03/06/2026
MARRIED TO A STRANGER
(My Journey as a Mother of one)
By, OYETUNMBI ZULAYKHO GBEMISOLA
ZULAYKHOOFGREATTHINGS.
CHAPTER FIVE
I knocked on the door severally before it was opened. Kazeem's wife was the first person I saw, and immediately she saw me. She slammed the door at my face.
"What's she doing here?"
She said. Her voice was loud enough that I could hear her.
"Why would you bring this child into our home? Isn't she her daughter? Why do you need to bring her here, Kazeem?"
She yelled.
And then, I knew Kazeem was inside as well. That moment, I began to shout.
"Give me my daughter, Kazeem. How dare you take Hadiza from me? You heartless man! You have no right over my daughter."
I yelled, banging the door loudly.
"You see... just listen to how she is shouting like a mad woman. Why would you bring her daughter here, Kazeem? Just tell me."
"Because she is my child too. I can't watch my daughter say under the sun with that witch. I'll take her away from her. I have had enough of her rubbish plans with Mom and dad. Hadiza is my child, too. I'll have nothing to do with her...I only need Hadiza, my child." Kazeem raised his voice.
I knew shouting here won't do me any good. I brought out my phone and called Kazeem's mother. I explained the whole thing to her, and she was shocked. She assured me to stay there, as she'll join me soon. Somehow, I felt a bit relieved. I used that opportunity to eavedrops on their conversation. I wondered how Kazeem got to know where we lived. At first, I thought maybe his parents had told him, but it couldn't be them because Kazeem's mummy clearly said it was her doings.
How does he know??
Has he been monitoring us all this time?
I moved closer to the door and eavesdrop on their conversation.
"Shut up, Kazeem! You liar. How dare you do this to me? Is it because you heard of what happened to me? Is it because of what the doctor said? Do you lose hope that easily?? I loved you! I stayed with you when everyone left... Is this your way of repaying me?!"
"No. That's....
"Then what Kazeem? I've done more than enough for you. For you, I abandoned my everything just to be your wife. What else do you need??" She yelled.
I was silent as their argument continued...
They both got engaged some months later.
Listening to their conversation, I was a little satisfied. The more she got angry, the more Kazeem begs her. I was glad when I sighted Kazeem's mother alighted from her car. She walks straight to the door and knocks hard.
"And who's there?"
Her wife responded.
"Open this door! I'm not here for jokes, Kazeem. Bring out Hadiza now, or i would get the worst for you both. How dare you Kazeem?!" She threatened while I stood beside her. I was the one who gave her a call.
Kazeem's came out after hearing his mother's voice.
"So... you are here because of Aduke? She called you again?" Kazeem spoke to his mother rudely.
"I'm here because Aduke called me? And who are you to claim Hadiza's father? Aren't you ashamed of yourself? The girl you called worthless and all...so you think you have the right to claim been a father? When you have not been there when they need you? You must have thought you are a father....but you aren't. No. You are just someone who doesn't deserve a wife or child at all!" Her mother yelled.
With the look of things, it seems Kazeem's parents aren't in support of him marrying a second wife. She keeps eyeing his wife while she talks. His wife only stood aside, watching them as they argued. That was the moment I walked inside and took Hadiza.
My little baby threw herself in my arms as she sighted me.
"Mummy! Mummy....."
She cried in my arms.
We were in each other arms for minutes.
I cried as well while I patted my baby's back. Hadiza is my only hope. I can't watch to let Kazeem have her back.
I carried her and walked outside.
"Listen, Kazeem, let's be the last time you'll show your face to us. We don't need you in our life, and if this should ever happen again, I'll make sure to kill you. I won't spare you... I promise."
I threatened with fighting back my tears.. Looking keenly into Kazeem's eyes brought the memories of how I suffered when I was with him.
"Maami, you see. You see all you've caused?" He accused his mother..
"How can you be so cruel, Kazeem? How do you become this way? I'm not your mother! I never gave birth to a son like you. You are disgraced to us! How can God punish me this way by giving me a child like you?!"
She lashed soberly.
