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nihinlolawa24:
Tanx for d update. May God increase u in knowledge and wisdom. waiting for DAT update u promised*winks*

Amen oo...thank you very much.

nihinlolawa24:
Tanx for d update. May God increase u in knowledge and wisdom. waiting for DAT update u promised*winks*

Amen oo...thank you very much.

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Detective Yakubu ran over to an unconcious Obinna.
"What happened?"
"He's not breathing...i checked his pulse,heartbeat...nothing"
An ambulance arrived and Obinna was carried on a stretcher into the ambulance.Luckily the ambulance was well equipped for emergencies like a near death expirience.One of the doctors in the ambulance pressed his chest repeatedly to revive him but nothing changed on the monitor.
"His hearbeat is not coming up...we need to start electric cardioversion." he said.
He plugged in the cardioverter machine and charged the paddles.He placed the paddles on Obinna's chest.
"3,2,1..." the paddles gave Obinna the shock but nothing changed on the monitor.
"Increase the volts,we need to bring him back now or he's lost forever" Obinna uncle said.
The doctor increased the volts and shocked him again.
The monitor started beeping and his heart rate came up.
"He's back" the doctor announced.
The medical team heaved a sigh of relief.
"Thank God!" Obinna's uncle exclaimed.
---------

Alhaji Abubakar was led to the police van like a sheep to slaughter.
"You're under arrest Alhaji for the abduction and torture of...."
"I know what i did,you dont have to tell me" Alhaji blustered with bloodshot eyes.
"You have the right to remain silent for every word you utter will be used against you in the court of law" Detective Yakubu bantered.
"I know my rights officer." Alhaji replied.
"I am Alhaji Abubakar son of Mallam Shehu Muhammed,a descendant of Usman Dan Fodio.No prison can hold me,nothing can stop me!"

"Shut up Alhaji,we have enough evidence to put you away for good"
Alhaji was bundled into one of the police vans with his goons and they were driven off to jail.

Detective Yakubu took one of the police cars and headed to the hospital.
When he got there he met a distraught Obinna's uncle in the waiting room.
"Officer i'm so glad to see you,thank you for all your help.I couldn't have found my nephew without you" he said.
The two men shook hands and sat down.
"How is your nephew?" Detective Yakubu asked.
"He's alive but he's still unconcious.The doctors patched him up and blood is being supplied into his system" Obinna's uncle replied.
"How long is he going to be out?"
"That is what the doctors are trying to decipher.They told me that Obinna went into coma.He could be out for a few weeks."
Detective Yakubu heaved a sigh of relief and patted Obinna's uncle on the back.
"Dont worry,your nephew will be fine.Meanwhile we have Alhaji Abubakar.We will press charges against him,all we need is a written statement from you which will be sent to the court."
"I'll get you the staement as soon as possible" Obinna's uncle said."Once again thank you very much Detective Yakubu.
"I'm just doing my job and erm...remember to tell that girl about the situation.I bet she's worried" The detective bid him farewell and drove off to the police station.
Obinna uncle sighed and went to see Aisha.The girl deserved to know what was going on.

She was awake when Obinna's uncle opened the door.She sat up on the bed and greeted the man.
"What happened to my father?" she asked.
"The police arrested him together with his goons.He will be charged to court for abduction and destruction of property.You can visit him in prison." he replied.
"What about Obinna?"
"Your father tortured him,he almost killed.When we arrived he wasn't breathing but we managed to keep him alive.He is in coma."
"Sir i apologize for any pain my father and i may have caused you.I wish i could go back and change things but..."
Obinna's uncle interrupted her.
"I forgive you.I hold no grudges,i'm a christian" he said.
Aisha felt sorry for Obinna.She blamed herself and her father for what happened.She was glad that Obinna was still alive.As for her father,she wont see him anytime soon.They were better off apart.He had caused so much pain and misery for others.She couldn't heap all the blame on him.She was the root cause of the problem and now with her pregnancy and her loneliness,she wished Obinna was there to wipe the tears off her face and tell her that everything is going to be okay.
The doctor barged in and greeted Obinna's uncle.
"Sir...i dont know how to break this news.Your nephew will recover slowly" he said.
"What does that mean?" Aisha asked.
"It means that he could stay in coma for about...six to seven months.I'm sorry"
Obinna's uncle shook his head and said "seven months?..that is long but i'll wait and i'll continue to pray for him"
Aisha was sad.A seven month coma meant that Obinna wont be around to support her till her delivery.
"The other day he came to the hospital" the doctor said and fished out a paper from his pocket.
"He left this note for you"
Aisha collected it and opened it.
The note said: AISHA I DONT HAVE MUCH TIME BUT I WANT YOU TO GO TO ONITCHA.MY FAMILY WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU...AND THE BABY.

Tears flowed down Aisha's cheeks.

Another update coming up....

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN


Aisha sighed and dropped the bombshell.
"I dont know where my father could have taken Obinna"
Obinna's uncle and Detective Yakubu were flabbegasted and dissapointed at the same time.
Obinna's uncle almost flared up in anger but Detective Yakubu held him.
"You need to calm down.There is still hope" he said.
"If she doesn't know her father's whereabouts then who will?" Obinna's uncle said.
"You need to calm down and let me ask the questions" Detective Yakubu said reassuringly.
He turned his gaze to Aisha and began.
"Young lady you say you dont know your father's whereabouts?
He asked.
"I dont know,i swear" she replied.
"You dont have to know but you can give me some locations.Where could your father have taken him?
Do you know any building or place that your father normally goes to?

"Yes,he owns a shop at the market.There is also a place where he goes everyday to collect the meat he sells and there are warehouses where he normally keep his goods"

"Good.Can you give us the exact location of these werehouses?"

"Yes ofcourse" Aisha asked for a pen and paper.She scribbled down the locations and handed it to Detective Yakubu.
"Thank you very much,Aisha" he said and made to leave.
Obinna's uncle went closer to Aisha's bedside and said.
"Look Aisha,i know that this pregnancy is not your fault.It was the outcome of a consensual act and Obinna is also at fault."
"I'm glad you see it that way sir" Aisha replied.
If only Alhaji Abubakar saw it that way,things would be different.
"But that will not stop the police from prosecting your father.He must face the wrath of the law for what he has done to me and my nephew" he said.
"I'm okay with that.I hope you find Obinna and when you do,tell him i'm sorry" Aisha said.


Detective Yakubu assembled a handful of heavily armed police officers to look for the Obinna.
He adressed them,reminding them the importance of their mission.
"This is the boy we are looking for"
he brought out a photo of Obinna and showed his officers.
"Keep your eyes peeled out for him and remember,if you sight the boy or the culprits do not engage.Alert the rest of the search party and together we take them out quietly."
They zoomed off immediately in search of the boy.They had 7 major places to search.So they spread out with a couple of officers going off to each location.
They set out with confidence.If Alhaji was stupid enough,Obinna would be found before sunset.
That was what they thought but they couldn't find him.
The sun was already setting and they had to had to find Obinna before nightfall.
Obinna's uncle was restless and he paced the floor aimlessly,staring into space.
All the locations had been searched except one.A major warehouse where Alhaji Abubakar stored his goods.
One of the officers spied the building.When they were sure that the culprits were inside,they sorrounded it.
Detective Yakubu took his megaphone and cleared his throat.
"Alhaji Abubakar,we know you are in there.We have confirmation.
Come out immediately with your hands in the air and i swear on my badge you will not be harmed."

