The alarm clock rang and Nadia woke up from her sleep. She opened her eyes and looked at the clock.
"Oh!my God. It's 7:00 and it's Saturday!"she said as she sat up, stretched and yawned. And recited some prayers in her mind. She stood up and headed to the bathroom. After some minutes, she came out and dressed in an English wear; white t-shirt and long black skirt. She covered her hair with a medium sized veil. Her phone rang as she drew the curtains of her room and steered at the large transparent glass window, looking at the beautiful weather. Some blue beautiful birds were flying in the sky, the sky looked bright and beautiful.
"Hello! " she said as she put the phone close to her left ear.
"I hope you didn't forget about the appointment? The woman just call to remind me. They really need your help." The person from the other side said. He is masculine.
"No, I didn't forget. I'm about going there now Mr T- Man."
" Alright then. I trust you. You know that. Pls a clean job."He reminded her.
" Don't worry, I will take care of everything." Nadia said as she hang up.
She went down stairs to the dinning room and met her maid setting the table.
" Good morning Hajia" the maid said respectfully. She is a lady, dark in complexion, average height and twenty two years of age. She's wearing a native wear; blouse and wrapper. She is hard working, neat and wise. That's why Nadia has been keeping her for a long time.
" Morning, Atika."
Nadia pull out one of the chairs and sat down. She ate savoury crepes and cappuccino hurriedly and rushed to the garage. She entered her matrix car and drove off to Riimi Avenue. The weather was cool and serene. She saw only few cars on the road. She was listening to the morning news on the radio. At 7:40am, she was at the gate of a mansion. One of the security guards came out in dark blue uniform and they greeted. He asked her who she was looking for. Nadia showed him her ID Card. He collected checked and gave her back.
"You are welcome. Madam is waiting for you. " The security guard said and stepped back.
"Open the gate!"The security guard shouted to the other security guards. And the door was opened. Nadia thanked him and drove inside the house. She parked in the parking space. Locked the car and headed to the main entrance. The house was very beautiful with lots of flowers, fruit trees and lush green grasses. She sighted a beautiful garden with flowers, plants and swings. She pressed the door bell. A woman in her middle 30's, wearing an apron came and opened the door.
"Yes, may I help you? " she asked looking at Nadia.
"I am Nadia... " she began
"Oh! You are welcome. Madam is expecting you. Pls come in. "she said as she opened the door widely and paved the way for Nadia.
" Thank you,"she said as she entered the large sitting room with lots of furniture and beautiful decorations. From the transparent large glass she can sighted the beautiful garden. She saw different birds of different colours eating grains from big plastic trays.
"Please take a seat.," the maid said. Pointing to one of the large couch.
"Alright," Nadia answered and sat down gently. Then dropped her hand bag on the glass table that is close to her. Few minutes, a middle aged woman came down stairs, wearing a lafaya attire. She is fair in complexion and of average height. She smiled as she saw Nadia.
Nadia stood up as she came close to her. They shook hands.
"Please sit down," she said.
"Thank you."Nadia responded and sat down.
The maid with apron entered the sitting room and kept a large tray that consisted of Fruit drinks, Tea, fruits and assorted biscuits. Then she left.
"I have a risky contract for you" the woman said with a serious face staring at Nadia.
(c) Asmie's Diary
Copyright protected. No part of this story should be copied or transformed in any form or by any means without the consent of the copyright owner/ author. (c)Asma'u Sada
To be continued.....
*** ***
Who are these two women? And what are they up to?
Find out in the next chapter of Sweet & Sorrow.
***Questions to guide you in understanding the story:
1- Can you guess who Nadia is?
2- What do you think is the risky contact the woman is about to give her?
*** ***
Kindly answer
the questions*** Your response matters to us.
CHAPTER 2
"Alright Madam," Nadia said with keen interest.
The woman looked at Nadia and said, " before I give you the contract, I will tell you who am I and the reason why I want to give you the contract." She adjusted her lafaya and looked at Nadia seriously and began: "My name is Fatima Ahman. I was born and brought up in Gasan. My husband's name is Al-Ameen. We met in the state university and later on got married. We were married for twenty years. We have 4 children : Tahira, Hanan and the twins Hassan and Hussein. My husband was a successful business man. He always travel abroad for his business. He has a tight friend Alhaji Tanko. They have been friends since when they were in secondary school. Alhaji Tanko is also a business man. Sometimes they do business together. When ever my husband is around, they are always together. We have been living peacefully. When suddenly, my husband was found dead in a hotel when they went for a gathering. It was reported that it was heart attack. His body was found in the bathroom. And that was how the case died. We were in dilemma. He was a good husband and a very caring father. He was the back bone of the family. He was loved by many people because of his kindness. He owns Golden Company. All of a sudden, two days ago, my daughter Tahira called me in the afternoon, I realised she was in danger. She was panting and stammering in shock when she called me on the phone. I can still remember what she said to me. " Mum! you.... you... can't believe what I just discovered..... " I heard the sound of a car crash and I heard Tahira screamed. That was all.... "Fatima started sobbing and tears were running down her cheeks like a cascading waterfall. She didn't bother to wipe her tears.
