Dedicated to MaryamASD❤

Her comment actually gave me something to think about. I'll definitely keep it in mind😊

Enjoy!

Call by Joeboy.

Khadijah Daihaah's POV.

The week passed by pretty quickly with me attending numerous meetings. At a point, Prince attended some of the meetings with me because he was 'free'. Obviously I knew he still wasn't comfortable with me meeting male investors especially after I told him about my meeting with Mubarak. I can swear something about him changed at the mention of his name but he masked away telling me that it's nothing.

That only confused me more.

Mubarak told me they are friends.

Ok he didn't say friends; he said they go way back.

And Prince is acting all weird at the mere mention of my meet up with him. I know something's up but I don't think too much about it. After all, he's like that with most of the boys I interact with.

Friday came, and that day we both came back from work pretty early. Around twelve o'clock to be precise. Once in the confines of our room, he room off his tie and blazer before heading to the en suite to take another shower. I removed my veil and made my way to our closet since before he went in he asked me to pick out an outfit to wear for the Jumuah prayers.

I went directly to his side of the closet and rummaged through the neatly arranged pile of cloth looking for something for him. There were just too many kaftans I couldn't really pick one, and I know I can be indecisive a lot. After going through it for the umpteenth time, I picked out a pearl gray kaftan for him with a matching Zanna bukar and a black Rolex watch.

Heading out of the closet, I placed the outfit on the bed and went back to pick out a pair of black shoes for him to complete the look.

Knowing that he was going to be in there for a while, I picked out my outfit too and head to the room I had stayed in just a few days ago to take a long relaxing shower since I can't wait for him to come out otherwise we'll be late. Or more like he'll be late but still.

When I'm done with putting on lotion and all, I applied make up on my face before dressing up in a high neck blue ruffled hem blouse with sleeves that stopped by my elbow and a matching straight skirt. I quickly did my head tie and slung a matching veil on my shoulder. I stopped to snap a picture of me before going back to our room where I'm sure Ya Aamir is done.

Just as I thought, I met him putting on his cap as he stood by the vanity table. I went to him and picked up his cologne that I know is his favorite and sprayed it on him before helping him put on his wrist watch around his wrist that he outstretched towards me. He smiled, leaning down to press a lingering kiss on the side of my head, "Thanks Hayat. You look beautiful as always" he complimented flashing me one of his heart stopping smiles.

I hummed flipping back my invisible hair over my shoulder, "When have I ever looked bad?" I said with a cocky smile on my face. This made him laugh at me.

He shook his head, "Never. Even with bed hair you are still the most beautiful" he answered wrapping his arm around me pulling me close to him. Ever since the talk we had about his past, I can honestly say we are moving forth in our relationship leaving the past behind us.

But that doesn't mean I'll stop counting down the days left.

70 days left.

I smiled to hide away the fact I'm still thinking of the days I have left, "Thank you. You don't look bad yourself" I said.

He huffed and shot me a small glare, "Just say I look handsome because you know I do. I always look good" he said with a cocky wide grin of his on his face because he knows he is right. Clearly.

But I wasn't going to admit it to him that easily; "You wish" I huffed stepping out of his hold before he even has the chance of pulling me back which I know he could had he got the chance.

He hummed, "That's what you say, but deep down you know otherwise" he said as he reached out to pick out his phone that was on the bed.

"I don't" I said feigning seriousness. This only made him laugh harder.

"Whatever sails your boat" he shrugged walking towards me, "Let's go" he held out his hands for me which I gladly took a hold of after slipping into my own shoes.

Together we made our way downstairs and to the parking lot where we hopped into his car. I would've taken mine but he said there's no need for it and after thing over it I agreed. He revved the car to life before pulling out of the driveway and out of the house to his parent's house.

Today, we're all having a barbeque there after the guys come back from the mosque that is. Adda Anee and Hermano will be there too along with Sultan whom came yesterday. Ever since Prince and Gimbiya Amarya made up he had been going there every day because he leaves work early only to come back home around five or six in the evening. I'm happy that they've made up though.

"We're going back to Katsina tomorrow" Prince said interrupting my chain of thoughts.

I looked at him and raised a brow, "Why?" I just couldn't help but ask because I don't see a reason for us to suddenly go back there. Believe me, I don't miss the old hag that much, or at all.

"One of our cousins is getting married and Grandma wants us all to be there" he explained not taking his eyes off the road.

Great. Another wedding!

This should be fun.

"Okay" I said as I tried to hide the fact that I already dread going back there but obviously I couldn't hide it from him.

He glanced at me for a moment before turning back, "We'll leave together with Faruk, Mami and the others" he added as if that'll make me feel better.

It did.

But only a little bit.

It can't be that bad right?