"I'm glad I'm a punishment to you. I'm not your son, too! You... brought this to me. You are the reason why my life got messed up. I regret being your child. I regret it!"
He yelled at his mother and walked inside. His wife trailed behind him instantly. They both slammed the door.
I watched as Kazeem's mother wept silently.
"It's okay, Mama. Stop the tears, please. Kazeem, don't worth all of this. He doesn't..."
I comforted. Just at a thought of it, I wondered how Kazeem can be heartless to his own parents this way.
And again, I'm glad I ended things between us.
She faced me and asked us to leave. I only nod my head and follow her. Kazeem's mother is the only reason why I keep surviving with Kazeem's acts. If she hasn't been here by my side, how would things have been for me? For Hadiza, too?
Tears streamed down my eyes as we entered the car.
"Are you crying, Aduke? You don't need the tears. Your child is with you now, isn't she? I'm glad you called me. I don't know what that beast would have done
Kazeem's mother said.
"Thank...you so much, ma. Thanks for all you do in our lives. I don't know...how I can repay you for everything. I don't know how worse things would have been if you were not by our side, but I really appreciate all you've done." I said amidst tears. The fact that Kazeem and his mother are against each other, I felt a little guilty. I wondered how hard it must have been on her to be on my side all the time when her son was living a miserable life.
She glanced at me and smiled. "You don't need to thank me, Aduke. I'm doing this because you are both mine. You are my daughter too, and Hadiza is my grandchild. What would be of a grandma who neglects her granddaughter? It'll just make me like Kazeem. I should be the one apologizing for all the troubles Kazeem had caused for you." She said politely. That moment, I wiped my tears and smiled. Seeing Kazeem's parent supporting me and thinks I'm much as important as Kazeem, I'm glad. Not all inlaws would be this way after all that happened, but I'm happy i have people like them by my side. If only Kazeem had taken over any of them,maybe things won't have gone wrong between us.
It was late before we arrived at our house.
I alighted from the car with Hadiza in my arms. My baby was sleeping soundly. Kazeem's mother handed the sum of #30,000 to me.
"No, Mama....it's fine. I won't take this. You........
"I'm giving you this because I know about your situation. You lost your mother recently. Just take this and use it to buy whatever you need too. I'm giving this because you deserved it. Thanks for taking good care of Hadiza. Thank you....."
I was speechless.
I wondered why God had done me such a huge favour by making Kazeem's mother stand by my side. I thanked her and left with Hadiza.
That day, I got home and saw missed calls from my sisters. I wondered what could've happened. I didn't hesitate in calling them, and that's was when Fatimoh told me she needed money to register for her Jamb exam this year. Fatimoh finished her secondary school in the last two years, but due to our parents' capabilities, she couldn't further. She's the only one among us who graduated from secondary school while none of us got the chance to. Then, it was me who had sponsored her when I was still in Kazeem's house, but now...I'm not financially okay. She cried over the phone and pleaded to me that I should help her borrow the money that she'll return it. She is my sister. How would I lend her a money when she hasn't started working yet? I knew no one needed to tell me. My sisters were still struggling where they stayed. I decided to give her the amount she needed for her registration from the money I got from Kazeem's mother.
The next day, I woke up as usual, getting ready for my daily stuff. I had decided that Hadiza would be staying with me in the market to avoid unnecessary pressures from Kazeem again.
We were ready to leave when I saw Mummy Ridwan come out of her apartment.
"I waited all long for you yesterday. Hope everything is sorted now?" She asked, looking into my eyes keenly.
"Yes, Mummy Ridwan. Thank you."
I said simply, not wanting to dive into this discussion with her this early.
"I think you should let Hadiza stay with you at the market after she closes in school." She added.
Though, I already have this in mind as well, but I want to know her reasons for saying this.
"I'll be getting busy in days now. I got a new job too. You know I told you I'm an NCE graduate. I should've told you this earlier so you could have plans on where Hadiza will be staying when she returns from school."
