Stolen Moments  Chapter Three

When I entered the sitting room I was not expecting that, then boooommm....... 

I looked at them all were eyes on me. I was calm right as I knew that the storm that was coming was going to be stronger than any storm I faced.

“Mayamiko, sit down we need to ask you questions.”

She never called me with my surname like they do to any married women. At least my boss called me Miss Nyirenda.

“Nyamunyirenda, we want to understand here.”

At least my husband respected me that much. I sat down on a single couch while they both share the double and husband was sitting on the armrest side of his mother.

He cleared his voice and started. “We want to know what truly happened here, and please do not leave anything behind.”

The way he said it hit me hard. He even said ‘we’ as an indication that they discussed that prior maybe when I was busy bathing. A part of me died that day. The little love I was left for him shifted. His voice had that thing I cannot describe. He was supposed to be my knight and shinning amour but he was there crucifying me. I was there when the child was brought to us a sickling who was not taken care of. She was wearing short clothes that had lost colour.

I had stayed at night with him when the child was sick. I was the first one to notice that she was being bullied at school and I took it upon myself to deal with the matter. I was there when we had to change our diet as the child was malnourished.

The child was always with me more than the father who barely knew what her favourite colour was and her fears. I was the only one who even cared about her grades. We had to have extra lessons, as she was slow at school. I had to take her to the most expensive school in Blantyre, Michiru View Private School which dedicated a specialist for her so that she could improve at school.

All those I did it for him and with him. I thought it would have proven to him I would not harm his child deliberately, but no he was hell burnt that I was on a witch hunt to kill his little girl. 

“I was checking my emails with her next to me. We were supposed to go shopping after I was done with work. She wanted a winter uniform. When I was almost done, my boss called, when I answered the call I instructed Asante to sit down. She was jumping up and down next to me. I was about to end the call when I heard a thumb. I think she wanted to get the chocolates I hid in the cardboard. I had promised to give them to her after lunch. The call took less than five minutes; I do not know why she was so fast.”

“Are you seriously blaming the child that she was faster?”

So after all, I said she only heard that she was fast. I didn’t have energy left with me.

“No, I am not blaming the child. I explain it was at the speed of light.”

“Was the call that necessary?” Joseph asked.

I didn’t have an answer for that, as I was going to sound rude to him. I didn’t want to answer to anything. I wanted to be alone and pray to God to heal my girl so that things were going to go back to normal again.    

 “He asked a question. Was the call so important? Sometimes you need to listen to your husband. He asked you not to work. This is one thing we discussed at the family meeting yesterday. You seem to wear pants in this house. You pray the child wakes up because if not, you will follow her thereafter.”

I was there, thinking about the ungratefulness of a human being. The money we were sending to her was all because of me. I would not remind her about that.

“I am so sorry.”

That is the only thing I managed utter. I would not bother arguing. I think in my heart I didn’t care anymore.

“I want one thing from you. Do not visit my daughter and to stay the hell out of my daughter’s life. Once she recovers, then I will see what to do.”

“But, I.....”

“I do not want to ague. You have done enough.”

I looked at my husband who just looked aside. I looked at my mother-in-law who didn’t even care.

“I am so sorry again for the trouble I caused you. I will excuse myself now.”

I bowed and excused myself. No matter how angry I was, I would not throw away my father’s teachings. We were taught to be humble and respect our elders and people around us. We were taught to love as it was a weapon to build, not destroy, as opposed to war. I would not stoop to the baby mama’s level. My mother-in-law only needed redemption, so I would not count her. Joseph needed to move out of the petticoat government and I would not do that for a grown man. He needs to do that on his own, as he was a father. I was so glad that he had a girl child. Not that I was cruel, but I was hoping for him to live longer and for God to give her a husband like her father. I then understood what my father once said. 

I was not in the mood to cook and I would not sit around and cook for hypocrites. I would not hear from about seeing Asante. I was going to see her without their knowledge.

I took the car keys after switching the stove I drove to town to eat. I was going to treat myself to a three course meal dinner. I went to the Bombay Palace Restaurant. It was still closed as it opened at 18:00 hours. I sat in the car and reflected. The car was mine also, we bought when I got the bonus the first year we were married. But as it was, I barely used it as I was working at home and he was the one using it to travel to and fro work. 

He also helped with groceries, as I hated shopping. I visited the shops when it was necessary. I was not dressed for the restaurant so I went to buy something comfortable to kill time. I was ready to forget my predicament for a while. The advantage was the fact that I left the phone at home. My cards were with me. He was considerate to always keep my things safe in the car and not allow every jack and Jill inside our car.

