Unedited!

April 20, 2016

Karaye, Kano.

Khadijah Daihaah's POV

I wore my russet with pearl white flowery pattern mermaid gown before proceeding to finesse my head tie. I paired it up with a pearl white veil which I flung on my shoulder and then wore my silver bangles with matching earrings to finish off the look. The gown hugs all my curves and fit in the right places, the veil isn't big too and for that I know I'll get an earful and probably a 5 hours lesson on how to dress properly from Hajiya Kaka. But even with that, I look so good and for that, I'm willing to survive through those hours of lesson on how to dress properly. My lips covered with matte cerise lipstick which looked so beautiful when I smiled.

Today is Baba Sarki's 30th anniversary!

Contented with my outfit and makeup, I walked out through the hallways of Hajiya Kaka's chambers heading to the outside to the backyard where everyone is having breakfast, together with the El khabirs.

I still can't believe that Adda Anee is getting married to an El Khabir! I can't wait to tell Jannah about this I know she'll faint right at that moment. And then, when she regains consciousness, she'll probably pass out again, but this time dramatically with a few dramatic effects here and there. That girl is too dramatic for her own good wallah...

I continued making my way backyard with a smile on my face as I woke up in a good mood. I spotted the mahogany door that is encrusted with intricate design which leads to the backyard. Instantly my smile widens as I heard a few chattering outside.

"Ke kuma miye kike dariya kamar wadda ta zare? (Why are you smiling like someone who's gone insane?)" I heard a very annoying voice that made the smile from my face drop. I felt like pulling out my hair out of frustration but instead I faked a strained smile.

"Good morning Inna Nana" I said turning around to face the woman who hates me for no reason. Maybe it's because she has nothing better to do. I mean it's not surprising.

She glared at me "I don't want your greeting. What will I even do with it? Gaisuwan ma da bai kai zuciya ba(even the greeting that do not reach the heart)!" she exclaimed before her eyes drift from my face to my outfit. She lets out a disapproving sigh whilst fixing her wrapper.

"What type of dressing is this?" she asked using her left hand to gesture to my attire.

'The kind your eye sees for you' I so badly wanted to reply with that but I held it back in knowing that Ummi has taught me better than that.

"Um don't answer! I know you have no manners, you'll probably insult me secretly in the answer you'll reply me with" She held her hand up to stop me.

I kept shut and watched this woman in wonders

Ikon Allah!

"Thank God the other brat is getting married sefff. I don't even see what's in her to attract someone from a family such as that with high standard. Keh kan ai hala sai mai keke nape zai ce zai aure ki kawai(Perhaps you it's only a keke nape driver whom will want to marry you) , I mean look at yourself! Dressing in any manner, wearing all manner of clothing. Who will marry a prostitute?!" She yelled making me flinch back. No matter how many times I tell myself not to put much thoughts into what they say, it still makes me angry.

I had to bit my lower lip to stop me from spilling out whatever is in my mind, "Are you done?" I asked making my face clear of any emotion.

Inna Nana dramatically placed one hand on her chest with the other on her head; she huffed and shook her head "Chabbbb! Oh Allah! From the beginning I knew you have no manners and now you just proved it" she said placing the hand that was on her head under her jaw detesting my earlier behavior.

"What's going on here?"

My mind stopped as I heard the sonorous voice I've ever heard that I'm pretty sure my breath hitched for that moment. It sounded like layers and layers of velvets lightly caress along each other. It wasn't holding any emotion as it was void of it. The tone is actually enough to send shivers down my spine. But, it had a bit of hostility in it and held so much dominating aura along with the person's presence.

We both whisked our heads and looked behind me where he stood adorned in a raven kaftan and a black Zanna bukar cap perched perfectly on his head even though a few strands of his silky hair sticks out. A silver color Patek Philippe wrist watched around his left hand. I had to resist to took in all his appearance.

"A-Aamir!" Inna Nana said smiling widely putting on an innocent façade as if she wasn't the one just raining insults on me just now.

"It's Prince Aamir" he corrected her as he walked towards where the two of us are standing.