Nadia looked at her pathetically. She closed her eyes and opened them. Then looked at Fatima who was shading tears profusely. She patted her on the shoulder and tried to calm her down. "It's alright Hajiya. I'm sorry to hear that. "
After ten minutes of silence, Hajiya wiped her tears with a handkerchief and looked at Nadia who was staring at her sympathetically. Fatima sighed and looked at Nadia, her eyes has turned into red and she looked worried. "I am sorry I cried in your presence," she said to Nadia.
" No, it's alright Hajiya. Don't worry. I'm used to that. It's part of my job to be patient and considerate." Nadia said with an amiable smile.
"Thank you, " said Fatima. Trying to be strong.
Then she continued, " I was agitated and confused. I tried calling Tahira but the phone was off. I didn't know where she is, talkless of finding her. But I know she told me she will be in school till evening they have test and presentation. So I rushed to the school in my car and looked for her everywhere but she was no where to be found. I called her close friend and she told me they had closed from school one hour ago and she don't know where she is. I was dialling the police phone number, when a call came in. I quickly answered it and to my greatest fear, I was told that Tahira had a car accident along the main road. I screamed and rushed to the place. But she was already taken to the city hospital. The road was scattered with metals and broken glasses and when I looked clearly, I saw blood on the tarred road. I became more confused, as if I will go crazy. I held my head with both my hands. I was dizzy and the sky was rotating in high speed. I fell down and fainted. When I woke up I found myself in the hospital. I saw a dim shadow of a man.....
Who is that man and what will happen in the hospital?
* Is Tahira dead?
Find out in the next Chapter of Sweet and sorrow by Asma'u Sada. Coming your way Tomorrow God's willing.
(c) Asmie's Diary
***
Copyright protected. No part of this recipe should be copied in any form or by any means without the consent of the copyright owner. (c) Asma'u Sada
CHAPTER 3
I immediately recognised him. It is my husband's best friend Alhaji Tanko. He was standing beside the bed looking worried.
"How are you feeling now? I was informed about this dilemma an hour ago." He said sympathetically.
I looked round the room to confirm if I am dreaming or not. And I discovered that I wasn't dreaming. It's real. I looked at the drip in my right hand. My body ached. Everything came back to my brain fresh. became restless and worried. Instead of answering him. I asked him, "Where is my daughter? Have you heard anything about her? Is she dead? I was struggling to seat up, but the dream in my hand, stopped me and I laid down again staring at him eager to hear his response.
"Calm down Hajia, Tahira is alive but she is unconscious. Don't worry she will soon recover. I told the doctors to do whatever they have to do to make sure she regain her conscious. And they are trying their best. "Alhaji Tanko said trying to encourage mr
I felt a bit relieved but I was still worried and wanted to see my daughter and also find out what really happened.
"I want to see her now, " I said in a shaky and weak voice.
" Calm down Hajia, you can't see her now. You need some rest. Your BP is high. Take it easy."He said encouragingly.
"You don't understand Alhaji Tanko, I am in dilemma. I want to know what happened to Tahira? How was she involved in the car accident? My husband died a month ago and now my daughter? I don't want her to die too...." I busted out crying.
"I am so sorry about what happened Hajia. I very worried too. She is also a daughter. I care about all of you and I promised to take of you all. Just try to calm down. Tahira was crossing the main road when a rough driver ran over her. It's like so many car accidents. And thank God she is alive but she is in the emergency room and she will soon be alright. You can see her later. Just relax and pray for her. Let me allow you to rest, I will be at the reception, if you need anything just call me. Less I forget, your bag is beside you on the chair, he said reassuringly. Then turned and left the room.
I sighed and some hot tears rolled down my cheeks. I asked myself, "why am I going through this?"
Few hours later, I went to see Tahira. I was in great shock in the condition I met her. She has lost her memory. She couldn't recognise me and her younger ones. And she was badly injured. There were bandages in her forehead, legs and hand. I didn't know when I screamed and collapsed.
To be continued.....
(c) Asmie's Diary
***
(c) Copyright protected. No part of this story should be copied in any form or by any means without the consent of the copyright owner.(c) Asma'u Sada
What will happen next? Find out in the next Chapter of Sweet and Sorrow by Asma'u Sada.
