11 11. Family Bond

The guests and Safiya's family sat around a round wooden table in an open corridor, overlooking the courtyard. Various foods were placed on the table, and they all sat on small stools.

This was the moment for the family to get to know their in-laws better. However, unlike the wedding, Safiya chose not to wear a dress.

Instead, she opted for a man's wear consisting of a cloth adorned with white patterns, covering her shoulders, chest, and stomach. In addition, she wore shorts to complete her outfit.

Despite Meka pleading with her to wear a dress, Safiya remained firm in her decision, at least she wore a dress during the wedding.

Sitting across from Safiya was Meka, accompanied by her newlywed husband, Jelani. He whispered something into her ear, causing her cheeks to blush.

Safiya found herself contemplating the mysterious power of love that seemed to influence people's behavior, just as she had observed in her mother's presence around her father.

However, when Safiya glanced at Jelani, she couldn't perceive the same depth of affection in his eyes that she had witnessed when her father looked at her mother. Perhaps Safiya's own personal feelings of dislike towards Jelani were clouding her judgment.

Sitting to her right, Safiya's mother wore a casual wrapper but still emanated an undeniable beauty as she smiled at the new couple.

On her left were Malik and Nia, and to Safiya's surprise, Malik had chosen to sit close to her. His face remained composed, but the nervousness in his breath was palpable to her.

She could feel him stealing glances at her, each one causing her stomach to flutter and melt. As her hands clenched together, Safiya couldn't help but wish for him to leave. This effect he had on her was becoming overwhelming and not necessarily a positive one.

"May the ancestors be with you on your journey, my dear," Mama said to Meka affectionately.

Meka smiled warmly in response, "I will miss you and Safi, I promise to visit often."

Mama nodded knowingly, adding, "Of course you will, and we will also make sure to visit you."

As Meka glanced at her sister, she noticed Safiya dipping roasted yam into a bowl of palm oil, an air of tension hanging over them. Despite everyone eating, there was a slight uneasiness in the atmosphere.

"Safiya?" Meka called out, waiting for her attention.

"Hmm?" Safiya replied, her mouth moving slowly as she continued munching on the yam. Once finished, she took a sip from her cup.

Meka asked, "Will you come to visit me?"

Safiya looked at her sister, her expression growing serious momentarily before breaking into a smile. "You think I wouldn't? You're my only sibling, of course I will," Safiya reassured her.

Relieved, Meka returned the smile, saying, "I'm glad."

They all started chatting and eating, and soon her mother asked, "I don't know much about your cousin Jelani, and his betrothed.

Safiya noticed Malik's gaze tightening slightly, but it quickly returned to normal. He bowed slightly, seemingly hesitant to say something.

But before he could, Jelani interjected and said, "He is mostly away at war."

Safiya observed the exchange between Malik and Jelani, sensing that there was an unspoken conversation happening through their eyes.

"Oh, that's wonderful," Mama responded, but Safiya could see the pain reflected in her mother's eyes. The thought of war and conflict always brought her mother great sorrow, which is why she had initially been angry at Safiya for choosing this path.

"I'm sorry to hear about what happened to your husband," Jelani said, genuine concern evident in his voice.

"Oh, please don't worry about that. It was a long time ago. Thank you," Mama replied, taking a sip of water and clearing her throat.

Safiya's eyes briefly glancing at Jelani. She couldn't help but wonder what his hidden agenda might be. There was no way she was going to trust him just yet.

"What about your other daughter? Will she live the rest of her life this way?" Nia suddenly asked, causing tension to fill the table.

Safiya glared at her, but Nia returned the glare without flinching.

"Mind what you say," Meka stepped in, not pleased with Nia's comment.

Nia took a sip of water and continued confidently, "It's the truth, but you just don't want to admit it. It's taboo for a girl to behave like a man."

"Nia," Malik called out, his voice laced with warning, but she ignored him.

"Mama, what do you think?" Nia turned to the their mother.

Their mother frowned, her gaze shifted to Safiya, who stared fixedly at the table, clenching her jaw and tightening her fist.

"Before leaving for war, my dear husband handed Safiya a wooden sword," she said with a smile.

Safiya and Meka quickly looked at her, their eyes widening in surprise.

"He told her to protect the family while he was gone. I thought he would come back, so I didn't really ponder on how a seven-year-old would be able to protect the household," their mother explained.

As everyone's attention remained focused on their mother, Dede walked in and stood among the other guards, unnoticed by the others.

Their mother continued speaking, a smile gracing her lips as her eyes seemed to stare into oblivion. "I never thought she would take those words seriously. She didn't at first, but when the news about his death came..." Her voice trailed off slightly, and her eyes closed a bit. "She listened. He once told her she could be whatever she wants, and she listened."

"I tried to stop her, but she was just too stubborn," their mother said, her gaze traveling to Safiya, whose eyes were on the brink of tears.

"I can't stop her, and I can't change who she has become. If she wants to stay back and protect the household just like her father did, then so be it."

She held Safiya's hand, feeling it tighten around hers. "My dear daughter, you've been strong all this while. I was only scared because of your safety. I was scared something might happen to you, just like it did to your father. That's why I kept refusing you to be this way..."

"Mama," Safiya interrupted, her voice filled with emotion as she hugged her mother tightly. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. All this time, she had thought her mother saw her as a disgrace, never realizing that her mother was only worried about her safety.

As they released from the embrace, Safiya noticed tears on her mother's cheek and quickly wiped them away. She mouthed a silent "Thank you" to express her gratitude.

Meka also had tears in her eyes, but Safiya's emotions were too overwhelming for her to cry. The whole atmosphere was filled with intense emotions.

"I'm sorry," Nia's voice broke through the silence, and Meka's mother smiled.

"I understand," she replied softly. "That's what usually comes to everyone's mind upon seeing her."

Safiya smiled at her mother, grateful for her understanding and acceptance.

"Wow," Jelani said, breaking the tension. "I'm sorry about your father."

Meka reached for Jelani's hand and nodded. "Thank you," she said sincerely. "Thank you for coming into my life."

Safiya blinked upon hearing them, but she remained silent due to the myriad of emotions overwhelming her.

"You've been brave," Malik whispered, his words meant only for Safiya's ears. As a warrior himself, he found her strength fascinating.

She looked up at him, meeting his gaze. The others at the table had begun eating and chatting, paying little attention to their conversation.

Safiya's eyes gleamed with a hint of curiosity, and a small smile tugged at her lips. "Fascinating, huh?" she replied, taking a sip from her drink.

Malik smiled in response, and Safiya couldn't help but notice the dimple that appeared on his cheek. Even though she wasn't typically interested in men, she still found him intriguing.

Quickly, Safiya averted her gaze and focused on her food, trying to distract herself. She noticed that Malik was stealing glances at her, but she chose to ignore it and enjoy the company of the others at the table.

As her mother regaled Jelani with stories from Meka's childhood, Safiya watched in amusement as her sister cringed, urging their mother to stop. But it was in that moment that her attention was drawn to Dede.

A small gasp escaped Safiya's lips, barely audible, as she observed Dede taking on his role since their father's passing. He stood tall, donning his warrior suit, acting as a protective guard. But what intrigued Safiya the most was the way he looked at Meka.

There was a mixture of pain and longing in his eyes as he glanced at her sister. Safiya couldn't help but wonder what had caused this shift in Dede's demeanor.

Nevertheless, she chose to dismiss it, reminding herself that even though Meka wasn't as close to him as she was, they were all part of one big family. Surely, he too would miss her.

It took a while before he caught her eyes. A faint smile appeared on Safiya's face, and he smiled too, albeit subtly, before quickly looking away.