"Really? I'm so happy for you. Congratulations! Ohh. You don't need to feel bad. It's good news, and i already wanted to tell you I'll be taking over Hadiza too. I really appreciate all you've done for us, Mummy Ridwan. May God reward you."
"Ameen. You are welcome....That's much better. Let's me go and get Ridwan ready for school and myself too. Bye. Have good sales at the market o. And Hadiza, be good in school too. Don't fight anyone."
She said, playing with Hadiza's cheeks, who kept laughing. She pecked her on the cheeks and left. I was glad. Mummy Ridwan was the only one who was nice to me when we moved here. Others are my enemies. They called all sort of names because I'm a single mom.
I walked out happily with Hadiza while she kept humming the song they thought from school. Seeing my girl grow up every day, I was really glad.
Hadiza coughed slightly.
I looked into her eyes and spoke out calmly
"Are you okay? Do you need water...?"
The coughing continued until I took her flask from the lunch box and gave her water. She gulped a little and got better. I felt her temperature, and it was a bit high.
"Mum is here, okay? Everything is fine..."
To me, I guess what happened yesterday must have scared her.. I assured her with sweet words, and make sure she is better before we take our leave.
★
Hadiza returned from school, and i asked her to sit in a nearby shop. I already told the woman before her arrival.
"You'll stay here till I'm done, okay? Be a good girl, please." I said to her.
"Yes, mom. I'm always a good girl. "
She said, and I smiled.
That day, I can say all the people at the market got to know I have a child. Some pitied me, whole some have all their gist in their mouth. You know, we all don't think the same. When you are in trouble, you don't expect everyone to understand what had happened, and even if it's very understandable, you'll still see those who'll be sticking their nose and blaming you endlessly. I wasn't surprised, and none of these got me bothered. This is not the first time, and I'm used to all this, too. Being a single mother is exhausting with the way others badmouth you everywhere. Hadiza was loved by everyone and got many things, too.
Then, I began to see my Little Baby had grown up so much. I was super proud of myself. I keep my eyes on her while I do my work. The woman l left her with have little kids too so it was easier to leave Hadiza in a care of such person.
My day was hectic as usual while Hadiza was in a good mood all day. She keeps talking and talking about the things she saw in the market. I only listened to her. I was so exhausted, and this girl isn't seeing this. But I'm glad to see her happy.
I was about to step into my house when my phone rang. It was my dad. At first, I was scared to see his calls and quickly picked up.
...Hello Dad. Is everything okay?
I asked nervously.
...Yes. it's my daughter. How are you doing? How's Hadiza?
I sighed heavily as I heard this.
... I'm glad. She is fine o. And I'm good too. How's your farming going?
....it's going well o.
We remained silent for a while before Dad spoke out again .
....You remember your mom friend's son?
.....Ohh. the one you talked about?
... Yes. He came asking to meet you so I gave him your number. Has he called?
.....My number? No. He hasn't.. why did he want my number? Don't he know I have a baby. Listen, Dad, I know you are worried about me, but I'm fine, dad.
...I know, Aduke. You can't continue to live this way. Hadiza will be a grown child soon. She needs a father. I don't want that useless man to come around you. Once he sees you are married, he'll stop coming. Just give this a chance. He's.....
...did he wants to marry me? Dad, will you hear me out? I'm not doing this. I'm not interested in men again. I've had enough when with Kazeem.. I can't face the same the second time, too. All men are the same. I'm satisfied with Hadiza. I'm okay this way. If you truly want me to be happy, then it's living this way.
....Aduke. You are still very young.
.....I'm young and happy. Don't worry about me too much, Dad. I'm fine.....and I'll pick if he calls. But the marriage, I'm not interested. Bye and take care. I'll call you later.
I said and ended the call.
I heaved deeply and glanced at Hadiza, whose eyes were all over me.
I pulled her warmly in my arms.
Thinking about all I have gone through in my first marriage, it makes me think marriage is a hell, and I never want to put myself in the same shoes again.
"Why would dad give a man I doesn't know my number? Does he think that would change my mind? I'm not going to marry someone who'll think Hadiza is an obstacle. All men are the same! Don't they even know the troubles I passed through when with Kazeem?!"