Alhaji Abubakar was terrified when he heard the message on the megaphone.He thought the police would never find him.He made sure of that,not many people knew about his warehouse except Aisha ofcourse.
"That girl exposed me!" he screamed in anger.
His goons were afraid of arrest too.Their cutlass and clubs were no match for pistols the policemen carried.
"What do we do now,boss?" they asked.
"We use the boy as leverage.We exchange him for our freedom" he replied.
"Sorry boss but the boy is hurt very bad.He's unconcious now"
Alhaji got angry,he stroded to where Obinna lay.He was badly tortured.
"I told you boys to take it easy on him.I hope he is still alive.If he dies,i'll go to jail for murder" he said.
Alhaji went on scolding his thugs and ranting about how he has lost his leverage but they were interrupted when Obinna's uncle announced on the megaphone.
"Alhaji Abubakar release my nephew now.You are sorrounded,you have nowhere to run.It's game over for you.Come out now."
Detective Yakubu was growing impatient,he grabbed the megaphone and said.
"Alhaji you have till the count of ten to come out with your hands in the air or else my officers will break your door and attack you.You may not survive it,you better come out now or..."
He was interrupted when the door swung open and Alhaji followed by his goons came out,head bowed and hands in the air.
Obinna's uncle was relieved,he ran into the warehouse and searched frantically for Obinna.
He found him lying on the floor in one corner of the warehouse.He was shirtless,there was a handful of cuts and bruises on his body.One of the cuts went deep into his body,blood was oozing out.He was hurt pretty bad.
His uncle checked his pulse and heartbeat and cried.
"Oh my God he's not breathing,he's not breathing...Obinna please wake up,wake up!"

More updates coming up....

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Obinna's uncle had taken refuge in a neighbour's house.When Alhaji left,he tried contacting the fire service with his neighbour's telephone.People had gathered and many of them tried quenching the fire with water drawn from the well.It took time but gradually the fire was stopped from spreading to nearby houses.The fire service finally came but it was too late.The inferno had razed down the house and destroyed many valuable properties inside.
Obinna's uncle was sad.He had never expirienced such traumatic event before.He went into the wrecked house to check if he could salvage anything.He looked around him and sank to knees.Everything in the house was destroyed.This was a house he built from the scratch during his early years in kano but it took Alhaji and his goons a little time to reduce it to ruins.The house was lost but his business was still alive.He had shops in the market and a warehouse stocked with goods worth a lot money.He was more worried about his nephew.Obinna had been taken away and he was reluctant to contact Obinna's mother.It was only a matter of time before she knew what happened.Poor woman.She would be devastated.She had lost a husband and now her first son?...God forbid!...He prayed for Obinna's safety.Alhaji said he wouldn't kill him but he would definitely hurt him.These fulani people can be very violent.He had to try everything in his power to find his nephew.
He was lost in thoughts until he heard sirens blaring.His neighbours had called the police.He stood up and stroded outside to meet them.Two police vans were parked in the compound.Three officers were interviewing his neighbours and eye witnesses.A macho man sat in a corner,smoking cigar.He must be the leader.Obinna's uncle walked over to him and greeted him.
"Officer thanks for coming" he said.
"Please call me Detective Yakubu"
They shook hands.
"I heard your son was abducted" Yakubu said throwing his cigar away.
"He's my nephew and the criminal....his name is Alhaji Abubakar.He has some sort of vendetta against my nephew" Obinna's uncle said.
"What kind of vendetta?"
"My nephew Obinna impregnanted his only daughter.The man didn't take the situation very lightly.He came with some irate youths and destroyed my house"
Detective Yakubu heaved a sigh.He had encountered such situatations before.
"Do you have any idea where Alhaji must have taken Obinna?
Is there anything you can tell us about this Alhaji" Yakubu asked.
"I dont know him personally.I only know his face and his name.He lives a few blocks away but his house is empty.I heard he's a butcher at the market" Obinna's uncle replied.
"Okay...that's allright.I assure you the police will do everything possible to find your nephew.What about Alhaji's daughter?"
"Her name is Aisha.I met her once at the christmas party.She's in a hospital now.Rumors have it that she had some complication with her preganancy."
Yakubu chuckled and heaved a sigh.
"If there is anyone that can help us find Obinna,it's her.We need to talk to her"
Obinna's uncle smiled.There was still hope of finding him.He prayed that Aisha would give useful information.
A press van had arrived and journalists were pacing from one corner to another,trying to get the juicy story for their newspaper.They flocked around Obinna's uncle the moment they saw him.The pressure was too much and Yakubu felt uncomfortable.
"Sir,tell us what you know about the abduction.Does the police have any lead on the culprits?" they asked.
Obinna's uncle had no time. For them.He and Yakubu manuvered their way through the crowd until they got to the police van.
They drove off immediately for the hospital.
Detective Yakubu was humming along to one of the Onyeka Onwenu's songs blasting from his car radio.
He seemed relaxed and confident.
'He must have dealt with cases like this before' Obinna's uncle thought to himself.
The journey to hospital was strenous.They had to bear the traffic jam they encountered on their way.
-----------------------------------------

Aisha was sipping an energy drink when Obinna's uncle barged into the room with Detective Yakubu.
Aisha froze in fear.She knew Obinna's uncle.He was sweating profusely and looked restless.
The sight of Detective Yakubu in police uniform made her uncomfortable.
She put two and two together and came to conclusion that her father had done something to Obinna.She prayed for his safety.
Her father was a very reckless man and when his emotions are left unchecked,he could do something bad.
Obinna's uncle came closer to Aisha and glared at her with fiery eyes.
"I know you.My nephew brought you to the christmas party.I welcomed you into my house with open arms but little did i know that you're just a ticking time bomb about to blow.I dont know what went wrong with you and Obinna but your father has abducted him and now i'm begging you.....where is my nephew?"

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Obinna was dumbfounded,he knew Alhaji Abubakar would retaliate but he wasn't expecting a violent reaction.
"Tell me Kunle,are you exaggerating this whole story or..."
Kunle cut him short.
"I'm not exggerating anything.Go look down the street if you dont believe me."
When Kunle left,Obinna strode towards the street.He saw the violent angry mob and rushed back into the house.
He started packing.There was no time to waste,if he leaves on time he might catch up with the bus heading to Onitcha.Kano was not safe for him anymore.He had calculated every move ever since Aisha got pregnant.He knew the secret wouldn't last long so he planned to escape to Onitcha if he couldn't take the heat.
The only problem was his uncle.He had not talked to him about his troubles.He was waiting for the right but it seemed like the right time came too late.
The angry mob were at the gate already.He could hear their noise.
His uncle was asleep and he had to wake him and then give him reasons why he should leave his and flee.It would sound crazy but he had no choice.
"Uncle,uncle" Obinna called,he barged into his uncle's room and shook him vigorously.
"Uncle wake up now"
The old man managed to wake up and rub his eyes.
"Obinna what is it?"
"We have to pack our bags and run"
"Run?...run to where?...what is going on?"
"There is no time,i'll explain everything on the way.I promise but right now we need to go"

Obinna started packing his uncle's valuables into a suitcase but the sound of metal made him stop.
He ran to window and peeped outside.The mob had broken through the locked gate and were advancing towards the house.Their blazing torches lit up the dark compound and their cutlasses glittered like it was brand new.
Obinna shut all the doors and windows.
His uncle had jumped up from his bed when he heard the sound.
The windows were well protected with iron bars but the doors wouldn't last very long.Obinna pushed their dinning table and back it against the door.
"Obinna tell me what is going on" his uncle asked him again.
"Uncle now is not the time.We have to get out of here"
His uncle got angry and restless.
"We are not going anywhere until you tell me what's going on" he said.
"Uncle i...erm.." Obinna stammered."I put a Fulani girl in the family way and now her father is coming to get me"

"Obinna forget the euphenism...you got a girl pregnant...when..how? His uncle asked.

