I watched as Zainab's friends talk to her while she only replied with a nod, "uhmm" "okay" and sometimes smiled. Gosh, why am i looking even looking at her. After all she did. She's so unpredictable. I've got to get her out of my mind. I glanced at Abba who has his earpiece plugged into his ears and he's eyes were closed. I shuffled on my seat and closed my eyes too. I then heard Maryam's voice and I opened my eyes to see her smirking at Zainab. "Not again" I muttered.
"I'm just here to tell Jamila that she should have picked on someone her own size. But I'm not here to make any fuss so don't give me that kind of I-will-rip-off-your-throat look. Thank you for listening." I heard Maryam said but she still stood there her hands akimbo. Maybe waiting for a remark I guess.
I can see Jamila trying to stand up but then Aisha whispered something in her which made her relax and she just smiled tightly. Maryam nodded as if she was glad her message was delivered. She then turned to Zainab.
"You're highly welcome for accusing an innocent being and let me tell you this you should keep it in your mind when you hate a person for no reason someone else will do it to you too and when it happens you'll remember this talk and apologize to him. Karma is a bitch after all." She smirked.
I was really happy Maryam reminded her this so that she can get it into her stupid thick skull. I smiled in satisfaction. I really like Maryam. She stood up for me and the only way to pay her back is to tell her how I feel. I was deep in thought but what Zainab said really shocked me.
"You shut up Maryam now listen to me carefully dear. I'll tell you how it feels to be loved or the opposite. How about your parents. They just took a look at you and decided that they don't need you. Isn't that so? You're now with your paternal uncle who you call your Dad now am I right?" Zainab gave her a cold stare and I could see how Maryam's whole body shooked. A loud sob escaped her mouth and she ran to the back of the bus. Everyone heard what Zainab said, and all eyes went to the back of the bus. Yasmin and Hafsat then went over to her. I really felt sorry for her. She's going through all this just to help me and I'm going to repay her soon. Just then the bus stop and I could see it was my turn to go I tapped Abba and he quickly picked his bag and we went to our various houses.
"Ina wuni Mallam Habu." I greeted our gate man.
"Ina wuni Karamin Alhaji." He said bowing down a little. I just smiled and went over to the door.
"Assalamu Alaikum." I salamed at my mom and two sisters.
"Wa alaikumusalam." They all greeted.
"Inawuni Maami." I said."Lafiya lau." Maami." said smiling.
"Hello chipmunks." I said grining at Afra and Aliya. Afra is 8 while Aliya is 12.
"Yey we're chipmunks Yaya Aliya we're chipmunks!" Afra said smiling widely holding her sandwich in her other hand and patting her sister with the other.
"Ke da'allah yi min shuru." (You shut up) Aliya said scrunching her face while trying to get what the actor was saying on the television. Afra pouted and munched her sandwich.
"Go take your bath and then come down for your lunch." Momma said.
'"Ok Momma." I said. I went up and freshen up, wore a sweat shirt and sweatpants then went downstairs.
"The food is on the kitchen island." Momma said.
I served myself the spaghetti and meatballs. When I finished I went up.
"Isma'il zo" (Isma'il come). Maami said. I went over to her and rested my head on her lap whilst she stroked my hair.
"I'm still your best friend right?" She asked.
"Yeah." I said closing my eyes as she massage my head.
"To meke damunka?" (So then what's wrong with you?) She asked.
I quickly opened my eyes."Momma nothing is wrong with me I'm fine." I said faking a smile. All the things that happened earlier rushed to my head and I felt like screaming to the whole world.
"You sure?" She asked again.
"I'm sure Maami." I said.
"Ok, you can go now." She said. I pecked her on the cheek and went to the kitchen, grabbed some sandwich and juice and went up to my room. I took my laptop and watched my favorite movie Hold your breath. But I still can't get out what my heart held for long. I've got to get it out. I took my phone and dialed Yasmin's number. I can't tell Maryam myself but I'm sure her best friend can.
Zainab's pov
What I did was wrong, totally wrong. But I couldn't help it. She insulted me, I do the same. But I couldn't just help it. I felt like a monster. So I told Jamila and Aisha how about how I'm feeling. But these two are just too "perfect and understanding" to actually understand how I felt.
"You should be happy that you did that. Even though you brought out what she has buried all the time so... " Aisha said and shrugged.
