LOCKDOWN

A metallic tapping of noise reverberated from the gate. Voices of people; children, men and women were heard on the quiet street with loud footsteps running helter skelter for a cover. The weather was hot. The security guard who was guarding a duplex quickly came out from his room that was closed to the gate and unlocked the door, he peeped to see what was going on outside. As he opened the gate, a boy of 13 years old rushed inside the house with a ball on his hand. He was sweating profusely. The security guard peeped outside, he saw people running, some with nylons indicating that they were from the market or grocery stores while some with weaved baskets indicating that they were from the farm. Whereas some with empty-hands running towards their homes. The security guard was confused; what was going on? he asked in his mind. People were shouting that he can't understand a word they were saying. Suddenly, he saw a group of JTF chasing them with their thick clubs. The JTF  were sweating profusely. On seeing that, he quickly closed the gate. 

He clapped his hands in disappointment and utter some words in Hausa "Allah Ya kyauta"

  Zahra was watching a movie in the sitting room upstairs. She heard noises outside their house. She reduced the volume of the TV and listened attentively. She was sure of what she heard. She quickly went to the balcony and peeped, she saw people running helter skelter with JTF  chasing them with their clubs. She rushed downstairs shouting, "Mum! Mum!! She headed to the gate and saw their mother scolding her younger brother, Hassan. She held his ear and twisted it hard asking him angrily, "Why are you so stubborn? Didn't I warned you of going outside this house? Can't you play football in this surrounding? This house is spacious, you can do whatever you want to do. Why must you go out? You want to cause trouble for me right? I am going to deal with you seriously today. Let's go inside the house" 

  "Mum, I am sorry. I won't repeat it. Please forgive me" pleaded Hassan in pain.

 Their mother did not listen to him, she dragged him to the house.

 "Seriously? You went to play football in that field? In this lockdown? I wish the JTF had dealt with you seriously. You won't go out again," Zahra said angrily as she watched their mother dragged him into the house.

Mallam Bello, did you know when he went out?" She asked as she approached the security guard at the gate. 

 "No, Small Hajiya. I was at the back of the house plucking apples for big Hajiya. She told me to pluck it for her. She want to make juice with it" explained Mallam Bello.

 "I don't know why he's so stubborn. He loves going out to play football with his friends in this lockdown period. I have told him of the effect of going out to mingle with friends million times but he never listen to me or mum," said Zahra looking worried.

 "May God bring an end to this deadly disease, said Mallam Bello.

"Ameen"

Zahra met her Mum in the sitting room upstairs watching Covid 19 news. Their house help, Larai was setting the table. 

"Is it lunch time? asked Zahra surprisingly as she looked at the silver clock pasted on the dinning room wall.

 "Yes, it's almost two o'clock," replied the house help. Adjusting the placement mat. 

 "The time is fast today", said Zahra.

"Really? there is nothing to be surprised of. Things have changed a lot. Strange things are happening. And this Covid 19 too.... 

 "It's so scary mum" she said as she sat on the couch close to her mother.

 "Don't be afraid dear, it shall come to pass. With God everything is possible, let's continue praying harder. God will listen to us and answer our prayers. It's a test and we will pass it, okay? Said Hajiya Nana encouragingly to her daughter and patted her gently on the shoulder with an assuring smile.

" You are right Mum, things will be better soon. We will pray harder and avoid anything that will cause this disease to us. Like washing our hands regularly, distancing ourselves from crowd. I wish Dad is here Mum. I missed him. She said with tears in my eyes.

 "Oh! dear we all missed him. Let's pray for him too. She hugged her daughter with so much love and concern. "Now let's go to the dinning table and eat lunch, okay?" She smiled at her daughter.

 "Okay, Mum"

 They went to the dinning table together. Mama Larai"what did you cook today? asked Zahra.

" Spaghetti with chicken stew, fish pepper soup,  Salad and Apple - Pineapple Juice". But Hajiya made the juice.

 "Wow! That sounds satisfying" Zahra said with an amazement.

"You love eating good food but you have refused to pay attention to cooking. I don't know why? At your age, you suppose to have become professional or less, expert in cooking. You know am a good cook and so was your late Dad, back then when you were young, we were chefs and owned our restaurant in the city. But later on, because of your Dad's work, he was transferred to New York, we had to closed down our restaurant because we don't have a choice.  What's wrong dear? You have to pick up that hobby whether you like it or not, you must know how to cook. We will always go into the kitchen together and cook everyday.  Hope I made myself clear?" 

 "Yes, mum"

"Good. Help me with the bowl of salad."Zahra passed the bowl of salad to her mother. 

Hassan has finished sulking in his room and came downstairs to join them. They all enjoyed the meal. 

After lunch, Hajiya Binta went to her sitting room upstairs to watch news about Covid 19 as usual. She never got tired of watching it. She spent lots of time by the tv. She watched different channels. Her children finds it boring to watch the same thing every day. They used to asked her"mum don't you get tired of watching Covid 19 news every time?"

"If I did not watch the news, how will I know what is going on in this world? This is a pandemic, it has affected the whole world. This is a very serious disease. And that's how we will know how to prevent ourselves from getting infected. I told you to always wash your hands with soap and water or use hand wash but don't go close to the gas or fire when you use it, because it's dangerous," explained Hajiya Binta.