Alhaji Abubakar's voice came on,he had a megaphone to his mouth.His was sweating profusely and fuming with rage.The irate youths that accompanied him were hurling verbal assaults at Obinna in their plastered hausa.
Alhaji raised the megaphone and began.
"Obinna you know what you did.You decieved my daughter,you led her astray and then you got her pregnant.You have messed up her life,you have damaged her.She is now in hospital,pale and helpless.The little girl i raised,my only daughter.You have succeeded in destroying her life.But i want you to know..that nobody trifles with me.Nobody trifles with Alhaji Abubakar and goes unpunished.
Obinna your judgement day has arrived,come out and face it like a man.You are the only one that i want,no one else has to get hurt.Dont waste my time,dont play games with me or else i will burn down this building and hurt your family and everyone you care about.You are sorrounded,there is no way to run.Come out and face your punishment.You have 3 minutes to oblige or else my boys will break down your doors and get you."

Obinna heaved a sigh.His uncle was too shocked to scold him.
"Obinna you have killed me.I didn't know you were messing around with girls.Your mother would so dissapointed in you.You have brought shame to our family.This is Kano not Onitcha,this city belongs to them not us.You dont go around sleeping with their girls...God what have i done to deserve this?" his uncle cried.

"You're right uncle.You dont deserve this.I will go out and face my punishment" Obinna said.He stood up to leave but his uncle held him.
"What are doing Obinna,those people will hurt you or worse,kill you"

"I hurt Aisha.I wont let anyone else get hurt because of my mistakes.I have to do this" Obinna said and stepped outside.

Alhaji froze when he saw him.
"I have to admit,i didn't think you were brave enough to come out" he said and cracked a sinister smile.
"I'm the only one you want.My uncle goes free.Do we have a deal? Obinna asked.
"You are in no position to bargain but i'll let him go anyway"
The irate youths grabbed Obinna and tied him with ropes.They carried him on their shoulders and made to leave.
"Obinna you cant do this" his uncle screamed."Please Alhaji dont kill my nephew" he sank to his knees begging.
"I wont kill him but i'll make him wish he were dead" Alhaji said.

Before they left,the angry youths littered the house with petrol and set it on fire.
Obinna's uncle watched helplessly as his house razed down with fire.

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER FOURTEEN


Alhaji Abubakar was crestfallen,his legs wobbled and he staggered.The nurse tried to hold him from collapsing.The doctor's message had hit him so hard.He couldn't believe his ears,his only daughter was pregnant.That was the the most heartbreaking news he has ever heard since his wife passed away.
Alhaji stared at Aisha,the little girl he loved so much.His jewel,the only thing that kept him from going crazy when his wife died.His little butterfly.
"Aisha why?" he asked.Tears streamed down his cheeks,he was going to rush over to her and give her a dirty slap but her helpless state quenched his anger.
He sank to his knees in agony and cried."Almighty Allah,what have i done to deserve this punishment.At first it was my precious wife and now my only daughter,why,Allah,why?"
Alhaji covered his face with his hand and cried some more.The scene was touching and heartbreaking.The doctor and his nurses were filled with pity.
Aisha didn't know how to console her father.It was the last thing she wanted,to see her father in such broken state.All she wanted was for her father to be happy but she had only succeded in bringing pain and misery to his life.
"My only daughter is pregnant?" Alhaji soliloquized,he stood up and slammed the wall with fist.
"No,no,no....noooo..." he screamed.
The doctor got tensed up.
"Sir you need to watch yourself,you could get a heart attack.I have to check your blood pressure" he said.
"Shut up doctor!...you dont understand how i feel" Alhaji replied.
"Sir you really need to calm down.Your daughter's pregnancy is not the end of the world"

Alhaji turned around and stared at Aisha with bloodshot eyes.
"Just look at her.Look at my daughter.Her life is finished,no man will want to be with her.She has messed up herself.She has been damaged."
The doctor and the nurses tried calm him down.When he seemed to have calmed down,Aisha mumbled something.
Alhaji stood up and went to her bedside.
"What did you say,Aisha?" he asked.
"I said i'm sorry" she replied with tears in her eyes."I'm sorry for dissapointing you,i'm really sorry"

"Sorry will solve anything.It cannot fix what's broken"Alhaji barked at her.
He had flared up suddenly and the doctor had to calm him down again.
"Sir,please sit down.At this rate you might get a heart attack.Now do as i say....breathe in...breathe out...breathe in..."
Alhaji did as the doctor intructed and finally got himself together.
"Maybe there is way i can soothen this heavy blow" Alhaji said and glared at Aisha.
"Tell me,Aisha,who is responsible for this pregnancy?"




Obinna sat on a stool in the backyard staring into space.He was lost in thoughts.He remembered the day Aisha was rushed to the hospital.He was at the well when he heard sirens blaring.An ambulance zoomed past him and parked in front of Alhaji Abubakar's house.Bewilderment creeped into his eyes.He watched as Aisha was carried on a stretcher into the ambulance.Her clothes were covered with blood.Obinna's heart missed a beat.He thought she was dead.The scene was horrific.Hundreds of people gathered to watch.Alhaji had ran out of the compund screaming and acting hysterically.He entered the ambulance as it zoomed off to the hospital.Obinna couldn't bear the horrific scenes.It plauged his mind and made him loose sleep at night.He didn't know what else to do,he could only pray for survival.
The next morning he had gone to the hospital.It was risky,he had to wait to be sure that Alhaji Abubakar was not there before going in.He had figured that Aisha was still alive,he rushed to market and bought a flower.He didn't know why he did it,his instincts just drove him.At the hospital he met the doctor and when he told him he was a friend of Aisha,he took him to her ward.
Aisha was asleep when Obinna walked in.The sight of her nearly crippled him.She looked pale and helpless.Obinna pitied her but he blamed himself.He had turned Aisha's life upside down.When the doctor told him about the abortion pills,he broke down.He didn't have the audacity to judge her.He left the flowers at her bedside and made to leave.Something drew him back,he collected a piece of paper from the doctor and scribbled a note.He walked over to Aisha and kissed her.He left the hospital with sadness and guilt.

Obinna jerked awake from his thoughts.He looked sideways and saw his neighbour.Fear was written all over his face as he ran towards Obinna.
"Kunle,what is the problem?" Obinna asked.
Kunle sat down panting like a dog,trying to catch his breathe.
"Obinna there is trouble"
"What trouble...come on Kunle..talk to me"
"Obinna they are coming"
"Who is coming?"
"Alhaji Abubakar...Aisha's father....he gathered about a hundred youths...they are coming..with cutlasses,daggers,clubs,petrol and matches....they are well armed Obinna and they are going to get here in 30 minutes..they look angry....they are coming to kill you..Obinna..you have to run for your life!"

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Aisha took the pills religiously.She ate very well before taking it,just as the pharmacist instructed.He prayed that the pills would do its magic.
Aisha stayed away from Obinna even though she still loved him.He warned her not to get rid of the pregnancy until he figured something out but she had done the opposite and Obinna would be none the happier.
It didn't take long for the pills to start working.It was on the third day since she started taking it,her body temprature rose and she expirienced intense headache.Aisha concluded it was just a fever and took drugs but the fever only got worse.
On the fifth day she started having vaginal bleeding,she thought it was her period coming back but the bleeding increased and it soaked all her underwear.She went about her encounter silently and prayed that Allah would help her.