CHAPTER 4
I opened my eyes and saw a doctor, some nurses and Alhaji Tanko beside me. They all looked worried. I held my forehead with my right hand. It was aching. I tried to sit up on the bed. One of the nurse quickly laid me back and said,"Hajiya you have to rest, your BP is very high."
"Hajiya take it easy, calm down." said the doctor looking concern.
"Hajiya take it easy. Don't hurt me yourself. Everything will be alright."said Alhaji Tanko looking pensive.
I steered at them. Everything came back to me fresh. Hot tears rolled down my cheeks. I didn't bother to wipe it. I closed my eyes in pain and said nothing.
"Take care of her "the doctor said to the two nurses and left the room. Alhaji Tanko followed him.
I spent two days in the hospital and I fully recovered. I persuade the doctor to take me to see Tahira. There was no improvement. She was the same like always. I became more and more worried. I pray for her every day. Her younger ones also visited her every day and left shading tears of sadness. Alhaji Tanko was always in the hospital with his family praying for Tahira and encouraging me. The doctor assured us that she will be alright but it will take some time. We should be patient. Up-to now she hasn't recovered as am talking to you right now. I call you here to seek for your assistance. I believe something is fishy. Because Tahira was about to tell me something when a car ran over her. She must have something important to tell me. I believe someone is after her and wanted to kill her. But I don't know why. Please I want you to investigate and find out why and who that person is. I will pay you any amount. Money is not the problem. And I trust T-Man that's why I talked to him to get a good detective for me and he brought you. I expect a good job from you. He told me everything about you. And I appreciate your work," said Fatima wiping the tears from her cheeks.
"Trust me Hajiya. You will appreciate my work when I'm done. I will do everything I can to find out who is after your daughter and why. I will start immediately." reassured Nadia with a an encouraging smile.
"Thank you so much Detective. I'm glad."
Nadia asked her if Tahira has ever been in trouble and if she is mingling with troublesome friends and also asked her about Tahira's behaviour.
Fatima told her that Tahira is a quite and good girl. She have only few friends: Jameela, Fadeela and Naja'at. They are from a respectable family. Tahira doesn't like going out most of the time. She always stay at home and read her notes, do her assignments and read novels. Sometimes she goes out with her friends.
"Hmm... that's interesting. I need her friends home address," requested Nadia.
Fatima got a jotter and jot down their addresses and gave it to Nadia. Nadia asked her everything she wanted to know and Fatima told her everything.
They discussed about Nadia's money for the job and they agreed on the amount. She was given half for a start. That's Nadia's suggestion. When she is done with the job she will collect the rest of the money.
Fatima escorted her to the door and thanked Nadia. She entered her car and headed to......
Find out where the Detective will go for her first investigation.
(c) Asmie's Diary
***Copyright protected. No part of this story should be copied in any form or by any means without the consent of the copyright owner. (c) Asma'u Sada
*** CHAPTER 5
Nadia drove straight to the main road and parked her car by the road side. She walked few steps and saw the broken car glasses littered on and beside the tarred road. She gently bent down and pick up a piece of glass and observed it. Then she brought out a nylon from her bag and put it inside. She was looking at the place imagining how the accident happened. She imagined Tahira running to the main road in agitation calling her mother on the phone trying to tell her what she just discovered. People were busy going up and down, some on cars while some by foot. Some were attending to their customers in the shops close by. Suddenly, a car came from no where and ran over Tahira as she was about crossing the road to enter her car. Tahira screamed and collapsed on the road. Blood gushing out of her egg and body. Peoples attention was drawn to the scene and they rushed to help her in shock. While the owner of the car that ran over her fled without stopping to see what he did. Some were shouting and insulting him at the same time. Tahira was rushed to the hospital immediately.
Nadia sighed at her imagination. The accident is horrible and not just ordinary auto accident. Something is fishy. Someone is after Tahira's life. Who is this person and why? And what has she discovered that she wanted to discuss with her mom.
She looked down again. And unexpectedly sighted a golden metal glistening on the ground. She quickly picked it and observed it. It's a gold bracelet. But it's broken. This must be Tahira's bracelet. She muttered in her mind. Then she put it inside her nylon. And looked round the place again if she will find anything again. But there was nothing left. So she stood up and looked beside her. She saw some men staring suspiciously at her. They were three men in their middle age and sitting outside a shop on the bench.
Nadia approached them. She greeted them respectfully and introduced herself to them.
" I am Nadia Majid. I'm a detective from the Police Headquarters," as she showed them Her ID card.