 ***

 The following morning, Zahra was sleeping on her bed in her room when her mother opened the door and came in. She woke Zahra by patting her on the shoulder. "Wake up Zahra! It's almost Seven O'clock and you are still sleeping. Hope you have said your prayers?" asked the mother standing beside the bed, staring at her daughter.

"Yes, mum. I have." Zahra responded sleepily.

"Good, then get up let's go to the kitchen now to prepare breakfast. I told you we will be cooking together" 

"Okay! Mum. I will join you soon," she said trying to go back to sleep.

" Get up young lady, am going no where without you. I have been waiting for you since in the kitchen but you didn't show up. Hajiya Binta said as she pulled the quilt and kept in on a nearby couch. Then she went to the window and drew the curtains, light appeared in the room. Some birds chirping on an apple tree outside Zahra's window flew away and up to the sky.

 Zahra has no choice but to get up and follow her mum to the kitchen. She helped her mother to peel Irish potatoes. While her mum cut red, green bell peppers and onions into strips. Then she shredded some cooked chicken. Until now Zahra has not finished peeling the potatoes, her mum had to collect it and finished peeling it because of time. 

"You have to learn how to work fast like a woman," said the mother. 

"Break 15 eggs for me in that bowl and crush 3 stock cubes in it," Hajiya Binta said to her daughter as she pointed at a porcelain bowl on the kitchen table. "Be fast please, she added" 

The mother placed a pan on the fire and drizzled some oil in it. 

"What are you going to cook mum? asked Zahra.

"Potato Casserole, the mum replied. That's why I want you to always come to the kitchen with me and learn how to cook. Not just to leave Mama Larai cooking all the time, come closer and see how am going to make it,"

Zahra came closer with the remaining eggs she has not broken and the bowl. She continued breaking the eggs and watching her mum make the casserole. 

 When the oil was hot, she added some ginger and garlic paste and saute. Then she added the bell peppers and onions, seasonings and spices, she stir fried till halfway cooked. Then arranged cooked sliced potatoes in the pan, followed by the shredded cooked chicken. Then she collected the whisked eggs from Zahra and poured it all over the pan. She added some diced green and red bell peppers on the eggs and cover the pan and allow to cook on low flame for 5-10 minutes. 

The casserole was ready in 10 minutes. 

"What else are we going to eat for breakfast?" asked Zahra as she put the bowl and cutlery they used inside the kitchen wash hand basin. 

"I have fried some plantain and cooked cow head pepper soup" replied her mother, keeping the dish of potato casserole on the kitchen table. Wash the bowl and cutlery Zahra and help me with the breakfast to the table, " she added.

"Oh! Mum, you know I hate washing dishes. It's boring."

"I told you from now on you must get used to the kitchen, cooking, washing dishes, etc You are in 300 Level in the University, you will graduate next year. When do you want to learn all these? Do you think you have the whole time of the world? At least before the Covid 19 is over and before you resume to school in London, you will get used to it and thank me one day. I am doing this to you for your own good. You will know the importance of it one day. Now go on and wash the dishes"

Zahra washed the dishes not because she wanted to but had no choice. She thought her mother was trying to bother her. 

 When she finished washing the dishes, she helped her mum to set the table and arranged the food. Hassan came inside the sitting room holding a basketball, he was dressed in his sport's wear. He was sweating and looked tired. 

"Good morning mum," he said.

"Morning dear. Hurry up and take your bath, then come and eat your breakfast. Look at how you are sweating...

"As if he was forced to play the game, haa haa Zahra cuts in and laughed at her younger brother.

"Mum, please warn her to stop looking for my trouble this morning" he reported his elder sister.

"Enough, Zahra, just concentrate on your food, okay?" Their mother said as she sat down on one of the dinning chairs and looked at Zahra with a little frown.

"Alright, mum" she said gently pulled the plate of potato casserole closer to her. She added some fried plantain on her plate and began to eat. "This is so delicious mum"

  "Thank you dear. That's why I want you to be a good cook like me.

"It's not easy but I will try mum"

"You have to try and get use to it. You are a woman not a small girl, said their mother. She served herself some pepper soup in a plate. 

 It wasn't long, before Hassan joined them. They continued eating together.

"Is there no left over bread? You know I love eating bread with tea, asked Hassan.

"Oh! I have totally forgotten, I sent Larai to get the bread for us since morning but up till now she is not back. You know we are in lockdown, so many things are not available now, she explained.

 "Yes, that's true. May be she will get it across the street. Said Zahra.

"Assalam Alaikum," Mama Larai said and came in empty handed.

They answered and looked at her to see if she got the bread. But they saw her holding nothing.

"Where you able to get the bread? asked Hajiya Binta.

"No, Hajiya. I went round this area. Only few shops were opened and there was no bread. They said it has been sold earlier this morning.

 "Oh! My God. Things are getting worse mum. We can't get bread at this time? It's just eight O'clock now. I think I have to get used to eating breakfast without bread with this current situation"Hassan lamented.