One day she got the shock of her life.It was a public holiday and her father stayed at home,reading newspapers and playing music.He had totally gotten over the failed marriage.Aisha had prepared lunch and was about to settle down and eat.She started having abdominal pain,the pain was so intense.It felt like her belly was being shredded with a sharp dagger.It hurt her so bad but instead of asking for help,she resolved to handle the pain on her own.She tried as much as possible not to scream.She went to her room and shut the door.Her strength was fading really quick.Her legs wobbled as she slowly lay on the the floor.Blood was oozing out from her body,it was horrific.The abdominal pain increased,she was going to scream for help but her voice was weak.She couldn't stand up again,her energy had totally faded.Aisha crawled on the bare floor until she got to the door.She started knocking with the last ounce of strength she had in her.The pain was unbearable.She could feel the cold hands of death dragging her soul from her body.Her eyes closed.
She saw no more,she heard no more.




She finally opened her eyes.She could feel the softness of the bed she lay on.The pillow was comfy as well.She managed to raise her head and look sideways.The room looked strange to her.She sighted a blood bag and finally figured her whereabout.Blood was transfered into her body through a tube from the blood bag.She was in a hospital,the smell of antiseptic filled her nostrils.
A nurse entered the room and when she saw Aisha.She ran out screaming.
"Doctor,doctor she is awake"
A man barged into the room,he was wearing spectacles and a lab cloth.
He smiled when he saw her.
"Where am i?" Aisha moaned.She tried to get up but the doctor restricted her.
"Relax my dear,you are in a hospital" he replied.
"I can see that but how did i get here?" she asked.
"You were brought here with an ambulance three days ago.Your father found you in your room.You were bleeding heavily,you lost a lot of blood"

Aisha cringed when she heard the word 'father'.There was no use now.The secret was out.If her father brought her to the hospital then the doctor must have told him about her condition.

"Where is my father?" she asked.
"He is not here for now.He went to eat at the restaurant down the road.He will be here soon."

"How long have i been out?"
"Three days"
"Is there any other person that came with my father?"

"Yes, a boy came to see you yesterday.He left a flower and a note for you"

Aisha knew it was Obinna.He came to see her at his own risk.She hoped he did not encounter her father at the hospital.Poor Obinna,he was in big trouble.

"Aisha there is something i have to tell you" the doctor whispered."We ran some test on you and we discovered that you are...erm...this news might come as a shock to you but..."

"I'm pregnant,doctor i already know.How many weeks?" she asked.
"You are over nine weeks pregnant" he replied.
"Aisha we discovered traces of a dangerous abortion pills in your system.Those pills you took are highly effective and you took it at the wrong time,at 9 weeks of pregnancy.That is why it affected you dangerously.You are lucky your father brought you here else you would have bled out and died.The foetus is still alive and well"

Aisha heaved a sigh of relief and closed her eyes.Tears streamed down her cheeks.
"Does he know?" she asked.
"What?" the doctor replied.
"Does my father know about the pregnancy?"
The doctor heaved a sigh.
"We haven't told him yet.He has been disturbed emotionally and we will tell him soon.We are just waiting for him to settle down and get himself together before..."

The door swung open and Alhaji Abubakar stormed in.
"Aisha you are finally, awake,i thought i had lost you...Isha Allah!" he exclaimed.
He was sweating profusely.He knelt down and bowed his head in gratitude to Almighty Allah.

When he was done,he suddenly grabbed the doctor by the the collar.
"You have kept me waiting for long...now tell me what is her condition" he asked.
The doctor stammered."Sir...erm............................your daughter is 9 weeks pregnant!"

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER TWELVE

Hours rolled into days and days rolled into weeks.Obinna was crestfallen.He hardly slept at night.Aisha's pregnancy was torture to him.It brought mental agony,insomia and depression.He also lost his appetite.He spent his days brainstorming on possible solutions to the problem but none of these solutions would be easy and it's only a matter of time before the secret becomes an open one.Aisha wouldn't be able to hide that pregnancy for long.Obinna was in big trouble.
It didn't take long for his uncle to notice his nephew's worried state.

"Obinna are you allright?" he would often ask him."You look woebegone and you seem to have lost your appetite.Is there any problem?"
But Obinna would always tell him that everything is fine.
Obinna's mother sent him letters,he hardly touched it.It was no use because he was never eager to reply and when he did read the letters,it brought tears to his eyes and compounded his fears.
His mother always sounded optimistic in her letter,she had high hopes for him.Poor woman,she didn't know her beloved son was in big trouble.
She would eventually know about the pregnancy and she would be very dissapointed.
More of her letters came, urging Obinna to write back to her.But that was not possible.What exactly could he tell her?...that everything was fine and he is happy in Kano?
He would have to lie to her and his concience will always disturb.Obinna,after reading the letters,dumped it.He used to keep it safe but now he would just fold it and throw it into the waste bin.
The letter's were nothing but a constant reminder of his mistakes.The sweet words in the letters tortured his mind.

Aisha's dilemma was no different.
Obinna had asked her to pretend like everything is okay but that was the most difficult thing.
No matter how hard she tried to look cheerful and happy,her expression always turned out sour.She went about her daily activities without saying a word to anybody.Her father thought she was reeling from the failed marriage but little did he know that his little butterfly has been damaged.
He thought she would get over the failed marriage,afterall she had won.There was nothing to be sad about but weeks passed and her mood remained the same.He noticed that she barely ate her food and she was often showing signs of weakness.
He concluded in his mind that she must be sick.

When he revealed his observations to her,Aisha lied that is was malaria.Alhaji Abubakar didn't hesitate to buy malaria drugs for his daughter but she played him.She would pretend to take the drugs and whenever he wasn't nearby,she would throw it away.
Aisha blamed herself for her condition.She knew that her father will soon find out and when he does,he will definitely take out his anger on Obinna.She didn't want that to happen.It was better she got rid of pregnancy.
Abortion wasn't an option,it scared her.Obinna had mentioned some pills that could kill the pregnancy and flush it out of her system.
She resolved to buy the pills and remove the pregnancy.

Aisha put on her footwear and headed out.Such pill would be found in a pharmacy but the chances of finding it would be slim.She passed several pharmacies on her way but she was reluctant to patronise anyone.What would she tell them?
That she was pregnant and needed to remove it.Not everybody will listen to that.If anything happened to her,the pharmacy would be held responsible.It was a risky business,selling abortion pills.

She stoppped abruptly when she found another pharmacy.She approached the door and heaved a sigh of relief.There was no going back,her mind was made up.She opened the door and walked in.
The attendant looked up at his customer.He wore a pair of spectacles.
"What do yo want,young lady" he asked.
Aisha searched for the right words If the attendant was a man of morals,her mission would be futile.
"I need pills...erm....pills that can flush something out of one's system" she said.
"What is your condition,young lady.Are you sick?" the man said.
"I'm pregnant and i need to get rid of it" Aisha blurted out.
The man stopped abruptly and took a cursory look at Aisha.
'Such a young girl,why would she end up pregnant?' he thought to himself.
He pitied her but he also saw it an oppurtunity to make more money.Those pills were expensive afterall and he wondered if Aisha was willing to pay.
"Look here young lady,these pills are expensive.Are you sure you want to buy it?....The drug cost two naira" he asked.
Aisha fumbled in her purse and fished out four 50 kobo coins.The man's eyes widened with greed.He grabbed the coins, went back to counter and came back with the pills.
"You have to take one tablet everyday.This pills are highly effective....you cant take it on an empty stomach.You must eat well"
Aisha collected the satchet and mumbled a thank you.
As she was leaving the man called her back.
"Young lady,are you sure you want to get rid of your pregnancy?" he asked.