That night, i was anxious. I waited to see if the man would call me and keep checking my phone each time it beeps, but he didn't. Somehow, I was happy. I didn't want anything that'll complicate my life or make Hadiza think I'm a mother who has been all over her own life again. The only reason I survived this much was because of my child, and I'll never do a thing that'll hurt her feelings.
THE FOLLOWING DAY.
It was the several beeps from my phone that woke me up. I checked and saw it was a message from an unknown number. I went through it instantly.
...I know it'll have been better if I call you, but I think you won't feel a burden this way. Your mom tried to make me know you before her death. May God forgive her sins. I wasn't able to attend her burial because I wasn't in town. I haven't met you before, and same as you, but I've heard a lot from my mom. I'm Yusuf Adesina, an engineer and a businessman. I know your name and probably, many things about you. I'll like us to meet and I'll be glad if you can send me your home address. You stay in Lagos, right? How's your baby doing? My regards. I'll be looking forward to your response. I can write all here, but you'll get all the answers to the questions you might have when we meet in a real person. Have a nice day!
I scoffed angrily while reading.
"What sort of message is this? Why I do I need to wake up early, and this is the first message I saw?! Oh my. What's with me this morning, eh? I shouldn't have checked this." I lashed at myself while I got out of my bed. At this moment, I noticed Hadiza isn't by my side. I was frightened. I was so engrossed with the messages that I didn't notice my baby wasn't by my side. I rushed to check her in the living room, and she wasn't there. I rushed to the bathroom and met her looking pale.
"Why are you here by yourself? Do you want to kill me?!" I yelled at her.
I rushed to her and carried her in my arms.
Then, I noticed she had a high temperature. I laid her on the sofa and looked into her eyes.
"What's wrong, Hadiza? You are fine yesterday before you sleep. Is it because you played too much? Was the environment not conducive for you?" I keeps asking my child who was only looking at me.
This is my first time seeing my child this weak. Or was it because I have never spent much time with her...or because she was never in my care? A lot keeps troubling me. I quickly called mummy Ridwan and explained how Hadiza reacted this early.
...Ohhh. she is always like that when she's with me too. I would have told you about it, but after a while, she'll be better and start playing again. Maybe you should take her to the hospital. Have you done a blood test for her before? What's her blood type?
... Blood type? I haven't done any. What's that? I asked confusedly.
...You don't know? Is this your first time hearing this? Ohh. You really want to visit the hospital. Let's her have a blood test, and also see the doctor. Then, you'll know the reasons for her illness.
I looked at Hadiza, and she's already wheezing loudly.
"Hadiza? Hadiza?!"
....what's wrong with Hadiza??
I could hear Mummy Ridwan's voice over the phone.
I only ended the call frighteningly.
I rushed outside at once, and already Mummy ridwan was at my door.
"What happened? When does this start?"
"I don't know, Mummy Ridwan. It started this morning."
I said amidst tears.
Hadiza wheezing continues....
Mummy Ridwan rushed to call her husband so he could drive us to the hospital. I held my baby tightly while I looked at her.
"Hadiza, please....Hadiza."
I keep saying with tears.
We got to the hospital quickly, and Ridwan's dad collected Hadiza from me and rushed inside the hospital. We got there, and Hadiza was attended to instantly.
After a while of waiting, the doctor came to us. He said someone should see him at his office while I go. Mummy Ridwan and her husband went to stay with Hadiza in the ward.
"Is she your daughter?"
The doctor asked while I sat down.
"Yes, sir. She...is my child. Hope she's okay now? Nothing is wrong with her, right?"
"She is fine for now. How old is she?"
"She'll clock five by this month. Is she illness that is worse? Tell me, sir. There is no need to hide anything. She is my child."
I responded nervously.
"The result shows your daughter suffered from asthma."
"Asthma? My Hadiza? Asth...ma?! She can't have that doctor! Is she too young to have such at an early age? Please, doctor. Maybe you don't do the test very well. She was fine yesterday. She even plays around with kids of her age? Why would you utter that to my child? Would you ever pray your child should've such? How are you, doctor so heartless? Do you think I'll thank you after hearing my daughter had such??!"