 "Hmm... I'm speechless" said Hajiya Binta. Then she sighed and said to Larai. Thank you, you can go. Your breakfast is in your food flask, I cooked the breakfast with you because I know you will come back hungrily. But if you prefer to cook something you can do so. I know you don't like these kinds of foreign food."

 "Yes, Hajiya. I will cook some tuwo (swallow) and miyan kuka," she responded with a smile. 

Mama Larai went straight to the kitchen. 

"Mum, this lock down is really affecting people a lot. This is very serious,"said Zahra looking pensive, she has dropped the fork in her plate since when Larai was telling them about the bread.

 "Is it now that you have started seeing what is happening? You think it's nothing serious? You don't watch TV, listen to the radio or read newspapers that's why you don't know much about it but you only watch movies and press your phones all day. You think that's the best thing to do in this situation. And you also think I am just wasting my time watching TV all day, right? You have to be watching TV, to know what is happening in this world. Or rather, you have good phones,use it to browse. There are millions of information," said the mother.

 "You are right mum, I will browse and also check social media" 

 "That will have been better for you, not only you Zahra including you Hassan."

 "Ok mum" Hassan picked his fork from his plate and continued eating his breakfast.

***

Hajiya Binta, Zahra and Mama Larai has been busy in the kitchen on a saturday morning cooking different kinds of food. Hajiya Binta suggested that they should cook the food and go to town and give it to the masses. Because they need food in this current situation of lockdown. She has been watching news and has seen how so many people are suffering and they cried for help. They complained that they don't have food to feed their families and have no money to buy. And all working places and markets have been closed down because of the pandemic. But as for the market, they have only two free days to go for their shopping or open their shops to sell their food stuff, etc It was really a tough period for them. She also saw some people helping the masses with foods in different areas across the country. So, the thought came to her mind and she decided to cook plenty food and give it out to the masses in the town. Her other house help, Tani who was given two weeks break to go and take care of her 6 years old daughter who had a sprained ankle on her left leg has came back. Her daughter has fully recovered. She was with them too, cooking in the big kitchen. They cooked jollof rice with lots of cow meat, stir fried spaghetti with veggies, tuwo shinkafa with vegetable soup, cole slaw. They also made zobo and kunun aya drinks. Tani arranged the bottles in the freezer. Hajiya Binta also opened the store and told Mallam Bello and their driver Ya'u to bring sacks of rice, beans, millet, maize, sugar, cartoons of spaghetti, macaroni, indomie, stock cubes, gallons of oil and palm oil, out. She directed them to package it in big nylons like viva leather, bacco, etc she gave them lots of empty bottles to package the oil and palm oil. They spent few hours packaging everything. Hassan was not left behind, she told him to assist them. He gladly did and was happy his mum was trying to help. As it's one of the things she loved doing most of the time. And anytime she was going out to give food or clothes to the needy, he always followed her. He loved the way she helps the needy and  was glad he has a caring mum.

   By two o'clock they were all done with the cooking and packaging. They loaded everything in the trunk of the car. They were going in Sienna car. They bath and got ready to go to the town. Hajiya Binta went with her children, Tani and the driver. They all wore face masks and went with their hand gloves. They went to the ghetto area where most of the masses live. Ya'u parked the car in a corner. They all came out and saw some men sitting at the frontage of their house. They greeted them. Ya'u told them why they were here and wanted to see the Mai Unguwa. They took them to see him and asked for his permission. Which he gladly permitted them. He came out from his house with them and told the people to call out their families and neighbours. Which they gladly did. Before you know it, hundreds of people have surrounded them. But Ya'u told them to queue so that it will be easier to give them the food and also so that everybody will get. They all cooperated. Hajiya Binta, Zahra and Tani shared the cooked food and drinks in packs and bottles. The place was very noisy but the people cooperated. While Ya'u and Hassan shared the raw food. They were standing by the car and the trunk of the car was opened. They finished sharing everything past five in the evening. The people were very happy and thankful to them. The Mai unguwa on behalf of everyone thanked them happily and prayed for their safe return home. Ya'u drove them home, they were exhausted but happy. 

"Mum what I learnt today was, is good to be kind and helpful to the needy," said Zahra as they entered the sitting room downstairs.

"Wow! I'm impressed. Glad you observed that. You are really a thoughtful person," Hajiya Binta said with a smile and patted her daughter on the shoulder. 

"I felt I am beginning to love cooking now. I promise you mum from now on I will concentrate and learn how to cook. What we did today really inspired me a lot. I want to be cooking and sharing my recipes and videos to the world, I need your prayers, support and blessings. Sharing your knowledge, money, food, etc with people is the best thing ever. You will ended up being happy with what you did especially if people appreciate it, Zahra added.

Her mother was over joyed by the sudden change in her daughter. She didn't know that what she did today will change her daughter's life for good. She was extremely happy and thanked God in her mind. She hugged her daughter happily and blessed her. 

Since from that day, Zahra followed her mum to the kitchen, she learned varieties of food from her mother and their house helps. They were also glad that Zahra has picked interest in cooking. In no time, she became an expert and most times cook for the house alone or with their house helps. She shared her recipes online. And created a blog and save her recipes there and always direct people to her blog by giving them links. As time goes by, she created a YouTube channel and shared her videos there. She got lots of subscribers and followers on social media. Hmm... Imagine how lockdown has changed Zahra's life. What of you? 

