<p>“THE RUNAWAY BRIDE”</p><p>Amani Faskari, sitting by the window of a Sharon public transport vehicle heading to Bauchi, cried her heart out, eventually thanking God amidst her tears. It was rare for anything to make Amani cry—she was a strong-willed and determined woman who believed she could match any man in ability. But today, when she realized that Mukhtar’s marriage contract had been sealed on her, a decision made by someone she trusted completely, she felt utterly deceived. She never expected her father, Daddy, to make such a hasty and harsh decision. She thought he would, at least, locate Mukhtar’s relatives before proceeding with such a decision, giving her time to escape to her mother.</p><p>This time, she couldn’t hold back her tears; she felt completely defeated! The high-class status she prided herself on was gone, and now she was no better than any ordinary woman, married off to her father’s subordinate.</p><p>It was clear her father had handed her marriage contract to Mukhtar, and she was certain even the bride price was paid by her father. Mukhtar couldn’t have expressed love for her—he didn’t even like her! She could swear on her life that their feelings were mutual: just as she despised him, he held no affection for her. She was certain that every conversation he had with her was out of obligation under Daddy’s pressure.</p><p>Her dislike for Mukhtar stemmed from many things, especially his composed demeanor, which made it impossible for her to confront or insult him. His reserved nature, serious personality, and lack of tolerance for jokes or disrespect constantly annoyed her. She couldn’t control him, a quality she despised in any man she considered marrying.</p><p>Amani was a woman with a domineering personality who thrived on being in control of those around her. Raised by her father to believe she was superior, she had always envisioned a life where even her husband would submit to her authority. However, with Mukhtar, she knew she would never have that power. His personality was unyielding, and she despised the idea of being beneath him in any way.</p><p>Feeling humiliated, she resolved to leave them all—Daddy and his precious Mukhtar. If her father was so bewitched by Mukhtar, he could find another daughter to marry off to him. She would rather be with someone like Alhaji Sadi, who was entirely smitten with her and would do anything she wanted. At least she could control him.</p><p>The thought of Mukhtar, a man she loathed deeply, being tied to her in marriage broke her completely. Her dreams of a life where she reigned supreme were shattered. Every plan she had for her future was ruined, and all she could do was cry bitterly.</p><p>As the vehicle journeyed farther from Katsina toward Bauchi, Amani’s tears eventually subsided. She wiped her face, blew her nose, and switched on her phone, which she had turned off earlier. The moment the phone came on, Hamidah Balewa’s call came through.</p><p>Hamidah, her closest friend, was always there for her, even though they rarely agreed on anything. Hamidah’s support was one of the few constants in her tumultuous life.</p><p>“Sahibah, where are you?” Hamidah asked. “I’m at your house, but the gatekeeper says no one is home. Where can I meet you?”</p><p>In a voice weakened by crying, Amani replied, “Hamdy, we had a disagreement. I’m on my way to Bauchi now; I’m coming to your place because I have nowhere else to go.” She broke into tears again.</p><p>Hamidah immediately understood what was happening—either the marriage had been finalized, or they were on the verge of sealing it, and Amani had run away.</p><p>“Alright, Sahibah,” Hamidah reassured her, “get to Bauchi safely. I’ll call Mama to prepare a room for you. I’ll also head back to Bauchi tonight, even though I’m exhausted. I can’t leave you alone.”</p><p>After ending the call, Hamidah informed her mother, Hajia Muna, about Amani’s arrival but withheld the details of her predicament. She asked her mother to make Amani comfortable and ensure she ate and rested before her arrival.</p><p>When Amani reached Bauchi, she was taken to Hamidah’s family home, where she was warmly received. Hajia Muna, familiar with Amani’s close bond with Hamidah, noticed her disheveled state and deduced that she wasn’t visiting for her usual reasons. However, out of respect, she didn’t press for details.</p><p>Despite the kind hospitality, Amani’s heart was too heavy to enjoy anything. She couldn’t stomach the food and only ate a little out of politeness. Her thoughts were consumed by the betrayal she felt and her hatred for Mukhtar.</p><p>She ignored all calls from Mukhtar and her father, deleting a heartfelt text message from Daddy without reading it. She didn’t want anything to weaken her resolve. She planned to leave Nigeria entirely, heading to Sierra Leone to find her mother, Jalan, a woman she only knew by name. She believed finding her mother was the only way to reclaim control of her life.</p><p>As she sat in Hamidah’s room, lost in her thoughts, Mukhtar’s calls came again, but she refused to answer. Mukhtar, being someone who didn’t tolerate disrespect, eventually stopped calling.</p><p>Amani knew she was at a crossroads. Her father’s decision to marry her off to Mukhtar was one she could never accept, no matter the consequences. She vowed to escape this marriage, even if it meant leaving everything behind.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