Inna Nana watched him, mouth agape taken aback by his hostility. Her mouth opens and closes like a fish. I looked at him to see if I could trace any form of lark but here isn't any.

She quickly recovered from her mini state of shock, "Prince Aamir, what are you doing here?" she asked forcing a sweet smile on her face.

"I didn't know I wasn't allowed to walk along this path" he replied not taking his eyes off her. It was like his eyes are practically begging her to say anything that'll piss him off, he's daring her to say anything that will upset him.

"That's not what I meant. I was just asking, because I thought you're already outside having breakfast and I didn't hear you walk in" She said quickly after carefully choosing her words.

I just stood dumbfounded staring at the duo. This seems more than he just walking in on her yelling at me, there must be something I'm unaware of somehow. But what is there that I don't know?

"Well in that case, what I'm doing here is none of your business. And how could you hear me walk in when you're too busy raining insults on someone" he asked raising one of his brows slightly tilting his head to his left side.

Inna Nana faked a laugh; "It's not what it seems like" she nervously gulped.

His dominative emanating aura is no joke. Honestly, even I am a little scared and the fact that he seems to not care about how harsh his words came out or whom he's talking to is on a whole another level. Based on how I assessed him yesterday, I thought he is the type that doesn't talk much and is introverted considering that I haven't heard him said a word since I've known him, till now.

"Is there any way I can help you Prince?" she asked to lighten up the atmosphere. I however stood there unable to say a word. I have never see Inna Nana being this nice to someone or at least pretend to be.

"Well if you could stop shouting it would be helpful. I don't like too much noise, and your voice itself is too annoying, I'm glad my ears aren't bleeding from how raucous it is" Prince Aamir said face stoic although he cringed when he was stating how unpleasing her voice is; my jaw dropped.

Literally.

My eyes are probably as wide as saucers. Did he just affront her and still act as if he said something casual. His mouth seriously has no filter! I kept watching him like someone who has two heads and believe me, I'm really wondering if he has two heads.

I shifted my gaze to Inna Nana whose face is red with anger. Her leveled and horizontal nose flaring whiles her eyes turning red by the minute. I thought she is about to explode and vent out all her anger on him so I looked over to see his reaction.

His face held boredom, his lip slightly turned upwards as watched her calmly waiting for her reaction. His cool and calm veneer makes me doubt if it really is a façade or he actually didn't care about what he said.

My face turned to that of confusion when she smiled

"Hajar was looking for you earlier. Speaking of which, how is your relationship with her?" she asked ignoring his earlier remark. Her lips turned into a smug smile. Hajar is Mahira's elder sister, and take it from me, that girl is the most selfish and manner less person I've ever came across.

"Hajar?" I found myself unconsciously asking, that I didn't know I voiced it out.

For the first time since he approached us he looked at me. His eyes slightly widen for a split second before he regained his composure and looked back at Inna Nana

"I have nothing to do with that daughter of yours. She's more annoying than you are" He huffed, "And could you please vacate this area, your presence alone irritates me" he added, face stoic.

Inna Nana nodded slowly with a strained smile, fixed her head tie and stormed out to the backyard leaving the two of us alone. I released a sigh of relief which I didn't know I was holding in.

"Thank you" I said with a small smile looking up to see him already staring intensely at me, my stomach and everything in it flipped.

He looked at me, or should I say observed me, "For what?" he asked, his voice lower and lacking any hostility in it.

"For standing up for me" I replied gratefully

His lips slightly turned upwards and a ghost smile made its way on his face, "Who said I did that for you?" he asked crossing his arms over his chest.

What?!

"I...I" I stammered, gosh now that I think of it, there's nothing that shows that he did that for me. "Oh" I said as realization dawned upon me.

"Either ways...thank you. You still shut her up, so thank you" I said trying to forget the fact that I thanked him earlier for nothing.

"For that you're welcome"

There was a moment of awkward silence, or at least to me it was awkward. I didn't dare look up; his presence alone scares me, not to mention I'm afraid to do anything that will upset him. I don't want to be treated like Inna Nana. Nobody will want to be treated like how she was treated.