© Asmie's Diary

All right reserved. No part of this story should be copied or transmitted in any form or by any means without the consent of the copyright owner © Asmie's Diary

Race of Life

RACE OF LIFE

STORY BY ASMA'U SADA
*                     *                    *
      One morning, sun shone in Sa'ada's bedroom curtains and woke her up. She quickly opened her eyes and swiftly shut them. Pulled her blanket and covered her face. But the sun kept shining in room.
  "Oh! My God,  I am almost late for jogging, Sa'ada said as she quickly jumped to her feet at once and dressed in her track suit. She opened the curtains of the window and immediately light appeared in the room. Some birds were chirping outside her room on a nearby tree.
 Sa'ada picked up her iPad and wore her white canvas and hurried down the stairs
  " You are late for jogging today, " said her mother setting the dinning table.
 "Yes, mummy, I was fast asleep. "
    Sa'ada was jogging on the street listening to a cool music. The street was quiet except the chirping of birds on nearby trees. Few people were also jogging. Some were going up the street while others down.
  " Surprise!  Bye! " said her younger brother Amir, of seven years old as he passed her on his brand new bicycle, laughing excitedly.
 Both of them are always racing to first each other in going for jogging. And today he first her
  " Stop being excited, you only first me today. "
  " It's not only today, I first you twice. Ha! Haa!! Haaa!!! He ran and rode off the street.
  Sa'ada nodded her head and  smiled as she continued jogging.
 As she was coming by, she stopped at a sharp bend to buy a newspaper from a vendor. She always does that anytime she is out for jogging.
 "Good morning Hajiya. "
" Morning, Mr Vendor. "
"How was your night? "
"Fine, is there any top story today?" Sa'ada glancing at the newspaper on the table.
 "Yes Hajiya. Just take a look at this one." He said handing over the newspaper.
"Wow! Interesting," Saada said flipping through the pages as she read the headlines swiftly. She added, Oh!  My poem and recipe are published. Can't wait to read it.
 " That's nice. I've seen and read it."
 " Thank you, "she said smiling.
  "Sister bye till you come, " Amir said as he rode past her again giggling as he waved. He rode down the street heading towards home.
  Sa'ada smiled and paid for the newspaper.
 " You are always racing and today he first you. I don't know when this race of yours will end, " the vendor said smiling.
   Happy family huh?
 
*                  *                     *
Sa'ada laughed and continued jogging. When she almost reached home, she saw a crowd gathered at the side of the road. She was wondering what the matter was but decided to go and see for herself. She reached the crowd and started pushing the crowd to see what they were staring at in horror and there was too much noise. Sa'ada didn't understand what a single person is saying.
  Innalillahi wa ------- Amir! Sa'ada shouted in terror her eyes fixed on her brother who was lying unconsciously on the ground in blood.
  "Who knows this boy? Someone around the crowd asked looking around.
 "It ---it --- is my brother, " Sa'ada stammered in dilemma. She was shocked and weeping, tears was falling down her cheeks. She came close to Amir and knelt down. Shaking and screaming his name.
 " Somebody help,  please! He is dying. Sa'ada continued crying.
 Immediately someone shouted, "somebody should go and get a car, hurry."
 "My car is over there, " a young built man said pointing to the other side of the road.
 The young built man picked up Amir and rushed to his car. Sa'ada followed them holding Amir's hand crying.
  Before they reached the car, Amir gave up the ghost. Sa'ada screamed and fainted.
  ©All Right reserved. No part of this story should be copied or transmitted in any form or by any means without the consent of the copyright owner©Asmie's Diary

      The End!!!
(c)Asmie's Diary

If Only I Knew...

IF ONLY I KNEW....

