Amina
Silence
Was the only thing formulating through the car. We're on one position for the past ten minutes. Each with his own thought.
“Shall-”
“Should-” We began at the same time.
“Shall we get in?” Nabil added again.
“Yeah. Let's get in?” my words came out as a question. Nabil adjust his sitting position the way that he was facing me. “Look if you're not ready let's stay or go-”
I was quick to halt his statement “No I'm ready. If we don't get in now they might think we ran away because we're guilty or something which we're not. So...” I trailed off. Nabil nodded. Slipping out the keys.
“Okay let's do this Amina” I constantly assured myself as I got out of the car. I don't know if they knew about it but I have a feeling Ahmad won't keep it away from his family. “Do you want me to go along with you?” Nabil asked beside me.
“No it's okay. I will get through it. See you later” he didn't say anything more only fold his arms and watch me made my way towards the entrance door. I did a little prayer before pushing the door open. Dang!
It was as if a bucket of water had been poured on me. I wanted to turn around yet, I know it's pointless. It was as if they were waiting for my arrival. The whole family were gathered together excluding Abida whom I know is still in school. Even with the pounding of my heart, I managed to make my towards them. I know the conversations that will take place won't be a pleasant one I just have to prepare myself.
“Assalamu Alaikum” was the first word I uttered. The look Hajiya gave me was enough to tell me things aren't good but why should I be scared I have done nothing wrong.
“Have a seat” Alhaji ushered me. I hardly see the man. Sometimes twice a week or once and now that he graced himself to me, things will not be good. I did as told. Took my seat on the two sitter couch facing Ahmad. I know he's cussing at me in his heart already.
“Amina, Ahmad told us what happened. And I must say it came as a shock to us especially me. Me being the one who took you in. I didn't expect such thing will happen to my company. Ahmad has already explained everything but I will still like to hear an explanation from your side before taking any drastic decision” My head was casted down as I listened to Alhaji's words.
“Tell us why you leaked our plan to Sparkle company”
I inhale a deep breath before lifting up my head. Ahmad was the first person my eyes met with. The kind of look he passed me made me tore my gaze immediately.
“Thank you sir for giving me the opportunity to explain myself. First of all I would like to say Mr.Ahmad misunderstood the situation. I know he had to be angry about the fact that he gave me the file and I misplaced it but about the leaked information, I have no idea how or who leaked that Information”
“I'm not the only one working in the company. It might be someone knew I have the file and that person decided to frame me. Sir, I would like it if you investigate on this more” I ended casted my head down
“You’re still denying the fact that you are the culprit after all the evidence pointed at you. The conversation, the card and the Sparkle journal” Ahmad chirped in for the first time since I came in. My eyes snapped towards me. Journal? Where the hell did that came from.
I turned to Alhaji whose eyes were on me already. “Believe me Alhaji. I know nothing about this. It might be a conspiracy against me. I swear by Allah I have nothing to do with this. I don't even know the way to the company or anyone talkless of leaking an information to them”
“Then explain this!” I flinch at the papers that were thrust at my face. With shaky hands I reached for the papers.
I stared at the papers as if it was my first time seeing them “Sir this is the outline for that mall project. What-”
“Exactly it was. It was brought from Sparkle. Can you now explain to me what took it there. Did the papers teleport themselves there or you did took it there yourself ” To say I was shocked will be an understatement. I opened my mouth but surprisingly no words were able to make themselves out of it. The information came as a shock to me.
“And if you're thinking I'm lying, I have someone to testify” he lift up his phone and place it to his ear
“Come in” he said with his eyes still on me. The kind of hotness I felt inside my body was something I have never experienced before. I was being framed right in front of my eyes and there was nothing I could do to defend myself. What is happening to my life!
The room peeked its silence. Up till now Hajiya and Imran haven't utter any word. The look Hajiya gave me the first time is enough to show me her distaste towards me. Five minutes passed by with the clock ticking in each passing second and my heart picking up it pace with each breath I took.
The door was pushed open. My eyes widened at the familiar figure. His face was neutral as always void of emotion. “Good day sir” he began as cheerful as unexpected.
“Good day Nonso” Ahmad ushered back.
“Nonso can you tell us about what you know regarding the issue between our company and Sparkle ” he asked again.
“Yes sir. So earlier this morning after we're done with the meeting, I heard Miss Amina talking on the phone about a file. At first I brush it off but later on, I saw her handing the file to a guy. I couldn't see his face because his back was facing me. Yet, everything happened quickly”
Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un was the word I uttered out. My whole body was numb. My ears were shut to any sound. Only the words of Nonso. I felt coldness ran down my chin. All their voices were distant to my ear. My eyes might be glued to them. However, my body wasn't in sync with my eyes. I stared at them disbelievinly at the information.