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Behind A Smile 049
One week had passed since Bilal physically assaulted Zaahida. Standing in front of the mirror, she stared back at her reflection. The bruises Bilal had inflicted on her had begun to fade. Her eyes weren't as swollen as they were a few days back. Zaahida adjusted her head tie around her head, and as usual, began to conceal the still visible scars with make-up, to prevent her family from finding out. She felt it was unnecessary to tell them because they wouldn't think twice about calling off the wedding. And she didn't want that. The mere thought of losing Bilal even after what he did was appalling. She felt it was all her fault, and a mistake on Bilal's side. She shouldn't have provoked him like she did. After the call with Mr. Idris, he had asked her what she did to Bilal, and even suggested that she apologized to him, just for peace to reign. But she hadn't done it yet. Bilal wasn't even speaking or looking her way. She was scared to even approach him. The memory of the last
Last Updated : 2024-06-17Behind A Smile 050
Zynah waited for Ibrahim to say a word. Anything. But his lips remained sealed. Her lips curved into another knowing smile. "I knew you'd have that... disgusted expression. That's why I didn't want you to know, but I will understand you if you want nothing to do with me anymore after today." Ibrahim opened his mouth to say something, but no word emerged. He stood there like a zombie, gawking at her. "Bye. You can leave if you want to. I have said what I had to say," Zynah said, turning her back on him. "Wait..." Ibrahim's voice trailed. "What expression are you even talking about?" Zynah turned back to face him. "You don't exactly need to say it in words for me to understand. Don't worry, I didn't expect you to be happy anyway." Ibrahim took in a deep breath. "You're getting me wrong. I didn't say anything because... because I was surprised and—" he paused. "Zynah, I have absolutely no reason to be disgusted. I was surprised, but I'm glad you decided to tell me. You
Last Updated : 2024-06-18Behind A Smile 051
Zaahida couldn't contain her happiness. She was finally going to be married to Bilal tomorrow. Her lips curved into another smirk. After their marriage, she would do everything in her power to tame him. To make him realize that she was much wiser than his first wife. "Hey, Zaahida," Nazmeera called, walking into the room. Zaahida gazed at her with a smile plastered on he face. "Yes, sister in law?" Nazmeera sat beside her on the bed. "I just wanted to have a word with you. Do you think we can do that right now? "Of course," Zaahida replied, furrowing her brows. "You sound serious. I hope it's not something bad." Nazmeera shook her head. "It's about your marriage with Bilal..." she started but stopped mid sentence. Zaahida's worried demeanor morphed into excitement. "What about it?" Nazmeera heaved a sigh, before finally blurting out the question. "Are you sure you want to go ahead with it?" Zaahida suppressed the urge to burst into la hysterical laughter. "Are
Last Updated : 2024-06-19Behind A Smile 052
Closing the door behind her, Zynah let loose the tears she had been suppressing while in Hafsa's room. Even at such a tender age, he seemed to be aware of what she had done to him. She wondered what she had to do to make him accept her. She had asked Ramlah about his favorite things, and had been doing it to get him to like her, but her efforts seemed futile. Zynah didn't return to her room. Instead, she returned to Adnan's. She wanted to feel his presence. Stepping into the room, she began to go through his stuff - his clothes, toys and even his books. A sad smile crept up her lips as she saw his drawings. It practically didn't make any sense, but for a boy his age, he actually made a good effort. She was supposed to be the first person to teach him how to hold a pen. But she wasn't. She wasn't even there when he said his first word. She wasn't there when he took his first steps either. There and then, Zynah realized just how much she had missed out on her son's life. But i
Last Updated : 2024-06-19Behind A Smile 053
"Bilal! Open the door, Bilal!" Mr. Idris banged on his door with his fists repeatedly. "Don't do this, Bilal! Open the door right now!" "Dad, please calm down," Nazmeera pleaded, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Why are you shouting?" "Calm down?" He roared. "How can I calm down, Nazmeera? Today is his wedding and he has locked himself up in his room. How am I even sure he's in there? What am I going to tell our relatives? What will Zaahida's parents say? Poor girl." "Dad, don't worry, I'm going to convince him to open the door," Nazmeera reassured. "Just go. The guests are waiting for you." "You better make sure he appears there in thirty minutes. Anything later than that, he's going to witness my wrath," Mr. Idris hissed before storming away. Seated on his bed, Bilal wrapped his hands around his head. He was suffering from a terrible migraine and his family were only adding to it. He had made it clear to them that he didn't want to get married to Zaahida, or anyone
Last Updated : 2024-06-20Behind A Smile 054