"Well got to go so bye. Maybe talk to you guys later." I said as the bus stopped in my destination.
"Bye." They both said in unison.
I saw Yaya Ameer sitting on the gateman's chair chatting with who knows who.
"Hello big bro." I said faking a sweet smile. Actually I felt like crying but sha it's a free world.
"Hello Munchkin." He said without averting his gaze from his phone.
I snuck over to his shoulder and peeped at the profile name."Honey?" I asked raising a brow. He glared at me.
"Everyone calls her honey not that she's honey the other way round. I know how your mind works sometimes." He said. I then rolled my eyes.
"Hmm... I will let this one slip. Where is Hashimu (the gateman)?" I said.
"He went to buy something for me."
"And what's that?
"None of your own business."
"Ok." I said and I went into the house.
When i went into the living room I watched through the window to witness the thing that is not 'my business'. I then saw Yaya Ameer talking with someone on the phone and then he went over to the garden. After a few seconds Malam Hashimu came back holding a big leather that holds like 3 rectanglar shape boxes. I quickly ran to him.
"Sannu Malam Hashimu" (weldone Malam Hashimu). I said.
"Yawwa sannu" (weldone too) he said.
"Please give me that leather but don't tell Yaya Ameer that you gave it me." I warned him.
"Angama ranki ya dadi" (It's done your highness). He said beaming, handing me the leather.
"Nagode" (thank you). I said and scurried back to the house. Just then i heard Yaya Ameer's footsteps and I saw Hashimu running away. I chuckled and I went up to the room.
"Hey sis." I said as I plopped down on our queen sized bed.
"Hi." She said and concentrated back to her tablet. Khadija's class closes an hour before mine. She was wearing a pink and white bou bou. I shook my head and opened the mystery leather. To my surprise it was the love of my life, the apple of my eyes, the cockroach in my cupboard...Domino's pizza đ đ
"Deeja yau zamuyi pizza party" (Deeja today we're going to have a pizza party) I said grinning.
"Dan Allah?!" She said excited.
"Yep." I replied. Suddenly the door opened and in came Yaya Ameer with his stupid headphones round his neck. I dropped the leather on the floor and pushed it under the bed with my leg.
"Yaya Ameer we're going to... " Khadija began.
"Yaya Ameer for goodness sake this is a girls room not boys room you can't just barge in without knocking." I said putting on a serious face. Actually my family are helping me forget about the incident that happened earlier. And I'm really grateful. Now back to present. Yaya Ameer ignored my statement and then spoke.
"If anyone. Anyone happens to hear Hashimu knocking you should not answer the door you should call me. Understood?
"Yes sir." Khadija and I said. He nodded and then left.
"You stole his pizza right?" Khadija said.
"Yeah I did." I said bringing the leather out. I brought out the three boxes and disposed the leather in the dust bin.
"We're going to have it in this room." I said. "And then Yaya Ameer will have the shock of his life when he sees the empty boxes."
Khadija laughed and then stood up. "I'll go inform the others."
I opened one of the boxes and the aroma filled the room. So mouth watering. â¤ď¸ đ
"They will come here after asr prayer." Deeja said sitting on the other side of the bed.
"We'll need some drinks. Go check the... " I began.
"Yeah I've checked the fridge. There's still a few left." Khadija said.
"Ok be right back." I went to the bathroom and took a bubble bath using my raspberry gel. So soothing. I can feel it taking all my pains away.
30mins later....
I came out from the bathroom and wore my polka dots dress and applied a little makeup. Khadija has already organized everything. Everything was just in place. With everyones plate on our study table with their drinks everything was perfect. đš except that someone is not invited. Just then Mama, Baba and Abdullah entered.
"Wow it looks beautiful masha Allah." Mama said. "Now let's dig in."
We all sat on our seats and Mama sliced the pizza."Where's Ameer?" Baba asked.
Me and Khadija looked at each other."Uhhh...he said he's not feeling good so he's going to take a nap." I said. I hate lying but I know if I tell them the truth they'll scold me and cancel the party.
"I'll take his own to him." Mama said.
"No Mama he said no one should disturb him. We'll keep it for him." Khadija said.
"To ba mastala" (ok no problem). Mama said.
We all ate, drank our juices, cracked some jokes.