    Story By

Asma'u Sada

The door creaked open, a young lady in her middle twenties, fair in complexion and average of height. Came out of the bedroom wearing a pink gown, her head covered with a small pink veil. She wore a light make up. And darted towards the stairs, shouting the house help's name rudely,"Tani! Tani!!"
 Tani the house help answered and came out of the kitchen swiftly holding a small kitchen towel on her hand. She approached the stairs quickly and bent respectfully as the lady reached the end of the stairs. " I am here Ma," she said.
  "Mts! How many times will I have to call you before you answer? I have seriously warned you about that. Haven't I?"
  "Yes, you have. I'm very sorry Ma," she said apologetically.
 " The next time you repeat that. You will be long gone from this house. I won't tolerate this nonsense. By the way, I told you to iron my blue gown yesterday night but because you are a duffer, you ironed pink gown. What language do you want me to speak to you?"
  ""I'm so sorry Ma. I thought you said pink gown," Tani explained.
 "Will you shut up? don't you dare argue with me. You are such an idiot! Is pink colour the same with blue? I will soon send you away from this house. You have been giving me headache. The lady opened her fashion hand bag and brought out some money, one thousand naira notes. She threw the money on the floor and said to Tani, " I want you to cook spicy pepper soup for me before I come back from the office. Buy the ingredients for the pepper soup." she passed Tani and brushed her shoulder. Tani staggered and nearly fell down, but she tried to maintain her posture. As she nearly reached the sitting room door, she turned and said to Tani," if you like don't finish on time and if you like add too much salt in the pepper soup." she reached for the door and flung it open and walked majestically as if she is a model.
  " It will be ready before you come back Ma," said Tani respectfully as the lady, Safrah banged the door.
 "Hmm... Tani sighed. What kind of lady is this? she is so rude, arrogant, disrespectful and unfriendly. God! She raised her head up and looked at the ceiling. Help me get a better job and leave this house. I am old enough to be her mother but see how she disrespects me. I have a daughter her age. But I lost her as a result of a car accident. She was no where to be found. I don't know if she is dead or alive. Hadn't been she is here, I won't suffer like this." She may be rich. Tani bent down and picked the money. And went to the kitchen to finish washing the plates.
  In the evening, Tani and the gardener were gisting in the garden. She went to pluck fruits in the garden. He asked her about her family. She narrated her story to him. That she was married to a farmer and had one daughter. They were on their way going to their village Muricci in a bus, when suddenly they had an accident. The bus hit a large rock which was by the side of the road. So many passengers died including her husband but her one year old daughter was no where to be found. She searched everywhere but couldn't find her. Tani was lucky because she had few wounds and bruises. The injured passengers and those that died were rushed to the hospital in a nearby town. Tani was in dilemma, she lost a husband and her daughter was missing. She cried bitterly. And was helpless. She later went to a nearby police station and reported about her missing daughter. The police promised to help her find her daughter. Tani was an orphan, and her relatives are living far away from the town she lived. She has no one to help her and she is poor. So she moved to the city in search of work so that she will fend for herself. And in the process, she went to Safrah's house to seek for work as a house help and was accepted by the owner of the house Alhaji Salim, who was kind and love helping people. But he is a business man, he always travel abroad. He hardly stays at house. He left his only daughter with the house help Tani, the gardener and the security guard. His wife died many years ago as a result of an illness. Tani has been taking care of Safrah for 3 years. But Safrah has been maltreating, disrespecting her and make her work all day. Tani wondered the kind of a girl she is without home training. But she was patient enough to bear the difficulties in the house.
   "So up till now, you have not heard any news about your daughter?" asked the gardener showing concern and worried about her plight.
  " No. I haven't heard any news about my daughter. She was at the age of 1, when she was missing. But I made a sign on her right hand when I gave birth to her. I wrote the name of our tribe with a liquid of a black fruit, that will never be erased when it dried. I will recognise her, if I see the sign in her hand.
 "What is the name of your tribe?" asked the gardener.
 "Pulaako" Tani replied.
"Aah!" They had a scream very close to them. They quickly turned to see who that person was. And to their surprise they saw Safrah. She fell on Tani's body and hugged her. She burst into tears and wept profusely. Both Tani and the gardener were surprised. They don't understand what was going on. They looked at each other.
 "What is the matter, Safrah?" Tani asked.
 " Mother!" Safrah said and bursted into more tears and she hugged Tani again.
 "Mother?"asked Tani shockingly.
 "You are my mother! Father told me how they found me close to Muricci village when I was one year old. I have pulaako written on my right hand. Father told me, they found me with it. Pls forgive me mother for all that I have done to you. If only I knew... If only I knew you were my mother I would not have maltreated you," said Safrah sobbing.
  Tani was extremely happy to find her daughter and she hugged her happily. And thanked God. "I forgive you, my daughter" she said shading tears of happiness.
   The End...
(c)Asma'u Sada
Copyright protected. No part of this story should be copied or transmitted in any form or by any means without the consent of the copyright owner(c)Asma'u Sada

A Mysterious Story

...A man in his early fiftees (50's) came out of his house looking for his son. He searched everywhere but couldn't find him. As he was going back into the house, he heard a sound on top of the roof. He quickly turned round, looked up and saw his son holding a tango ball in his hands.
  "Audu! What are you doing up there? The father asked staring at his son in astonishment.
 " Father, I was playing football and I mistakenly threw it on top of the roof. So I climbed up through the wall to pick it" Audu said as he held the ball with his left hand and dusted his T-shirt with his right hand. He was a teenager. 15 years of age, dark in complexion and average of height.
   "You climbed up there? are you not afraid of falling down? Alright, jump I will catch you," the father said assuringly.
  "Father, I should jump?" Audu asked his father surprisingly. He looked down and saw the distance. He was scared. He looked at his father again. His athletic body, if he jump his father may catch him.
   "Audu! Jump now. Don't you trust me? I am your father. I will catch you. I won't allow you to fall down. Jump, my son" the father said assuringly. He raised he hands forward and stretched them as he moved closer to the roof and looked at his son.
  Audu looked at his father for the last time. He felt assured and secured. He was sure his father will not fail him. He will catch him. He looked down and then moved forward to the edge of the roof. He jumped down wholeheartedly and with ease and hope. To his greatest surprise, he heard himself fell on the ground; bare ground. He couldn't believe it. He screamed loudly and called his father. He tried to move his right leg and to his greatest shock, he realised that his leg has broken. He screamed again in agony and stared at his father. Father! Why did you do this to me? How could you? You promised to catch me. But you allowed me to fall down. Father! Father!! he cried out loudly.
   The father looked down at his son who was rolling and groaning on the ground in pain, crying. Tears were running down his checks like cascading waterfall. He didn't show remorse. "My son, I did that to teach you a lesson. From now on, don't ever trust anyone even me, your Father"
    The father, turned back and entered the house and left his son, lying on the ground crying in pain and disappointed at his father.
   IF IT WERE YOU,  WHAT WILL YOU DO?
©Asmie's Diary