"I'm sure" she replied.

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER ELEVEN

Obinna froze in terror,he stood up but his feet wobbled and he stumbled backwards.He placed his hand on his head.He tried to speak but his voice box failed him.He couldn't believe the doctor's words.He thought he was dreaming,he hoped it was all a dream.He hoped he would wake up immediately from his dream but that was not to be.It was real,everything was real.For the first time since he was born he wished he could die immediately.He needed the ground to open and swallow him up,anything to get out of the mental torture.
His mind raced back to that night at the christmas party.He remembered entering into Aisha's hole and jerking back and forth.He remembered lasting about ten munites before he had the urge to release.He remembered pulling out and ejaculating.He was certain that none of his sperm entered Aisha's hole but maybe his semen did.He had read somewhere that the semen-that natural lubricant that contained spermatozoa.
The reality weighed down on him.He sank to his knees.The doctor was not a newbie to such emotional scenes,he left the office immediately.
Aisha tried to hold back the tears that blurred her vision but it flowed freely.Her life had just taken a turn for worse.What would her father do if he found out?....The man was emotionally unstable.He was still reeling from her mother's death,knowing his only daughter is pregnant would tear him down.He could harm Aisha,Obinna and he might hurt himself too.

"What have i done?" Obinna asked himself.
The sight of Aisha sobbing drew his attention.He walked over to her and put his arm across her shoulder.He touched her face and wiped her tears.
"This is the end,Obinna this is the end of my life" Aisha covered her face with her hand and sobbed some more.
"Dont worry Aisha,we'll figure something out" Obinna tried to sound confident but Aisha was taken aback.
"Obinna...how can you be optimistic.There's no hope,i'm finished." she said.
"There is always a way out.I promise you i will find a way out" Obinna said.

"Dont make promises you cant keep,Obinna.There is no way out of this situation or are you suggesting i get rid of it?"

Aisha had heard of abortion.Tales of the dreaded practice were carried by the national dailies.Young girls were the major victims and some of them died in the hands of quack doctor.The prospect of going through such deadly treatment scared her.She wouldn't risk her life.

"I'm not asking you to get rid of it.
Abortion is very dangerous and you could loose your life in the process.There are some pills that you can take,it will stop the pregnancy and the embryo would be flushed out of your system but i'm against removing this pregnancy.My concience will never let me be.I cannot let you commit murder.My hands are tied but i cant do such thing.We have to figure out how to navigate through this dilemma." Obinna said.
Aisha was glad that Obinna was against abortion.There was no way they could get rid of the pregnancy.If she kept it,then she was in bigger trouble because her father would eventually know.

"Obinna if i keep this pregnancy,my father will eventually find out.I cannot hide it for long.We live in the same house and it's going to be a matter of time before he finds out" Aisha said with tears streaming down her cheeks.
Obinna held her hand and tried to soothen her sorrows.

"Aisha,life is important and you cannot put your life on the wire by getting rid of the pregnancy so you have no choice but to keep it.I'll figure out something" Obinna said.

"He will find out,you know he will.My father is emotionally unstable,he can be unpredictable.He could disown me for good and he will come after you for revenge.My father is not a kind man,he will injure you.It's too dangerous." she started crying again.
Obinna was confused.He never thought his life in Kano would turn out this way.His world was falling apart.All his dreams and ambition to be a successful businessman had become futile.He could betray Aisha and flee to Onitcha but what about his uncle?....The innocent man would eventually be forced to bear the brunt of Obinna's mistake.His business could crumble and he would never forgive Obinna.
Obinna still loved Aisha.Despite the tribulation,he still cared for her and he was not prepared to let her go.

"Aisha" he said."This is all my fault,i'm the root cause of this problem.I love you...i still do..i'm not a coward,i will not shy away from my mistakes.I have to face these problems like a man.I will take responsibility for this pregnancy.I know your father will come after me but i need you to promise me one thing" he caressed her face and looked into her eyes.
"Promise me that you wont tell your father about the pregnancy.You are going to pretend like nothing happened until i figure something out"

"I promise" Aisha said.

"I will never leave you Aisha,we will survive this.I promise" Obinna said.

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER TEN

It's been two weeks since Aisha's marriage was called off.It was a not a good thing for Alhaji Abubakar.Aisha had blown the oppourtunity of a lifetime.
Barrister Sulieman was suprised when Aisha said 'no'.He thought she was joking but she stood her ground,citing it was her life and no one can force her to get married.According to her,marriage and childbearing is not the highpoint of a woman's life.She has a right to choose her own path and be happy.Barrister Sulieman was fuming with anger as he left,ranting about how Aisha had insulted him.He had never seen such boldness in young girl before.
Alhaji Abubakar was none the happier.The plans he had for Aisha,the promise of a better life for himself was gone.Aisha had destroyed everything he had hoped for.
"That boy Obinna has influenced you" he said.
His daughter had changed,the young girl he trained was no longer the same.
"I'm dissapointed in you,Aisha.You have disgraced me,you have brought shame to this family.How would your mother feel about you,Aisha"
Aisha was gutted.Her father seldom spoke of her mother and he's using her to justify his beliefs.
"I'm very sure my mother would not want to me to sacrifice my happiness for girl child marriage.If you want to honour her memory,you have to do it through me" she said.

They didn't talk much for days.Aisha was still barred from setting foot outside the house.She spent most of the time in her room.The marriage was over and she felt better but something else bothered her.
She had not seen her period yet.She felt tired and slept too much.She had lost her appetite too.She felt sick but her father thought she was being lazy and snubbish and waved it off.
She took some drugs but the sickness wouldn't stop.She prayed for her period to come but it never came.
One morning she threw up.She felt neusated and her mouth tasted like metal.When she couldn't take it anymore,her belly rumbled and she vommited.
Her fears trippled and she started getting other ideas.She remembered her first night with Obinna at the christmas party.The hot steamy sex lasted more than 20 minutes and Obinna ejaculated but she was certain he pulled out on time.Or did he?
She couldn't quiet remember.Her worries had been trippled by the fact that Obinna was not close.She couldn't visit him or see.She felt like a prisoner in her own home.
She couldn't bundle her fears anymore.

The following day she sneaked out of the house.Her father was away at work and the gates were locked so she had to scale the fence.
She made straight for Obinna's house.Luckily for her,he was home when she arrived.
Obinna was more than happy to see Aisha,he wrapped his arms around her in a warm embrace and smiled.
"I'm so happy to see you,Aisha.I missed you so much" he said.
"I missed you too" she replied and looked down.
Obinna put two and two together.
"You must be reeling from after-effects of that failed forced marriage."
"You're right.My father is angry with me and i have not done enough to make up with him".

"Dont worry,it's just a matter of time.Your father will forgive you,he still loves you.But honestly i didn't think you would reject the marriage.I was afraid,Aisha but you're stronger than i thought"

"I didn't know i could do it.My anger overfowed and i let it all out"
Aisha sat down and rested her head on the wall.Her whole body felt weak.Obinna could tell she wasn't feeling well.

"Are you okay,Aisha you dont seem..well" he approached her and touched her face.

"I'm sick,Obinna,i've been having this severe headache and i feel so tired" she replied.
Aisha didn't want to tell Obinna about her missing period.It would scare him and besides,she wasn't very sure what her sickness was.