I shuffled my legs nervously and bit my lower lip, "I'm going to go now" I said quietly walking away.

"Where do you think you're going in that" he stopped me.

I turned around to look at him as I am annoyed a bit, I'd already gone through a session of insults with Inna Nana about my dressing I don't need to go through that again with this man, Prince Aamir whom I can't believe I'm talking to. Not to mention I'm looking at him with my own two koro koro eyes.

"What's wrong with what I'm dressed in?" I asked trying to make it come out as nice as I could.

He gave me a once over, tilting his head in thoughts, "Your head tie is pushed back revealing your hair out to all the non mahram goats of yours out there to see. Your gown hugs your body and shows out too much than should be allowed for others to see; also its color is too bright. Your veil is short and isn't covering anything, the shiny stones on it are too flashy and attractive, and it'll gain too much unwanted attention. Your shoes are heels; it'll clank as it makes contact with the floor that alone will gain you attention. The bangles on your hand and your earrings will illuminate when the rays of sun falls on it, it'll make you stand out in the crowd of people. So to top it all, you should go back and change, or get a big veil and flat shoes or else you're not going anywhere" He said raising his brow in a challenging manner.

I stare at him in disbelief, what the heck did he just say? "With all due respect Prince, you cannot tell me what to do. I'll go wherever I want to and you can't stop me" I said through gritted teeth. I can't believe he just said all that after just a single glance at me, and he dare say I should go and change. Not. Happening.

He walked pass me and only stopped when he reached the door to the backyard, I however just stood there wondering what he's doing, he can't possibly had given up that easily, can he?

He smiled smugly at me gesturing to the door with his hand, "You won't go pass this door if you don't go back and get a big veil" he said.

I gasped in disbelief, "I can go wherever I want, and you can't stop me"

"Just try me, I dare you Khadijah" he said with a straight face, all trace of witticism gone from his tone, and he is actually serious?!

We stood there in silence, he hasn't moved one spot from where he stood and neither did I. If he thinks he can stop me from going out then he's dead wrong, he can't boss me around like whom the heck does he think he is.

I smirked and made sure he sees it, his eyes slightly narrowed in confusion before regaining his composure. I walked back and head in the direction of our room making him believe I'm doing as he said, unknown to him, there's another door that leads to the backyard.

The door is opposite the queen's chambers and it was unlocked so it was easy to go through it. I made sure to look back just to see if he sees me changing direction, thankfully he didn't.

I reached the backyard in no time just to see everyone chattering whilst having breakfast. I smiled and greeted them. A few of my cousins both male and female are here too including the El khabirs. Sultan Kabir sat next to Baba Sarki as they converse together with Hajiya Kaka while Anty Rabi sat next to Umma as they converse together with Ummi and Inna Nana who sent me a glare.

I ignored her and made my way to sit next to Adda Anee who is sitting next to Samhah and opposite Sultan Omar who just happened to be sitting next to another guy and the oh mighty Prince. Afnan is with Ammah and Aaliya.

I smirked when my gaze met Prince's narrowed eyes. Clearly, he wasn't expecting me to still be in the same outfit as I was earlier. You lost Prince; you have no right to boss me around.

"Why are you coming just now?" Adda Anee asked me passing me a plate so I could fill it up with what I want to eat.

Sultan Omar, the other guy, Samhah and Prince all looked at me waiting for my response.

"Let's just say, I had to deal with some certain people", I replied looking back at Adda Anee in a way that meant, 'I'll tell you later'.

She nodded in understanding, "Ok then, let's eat"

We ate and talk about basically everything and nothing. I got to bond quite well with Samhah, she a lot like Adda Anee. Sultan Omar kept teasing Adda Anee one way or the other, and it was so funny whenever she retorted angrily. He seems to like getting on her nerves. Prince however didn't say a word as if he wasn't the person that shut Inna Nana and ordered me to get a big veil earlier. That guy is seriously so confusing. The other guy whom I learned is Alamin looks so familiar, but I can't seem to remember who he resembles.