"Where is my husband?" Zaahida walked up to Nazmeera and asked. After the commotion that took place before the wedding, she had been keeping an eye on him. She never knew when he would decide to leave. Their marriage wouldn't be able to stop him — she knew. But it was only for the time being. She promised to make him fall head over heels for her, and not only that, she was hellbent on wrapping him around her little finger. He was her husband now. Hers. The thought make her lips stretch into a smile. "He's left already," Nazmeera replied. "He did immediately after the wedding fatiha." Zaahida hissed. "He left? Where did he go to? Why did you allow him leave? Why didn't you stop hi—" "Zaahida!" Nazmeera's high-pitched voice cut her off. She placed a hand on her shoulder. "Calm down. Why are you getting angry now? You've won. Bilal is now yours." Zaahida shrugged Nazmeera's hand away. "I know, but I can't calm down, Nazmeera! I need to know where he is. I'm leaving." "Wait
Last Updated : 2024-06-21Behind A Smile 055
Bilal's hand balled into a fist. He gritted his teeth in anger. He hated to be reminded of Zaahida. Her name alone was enough to change his whole mood. Hearing his father constantly referring to her as his wife only added to his anger. It was a truth he wasn't ready to accept. Not now or ever. Getting into his car, he slammed the door and sped out of the compound. He didn't know where he was headed, but he needed to get away. To get away from the problems that were weighing him down. He couldn't breathe properly. He knew if he continued to stay that way — in deep thoughts, he would create more problems that weren't even there in the first place. As Bilal drove around aimlessly, his mind suddenly drifted back to Zynah. He wondered where she was. How she would take the news of his marriage. Would she be disappointed? Or happy? Bilal couldn't help but wonder if she still loved him the same way his feelings for her hadn't changed. For a fact, he knew she left because of the way he t
Last Updated : 2024-06-21Behind A Smile 056
Without thinking twice, he pulled over and alighted from the car. She had turned around and he could see her clearly now. She was indeed his Zynah. He wanted to rush over to her and beg her to return to him, if he must, but seeing her laughing heartily with the a strange man made Bilal ball his fists. • Zynah wanted to pay the kiosk owner his money, but Ibrahim did before she could. "You don't have to do that always, Ibrahim," Zynah politely declined. "I have my own money." "I know," Ibrahim shrugged. "Keep the change." Zynah offered a tired smile. "Thanks, Ibrahim." "Seems Adnan is feeling sleepy," Ibrahim pointed out. "Let me help you. Give him to me." Zynah handed a sleepy Adnan to Ibrahim. "Go ahead, I need to buy something from that store over there. I'll meet you in the car." "Alright," Ibrahim replied, and walked away with a now sleeping Adnan in his arms. Just then, Zynah felt someone grab her arm. At first, she thought it was Ibrahim, but he had ne
Last Updated : 2024-06-21
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Behind A Smile Author's note
I'd like to start by thanking every single one of you for being with me throughout this journey. Thank you for the love and support. The comments 🥺, the gemssss 🥺, the gifts 🥺. I don't take it for granted at all 💞 This book has come to an end, so I'd like to hear your thoughts about it. Did you enjoy it? Did you cry at any point? Did you laugh? Were you disappointed at certain turn of events? I bet it was an emotional rollercoaster for you. Please leave a review and rate this book :) Support me more by sharing and recommend the books to your friends and family. Thank you once again, and expect more interesting stories from me ❤️❤️💕💞🥰😌🫠 deey_jah
Behind A Smile 197
Zynah rolled her eyes. Just who would prefer to be lied to? "Yes," she replied, her voice a soft whisper. "It's true," he replied, his voice deepening. "I came for some work, and..." He drawled. "To make use of the opportunity to meet your family." "To meet my family?" She asked, surprised and totally oblivious to the fact that her mother was still sitting in the same room as her, listening to her conversation. "The kids," He clarified, his voice filled with amusement. "They are your family, aren't they?" "Oh! Okay," Zynah replied, recoiling a little. "Where are you right now? I will send you the address or have someone show you the way." "I don't really know. I will ask around and text it to you," With that, he ended the call, leaving her heart racing as usual. Zynah's lips stretch into an unknowing smile. Realizing what she was doing, she slapped herself on the face. "Who was that?" Mrs. Hafsa asked so suddenly, her voice sharp, catching Zynah off guard. "And why
Behind A Smile 196
When Mrs. Hafsa opened the door, she did not expect to see her daughter and grandchildren. Her lips spread into a smile and she hugged Zynah first, her arms wrapping tightly around her daughter. Then, she crouched and showering many tender kisses on Adnan's face then picked Bilal Jr, showering just as many kisses on his face, he had to pull away, slightly disgusted. "What a pleasant surprise," Mrs. Hafsa exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. "Why didn't you inform me that you were coming? Come in. Come in, my babies." Mrs. Hafsa ushered. "The kids must be exhausted. And you too." Zynah smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "If I had told you, then it wouldn't be a surprise anymore, would it? I didn't want to ruin the surprise. I wanted to make it a special moment." "I'm so excited!" Mrs. Hafsa said. "Rashida and her family are also coming to Nigeria to spend the Eid with us." "Really?" Zynah asked surprised and excited at the same time. "It's about to be a full ho
Behind A Smile 195