"Have you taken any drugs?" he asked.
"Yes i did but its not stopping". She said.
Obinna chuckled."Dont worry i'm very sure its just a malaria.This area is infested with mosquitoes.My uncle had a bout with malaria a few days ago,he went to see a doctor and now he's getting bettter." He took her hand and got her to her feet. "There is a neighbour of mine,a doctor that runs a medical lab near the road.He can check you up and prescribe the right drugs."

Aisha was somewhat dissapointed that Obinna dismissed the sickness as malaria.He wore a mask of smiles and cracked jokes on their way to the lab.He had no idea what the sickness could be.

The lab attendant took her blood and passed it to her boss.Aisha sat with Obinna on the long bench in the hallway waiting for the result.Her heart pounded and she was sweating profusely.
Obinna held her hand and whispered some encouraging words.The doctor invited them to his office to take the test result.
He was a young man with an emotionless face.It was hard to read him.He dropped his pen and closed his drawer.
He brought out the test result,cleared his throat and announced..."Young lady,you're three weeks pregnant"

Sorry i couldn't udpate yesterday...i've been very busy.
I promise two more updates before 11:59 today.

Sorry i couldn't udpate yesterday...i've been very busy.
I promise two more updates before 11:59 today.

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER NINE

Obinna had been trying to reach Aisha but the stiff resistance he met from Alhaji Abubakar discouraged him.The last thing he wanted in Kano was trouble but he loved Aisha and the more he thought about,the more he longed to see her.
The last time he went to her home,he met a locked gate.He sneaked in through the back yard and tapped on her window but there was no reply until Alhaji Abubakar emerged from nowhere,brandishing a cutlass,saying "stay away from my daughter,stay away".Obinna took to his heels and never came near the house again.His relationship with Aisha was hanging on a wire.

Meanwhile Aisha had been barred from leaving until the marriage goes through.With the way she acted before,Alhaji assumed anything and he feard she would run away from home if given the chance.He lost her beloved mother,he wouldn't loose Aisha too...never.Marry,she must.

The dreaded 'Day of Introduction' finally came.Alhaji cautioned Aisha,drawing his ears to emphasise the importance of the caution.
"Aisha you must dress well,look neat and try to smile.Do away with that frown on your face,your suitor wants a happy wife.Remember to kneel down when you greet him,he needs to know that you will submit to him and respect him.Please smile,this is your marriage we're talking about.Dont ruin it" he said.

Alhaji employed the services of a make-up artist who designed Aisha's face with assorted make-up gadgets.He also drew nice tattoos on her hands.At the end of the exercise,Aisha looked like a beautiful paitwork.

She emerged from her room clad in long red gown and hijab.She was sad and no matter how hard she tried to smile,she just couldn't cut it.She had resolved to do her father's bidding,that was the only choice.She remembered the time Obinna came to her window,he tapped on it but when he got no reply.He scribbled something on a paper and snuck it through the window.Aisha almost forgot the paper and now as she unwrapped it and saw the words,it brought tears to her eyes.
The note said:

Aisha,i know you're getting married against your will but remember,YOU ALWAYS HAVE A CHOICE.

What choice exactly?..she was in a tight spot.She had no choice.
She sat side by side with her father when a blue Pegoute 504 car drove in.It was the latest car in town and it was pretty expensive.Her suitor was rich afterall.The door gave way and her suitor stepped out.Aisha had imagined what the suitor would look like,a tall young man in a sophisticated agbada,maybe handsome and dark in complexion with a perfect set of white teeth.But what came out of the car rebuffed her.The man was fat,his potbelly made him look like a heavily pregnant lady.When he smiled,his teeth was revealed and it was yellowish, probably from too much chewing of kola nut.The man was old-old enough to be her father.He was as old as her father,maybe older.
Aisha took a few steps back when he approached her.He examined her from head to toe,sizing her up.
"Barrister Sulieman,this is my daughter.Aisha" her father introduced him ."Aisha this is Barrister Abdulahi Shehu Sulieman,your husband"
Aisha felt like throwing up.She pulled herself together and managed to greet,kneeling down in respect like her father instructed her to.She couldn't even look her future husband in the face,everything about him felt unpleasant to her.
"Hello Aisha.I'm your new husband" Barrister Sulieman said.
Aisha kept her face down.She couldn't utter a word.She was boiling with anger.She stole a glance at her father,he was urging her,with his eyes,to say something.
Barrister Sulieman cleared his throat and continued.
"Your father told me that this marriage came as a shock to you.But i can assure you that everything is going to be fine.I have 3 wives already and they are all gainfully employed.I promise to send you to the university,i will sponsor you and your father will be comfortable.Infact i will tear down this bungalow and build a nice duplex for him."
Alhaji Abubakar grinned from ear to ear,he must be relishing the 'nice duplex'.
Barrister continued with his catalouge of promises.
"I promise i will keep you happy.Our honeymoon will be spent in London.Infact i promise not to have sex with you until you complete your university education."
Aisha knew he was lying.Barrister Sulieman would probably Bleep her on the first night.All these big men liked young punana.She imagined Barrister Sulieman with his potbelly and heavyweight doing missionary style on her...such torture!

"Dont worry,Aisha has agreed to marry you.Bring the wine so we can conclude the engagement" Alhaji Abubakar said.

Aisha was fuming with rage.When did she agree to the marriage?When did her father become her mouthpiece?...Obinna was right afterall,she did have a choice.She could choose not to be a victim of girl child marriage.She could choose not to sell her happiness.

She stood up,looked her suitor in the face...eyeball to eyeball and fired a ballistic 'NO!'.

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER EIGHT

"Oh no!" Aisha exclaimed when she saw her father.She quickly unwrapped her arms from Obinna's body and stood there staring at her father.Suprise was written all over her face.Obinna was stunned,he put two and two together and came to the conclusion that the man gaping at them with bloodshot eyes is no one else but Aisha's father.
Aisha tried to speak but the imaginary lump in her throat prevented her.
Alhaji Abubakar approached the duo,Aisha hid behind Obinna back in shame.
"Hello sir..erm..my name is Obinna...i'm a friend of your daugh..." his speech was cut short when Alhaji Abubakar rammed his clenched fist onto Obinna's face.
Obinna stumbled ,he felt dizzy.He didn't expect such a reaction from Aisha's father.He touched his nose,his fingers came out bloddy.He was bleeding from the nose and his jaw was hurt.
"I dont want to see you with daughter.Do you understand?"Alhaji cursed."Stay away from my daughter or next time your nose wont be the only things that will bleed"
Alhaji grabbed Aisha and dragged her along with him.She was kicking and crying."You cant do this,Baba you cant do this."
-----------------
"How dare you treat my friend like that" Aisha spurted out when they got home.Respect for her father was out of the window now.
"It seems like you have grown wings huh?...I dont want to see you with that Igbo street rat... ever.You will get married soon and that's final" Alhaji bellowed and stormed into his room,banging the door behind him.
Aisha locked herself in her room and cried herself to sleep.
Alhaji was awake all night,he couldn't sleep.His anger had subsided and now he pondered on the situation.Aisha's relationship with Obinna did not only negate his plans for her,it also reminded him of Aisha's late mother.The only woman he had ever loved with all his heart.Their relationship had taken a tragic turn,her gruesome death broke his heart and changed him.He hardly spoke of her,he tried to forget her but Aisha had just unearthed that part of his life that he had been trying to bury for so long.He heaved a sigh of relief.Perhaps it was high time he told Aisha the story of her mother.