The suspicious look change to respect. They welcomed her. She asked them about the accident. Two of the men that were there when the accident happened narrated what they saw. One of them said he was the owner of the supermarket they were sitting close to.
He told her that they were sitting outside the shop chatting when they saw a car driving in a very high speed and then suddenly ran over a lady that looked as if she was in a hurry and confusion, making call at the same time trying to cross the road. Then they all ran to rescue the lady that was covered in blood on the tarred road. The man that ran over her escaped.
Nadia jotted down what the man said. She put asked him more questions. Then put back her jotter in her bag and thanked the men. She headed to her car, entered and zoomed off.
(c) Asmie's Diary
Where is she going to next? Find out in Sweet and Sorrow Chapter 6.
***Copyright protected. No part of this story should be copied in any form or by any means without the consent of the copyright owner. (c) Asmie's Sada
CHAPTER 6
She leaned on her car waiting for the students to come out from the lectures. She wore a suit with a small veil round her head, her blue bag clung on her right shoulder. It matched with the colour of her suit. She wore blue lofers same colour with the veil. She folded her arms and stared at the lecture room. Some students were reading under a big tree while others were chatting and laughing. She checked her wrist watch. The time was 10:00am. She looked at the lecture hall again, the lecture was still going on. She can see the lecturer from where she was standing. He is tall, dark wearing an English wear.
Fifteen minutes later, the lecture was over. She saw the lecturer leaving the class and some students were following him. He was holding a big handout, text book and a pack of board marker. She stared at the door as some ladies were coming out of the class approaching where she was. They are two in number. All of them wore native wears with small veils. They were all holding a fashion bags and working gently, chatting. As they were passing through were she was standing, she quickly stopped in their presence and said "Hello!"
They looked at her and then looked at each other. They have no idea who she is but she looked cute and friendly.
" My name is Detective Nadia Major. I'm hired by Hajia Fatima Ahman to investigate Tahira's accident. If you wouldn't mind I will like to ask you few questions." Nadia said with an amiable smile, looking at them. She showed them her ID Card.
They sighed and looked at each other. At first they were contemplating on what to do. Then the fair lady said,"Alright. What do you want to know?"
Nadia turned around and sighted two empty benches under a mango tree. Then she asked them if they agree to go there and sit down and discuss about the issue. They agreed and went there to sit. Two of the ladies sat on one bench and Nadia sat on the other facing them. Nadia's small tape recorder was on her lap but was covered with her jotter. She switched it on immediately when she started asking them questions without the ladies knowing she was with it.
" I will like to know your names ladies?" she asked looking at them.
"My name is Laila,"said the fair one.
"And my name is Fariha," the dark lady said.
" I promise I won't take too much of your time. I learnt that you are Tahira's friend, when last did you see her?" Nadia threw the question at them.
" We saw her last week thursday in school. We were together, we had the last lecture of the day at lecture room one. After the lectures, we went to the parking lot, she entered her car and left. That's the last time we saw her."answered Fariha.
" That's by what time?" asked Nadia looking at them to catch every nuance of their expressions.
" Around 2:00pm," replied Laila looking worried.
"Did you observed whether she was in worrisome mood?"
" No. She was in a good mood since when she came to school that day. She showed us her new matrix car that her mother bought for her," responded Laila gloomily.
"So, has she ever told you she has problem with anyone? May be she has once got herself in trouble or something? "
This time around, the ladies looked at each other amazed and responded together,"No".
"You sure? " the Detective asked.
"Yes," they replied in unison.
" Tahira is a lively and cheerful person. She is very friendly and helpful. Always want to live peacefully with everyone. As far as we know her, she always avoid getting into trouble," expatriated Laila as tears began to fill her eyes. She quickly removed her handkerchief from her bag and dabbed her eyes.
" Are you aware of the situation your friend Tahira is?" asked Nadia.
"Yes, and we visit her almost every day. Even though, she doesn't recognise us. We care about her and we are so worried. We really miss her,"sobbed Fariha as tears started falling down her cheeks.
Nadia helped her with a tissue paper. She collected it and thanked her. Then she wiped the tears and sobbed for almost five minutes. Laila was shading tears too. Nadia tried to calm them. She watched them silently, trying to compose themselves.
I think that is all for now," then she removed her complimentary c and gave it to them in case if they remember or see anything that will help in investigating the culprit behind Tahira's accident. She thanked them and left.
(c) Asmie's Diary
What next? Find out in the next chapter of Sweet and sorrow by the author Asma'u Sada.
***Copyright protected. No part of this story should be copied in any form or by any means without the consent of the copyright owner(c) Asma'u Sada