"Thank you Zainab for this pizza party Yaya Ameer has missed wallahi." Abdullah said.
"Hey what about me?" Khadija asked pouting.
"Is someone jealous?" I asked. "Anyways Abdullah please take one slice to Malam Hashimu."
"Ok." He said and took a slice.
"Jibe ka" (look at you). Mama ssid. "Use foil paper mana."
He groaned and returned with a sheet of foil paper. He wrapped the slice and went out of the room. Mama and Baba too left."Let's snap some pics." Khadija said.
"Yeah right I'll get my phone." I said.
But my phone has no charge."Wait." Khadija said. She whispered in my ear and I giggled. We then snucked into Yaya Ameer and Abdullah's room and saw him sleeping. We kept his 3 slices on a plate and the empty boxes too and wrote "u missed the party so here's your own share thanks for the pizza đ đ" We then went back to our room.
Isma'il 's pov"Hello." Yasmin said on the other line. To be sincere I really hate her when I came to the school but she's a really good friend so we're getting along pretty much I must say. And Hafsat too. "Hi Yasmin I was meaning to ask you a really important favor." I said. Damn it this whole thing is really making me nervous. "Ok I'm all ears." She said. Me: u know with all these fight between me and Zainab Maryam stood up for me right? Yasmin: yh go on.
Zainab's povIf wishes were horses beggars would ride......I wish I will have a chance to talk to Badman Binladin. Yeah. I've ever seen him once when I went to my Aunt's house in Abuja to spend the holiday. I saw him in Silver bird. I wanted to talk and maybe snap some pics but my Aunt was like u guys shld hurry up we're going to be late. And that was how she spoiled my mood. To cut my depressing story short, I'm now playing his song, my favorite song super and here is Deeja trying to spoil my mood."Wai why are you obsessed with this Badman ne. You're here worshipping him while his there clueless of your existence." She said. I ignored her as I sang the song with my future husband."Oya do the do super scary scooby doo... ""Your wallpaper, his picture. You even have a special file in your laptop titled Bad
Zainab's pov ? "It was really good hanging out with those two." Deeja said licking her ice cream cone. We just stopped at Kreamy kones."Yeah." I said licking mine too."You really don't give a damn about Maryam now do you. I was really scared that you might have Philophobia." She said. I didn't know what to do but laugh and i earned a you-are-not-serious look so I stopped laughing. I'm immune to Maryam's stupidness btw."Hey don't worry i won't it's not like we dated or anything. Oh that's what I was thinking but insha Allah nothing will happen to me. She smiled at me and we hugged. I love my sis soo much. When Mal Hashimu opened the gate they was an unfamiliar ash and black Sienna parked. Guess we have some visitors."Oh they are back already" Mama said as we walked into the palor. Baba's aunt from Abuja Aunty Salima came with her chi
Dedicated to all the readers that voted from the first chapter and will always keep on voting. Thank u guys sooo much. Zainab's pov Remind me to never share something ever again with Khadija. I told her about last night about that call. Right now she's trying to make my life a living paradise. Note the sarcasm... "I knew it. I smelled that love in the air since ever then. I'm so happy that finally you're gonna move on." The mad Deeja said jumping up and down like a kangaroo. You see why I told you that I regretted telling her. I think she's hyper on something. "Uhhh...you're unbelievable! You always think negativ
Maryam's povI was really short for words when i heard Zainab talking back for the first time. But I composed myself and shot back. When I pushed her Jamila held her and I kept taunting her. To my surprise she twisted my arm and knocked me on the floor. The next thing I did was wail and I kept saying my ankle my ankle. My vision was blurry and I can't make out who was kneeling in front of me squeezing my ankle lightly. I was half conscious and the next thing I knew it I was on bed whilst the school nurse inspects my ankle."Maryam right?" She asked and I nodded."Where are my friends?" I asked her referring to Hafsat and Yasmin."They just went out to attend the class. I'll send for them before break. Right now you have to rest. I've bandaged your ankle and in four days it will heal quickly, but for now on you'll be using a crutch because you can't just limp about. A
5 years laterShe watched through her window as his black Mercedes Benz drove out of their gate. She didn't intended to reject him but what could she do? She drew the curtain and sighed slipping down to the floor as a lone tear escaped her eyes.Flashback.... "Hello ina wuni." She said sitting down on the chairs in the balcony. "Lafiya sis yakike da kowa da kowa?" "Alhamdulillah hope everyone is fine too.""They are masha Allah." They was an awkward silence before he spoke. "Have you thought about it?"She kept mute and then said. "I still need time musty it's not easy you know.""Yes I know sis it's hard but it has been a month. I call you almost four times in a week and all I hear from you is that you need time.