"So Khubrah, you're going back to school on Monday right?" Baba Sarki asked me when we were done eating.

"Unfortunately yes" I replied already getting upset by just remembering that. Ya Allah! Now I hate Uni more than anything.

"Haba takwara ta, I thought you loved University" Hajiya Kaka teased me remembering those days when I first got into University, I was over the moon.

"Point of correction Hajiya Kaka, 'loved', I used to love it but not anymore" I said pouting. Can this get anymore upsetting? I was just starting to love the break and now it's over.

Adda Anee, Abba and Ummi laughed at me as if in a way saying 'I told you so'. Why do I have to be the only one in my family in Uni? Who the heck even invented University?? Secondary school is better sefff.

"I talked with Firdausi's mother yesterday, she said Jannah's going back on Sunday" Ummi said smiling.

A new mischievous smile made its way on my face, I almost laughed at the fact that Jannah has to resume before I do. "That's good, Jannah hates University more than I do" I said laughing at just imagining Jannah's fuming face when she knows that she'll resume before I do.

"Allah shirye ki, ke ma be careful or I'll make you return on Saturday" Ummi said feigning seriousness. Even with that I played along.

"Haba Ummi nahhh. You know I love you more than anyone" I fluttered my eye lashes putting on my best puppy look.

Abba feigned pains, "Lalle, I'm jealous. So you love your mother more than I koh?" he asked teasingly.

"Abba naaa, ai you top the list, you pass her sefff" I smiled cutely.

"So me you don't love me?" Adda Anee asked me rolling her eyes making me fake glare at her.

"Yesso, who are you sefff? Biko go back to your husband to be, only he would love you" I said teasingly as everyone laughed except Adda Anee who covered her face with her hands.

Sultan Omar flashed her a charming smile, "That's true" he agreed winking at her.

"Oh my Allah! What will I do with this shameless boy?" Anty Rabi asked laughing.

Sultan Omar's face stiffened before he quickly forced a strained smile, "Don't worry about me" he said giving her a quick glance.

I think I wasn't the only one that noticed the tension in the air. I watched the two confusedly and so does Adda Anee, we quickly exchanged confused glares as she shrugged indicating she doesn't know what's going on too.

"Well it seems like Sultan Omar is already acting like a husband to Fatsuma" Hajiya Kaka said smiling at the couple.

Sultan Omar laughed at the statement and Adda Anee's pouted

"Hajiya Kaka pleaseeeee stop calling me that, my name is ANEESAH" she corrected her for the umpteenth time since we got here.

"Toh Asanee" Hajiya Kaka said deliberately missing up the face to tease Adda Anee.

"Haba Hajiya kaka"

"Nasee"

"Hajiya tsohuwa"

"Nesah"

"Baba Tsohuwa!"

"Hasaan"

"I give up!" Adda Anee exclaimed standing up and stormed back into the house amking us all laugh.

"Well we should go and get ready, the guests have already started arriving" Baba Sarki said standing up. He held up his hand for Hajiya Kaka to stand up which she gladly accept. Together they made their way inside the house as everyone started clearing up. I smiled staring at their figures disappear; they still love each other even in their old and wrinkled age. That's so beautiful.

I stood up too and accidentally made eye contact with Prince Aamir who smiled at me, a little too sweetly if I may add.

"You and I are not done yet, Khadijah" he said with a wide creepy smile, with that, he walked away together with Sultan Omar and Alamin.

Something tells me that this is going to be a long week. It's safest for me to stay away from Prince. It's for best me to do so.

****

HEYYYYYY

TODAY IS MY BESTIE'S BIRTHDAY!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIDDIQAHTY.

Birthday girl❤👑

This is why I updated y'all, and because of your comments.

The comments are getting shorter by the day, so from now, the higher the comments, the higher the chance of me updating early.

Biko comment, even if it's just an emoji or a word.

What do you think of Prince Aamir?

Sultan Omar?

Love, Fiddy.