MY SISTER-IN-LAW AND I
CHAPTER 3
Having thought critically about my present situation, and the fact that I couldn’t refuse the visit to my mum-in-law despite dreading it.
I sought for permission from my hubby and set out. I saw the smirk on her face and I just knew I was done for. I began imagening her mom sending me away or frustrating me because I just could take anymore humiliation of any kind whatsoever. I kept on having bad thoughts and just couldn’t think of any positive thought to hold on to.
On arrival at the mansion, I was panicking and could barely move my foot. It was like I had logs of woods in place of my feet. But I managed to drag myself into the house. Z
I was welcomed by the maid and soon my mum-in-law appeared from the doorway. She received me warmly and I was surprised but quickly masked it. I was treated like a queen. At some point I felt the niceness was too much, they were probably buttering me up to eliminate through food poisoning.
It was like she read my mind she laughed out loud and assured me that I was safe and she didn’t have a single mean bone in her body. I relaxed slightly and she asked what went wrong.
I narrated everything that had been transpiring since I came. She was angry at me for not reporting earlier and putting up with her. She told me never to make such mistakes in life anymore. That I as the wife had every right to send her out of my home if she misbehaves no matter the age difference. Respect is reciprocal.
She urged me to eat, relax and enjoy myself. The maid will be at my beck and call. For the first time since I got married I felt like a person, a princess, some one of relevance and I concluded habits were learnt. If not where did Halima my sister-in-law get her overbearing and terrible habits from considering her parents could almost pass for saints.
I slept peaceful and awoke with a wide grin on my face. My mum-in-law sent for me and urged me to listen attentively. She said she wasn’t in support of Halima’s behaviours hence she will be teaching me how to get my home back. Because halima was troublesome and wouldn’t just up and leave because someone said so.
First things first, she said I needed to upgrade myself and get a degree or a diploma myself. Secondly I needed to stop being a maid in my husband’s house. It is ok if I want to wash plates and any other thing in my house. I shouldn’t wait to be ordered around. I should do them with so much relish and excitement.
She further urged me to be patient and allow her to cook and take care of the the boys. I should make her feel the way she made me felt. I should let her cook, afterwards go into the kitchen and serve myself without fear and challenge her if need be. Let her be the glorified maid she wants to be. It was because I cowered and felt threatened hence she used the opportunity to deal with me and make me feel less of my self making me think her brother was doing me a favour by marrying me.
I listened attentively and knew my mum-in-law was right. She said immediately I got back home, I should discuss with my hubby about getting me a school of nursing and midwifery form as that was the only opening for now just to set things in motion. I was glad.
I thanked mum-in-law and set out on the journey back. I was mentally calculating all she said and I knew she was right brute Force wouldn’t help me get me rid of Halima and I was determined to get my home back.
Immediately I got back home, I met her pacing up and down. She almost ran to where the driver dropped me off and shouted at me for coming late and told me to get changed immediately that lots of chores awaited me. I just hissed and continued on my way in.
She was shocked and tried again. I didn’t utter a single word and she knew something was amiss. Because the former me would grovel and appologise for coming late and begin the chores assigned immediately.
I met hubby at home and he asked how my outing went. I told him it went well. I sat very close to him and Leaned on his body for good measure’s. I had never openly displayed any affection towards my hubby but I did that day just to frustrate her. And she quickly got the message.
I went to the kitchen and dished a very large helping of the food she made and sat down to eat it. Aunty was just starting at me with her mouth open. I couldn’t care less how she felt. I cleaned up afterwards and headed inside our room after thanking hubby for the meal.
I changed into something spectacular and came back to the sitting room to gist with my hubby something I had never done. She was just confused and looking around her as if she missed something. I caught her unawares and she couldn’t bring herself to shout or complain in my hubby’s presence.
While gisting and laughing out loud, she was just moving about as usual, banging pots and pans for distraction but I didn’t even look her way. She did everything she could to disrupt our happy moments but I was doing my honey moon. She could keep the boys and the cooking while I make my hubby a very happy and fulfilled man. After what seem like forever, I genuinely saw my hubby for who he was and I was glad her mum -gave me that call.
TBC
©️HUSNA MUHAMMAD YUNUS.