He punched the wall of his room as she called him for the fifth time. He's knuckles throbbed in pain but hell he doesn't care. What type of we are done didn't she understand? And she's demanding him to listen to her explanation after what he saw with his naked eyes. She must be kidding him. The incident that happened 3 weeks ago rushed back to him.Flashback.... ? "Hello dear how are you?" Maryam asked as she nervously fidgets with her fingers as if he can see her."I'm good babe. I was thinking can i come over now if you're not busy and maybe grab some lunch and then take you out for shopping?" Isma'il asked."Awwn hon I'll love to but unfortunately I'm very busy at home with all my cousin's wedding preparations.""Oh okay. No prob maybe tomorrow ko?""Eh tomorrow will be fantastic and I'll be less busy. Um.. I've got to go now bye I
"Do I have to wear this?" Isma'il mumbled as his sister, Aliya handed him a black suit to wear over his gray shirt."Of course Yaya Isma'il. You look dull these days try to dress smart even if it's for today." Afra, his 13 year old sister said earning a glare from her brother."Will you act like the grown up you are for awhile and stop whining like a 2 year old." Aliya rolled her eyee"I'm just nervous." He confessed. "Everyone is going to be there including those assholes. I might lose my self control and punch that guy senselessly. And she might try to lure me to listen to her.""It's going to be okay I assure you." Aliya
He woke up after sleeping for nearly an hour. It was time for Zuhr prayer already. "I'll be back my love." He whispered as he cupped her face and kissed her forehead delicately. He headed to the mosque and performed ablution before offering his prayer. He stayed back for some minutes to do some dkirs and nawaafils before going to the waiting room. He met Maama crying profusely whilst Maami tried to console her, tears brimming in her own eyes and he's heart skipped a beat. What had happened to his wife?"Maami what happened? Is Zainab okay?" Maami looked down, her lips trembling."Say something please." He urged. "I think you should go see the doctor Ismail." Maami finally said and he obliged. He dragged his heavy legs to the doctor's office and knocked on the door. He opened the door when he heard a "come in.""Mr Ismail." He offered his hand for a hanshake. "Please, take a seat." He gestured to the two chairs in front of his large oak desk. Ismail sat down and prepared himself for
Everything happens to us for a reason whether we are aware of it or not. We might think of many impossible ways to try and change it and make it 'unhappen' but well...we are not God. We can't turn back the hands of the clock.After the doctor informed them about the loss of Zainab's second child, she has been moved to a room in a female ward. Visitors were not allowed in yet. The doctor is running a test to ensure that she's safe and healthy without any complications. The doctor also explained her injuries. She had obtained a fractured rib, a broken leg and a concussion because her head had badly hit the steering wheel.The news has now spread like a wild fire. His wife was in an accident and she lost her second child. Ismail had to switch off his phone after answering eight calls. He went to the hospital mosque, where he offered two units of rakaats and vehemently prayed for his wife's health.Zainab would be beyo
It was a miracle that Ismail arrived at the hospital in one piece. All he kept hearing when he was driving like a mad person was "your wife just had an accident. Your wife just had an accident." His wife. His Zainab. Zainab!He quickly walked to the waiting room, just in time to see his in-laws waiting there already. He weakly exchanged pleasantries with them. His own parents and Afrah soon came after. Maheerah was clutching her grandmother's skirt, her eyes brimming with her tears. They all refused to answer her unending questions. Where is her mommy?"Ismail you're supposed to pray for her." Ameer said as he patted his shoulder. Ismail looked at him with bloodshot eyes. He wasn't even aware that he was crying. He sucked in a deep breath before facing his brother in-law."You don't understand how I'm feeling Ameer. She can't leave me. I need her. I need her more than ever. My life will have no meaning if she leave
"What? Innalillahi wainna ilaihi rajiun. Is she okay? Were you contacted?" She threw one question after another."I'm... driving. I'm on my way home." And he hang up. She squeezed her phone in her hand as she muttered several duas under her breath. What should she do? Should she just sit down and wait for his arrival? Should she tell someone? Who would she tell? Ya Allah! How did the day turn out from better to worse? After thirty minutes of pacing to and fro, the bedroom door creaked open, revealing a distraught Ismail. She immediately rushed to him."Ismail how did this happen? Who are the kidnappers? Did they contact you?"He sighed as he sat on an armchair, his hands holding his head."The kidnapper called me. He threatened that if we don't get her married to him in the next 48 hours he would do some unspeakable things to her. He's her ex. He's obsessed with her.""Ya salaam!
