RAYS OF HOPE

By Joseph Marvelous

 

Taberah was born into a poor home where they lived from hand to mouth. Her mother died two years after she was born, so she was raised by her father. Her father loved and cared for her in every way he could, but he was not capable of supporting her education. Taberah wanted to be educated and dreamed of becoming a professional teacher who would help others, especially the less privileged. In the village where she lived, there was no standard education, so the children that went to the available were like literate illiterates. She often reminded her father of her dream and its purpose. He wanted Taberah to be educated and successful, so he spoke with his elder brother, Junaid, who was a lawyer in one of the big cities of the country.

"Please, Junny, I want Taberah to be educated and enlightened just as you are, but you know I'm a mere farmer who lives from hand to mouth. I wish her mother were still alive; I know we could have pushed this through together," Taberah's father said with teary eyes. Uncle Junaid replied, "Brother, please don't do this to yourself. Let the past rest and let's live in the present. Taberah is not a problem; she's my daughter too. She can come to live with me. I'll take care of her and see her through her educational years." Taberah's father was more than grateful for the kindness his younger brother had extended to him. He felt fulfilled and revived.

Taberah was ten when she started living with Uncle Junaid. The first few days were hectic for her, as she was diligent in carrying out domestic chores. As days turned into years, Taberah became the housemaid. Most of her time was consumed by one chore or another. Foluke, her uncle's wife, never liked her because she saw her as an additional burden. True to Uncle Junaid's promise, he enrolled Taberah in a government school. Despite her efforts to excel academically and be at the top of her class, she faced a problem that made her worried and lose focus. She was being molested by her uncle. It all started one evening when Uncle Junaid entered her room while she was reading.

"Taberah, darling," her uncle called softly. He came closer to her caressing her shoulders, reaching for the top of her chesticles."How were classes today?" He asked further questions to distract her from his actions.

"Fine, sir," Taberah replied.

"Daddy! Daddy!" Rubby, his youngest daughter, called out, searching for him. This interruption made him leave, and Taberah felt a sense of relief. Despite her attempts to seek help, there was no one she could confide in. A day came when no one was at home so he forcefully raped her and threatened that his actions must not be disclosed to anyone. This greatly affected her studies, and she fell into a state of depression as her uncle continued his evil acts.

One afternoon, Taberah decided to leave her uncle's home, determined never to return. Her father had died three years after she moved in with her uncle, leaving her with nowhere to go. She wandered, seeking refuge in a place where no one knew her. She arrived in Ayede village at dusk, exhausted, hungry, and distressed. She slept under a bridge in front of shops to rest for the night.

The next day, she went to one of the canteens in Ayede village, tired, dirty, and worn out. She begged the owner, Madam Calm, to let her wash dishes in exchange for food. Madam Calm, moved by compassion, offered Taberah food, changed her clothes, gave her some relieving pills, and asked her to rest. Taberah was deeply grateful. Once she felt better, she asked, "Mama, thank you for helping me today. How do I start working here?"

With warmth, Madam Calm replied, "It's nothing. Just help attend to customers' orders for today. Funsho will show you what to do." Madam Calm had several workers at her restaurant, known for her strictness, principles, and kindness. Although she abhorred stealing and other vices, she could be very kind.

Taberah worked for Madam Calm for five months. She was praised for her excellent customer service, diligence, and courtesy. Many customers preferred her service. One day, moved by Taberah's story, Madam Calm asked her about her family and why she was working at the restaurant. Taberah, in tears, narrated her life story. Her boss also cried and promised to support Taberah through her education, adopt her as her child since she had no children, and ensure her uncle was brought to justice.

That was how Taberah became Madam Calm's daughter. She went through secondary and tertiary education, graduated with top results, started teaching, and developed schools in remote villages. She was living her dream. Madam Calm ensured that Uncle Junaid was put behind bars. Although Taberah pleaded for leniency on his behalf, she was told was in critical health and needed significant help and support.