"For how long?" I asked already thinking of how much I can tolerate being around them. During our wedding and my time there, I didn't spend that much time with them since I'm always around Adda or Mami. But for the short time I've spent with some of them I can state that they clearly don't like me. Not one bit. And that too for reasons I'm unaware of most especially that Nabeela of a girl. God knows I don't want to anywhere near them but it's not like I can avoid them.

"Three to four days max. The wedding will end by Sunday so we might not need to stay longer than four days unless Grandma wants us to" he answered making me nod muttering an 'ok'.

Probably sensing my distress, he reached out and carried hand that was resting on my lap and intertwined it with his giving it a little squeeze, "It will be ok. I'll be with you" he said in an assuring manner making me flash him a small fake smile.

I knew he only said that to make me feel better.

He can't be with me all the time, it's impossible.

Afterwards, none of us said a word more. He didn't say anything more and I was grateful for that, I just wanted to think over how the next few days will be without letting my head put all sorts of bad scenarios in it. I know I'm over thinking it but I just couldn't help it. It is clear as day that some of them really hate me. The hate not so discrete glances I've received at the wedding are enough proof to that.

Once we arrived at their house, we entered together and exchanged pleasantries with everyone. Adda Anee and Hermano are there already. We all talked for a little while before the males left to the mosque. We, the girls, went upstairs and prayed too before we lounged in the living room as the maids set up the backyard for the BBQ with the help of Mami. Adda Anee and I offered to help but she turned it down saying that it's nothing she can't handle.

Adda Anee whom is dressed up in an Ankara gown is sprawled up on one of the couches with her head on Afnaan's lap; while I and Samhah are sitting on another couch as she gushes about the wedding tomorrow. Apparently she doesn't like the regalia that the bride's sisters picked so she picked out one too for her, Afnaan, Adda Anee and me. She already had her tailor sow the outfits for all of us without me knowing since Adda already knows.

"Are you sure Adda Anee's will fit her? I mean look at the woman" I teased pointing at the elephant that's my Adda. I'm not lying though, for a five month pregnant woman the woman already is as corpulent as elephant, figuratively though but you get what I mean.

Adda Anee glared at me as she raised her head off Afnan's thighs, "Wallahi Daihaah if you keep calling me fat I'll slap you one day. Banson maganan banza" she threatened making Samhah and Afnaan laugh at us. The kind of murderous glare she sent me is enough to send me to an early grave.

I feigned sadness and pouted a bit, "But Adda Aneesah I was just telling the truth. Have you seen how much weight you've gained?"

This made Adda sit up abruptly reaching out for the nearest cushion and threw it at me. Fortunately for me, I ducked low just in time to miss it but it hit Samhah instead who stopped laughing midway.

"Sorry Samhah. I wanted to hit this useless girl" Adda apologized narrowing her eyes at me only for me chuckle much to her irritation.

"Why do you pregnant women hate to be called fat?" Afnaan spoke for the first time making Adda pout since the girl hardly speaks and so she can't insult her like she insults me; plus, she's her sister in law and so like the sensible person she pretends to be, she can't affront her.

Nowadays, Afnaan joins conversations every now and then. Speaking of which, I wonder how she coped with finding out that the woman she always thought is her mother isn't her real mom especially as she's about to leave for school abroad. I think she's going to Hungary while Samhah studied in Netherlands.

"Because we're not fat!" Adda answered throwing her head back as she groaned peevishly.

I nodded, "You're right. You're not fat, you're obese" I teased once again. This earned me a cushion another cushion aimed at me. This time, unfortunately for me I didn't duck away.

"Keep saying that. I will even the score when you're pregnant. It's just a matter of time" She retaliated and now it's my turn to glare at her.

"You're in for a very long time. You better stop thinking of that" I said leaning back on the couch not wanting to keep looking at my annoying sister. I knew I was being annoying by teasing her in the beginning but I couldn't help it. But, that doesn't give her the entitlement to tease me over something impossible like that. I'm just saying.

She hummed, "Oh really? We'll see about that right Samhah?" she asked Samhah who nodded in agreement chuckling at the glare I sent her.

They eventually changed the topic, which I'm grateful for by the way and talked of many other things till the guys came back when it was a little past two. Suhad came with them too making a total of four male, and five females. Since the maids were done setting up the backyard we all moved there.

The men started working on the grill while we the ladies just sat on the chaise lounges in the patio talking about everything and nothing. The girls and I decided to help them when Mami called out my name asking me to help her bring out some of the refreshments. They all left leaving just the two as we walked back into the kitchen.

She brought them out and I placed them on a salver. When I looked up my eyes met hers and only then did I realize that she had been staring at me since. She and I had grown to be really close since we were in Kastina but since we came back we hardly spend time together. Actually, scratch that, we haven't spend any time together. Frankly speaking, this is the first time I'm seeing her since we came back.

"Thank you Daihaah" she said making my brows furrow in confusion.

"For what exactly Mami?"