"Umm Maheerah." He attempted to help her but she held up her hand as she regained her balance. Stubborn tears stung her eyes but she pushed them back, biting unto her lower lip as it quivers."So now I'm Umm Maheerah huh?" She taunts and he looked at her amusedly and she seethed. Does all these sound like a joke to him or something? Well, he must be deranged!"So enlighten me dear husband. When did you plan on telling me about the new love of your life. Just some hours ago we both exchanged 'I love yous' and now you're doing the same with someone else? This is unbelievable!""Amor you need to calm down. Just let me ...""Don't call me amor anymore and don't you dare tell me to calm down. I don't deserve that title cus it's already reserved for someone else right? I can't believe you Ismail! I really can't. After all those years, after everything we have been through. After all the ups and downs. Afte
"Mommy!" A four year old girl barged into a room, her pigtails bouncing up and down."Maheerah, what did I tell you about barging into our room?" Zainab scolded."Mommy am shorry. It's Uncle Abdullah. He refushed to let me watch SpongeBob!"Ismail walked over to Maheerah and scooped her into his arms placing her on his shoulders as she giggled."How about we go out for some ice cream?" He said and she nodded giggling more.He dropped her down and she ran out of the room with full vigour."Maheerah be careful!" Zainab called out."She would be fine." Ismail assured her as he sat behind her snaking his arms round her waist and she shivered.After all those years he still has an effect on her."You've spoiled this girl rotten!" She said rolling her eyes."And she's still my
"Zainab!" Ismail roared and she stiffled a laugh as she sprayed her perfume. She smoothed out the non existent wrinkles on her black and white maxi dress and rushed out banging the door behind her."Zainab! I'm going!" Ismail hollered again. He was standing impatiently in the sitting room playfully glaring at her as she ran down the stairs."I thought you were going to take forever up there." He said. "And you look beautiful.""Hmm you don't look bad yourself." He was dressed in a plain white shirt that hugged his abs and designer jeans with a jacket."Don't you mean I look hot and irr...""Okay let's go or else we will lose our flight.""If you say so then.""Are you ready wife?" He asked."Uh-uh.""Let's get going then." He said as he took her hands in his.
Zainab woke up and felt two strong arms holding her. That was when she remembered that she slept in Ismail's room. Together. In the same bed. She has the strong urge to pee but she just couldn't get up as she was afraid that she will wake Ismail too. She can hold it for a little while.She stared at his face and wondered how someone can look so gorgeous while sleeping, without even trying. And let's not get started with his hair. She wondered whether his a half cast and didn't tell her, because there's no way a Nigerian man can have such a glistening and curly hair that always fall over his eyes, casting a dark shadow on his face.And then she gently touched his hair, her eyes never leaving his face. To think that she had hated this man? Who was she kidding. She blushed when she recalled last night's events...Tears brimmed at the corner of her eyes as he uttered those last words. Was this really Ismail?&nb
"I'm busy Zainab. Go and sleep." Ismail said, massaging his temple, not even sparing her a glance. "I know you aren't busy. Please. Can I come in? I know that what I did was not right but please." She pleaded. He sighed and muttered come in. Seconds later she was in front of him, staring at him as she took a deep breath. "I'm sorry." She said. He didn't spare her a glance so she continued. "I...I was in the wrong too and...and am tired of hiding my feelings for you anymore. I love you Ismail. I'm so sorry." She sniffed and blinked back the tears that threatened to spill out. And her words totally took him off guard. He stared at her as she lowered her head. "Come here." He motioned to her to come closer and she did, sitting beside him. She stared at him for a while before she placed her forehead on his chest, trying to push back her tea