Zainaba’s tear-streaked face glistened as she left the room, her heart heavy with sorrow. Without a second thought, she rushed to her sanctuary, the room that held her cherished belongings. The weight of her words hung in the air, “I just can’t stay in this marriage.” Her voice trembled with emotion, mirroring the tumultuous storm raging within her.

Usman stood frozen for a brief moment, his heart aching at the sight of Zainaba’s pain. Slowly, he detached himself from Sa’ada’s embrace, his gaze filled with a mixture of remorse and determination. Sa’ada lay motionless on the bed, extending her hand towards him, silently pleading for his return.

In an undefinable voice, he uttered words that reverberated with sincerity. Sa’ada’s tear-filled eyes met his, and the depth of her emotions was palpable. “What about me?” she asked, her voice trembling. He averted his gaze, feeling the weight of his actions, before reassuring her, “Don’t worry, I will be back. Let me go and comfort her.”

Sa’ada’s heart felt heavy as she watched Usman remove her hand from his, a mix of hope and apprehension lingering within her. As he dressed himself, she couldn’t help but express her fears, “But Usman, what are you going to do with me? You have already controlled my life, taken my virginity, which I have protected for so long…” Her voice trailed off, her cries completing the sentence.

Usman turned his gaze towards her, his eyes filled with remorse. “It was my mistake, following my heart blindly,” he admitted, his voice laced with regret. “But I will correct it. Don’t worry, I will marry you,” he promised, before swiftly leaving the room.

He followed Abu to her room, where he found her in the depths of despair, tears streaming down her face as she packed her belongings. He observed her for a few moments, contemplating how to comfort her.

Drawing closer, he was overcome by the depths of her anguish. He despised seeing women cry, especially when their tears were a result of his own actions. With determination, he sat beside her, enveloping her in a tight embrace that made it difficult for her to resist.

Usman carefully chose his words, utilizing his unique methods to console Abu. He made her believe that what had transpired was not his or Sa’ada’s fault, but rather the machinations of the devil. He made a solemn promise to Zainaba that he would change, striving to become a better person once again.

Given Sa’ada’s first experience with intimacy, walking from the bed to the bathroom proved challenging for her. This was what she had desired, yet a sense of dread washed over her. Why had Usman become Abu’s man? Why had her mind led her down this path?

Though Abu felt a surge of anger, she put it aside and went directly to Sa’ada’s room. She prepared a basin of warm water and assisted her to the bathroom. No words were exchanged between them. As Sa’ada apologized, Abu turned away, her reddened eyes fixed upon her. “If you are truly sorry, keep what happened a secret. Let it never be spoken of again,” Abu said, her voice laced with determination, before rushing out, desperately holding back her tears.

It was Abu who drove Sa’ada home. Once Sa’ada entered her house, Zainaba remained in her car for several minutes, allowing herself a bitter sob that provided a momentary release from her pain. Had it’s been is another woman she might kill her already, Although she harbored resentment towards Sa’ada, she couldn’t bring herself to harm her. Sa’ada was her only friend and sister, and while forgiveness might not come easily, Zainaba knew she couldn’t inflict harm upon her.

Usman glanced over at Abu, never letting her drive herself to school, always providing her with the best meals, and returning home promptly without a trace of intoxication. Zainaba found solace in these actions, finding some reassurance amidst the chaos.

As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, the journey of marital life was fraught with obstacles. Zainaba’s marriage was not exempt from this turmoil. Yet, they both strived to navigate the challenges and create a happy life for their daughters. Since that unfortunate incident, Usman had undergone a transformation. He made a conscious effort to avoid any situations that could lead to misunderstanding or further discord in their marriage.

However, fate had a way of revealing the hidden truths. Zainaba discovered that Usman and Sa’ada were still seeing each other, and life became even more challenging for her. Faced with this revelation, she resolved to catch them red-handed before making any drastic decisions.

Just as before, Usman drove Zainaba to school and left, unaware of the plan she had in store. Instead of attending her lectures, she hailed a cab back home. Following her intuition, she witnessed their betrayal once again. That day marked the beginning of her contemplation of divorce, but Usman, in his own way, managed to comfort her as he had done before.

Zainaba’s determination didn’t waver, even as she continued to endure the pain. After putting their children to bed, she summoned the courage to approach Usman’s bedroom. It had been a long time since she had entered that room, for she despised sharing anything, especially a bed, with him. His presence always tainted her day, but for the sake of their children, she couldn’t allow them to experience the pain of a broken family. She had witnessed firsthand how children from broken homes grew up with scars, lacking confidence in themselves. Sa’ada served as a constant reminder.

Usman sat on the bed, engrossed in a book. Zainaba took a seat beside him, her voice filled with a mixture of compassion and frustration. “Abban Ummi, why would you continue doing this? Have you forgotten that when one person engages in an illicit relationship, someone else will do the same to your own daughter or sister? As a father, wouldn’t you feel the pain? It’s better for you to stop and repent.”

Usman remained silent, his desire to change warring with his addiction to Sa’ada. He knew deep down that he didn’t love her, yet he found himself drawn to her in a way he couldn’t comprehend. His love for Zainaba, however, kept him from making any real effort to break free from the chains that bound him.

Closing his book, Usman reached out and took hold of Zainaba’s hand. “Keep praying for me. I truly want to put an end to this,” he said, his words filled with genuine sincerity. Zainaba withdrew her hand, her eyes fixed on him. “I know that fornication is addictive and addiction can be overpowering, but with effort, one can break free. Please, Usman, do it for the sake of our children,” she pleaded before standing up and leaving the room.

The following morning, Usman emerged from his room dressed in a milky-white traditional attire. Ummi rose and embraced him, her face beaming with joy. “Dad, good morning!” she exclaimed. Usman returned the smile, his heart swelling with love for his daughter. “Where is Amira?” he inquired, searching the room. Ummi replied, pointing towards the bathroom, “Mami is getting her ready.”

Running his fingers through her soft hair, Usman chuckled and said, “Alright, continue with your breakfast. Dad wants to go and see how Mami is doing.” Ummi smiled and returned to her meal.

Usman informed Abu that she would have to drive herself to school, apologizing for his absence due to urgent matters. As he left, Abu noticed a flicker of relief within her, grateful for the respite from their complicated situation.

But fate had other plans in store. On her way to drop off the children at their grandmother’s house, Zainaba spotted Usman and Sa’ada together in his car. Driven by a sense of urgency, she followed them, her heart heavy with a mix of emotions. Unfortunately, she lost track of them on Club Road, uncertain of their destination but her instinct keep telling they went to hotel. She parked her car by the roadside, her tears flowing uncontrollably.

It was later in the evening when Usman returned home. Abu, her patience pushed to the extreme, mustered the courage to ask for a divorce. She couldn’t bear the pain any longer, and she refused to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of her children. Seeking a divorce seemed like the only solution, one that would save her from the torment she had endured.

And so, with a heavy heart, Usman granted her the divorce she sought, marking the end of a chapter they had once hoped would be a lifetime of love and happiness.