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Hawlahscho:
Continues

SEVENTEEN

Aishat couldn't take her mind off the whole scenario in the court earlier in the day, she couldn't imagine Ibrahim taking such a deadly move just because of her, remembering her love (Sam) brought tears into her eyes the more, she thought of Ben who suffered for nothing, after dinner that day, Alhaj called Aishat and Hajia to join him in the living room;

"Aishat Morenike, I know how you are feeling now, I know what you're passing through emotionally, you lost a loved one, you got evil from whom you trusted, life seems unfair to you." Alhaj began to console.
"You know what, life is not fair to anyone, nobody deserves 100% trust, not even yourself because sometimes you promise yourself and fail to fulfill it, no one is absolutely reliable because a whole lifetime is not enough to study half of human attitude.
"Just like weather, things change, adaptation is part of what makes you a real human, adapt to every situation you find yourself, thinking cant solve anything, with time you can always get over every condition and find yourself happy again, in fact I have a good news for you," Alhaj said while Aishat quickly responded "What's the good news"
"The good news is NOTHING LASTS FOREVER, or what do you think?" He asked Hajia in expectation to hear her part.

"'Oko mi' (My dear), I believe you understand your dad, sighing around the house can only do more bad than good. Nothing specifically lasts forever and that's a good reason to smile for you and everyone else in bad situation or any dilemma" Hajia said.
"Mom it's OK, I'll learn not to think of it anymore. Thank you so much dad, I really appreciate your words.. But I have something to pour out of my mind." Aishat said.
"OK, I'm listening." Alhaj responded.
"I'm not trying to put the blame on you sir and neither am I waking a dying matter, I just want to free up my heavy mind." She paused, then continued.
"Daddy, you caused out of this my emotional disaster, if you'd not pressurized me to date a Muslim by force, I wouldn't have thought of Ibrahim and he wouldn't have tried killing Sam even though he is not the one who eventually killed him.
"This is the example of what you were told in the dream, the so called Muslim you accepted to be my boyfriend is the same evil-minded Ibrahim. Being religious is absolutely different from being righteous and responsible. I am sorry sir if I've said anything wrong." She ended.

Alhaj stood up and went to sit beside Aishat;
"I expected you to have something like this in your mind and I am happy you said it out instead, you haven't said anything wrong if truly I'm a responsible father" He patted her.
"See, what has happened has happened and we can refer to it as the past, this is present while a better future awaits you. You still have enough time to get back on the track and find love again. As I said earlier, you have the order to marry anyone you love, you have my full support" Alhaj. Aishat, smiled a bit and...
******
Few weeks to clock a year that Sam died, Ben remained the only option left for Aishat, their love continued to grow by the day, Aishat was anxiously expecting Ben to propose to her but nothing seems forthcoming, finally Ben took the bold step and proposed to Aishat in a grand style, of course Aishat gladly said yes to his proposal, the introduction took place as the two families got to know one another, their wedding remained two months...
******
Inside a well decorated big hall, colorful and attractive vicinity indeed where cream colour dominated among others, that was the reception for the wedding ceremony between Sulaimon Aishat and Simon Benjamin, after the opening intros and the dancing-dancing, the couples were already on their seats, the song Oloomi by Tosin Martins was going on at the background as the MC was routing the stage and cracking ribs;

"So far so good so far so memorable.. There have been a lot of fun here today, we've really rejoiced with the latest couples in town, now I'll call on the bride's father to give the closing speech" MC said as Alhaj stood up to take the mic;

"'Assalamualaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh' (Peace be upon you so may the mercy of Allah and His blessings)" Alhaj greeted in Islamic way while more than half of the population responded "'Waalaikumsalam Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh' (May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you too)"
"I greet you also with the greetings of Christ Jesus" he said and smiled.
"Who among us here do not like this type of gathering?" Alhaj asked and began to look around if he would see anyone but nobody signified.
"Can you see, everybody wants this kind of happy gathering but I tell you authoritatively that many parents have ignorantly denied something like this that could have happened, all in the name of religion difference.
"The last time I checked, what majorly makes a successful marriage are two people with common goals brought together by love and honesty with God's supervision" People began to clap.
"Over the years now, many people have spent time or should I say wasted time proving that someone's religion is better than the other and this hustle is common among African parents - my children must follow my path (religion), this is not advisable.
"I want to ask, is it not more important to adopt every good part of every religion to bring our children up than to mandate one to them especially to their detriment?
"It is very important for parents not to be selfish, we should focus on teaching our children good values which everyone will agree it is the basis of every religion. It is very unfortunate that these religions have become source of wealth to many people, source of power to others, and some a reason for conflict among people of different beliefs instead of unity.
"If we can learn to respect others' religions and leave them with their preferences not affecting our relationship with them, we will avoid what I term RELIGION JINGOISM, and that will make te world a happier place.
"I am not saying religion is not good but religion tolerance is far better. Thank you all for your precious time." He returned the mic as a round of applause was echoing. The groom's father gave the closing prayer, other celebrations took place as different postures of pictures were taken.

The couples were on their way back home, on the car, Aishat tapped Ben;
"My love, guess what." She said smiling.
"Tell me something jare" He responded with smiles also.
"I am happy." She said while they both smiled. The driver looked back and smiled as well.

THE END.

Aishat and Ben already had a baby before Ibrahim returned from prison, he apologized to both of them and specially thanked Ben for rejecting the N100,000.00 fine he rejected years back, Ibrahim was forgiven but they were never close friends anymore.


Thanks for reading.
Watch out for my next story, THE ARREST.