The next morning Aisha didn't come out of her room.Her door was still locked.Alhaji had calmed down,it was obvious that anger and bickering wouldn't solve the problem.He peeped through the keyhole.Aisha was sitting near the door,she was awake.
Alhaji sat down near the shut door.He cleared his throat and began.
"Aisha my daughter,you remind me of her.You remind of your mother.She was a strong woman,self willed,outspoken and full of love and compassion.She was the only woman i ever loved.I never talk about her because of the way she died.It was heartbreaking but i think it's about time i told you her story.Our story.
We met 19 years ago on December 22 1964.One of my father's friends was throwing a christmas party.The party was huge and lovely.That was the day i met your mother.She was young and beautiful.I fell in love with her at first sight.We danced together at that party and later on i won her heart.Our love grew,nothing could quench the flame of our love.It was powerful,we were the new Romeo and Juliet.I was going to marry her but our families opposed the union and cursed it.My relationship with her caused a rift in my family and when we couldn't take the heat,we ran away.
It was during our flight in 1995 that she got pregnant for me.We were happy and we started planning our marriage.
Several months later on January 10th 1966,she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.You,Aisha.
It was the happiest moment of my life and we got married afterwards.
We were happy until the counter-coup in May 1966.The coup led to mass murder of Igbos.In many parts of the North,including Kano,Igbos were caught,massacred and burnt alive.More than 50,000 people died.
Your mother was endangered and i had to keep her safe.We were afraid but i wouldn't leave her.
The mass killing in Kano intensified and your mother was caught in the crossfire.
She was killed....wounded by the cutlass of those barbaric fulanis.
I held her in my arms as she breathed her last and passed away.It was heartbreaking"
"How?..why?" Aisha asked.

"Your mother was Igbo and Igbos were the victims of that cold blodded massacre"

Aisha couldn't believe her ears.Her mother was Igbo?

"But what does this have to do with my relationship with Obinna?" she asked.

"Inter-tribal love affair cannot work.We are all different and it is very hard to mix.Your mother was Igbo and her identity caused havoc in my family.I had to ran away to be with her but then her Igbo identity got her killed.Her name was Nneoma and you are her replica.I have been trying to forget her tragic death but it was impossible.I wish i had her picture but my family burnt it all.I know you love that boy Obinna but you must break up with him.You will marry an Hausa man and that is final.Prepare yourself,Aisha the introduction is tomorrow."

My people bikozianu comment.
Please rate my work and share your opinion.....am i doing a good job or a bad job?
Is there too much room for improvement?

Your opinion is welcome...dont be a silent reader biko.

This is my first story on nairaland and your opinion is needed.

LIKE,SHARE AND COMMENT...biko.

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER SEVEN

Aisha sat on stool behind the kitchen.She was lost in thoughts and what was she thinking?
The previous night at the christmas party.The joy,the laughter,the music,the dance and ofcourse,the hot steamy sex with Obinna.
Obinna took her virginity that night but it was a consensual act.She was overcome with her feelings for Obinna plus they were alone.The feelings just took over and they had sex...just like that.Obinna fvcked her like pro,made her reach orgasm twice and ended up asking for more.Luckily Obinna was clever enough not to ejaculate inside her.There was no risk of pregnancy.She had not seen her period yet but she was certain she wouldn't get pregnant.
Aisha did feel guilty and no matter how hard she tried she couldn't forget that night.She had resolved to beg Allah for forgiveness,that was the only thing she could do.

"Aisha!" Alhaji's voice awakened her from her deep thoughts.She went to answer the call.
Her father sat on the rafta chair in the living room.His radio was on,streaming the voice of the female reporter of the popular 5 O'clock news programme..."President Shehu Shagari has promised to...."
Alhaji Abubakar turned off the radio and hissed."Politicians and their useless promises".He cleard his throat and fixed his gaze on Aisha.
"Aisha my daughter,what do you make of that marriage proposal.I hope you have thought about it because in the next two days your suitor will be here for introduction.I have to give him your answer before tomorrow.So what do you think?"
Aisha tried to speak but her father interrupted her.
"Remember what i said to you.This marriage is our only hope.This is your chance to live your life to the fullest,to go to university,study any course and come out with a degree.Not every family can boast of having a university graduate.You will have your own children,you will give me a grandson.We will be happy and i'll no longer have to go to market to sell meat.Our lives will change forever but it all depends on you Aisha.So what do you say?"
Aisha was silent as she thought hard and long for a reasonable answer that wouldn't piss Alhaji off.She was at the crossroads of destiny.
Obinna had taught her a vital lesson.That marriage and child bearing should not be the main objective of a woman's life.She had the right to choose her own path,to plot her own future and venture into anything that made her happy.Ofcourse the proposed marriage came with incentives like higher education but at what cost?She has to sacrifice her happiness to be the 4th wife of a man she doesn't love.That was a huge price to pay and she couldn't do it.She loved Obinna and she would be happy to spend the rest of her life with him.That is the true purpose of a woman's life.To be happy.
Forced marriage,girl child marriage is a disease and she was determined to fight it.

Aisha turned to her father with a clenched fist and a heartbeat that pounded with not fear but boldness.
"No" she said.
Alhaji couldn't beleive his ears.
"What did you say?"he asked.
"I said 'no'...i will not get married to a man i dont love.I will not sacrifice my happiness just to get educated,get married and bear children.That is not the true purpose of a woman's life" Aisha ballantly said and walked out on her father.She didn't wait to hear his reply,she knew he would object and try to use force.She ran outside,banging the door behind her.Tears streamed down her cheeks as she stroded down the busy street.She was sobbing in the public but no matter how hard she tried,she couldn't stop the tears which blurred her vision.
Aisha headed straight for Obinna's house.They would discuss the problem and find a solution,a way forward.


Alhaji Abubakar walked down the street,looking for Aisha.He was crestfallen,bewilderment creeped into his dark eyes.
He was lost in thoughts.
"When did Aisha become like this?" he soliloquized.
"When did she learn how to make her own decisions?....Who taught her how to speak openely with so much pride and boldness?"
Those were the questions that crossed his desperate mind.
Aisha had never displayed such boldness.She was always full of respect.In fulani culture a girl had no right to decide her future.Women are considered second class beings.Girl child marriage thrived unopposed.
Alhaji hoped that Aisha wasn't listening to those white women and the feminist ideologies they preached on radio stations.
Aisha used to be gentle and obedient but now as he thought of her,images of her late mother flashed through his mind.
"Allah please have mercy" he prayed.The street was ever busy as he frantically searched for his daughter.It took time time but he finally found her.He thanked Allah and made to confront Aisha.

Suddenly he stopped,a cold chill ran down his spine.His eyes were bloodshot and he boiled with anger,fuming with rage.

Over there,a few metres away near the public well.Aisha wrapped her arms around a strange boy in a warm embrace!

Divepen1:
weh done sir

thanks

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY CHAPTER SIX

Aisha stayed awake,staring at the clock.Her father had gone to bed 30 munites earlier but she wasn't sure if he was fast asleep.She tip-toed to his room and listened attentively to pick the sound of his heavy snoring.When she was certain he was very much asleep,she quietly slid into her room and fished out the dress.

She hurriedly put in on and examined herself in the mirror.The dress was body fitting and revealed her sexy curves.Aisha put on her sandals and tip-toed out of the house.The moon was shone in her full glory,one could pick up a 50 kobo coin under her light.The night was young and penultimate.Aisha heaved a sigh of relief and gently opened the gate.She took time to carefully pull back the iron bars and pushed the gate open.
She made it outside without so much fuss.The street was dark and lonely.It was unsafe for a young girl to come out at such ungodly hour.

