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Behind A Smile 180
Zynah raced to the gate, her heart thumping fast in her chest. She found the lazy gatekeeper sprawled out on his bench, as usual. His eyes were closed, but it didn't seem he was asleep; he had an earpiece in his ears and was humming a tune. Zynah called out his name, but due to the obvious reasons, he didn't respond. Frustrated, she kicked the bench, startling him, and causing him to almost fall off the bench. He quickly removed the earpiece from his ear and sprang up. Then, he apologized; "I'm sorry, ma. I didn't hear you calling." Zynah suppressed the urge to roll her eyes him. "How would you, when you had stuff in your ears. Is this what I paid you to do for me? It seems you're beginning to forget your purpose here." "I'm so—" Zynah held up a hand, silencing him. "Keep your apology to yourself. I don't need it. It doesn't even matter now. Where are my children? Did they leave the house?" "Yes," he replied, his voice flat. Zynah couldn't believe her ears. It sou
Last Updated : 2024-09-18Behind A Smile 181
"How could you allow two children - two little children out of your sight and later claim to care about them? What sort of a careless mother are you! Had it been I'm a kidnapper or a ritualist, have you thought of what the repercussions would be? Did you think of what would have happened to these innocent kids? You're lucky. Lucky to have been blessed with kids, but instead of taking care of them, like you should, you take them for granted." He lectured, his brows tightly furrowed. "That little boy over there," he pointed to Jr. "Has been crying for his mother. It took a while, before I could calm him down and this boy, right here," He remarked, referring to Adnan. "He looked so sad and when I asked him what was wrong, he told me he doesn't want to return home. Only Allah knows what torture you and your husband put these innocent kids through. Careless people, such as yourselves, don't deserve to be parents!" The man's words, like sharp knives, tore through Zynah's heart. She felt
Last Updated : 2024-09-19Behind A Smile 182
Zynah's eyes narrowed as she took in the unexpected visitor. The sight of him just standing casually in front of her door sent a shiver down her spine. "What are you doing here?" Zynah questioned, her gaze trailing to the huge clock, hanging on the wall. "At this time of the day too. Don't tell me you actually fo—" an involuntary gasp, escaped her mouth. "What do you want, mister?" "Good evening, madam,' He greeted, with a hardened demeanor. "I didn't know you live here, otherwise, I wouldn't have come. After the last encounter we had, believe me, seeing you again is not on my bucket list," he said, his tone flat. Zynah huffed, suppressing the urge to roll her eyes at the stranger. "Then can you kindly explain to me why you're here? At this time? Who even let you in?" "Obviously the gateman," He deadpanned. Zynah shook her head in disdain and gnashed her teeth. She made a mental note to fire him the next day. She was done with him. "What do you want?" she asked again. "To j
Last Updated : 2024-09-20Behind A Smile 183
The morning sun was hot, extremely hot. The ray of light from the sun, penetrated through the window and shone on Zynah's face. Her brows arched and intuitively, she raised a hand to block the invasion. Her eyes slowly opened, then widened in the next second. She sprung to a sitting position and fumbled around for her phone on the nightstand. Zynah's eyes widened even more, when she saw what the time was. She had gone back to sleep, after fajr prayer. Her head snapped to the side and she discovered Bilal Jr was not lying there anymore. Unlike Adnan, he preferred to stay close to his mother. He was so used to her company, he couldn't stay away, for more than an hour. He was such a clingy little soul. Zynah wasn't complaining though. She loved the attention too. The first thought that crossed her mind, was the possibility of them up to another mischief again, but on a second thought, she believed it was not the case. Not after what happened the previous day. She shook her head. Sh
Last Updated : 2024-09-22Behind A Smile 184
When Zynah returned with a tray, containing a can of Malta and a glass cup, she was surprised at how unconstrained Adnan had begun to act with Ibrahim. The sight of them fist bumping, brought a small smile to her face. She cleared her throat, making her presence known, and then, went ahead to place the tray on a stool, in front of him. "I can see you two are having a grand time catching up," she remarked, her voice calm. "We were but that was before you interrupted us," Ibrahim responded, his grin widening. "I've missed this young man a lot. I'm amazed at how sharp his memory is. He actually remembers me. Can you believe it?" Zynah only smiled in response. She wasn't surprised because she knew he still remembered things that happened when he was only three. "Adnan, take Bilal to your room and brush your teeth," she instructed, her voice firm yet gentle. "While I talk to uncle Ibrahim, okay?" "Okay, Mommy," Adnan replied, his hand finding Bilal's. "Let's go to the room,"
Last Updated : 2024-09-23Behind A Smile 185
"I wish you nothing, but the best in life," Ibrahim said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Be happy, always. More than myself, I wish you all the happiness in this world. I hope you open your heart to a deserving person soon." "Thanks a lot, Ibrahim," Zynah said, smiling bank at him. She was still trying to digest everything he had told her. "I truly appreciate your concern. May Allah make your marriage successful, and bless you both with righteous children. I really can't wait to meet Sumaiya." "You really want to meet her? Are you serious?" Ibrahim asked, raising a brow. "of course I am," Zynah chuckled. "I want to tell her how lucky she is, and that she must take special care of you. I can do that, right?" Ibrahim nodded. "You can do anything, Zynah. You want to meet her, you will meet her soon. I will make it happen very soon. I see you too becoming close friends in the near future." Zynah also nodded. "I can't wait. I'll keep reminding you. Congratulations again. Ma
Last Updated : 2024-09-25Behind A Smile 186
Zynah had already finished preparing a simple breakfast of toasts, omelettes and tea. Just when they were about to begin eating, she heard the doorbell ring. "Did Ibrahim forget something?" She muttered underneath her breath, then averted her gaze to Adnan. "Please get the door for me, darling." "Okay, Mommy," Adnan replied, running towards the door immediately. "It's you!" Zynah heard Adnan's voice from within. "How did you find our house, sir?" Zynah's brows furrowed in confusion. "Who's there, Adnan?" "It's the kind sir, from yesterday," He shouted. "Should I let him in?" Zynah scoffed. "Tell him to wait outside. I'm coming," she shouted back. She served some food on Bilal's plate. "You can start eating," she instructed. "I'll be back now." She placed it in front of him, picked her hijab from the living room, before sauntering outside to meet the 'mister.' The man was crouched in front of Adnan, whispering something inaudible in his ear. Zynah huffed again.
Last Updated : 2024-09-25Behind A Smile 187.
For the umpteenth time, Zynah's gaze flickered between the the clock hanging on the wall and the door. She had given Adnan the permission to go to Khalid's house but the agreement has been clear. He was to stay there for only two hours. Adnan wouldn't stop begging, she had to give in. The time had passed and he still hadn't returned. Zynah's heart raced, a mix of anxiety and anger swirling within her. After waiting for a few more minutes, she finally decided to go there and fetch him herself. Draped in a long, flowing brown hijab, Zynah paused before the mirror. She took the opportunity to look at her reflection in the mirror. Something she barely did anymore. Since Bilal's death, she had stopped caring about how she looked and all that, but today, for some inexplicable reason, she wanted to look good. She wanted to get a glimpse of the old Zynah. The Zynah who was so vibrant and full of life before she got married. With a careful precision, she adjusted the hijab, and added a
Last Updated : 2024-09-27
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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."
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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
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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