30 Minutes Chef

 

30 MINUTES CHEF

  "Safrah! Safrah!! Called the mother as she entered inside the sitting room from the yard holding a medium bowl of tomatoes and red bell peppers.
  " Na'am! Mama. I'm here in the kitchen," answered Safrah, a 25 years old girl. Dark in complexion and average in height. She wore a pink t-shirt and white long skirt with strips of pink on it. On her head, was a pink turban. She was dicing some carrots on a wooden chopping board. She smiled jauntily, she knew why her mother was calling her.
 "Of course. I know you will be there," said the mother as she headed straight to the kitchen swiftly, adjusting her wrapper with her left hand. As she entered the kitchen, she dropped the bowl of vegetables on the kitchen table, beside Safrah.
  "Didn't I warned you of taking my onions and other ingredients without asking for my permission?" She pulled Safrah's ear a bit hard that Safrah screamed in pain and held the ear.
  "I'm sorry, Mama. I wanted to make a beef sauce and I checked everywhere in the house looking for you to ask you if I can take the onions,but didn't see you. So I took the onions, explained Safrah.
  "You know that I am going to use the onions for my miyan kuka. I just went to get the ground baobab in Maman Khadija's house. You always exhaust my maggi, onions, spices, etc for your so called cooking. I told you several times to write the list of the ingredients you need to your father to buy it for you. Haba! You have to go and get me onions now. If not no soup for dinner," She let go of Safrah's ear and stared at her angrily.
   "I said I'm sorry Mama... What's going on here?" Interrupted Mallam Hassan; Safrah's father as he approached the kitchen. He was dressed in blue kaftan and wore a blue cap.
  "Assalam Alaikum" he added as he entered the kitchen with a big black nylon on his hand.
  "Wa alaikum salam," Safrah and her mother answered in chorus. Safrah rushed to collect the nylon from him and welcomed him happily "sannu da zuwa Baba", she said with a smile.
    " Yauwa, Safrah. What are you cooking for us today? I heard the aroma from the neighborhood," asked her father with a smile.
   "Sannu da Zuwa Mai gida, why are you exaggerating about Safrah's cooking? The aroma did not leave the door of this kitchen, talkless of perceiving it from the neighborhood," said Safrah's mother as she picked her bowl of vegetables from the kitchen table.
   "Haba Mama, Baba ka jita ko?" Safrah said with tears in her eyes, she looked at her father waiting for his response. She knew he is going to support her. He always encouraged her in her cooking and in everything she do. Most of the times, she bought the ingredients for her. And appreciate her cooking whenever he tasted it. He bought so many cookery books for her.
    Unlike the mother, who doesn't show much interest in what Safrah does. She believes it's a must for Safrah to learn how to cook by herself or learn from her.
  Safrah loves cooking more than anything in her life. She spends time in the kitchen cooking varieties of food, both African and continental, especially weekends or in the evenings when she comes back from school. It's her favourite hobby. She cooks with passion. Safrah learned to cook by herself. She loves creating and trying new recipes. And loves food plaiting. She is a unique chef. And always share her food pictures and recipes on social media. And have lots of fans. That gingered her more, because she believes she is doing something good and important.
  "Don't mind your mother. She is just pulling your legs, as far as I know you are one of the best cook in the whole world. Open the nylon, I bought some vegetables and fresh fish for you," consoled Safrah's father.
  "Oh! Thank you Baba, na gode sosai. I really appreciate your support and encouragement" Safrah smiled happily and opened the nylon.
  "I'm glad you bought vegetables and I hope there is onion too. Because Safrah used my onions for her cooking and I wanted to use it for my baobab soup now," Safrah's mother showed the bowl of tomatoes and red bell peppers to her husband.
 "Don't worry, I bought lots of onions," Safrah's father responded to his wife.
  Safrah brought out everything from the nylon and kept them on the table.
  "Aha! Here are your two onions that I took. Safrah said with a delight as she put the
 two onions in her mother's bowl.
 " Two onions will not be enough for me, add three more for me, " she said as she pushed the bowl of vegetables towards Safrah.
 "But Mama, I only took two. And I need lots of onions for my cooking. I have varieties of food to cook with onions this weekend, explained Safrah with a frown.
 " Haba Safrah these onions are too much for you. You can't use it all." The mother picked three onions, put it in her bowl and turned to leave the kitchen saying "let me hurry up and grind the vegetables, it's getting late."
  "Mama! Safrah called out her mother. She was pensive and turned to look at her father who was standing by the door, removing his phone from his pocket as it started ringing.
  " Don't worry, Safrah. If you need more, I will buy it for you," he reasurred Safrah and left the kitchen to answer his phone call.
 Safrah turned to her cooking, she washed her carrots, green peppers and spring onions, she rinsed them and add them to the pot. She stirred gently, with a wooden spoon and tasted the beef sauce if there is any need to add salt. But the sauce was okay, so she covered the pot and allowed to cook on medium flame. Then she cleaned and washed the bowls she used.
 *                   *                       *