Obinna emerged a few minutes later,he was clad in a black suit and bow tie.His well polished shoe glittered under the moonlight.
"Aisha you made it" he said.
Aisha was a bit scared and Obinna could see it in her eyes.
"Dont be afraid,take my hand.We're almost there"

In less than 10 minutes they arrived at party.The place was noisy and buzzing with activities.Fela Kuti's popular songs were streaming from the loudspeakers.Everybody at the party dressed corporately.The men and young boys were clad in suits and the ladies wore evening gowns of different colours.Aisha felt odd,she had never been to such a party before.The place was full and she held on to Obinna's arm lest she got lost.The guest were all happy;basking in the christmas euphoria.
Aish and Obinna sat at a table.
"Would you like to have a drink?" Obinna asked.
"Yes" she replied.
"Wait here,i'll be back" he said and left.
Aisha looked around her.Obinna's uncle sure knew how to enjoy life.The atmosphere was amazing,it was something she had never expirienced before.

Obinna returned with two glasses of wine and served one to Aisha.
He sat down at the table and gently sipped his wine.He thought about introducing Aisha to his uncle.He had a right to know if Obinna brought a friend.He was certain his uncle would be delighted to meet Aisha.It was christmas anyway.
"So what do you think?" he asked.
"I think your family has an exciting lifestyle.You people know how to party" she replied.
"Christmas party is a tradition in my family.It is much more exciting in Onitcha.We have a lot of friends and the parties often last till dawn" he said.
"You sound like you miss Onitcha"
"Yes,i do"

Obinna introduced Aisha to his uncle and he was delighted to know that his nephew had a girlfriend.
The party got more exciting when couples gathered together on the dance floor.A love song from Lionel Richie was being played.
Obinna got down on one knee and said "Can i dance with you,my lady?"
Aisha smiled and took his hand.Obinna smiled.
"You should know that i'm not a very good dancer" Aisha said.
Obinna chuckled and led her to the dance floor.He placed his left hand on her waist and together they were lost to the sweet music.Aisha placed her hand on his broad shoulders and looked into his dark eyes.The energy between them was strong.They drew close to each other and Aisha placed her head on his chest.


After the party,Obinna took her to a large field behind his uncle house.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"You promised to tell me your problem,remember" Obinna reminded her and she nodded.
They lay on the soft grass on the field.It was a beautiful night.Stars dotted the sky and the cold wind blew.There was an awkward silence,the heartbeats of the two lovers could be heard in the interlude.Aisha heaved a sigh.
The moment was right to tell Obinna about her proposed marriage.
"Obinna" she began"ever since i met you,i have felt joy.You brought out a part of me that was hidden for so long.A part of me that could love and adore someone."
Obinna was silent and Aisha continued.
"I love you Obinna and i wish we could continue but i have a suitor.I'm due to get married soon"
Obinna was confused,he had heard about girl child marriage in the north.He couldn't believe that Aisha was going to be a victim.He listened attentively as Aisha told him everything.
He drew close to her and wrapped his arms around her.The energy that flowed within the two lovers had reached maximum level.
Obinna kissed her and slowly unzipped her gown.Aisha was calm,she was consumed with her feelings for Obinna.
In a few moments,they totally undressed each other,kissing and moaning on the grass.Obinna carefully lodged his organ into her pvssy hole and banged her like a hungry lion.
Kpam,kpam,kpam,kpam was the sound as the they bodies made contact.Aisha moaned as Obi mesmerized her clitoris.He fondled and sucked her breast and when the time came,he unplugged his organ from her socket and released his seed.They lay on the grass breathing heavily afterwards.

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER FIVE

"I dont understand,Baba" Aisha asked with bewilderment creeping into her eyes "I'm getting married?"
Alhaji stood up and heaved a sigh of relief.
"I know this came as a suprise but you haven't heard the full story" he said.
Aisha calmed down and tried to get her emotions together.
"There is this Alhaji i met last week at the market.He is a businessman,he saw you at the market with me and he expressed his interest in making you his 4th wife.It also comes with benefits,this man is very rich and he promised to send you to the university and help our family.He is going to give us a better house in Abuja,our lives will improve and he will take care of our family.He is a very rich man and he even promised to send your siblings to school if they wish and sponsor your education at the highest level.Our lives will be better but the only thing you have to do is marry him."
Aisha was silent,she was in a tough position,she held the answer to her family's prayers but she was not interested in getting married.
Girl child marriage was trend in Hausaland.Rich men often married young girls,she felt it was wrong but she never thought she would be a victim.
"I'll think about it Baba" she said.
Alhaji heaved a sigh of relief and relaxed on the tattered sofa.
"You have three days to make up your mind.Your suitor will be here on friday for the introduction" Alhaji said. "Remember Aisha,this could be our only chance to get you well educated,to help your family and make our lives bettter.You have to take this chance.This is a huge sacrifice i'm asking you to make and if you wont do it for yourself then do it for your family".
When Alhaji dismissed her,Aisha went into her room.She was beside herself with sadness and as she lay on the cold mat,tears streamed down her cheeks.
She would confide in Obinna the next day.It wouldn't solve the problem but sharing her burden would make it less traumatic.
------------------------------------------

The next day at the well she sat at her favourite corner waiting for Obinna.The early morning harmattan cold bit her skin.
The environment had its regular noise as people went about their businesses.The well was occupied by mainly teenagers who chatted and laughed.She felt like she was the only one without a happy face.

Obinna stroded along the street with his gallon,humming a song and nodding his head.He sighted Aisha and his face brightened with joy.
"Hello Aisha how are you doing?" he asked with the smile on his face revealing his perfect set of teeth.
Aisha tried to cheer up a little bit and tried to smile but her face could barely afford it.
Obinna's smile slowly turned into a frown.He could notice Aisha's sour mood.

"Hey what is wrong with you.You seem sad this morning,What is the problem?" he asked.
Aisha felt reluctant to share her problem.They say a problem shared is half solved but she couldn't see how it was possible in her situation.
She heaved a sigh and closed her eyes for a moment.
"Obinna i'm just tired" she said.
Obinna sat close to her and smiled.
"You're not the only one who's tired this morning.I'm tired too but you seem.I know there is something bothering you"

"Obinna its nothing.I'm just tired that's all"

"I can tell you're lying" Obinna said as he drew close to her and wrapped his right arm around her waist."I'm your friend Aisha,friends dont keep secrets.If they have any problem,they share it"

"Yes i have a problem but i cant tell you here.Can we meet later in day,i promise i'll tell you everything" Aisha said.
"I know the perfect place we can meet.You see, my uncle is throwing a christmas party and i'll like you to be my plus one" Obinna said.
"A party?...i dont think i can come.What time is it? Aisha asked.
"9 pm tonight" Obinna said."Look i know its late but i really want you to be there.The party will be great,there's going to be so much food and drinks.Many people will attend.My uncle will be spending so much money on this party and i'd like you to be there"
"But how am i going to make it there?" Aisha asked.
"Dont worry you can sneak out the house and meet me outside.We'll be back before your father knows you're gone" Obinna assured her. "And besides i bought you a christmas gift"
Obinna broght out a parcel and handed it to Aisha.
It had the incription:TO MY DEAREST FRIEND.
Aisha opend it and revealed a beautiful red dress.She shrieked with delight.
"Obinna you shouldn't have bought this.It must be expensive,how much did you buy it?" she asked.
"It doesn't matter.I want you to wear it for the party.I'll be at your gate at 9pm...and promise me you'll tell me whatever it is you're keeping from me"Obinna said.
Aisha heaved a sigh of relif.
"Fine i promise,i'll tell you everything.No more secrets" she said.
Aisha was happy that Obinna was her friend and as she left the well,she kept asking herself.."Can he handle the truth?"