Strangely, I felt so happy at that moment. Looking good and waiting to have dinner for one. I didn’t even remember the last time I went out. I had neglected myself so much that it hurt. When they opened, I was the first one. I knew I was hungry but their meals were appetising that I ordered almost everything. I wanted to forget my troubles and be myself for a while. I was going to think about other people and the consequences later. 

When it was already late, I thought of going to the hospital I knew it was not visiting hours but I needed a nurse or a doctor to give me some information. 

“I do not know how to help you but I may not let you inside the hospital this late.”

I was still at the gate when the security guy didn’t want to let me in.

“But Asir it will only be for a moment.”

Before he could answer, I saw the nurse who helped me when I had messed up the bench and the doctor who helped me. I rushed to the other gate to their car.

“Excuse me.”

They were both surprised. “I need your help with my daughter.”

“It’s okay love. I helped her in the afternoon.”

They were both wearing rings, and I looked at both of them.

“This is my wife and yes we work together but on different floors. She has been waiting for me to knock off.”

Although it was unnecessary for me to explain I just looked aside and felt bad for assuming they were both married but having an affair.

“Even if it’s minute information, to give me hope.”

“I may not tell you anything but I saw what happened in the afternoon. She is stable for now. Do not stress too much but I am worried about what we saw on her Cerebrum it might be dangerous for her recovery.”

“Was it caused by the fall?”

“It is hard to tell as the swelling is going up, not down. Pray harder my dear, because this will not be over soon. She might take longer to recover.”

“Do not worry you can come and pray with me during my lunch prayer and I will help you see her as long as you will not make me lose my job.” The wife said with a broad smile. I thanked them and went to thank the guard as well. 

When I got to the car, I was tired, but I was dreading to go home. I wanted to catch them in the morning when I was well rested. I was going to sleep on the couch so as not to murder Joseph. 

At home it was dark I was glad but when I switch on the lights Joseph was sitting waiting for me.

“Where the hell have you been?”

“Please lower your voice. I am tired I do not want to argue.”

“So we don’t talk about things and you just leave without even saying anything.”

“I said I do not want to say anything because I do not want to fight with you.”

“Where did you get this dress? Are you having an affair?”

“Wow, that is so rich coming from you. I bought this dress today and you can check my bank statement as you normally do without my concern.”

He was shocked, but I knew he checked my statements from time to time. Even my phone records I discovered that, but I took it lightly as I knew I was not promiscuous. 

“I am exhausted. I will sleep in Asante’s room. I am sorry about your daughter.”

I didn’t want his response I just left him standing there. They cooked I could see the plates and pots that were left me. I was hoping and praying that ‘devil’ didn’t cook in my kitchen using my utensils.

The week that followed was stressful. I couldn’t even talk to anyone. I was talking to my friend and family. I let them vent at me without answering.

They had their routine, and I had mine with the nurse. She was Mrs. Phiri who was God sent. I could see little improvement with Asante. She was moving her limbs from time to time. I had hope that she will wake up.

The treatment I got from home was so horrible it made me question my life.  

“She will wake up. We have prayed enough now God is at work. Leave it to Him.”

“For now, I want a miracle.”

She hugged me as I was going home. When I got home, I was surprised to find Mphatso there. You know I cried on her shoulder, removing all the pain and hurt I had bottled. I was so happy to see her.

“You look so thin. For just a week and you have changed.”

I wiped my tears and sat with her. We were in the kitchen; I was being an excellent host. “What do you want? Tea, coffee or hot chocolate?”

I was avoiding the question. She saw that and just chose coffee. It was a little chilly. Winter was fast approaching hence I wanted to buy a winter uniform for Asante. I thought she was my daughter but their words reminded me I was only a child minder.

“So tell me again, what is going on?”

I related everything to her. She was angry.

“When are you leaving this sham of a marriage, by the way?”

I was surprised. “Why would you say that?”

“I am just asking. I will not support you in this. Leave this man. He might love you but he doesn’t have what it takes to be a family man. A man always supports his family. I was facing my children’s aunts and my mother-in-law and husband helped me put them in their place. Who is helping you in this house? Life is all about give and take. You cannot give always without taking because your cup will be empty while you fill other people’s cups.”

“I love him and he loves me.”

“After this incident, are you still singing the same tune?”

I paused a slightly. She was right there was no love lost. I was only holding on the fact that I once loved him. He was a caring man once upon a time but there was no passion at all from my side. He lost my respect and once the respect was gone love faded diminutive.

When I was about to answer, a phone came through. It was my husband. We both looked at each other.

“Hello.”

I listened to what he was saying and quickly stood.

“We need to go. Please drive me.” I said, dropping the call and pulling her by her hand.

“What the........”