At twelve noon. The sun was blazing hot. The weather has changed; raining season has ended. The winter has started approaching. Safrah was dressed in a simple gown, yellow and red colour. She picked her small bag from the bed and put her purse and Android phone inside. She looked at the mirror and adjusted her powder and rubbed a red lipstick on her lips. She looked at her face in the mirror once again and left her room. She met her mother in the corridor and told her that she was going to her favourite supermarket for a shopping.
  "You should have followed your father, he just left now on his motorcycle. He forgot his folder and came back to pick it," explained the mother.
 "Don't worry, Mama. I have charted a tricycle from 'OPay. He will be here any minute" Safrah said with a smile. She opened her hand bag and brought out her phone. She checked the phone and saw the rider calling her.
  "I'm coming right now," she said as she hurried to the door. She turned and looked at her mother and said, the rider has arrived. Bye Mama,"
  "What is Opay?"asked the mother, gazing at her daughter as she reached the door.
  " Opay it's a new easier means of transportation. You will order where you are going online and a rider will come and pick you up at your location" Safrah explained and dashed outside.
  "Alright. That's good. Wish you safe trip, dear," said the mother with a smile.
 "Oh! Ikon Allah. What a technological era! Wonders shall never end. She picked her broom and started sweeping the corridor.
   "Afternoon, Hajiya," greeted the rider with an amiable smile as Safrah entered the tricycle.
  "Afternoon, Mallam."
  "AKCB Supermarket, right?" the rider asked  as he started the car, without turning.
 "Yes," replied Safrah.
         He drove her to AKCB Supermarket, which was 500km away from her home. She paid him and rated him five stars on the App. He thanked her and drove off.
  Safrah was welcomed by the security guards there, as one of their loyal customer. She responded back with an amiable smile and headed to the entrance of the supermarket. The security guard at the door, welcomed and opened the door for Safrah, he recognised her too. Safrah, did her shopping. She bought black olives, pasta, yellow mustard and spices. She paid at the counter with her credit card. The lady printed out the receipt from the POS Device and handed it to Safrah and said, "thank you for your patronage, we really appreciate.
  " You are welome," Safrah smiled back after collecting her receipt.
  She stood by the gate, waiting for another OPay rider. He arrived on time and she entered the tricycle. As the rider was trying to make a turn, they heard screams and loud noises beside them. They turned to see what was going on and to their greatest surprise, it was a car accident. The rider parked his car aside. Before the rider got  out of the car, Safrah has jumped out already and headed to the scenery in dilemma. There was a large crowd there. Staring and talking in loud voices. Safrah peeped to see what really happened. She saw a lady almost her age lying on the road side, crying and holding her left leg in pain, "Oh! my leg. It's paining me. I can't get up. Somebody help," the lady cried in pain.
 Safrah looked at the crowd. She discovered that it was a keke rider that hit the lady as she crossed the road to enter a brand new corolla car which was parked by the side of the road. The keke man was sweating profusely like a cascading waterfall, some people jerked him by the collar, calling him names. The lady's driver was insulting him, "that's how you stupid kill people deliberately with your reckless driving. How can you over take me through the right side, for God sake? You are in big trouble today. You will pay for what you did."
  Safrah was scared and confused. So many accidents have been happening these days. It's scary. That's what happened to her cousin last week on his way to Kano. She had a fracture on his thigh. But thank God he is recovering gradually.
 "Oh! my leg, it hurts" the lady cried in pain again. Safrah turned to look at the lady on the ground, holding her leg. A woman handed a bottle to water to the lady, consoling her, "don't worry, you will be fine,"
  She was trying to make a phone call, but couldn't press the buttons. Safrah moved closer to the lady and bent down close to her."Do you need help? she asked sympathetically.
 "Yes, please, help me call this number. It's my mum. Just tell her what happened," the lady said in a low painful voice, pointing at the name on the screen.
 "Okay, Safrah said she collected the phone quickly from the lady and dialled the number. She narrated briefly what happened. The mother was shocked. She asked Safrah to describe the location of the incidence. Safrah did and handed the phone over to the lady.
  " Thank you, she said to Safrah and added, "I hope I didn't break my leg. Oh! God help me. I'm on my way going to a Cooking Competition and I have only twenty minutes left. What do I do now? and I don't want to miss it. I have been waiting for this day, and look at what happened," she sobbed, staring at her wounded leg. There were bruises on the leg and some blood too.
   Safrah looked at the lady, she pitied her and patted her on the shoulder, "don't wory, you will be fine." she said assuringly.
  The lady looked at Safrah and asked her nicely, please do you have passion for cooking?"
   Safrah looked at the lady quickly, "without second thought, "yes, of course. That's my hobby," she replied with a smile.
   "Oh! Thank God. Please can you help me? I don't know if you can attend the Cooking Competition in place of me. I applied online. I will be grateful if you will do that for me," the lady said as she held Safrah's hand softly and looked at her with a trace of hope.
  "Yes, sure. Why not? I will gladly do that for you." assured Safrah with a smile full of confidence.