"Madam, calm down. This.....
"Does this mean my daughter will die? Will I lose my daughter at an early age? Haaaa! I'm done for. God! What have I done to deserve this again? Hadiza can't die. My child must not die. Doctor do anything. Is it money? I'll do all my best to get your any amount you want as long as she is fine. I... have suffered so much. I... don't want my daughter to have a world worse than her mother. Doctor, please....Help me. My daughter mustn't die. My Hadiza must live. She should live, grow well, and be strong." I said amidst tears.
The doctor looks at me pitifully.
He sighs and shakes his head.
"You don't need this, madam. Your daughter isn't going to die. Luckily, the result shows she is still at an early stage. We just need you to help her by getting her medications and inhaler. Was she exposed to air pollution? Maybe you've not been noticing...she must have been coughing and been pale most times. But this is a bit fair. You don't need to lose hope early. Your child isn't dying. This is the time your child needs you most. She needs your attention. She needs you by her side all the time. Never neglect her and teach her how to make use of the inhaler in case of urgency or when you are not around. You can possibly be with her all the time, but don't be too busy and neglect her. I'll prescribe the medication she'll use and also the inhaler. You need to be strong. Losing hope isn't the right choice."
He said politely while I cried.
All these shouldn't be happening to me.
Why is my life always a mess? Why is my life going in circles and circles??
"If you are someone that works, I'll advise you to take a break for the meantime. And also, let's her skip school till you notice she is getting adapted with many things herself. She is too young, you know. She shouldn't be left on her own." The doctor added.
She wrote the necessary things I needed to get for Hadiza while I thanked her soberly and left. I told Mummy Ridwan what the doctor said, and she was shocked. I couldn't help but cry helplessly.
Where do I want to start again?
How should I live with the thought that my child is an asthmatic patient?
How should I live with the thought that my child is close to death?
Why do I need to suffer too much?
Why is it that every time I seem to see a chance, I'll have to live up with something?
I wept bitterly while Mummy Ridwan consoled me. Her husband insisted on paying the bills and also getting the medications the doctor had written. I was so grateful. Even if I'm to get the medications, what would we live up with? How would I survive taking care of my asthmatic child without having an income? I was in tears.
"Stop crying, Mummy Hadiza. This is not the best to do. You need to be strong. Hadiza needs you most now... This is not the best time for this. You have to give yourself hope that your child will survive. You have to have faith in God. Stop crying, please....."
I didn't utter a word and keep crying.
Glancing at Hadiza on the bed, sleeping soundly. I couldn't help but think negatively. I felt like all my efforts in trying to keep up with Kazeem's marriage were in vain. For once in my life, I felt I shouldn't have taken Hadiza with me. I should've left her when I had the chance....But now no one would take her. The fear that Hadiza might die anytime filled in my mind, and I couldn't help but blame myself for being unreasonable all these years. Kazeem divorced me, and now I'm only left to battle with all these alone. I would've wanted to tell Kazeem's parents about this, but what if they lose hope like I am? What if they thought Hadiza won't be worthy?
I cried profusely.
Looking back and forth, I regretted everything. To me, I felt like if anything should happen to Hadiza, then I'm the reason. I shouldn't have had a child for a monster like Kazeem and make Hadiza face this cruel fate.
"It's okay, Mummy Hadiza. Stop the tears..........."
Mummy Ridwan keeps saying.
But deeply inside me, I wished I could just run away and abandon this child here.
Hot tears streamed down my face when I stared at Hadiza, who was already awake. She was smiling faintly at me.
"Should I just leave you here? Should I just make an excuse and abandon her? I can watch you die under my watch Hadiza. I won't survive this....I can't! It's just too unbearable for me." I cried within me. It's really heartbreaking to watch my Five years girl suffer this much.
To be continued....
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The next chapter comes tomorrow morning biidnillāāh.
OYETUNMBI ZULAYKHOH GBEMISOLA
ZULAYKHOOFGREATTHINGS >>>>