Adnan!" Zynah hollered, her tone a mix of exasperation and impatience. "Where are you? Hurry up, otherwise, it's going to get dark before we get to Kaduna." Zynah could not stop glancing at her wristwatch. "Yipee! We're going to see granny and grandpa!" Bilal Jr jumped up and down, excitedly. "Yes, sweetie," Zynah replied, her voice softening. She smiled, reaching down to caress his chubby cheeks. Her mother, Mrs. Hafsa had been requesting to see them for a while now, she figured it would be a good idea to surprise them a day before Eid al-Adha celebrations. "Are you excited? You're also going to see your cousin, your aunties and uncle Muslim too." "Yes, Mommy!" He squealed, his laughter infectious. "I'm going to see all of them." "Yes, you are," Zynah said, kissing his forehead. Then, she stood upright. "Adnan!" She called, her voice rising again. "What on earth are you doing in your room? I'm going to leave you behind, and I mean it." She threatened. "You're the one we're w
Behind A Smile 194
Khalid waved a hand over her face, snapping her from her reverie. He cleared his throat before speaking. "Are you okay?" In that moment, Zynah wanted to speak to him, to tell him what his sister in law came to discuss with her, and most importantly, to tell him that she didn't feel the same way about him if at all he had any feelings for her. But something held her back. What it was? She had no idea. "Why would I be?" She asked, finding her voice. "What do you want?" "Easy!" He said, lifting his hands in a gesture of surrender. "I'm not here to fight with you." Realizing that she had indeed been rude for no reason, Zynah swallowed. Then, she face palmed. "I'm sorry about that. I just... Woke up," she lied. "It wasn't my intention to be rude." "Alright," he replied simply, his voice laced with understanding. "Are the kids inside?" A surge of protectiveness swept over Zynah. "Yes, why? Where else would they be if not at home?" "School?" Khalid questioned, his brows furrowing. "The
Behind A Smile 193
As soon as Aysha left, Zynah walked back into the house, her heart heavy. She picked up her phone, her fingers hovering over Ramlah's number. As if sending her intention, Ramlah's call came through. Zynah heaved a sigh of relief before answering. "Hello, Ramlah, how are you doing? I was just about to call you." "Really? That is to say we're thinking about each other. I'm fine. How about you? How are the kids?" "They are both fine, Alhamdulillah. How's my little princess doing? I'm sure she's as impatient as we all are to see our little prince." Ramlah chuckled. "I also can't wait to hold him in my arms, ya Zynah. It's taking too long." "Three more weeks and your wish will come true," Zynah said, a smile spreading across her face. "You're right. Thank you for always lifting my spirit with your words. I want to visit Mom and Dad soon. How about we go together, with the kids?" "That's a good idea. The kids haven't seen one another for a while now," Zynah reasoned. "It'd be fun."
Behind A Smile 192
Zynah's tears escaped her eyes and ran down her cheeks. All she could imagine, was the pain she must have gone through before she finally gave up the ghost, how hard she must have fought to save her unborn baby. "Ho...how did it happen? Was she the one driving?" Aysha nodded in affirmation. "She was returning from the hospital, after finding out the gender of their baby. I guess she must have been overly excited," Hajara wiped the corner of her eyes and took a moment of silence, before continuing. "She called Khalid to inform him of the news. That was when...when she ran into a trunk. It was terrible. I wasn't there at the time it happened. I had not even met his brother then, but when he told me this story, for a whole day, I cried. I felt affected. It was like I had known her my whole life. I have seen pictures of her, heard only good things about her. I sincerely pity Khalid. Since her death, he prefers to be in seclusion. We've all done everything in our power to make him move o
Behind A Smile 191
Zynah's eyes widened as if they were about to pop out of their sockets. She knew Adnan liked Khalid a lot but that was the last thing she expected him to say. She couldn't even imagine herself being with anyone else. Bilal still resided in her heart. She couldn't see anyone replacing him anytime soon. "No!" she exclaimed, her voice rising. "Why are you even asking me that? Where did that come from, Adnan?" "Are you mad?" Adnan asked, his voice quivering a little. "I didn't mean to make you mad, Mommy." Zynah breathed, trying to calm her racing heart. "I'm not mad at you, Adnan," she reassured. "I just want to know why you asked me that. Do you feel I'm not enough for you? What have I not been doing right?" Zynah asked, a pang piercing through her heart. What if it was the case? She would understand, but it wouldn't reduce the pain. Deep down, she thought they were doing just fine, but apparently, Adnan wanted a father. He wasn't okay having only a mother. Adnan lowered his he
Behind A Smile 190
While Bilal Jr was busy playing with other kids his age, Adnan walked up to where his mother was seated on a bench, and sat beside her. He always did that whenever he sensed she was deep in thoughts or worried about something. The little boy had slowly become her confidante, her best friend. "Mommy," he called softly, his gaze fixed intently on her. "Are you fine?" He asked, his voice filled with worry. Zynah reached for his delicate hands and caressed them gently. "Of course, darling," she smiled, and placed a lingering kiss on him on the temple. "I'm fine. What makes you think I'm not?" "Because," he began, his gaze still on her. "You've been sitting quietly over here for a while now. It's unlike you. You didn't even notice when Jr fell off the swing." Zynah's heart jumped, her eyes widening in apprehension. "What? He fell? When?" she stood up, ready to rush to his aid, but Adnan was quick to stop her. "How didn't I notice?" "...wait, Mommy. He is not hurt at all," Adn