  "Thank you so much. Take this card. It contains my details and everything about the competition. All the best, please try your very best. Hurry, we don't have much time. I will definitely repay your kindness. Thank you and God bless," thanked the lady happily. She was overwhelmed by Safrah's kindness and trust.
   "Don't worry, I won't fail you. I promise." Safrah assured the lady as she got up and rushed to her rider who was with the crowd.
   "Mallam let's go, please am in a hurry, " she said.
 "Okay, Hajiya."
  "But please you will drop me before my destination, it's just close by. Something urgent came up."
  "Okay"
 The driver dropped Safrah at a story building and left. She quickly entered the gate and brought out the card given to her by the lady to check the exact place to go.
  "2nd floor, Ajarsa's Kitchen." Safrah read aloud. She followed the direction that led her to the place. She was welcomed by he organizer and other members of the panel. She saw 9 ladies standing by their tables with their names written on a small square plastic. It was beautifully designed. She checked the card and saw the lady's name"Zahrah's Cuisines". She checked round go Zahra's table. At last, she sighted her table with inbuilt gas cooker, kitchen items and food stuff. Zahra's table was like any other table there in the place. Safrah greeted the ladies and went to stand by her table.
All right chefs. The Cooking Competition will commence in 10 minutes time. Cross check your tables to make sure your ingredients and kitchen items are complete. There is a paper on your table, read the paper and confirm," announced one of the judge who was sitting down at a big round table with 4 other judges. On the table were varieties of juices, bottle water, laptops,  Jotters, biros and flowers.
  Safrah picked a blue apron on her table and wore it like she saw the other ladies did. The name Ajarsa's Kitchen was written on it.
   Her phone started ringing, she quickly brought it from her bag and checked. It was her mother. Thank God the phone was on vibration. She declined the phone call and sent her mother a text quickly. Then put the phone on silent and kept it inside her bag and kept her bag under her table.
  "You are to prepare 2 food with all the ingredients on your tables. But we will you 20 minutes to prepare your ingredients. Then you will cook the two food in 30 minutes.  And remember, it's a 30 Minutes Cooking competition."announced another judge.
  " 30 Minutes? Said Safrah in a low voice as she gazed at the judge. Hmm! She sighed. I can do it! I can do it! In Sha Allah. She relaxed and looked at the other chefs. They are all ready for the competition. Don't panic,"she said to her self. She looked at the vegetables; cauliflower, carrots, chives, onions, tomatoes, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, yellow bell peppers, spices, chicken, seasonings, vegetable, olive oil and rice.
  When the 20 minutes was over for the food preparation, all the participants were told to stop.
  " Your time starts now. Remember, it's a 30 Minutes Cooking Competition. The youngest judge reminded them.
  All the chefs set to work, trying to beat the time. It wasn't easy. Everyone worked hard. They boil, cook, fry, cut, blend and at last the time was up and they were all asked to step back. The judges checked the tables, food and neatness of chef table and chef. They tasted the food and comment, jot down the points and went to work on the result. After few hours, the result was announced. Safrah score the highest point. She was the winner. She almost fainted because of joy. Tears of happiness rolled down her checks. She was extremely happy and thanked God in her mind. Two other winners were announced. Second and third winner. They congratulated one another. Safrah received her prices, a standing gas cooker, microwave oven, a 3 in one blender and a large token amount of 100,000 naira. Safrah screamed with joy and huged the judge that presented the gifts to her. They took pictures together with all the other chefs. Safrah was so happy, she checked the lady's card and saw her phone number. She called her and told her the good news. Zahra shouted delightedly over the phone. She heard Zahra telling the news to her mother who seemed to be beside her.
  In thirty minutes time, the same came to the story building, it was Zahra's driver. He took Safrah and her gifts to Zahra's house. Zahra was from a wealthy family, they lived in a mansion.  Safrah was surprised. Zahra's family welcomed her whole heatedly. They thanked Safrah for her kind gesture. Safrah saw Zahra's condition, it wasn't a fracture but a sprain in the ankle. Her leg was wrapped in a bandage. She was holding a cup of hot tea.
   To Safrah's gratest surprise, Zahra gave her all the gifts she received from the Cooking Competition. "I don't need anything, I have everything. I just joined he Cooking Competition for passion sake not for the gifts and money. It's all yours. You are truly a good person. You helped me and called me as soon as you received the gifts. Had it been it was another person, she would have run away with everything."
   Safrah was shocked and surprised. At first she didn't want to collect the gifts but was persuaded by Zahra's family.
  "You did everything, you deserve it. Zahra's father gave four hundred thousand naira to Safrah as a token of their appreciation. Safrah wept with joy and thanked them. Zahra's father told the driver to take Safrah home with her gifts as it was 7:00pm in the evening.
  "Can we be friends?" Zahra asked Safrah with an amiable smile.
  Safrah hesitated and then smiled back at Zahra, "yes." She said and they shook hands.
   "Mama! I'm on my way home now with a good news," Safrah said to her mother over the phone almost laughing excitedly as the driver drove on a high speed to take her home.© Asma'u Sada 
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