stay at home to do house chores as expected of a girl.
I look around the four walls of my environment, the place I should call HOME. I had been here for 2 years but I still feel like a stranger, I feel I doesn't belong here. The greatest loss, for me is my freedom. Back at home when I was with my parents, I was free to do what pleases as long as I seek Inna's permission and it isn't a boyish activity. But now in this house, my movements are restricted because My Husband Mallam Umar doesn't allow me to go anywhere and do anything on my wish he only decides what should be done.
I felt my eyes glistened with tears so pick my hijab swung on the door and headed towards the gate for my solace like I do everyday. Standing by the gate, I could see children of different age walking in haste to school. It's 8 in the morning, so they are probably late. I look at them with awe admiration. They look good in their respective uniforms, some in blue and white, others in brown and milk. Our community school uniform is green and white. I smiled at the thought." You're very lucky" I muttered waving my hands at them. I know they recognize me as the girl that stand waving and smiling at them every morning.
Mostly, I stand outside when Mallam is sleeping or when he's in his other wife Aunty Hureira's house just like today. I love to see both girls and boys all going to school to seek knowledge. It is a right for everyone but people like me were deprived of this right. I sighed and walked back to the house seeing the pupils/students have disappeared to their various destination.