"I know you made Aamir forgive me for leaving them" she offered me a warm smile which reached her eyes.

Oh. That's why.

"It's nothing really, I—" I started but she cut me off.

She walked closer to me and holds my two hands in hers firmly, "No Khadijah, it means everything. I've actually given up on the chances of him forgiving me. I know nothing I say or do can repay back the sixteen years I've lost in the life of my children but I will not give up. I know they are all hurting but none of them took it as badly as Aamir did. It was harder for him because we were closer. As a mother, I can't pick any favorite amongst my children because I love them equally but there's always someone that will be closer in one way or the other. And to me, Aamir is that one person. He might not realize it fully, but he's lucky to have you" she squeezed my hand a bit as her smile turn into a grin.

What will you say to your mother in law after she just says that to you?

I don't know.

Because I'm speechless.

I'm an idiot, I know that.

But I really can't think anything to say to her right now.

Probably seeing that I'm not going to speak any time soon she lets out a little laugh before her face morphed into that of seriousness, this scared me a bit.

"Khadijah whatever will happen in the future don't blame Aamir for it. I know you might find his fault in it but just know that some things aren't ours to share"

What is she saying?

"—I'm pretty sure by now you've realized marriage is not a primrose path right?" she asked making me nod, she took that as a cue to continue, "We all only have your best interest in heart, every single one of us. We will never do anything that we think isn't for your best interest. Whatever happens, remember Allah Subhanahu Wa ta'ala is with you. You're not alone, I'm here with you, Aamir is, and all of us are. I promise you that"

If anything odd happens remember Allah Subhanahu wata'ala is with you. You're not alone; I'll always be here with you. I promise you that.

That voice was back in my head. The one that always sounds oddly familiar. I closed my eyes as I felt my eyes blurry a bit as the words and that of Mami's play in my head over and over; the headache I haven't had in a long time resurfacing. The thing is that I know this might sound implausible, but it felt like someone once said those words to me but I don't remember it happening at all.

It's impossible if I don't remember it right?

That means I'm just imagining stuff.

There's something about the voice this time though. I'm so close to finding out who it belongs to because I can swear I knows the voice but I failed anytime I try to. It felt like chasing a light that's running away from you. The closer I come to it, the farther it goes away from me.

And that's frustrating.

Plus, it only made my headache become worse by the minute.

I staggered a little bit making Mami hold my arms immediately, "Daihaah are you okay?" she asked in a panicked tone. I couldn't look at her face because everything around me is just blurry and the headache wasn't subsiding one bit. But it wasn't upsurging too.

"No" I answered honestly. I'm not ok. I'm nowhere near being okay.

She helped me walked to Allah knows where before making me sit on something soft, the couch. I zoned out that moment as I leaned back trying to calm myself. I placed my palm over my face as if that will help but I know it won't. The only thing that will help is if I can stop thinking over the words again and again which I intend to do. I can't handle the headache anymore. It's simply too much. There's only too much a person can handle and this is beyond it.

Fortunately for me, I succeeded as the pounding in my head stopped. It subsided drastically much to my satisfaction. I don't think I can handle that pain any longer. I blinked a couple of times as my vision became clearer now. I quickly made a move to sit up but immediately went right back down when my legs wobbled almost giving out on me.

"Careful" I turned to see Mami approaching me with a glass cup of water in her hand. She sat next to me and handed it to me which I gladly grab a hold of and took a sip of.

"Thank you" I said as she collected back the cup and kept it beside her.

I leaned back again and tried to even my breathing. She didn't say anything and for that I'm more than grateful. I don't want to talk right now; I don't even think I can. Whenever that happens it always takes a huge toll on me one way or the other. It drains all the energy I have in me leaving me numbed for a couple of minutes.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Mami asked when she saw that I've calmed down.

I shook my head no.

Do I want to talk about it?

It's a huge no for that.

Why?

Because it literally makes no sense.

What should I tell her? That there are times when someone says something to me the words seems oddly familiar or that I hear voices in my head? That sometimes I feel like the circumstances I'm under is oddly familiar but I don't remember being in that situation? She might just think that I'm crazy.

"I understand. Just remember that whenever you want to talk to someone, I'm here" she said with a warm smile on her face though you can still that she's worried about what just happened.

I nodded and offered her a small smile of my own. She waited for me until I was okay again before we went back to the others in the backyard. After giving me another assuring smile she went to Sultan's side who flashed her a wide smile and held out his hand for her which she gladly took. It was clear as day that the two have reconciled. I couldn't be happier for them.

Hermano and Adda Anee were standing next to Sultan, Afnaan and now Mami while Prince was standing with Suhad, Afnaan and Samhah as they talked about God knows what so I went to them and stood next to Prince who held my hand in his.

"Haba Ya Suhad" Samhah pouted making Suhad mimic her action.

"Haba Adda Samhah" he said in the same tone she did. This made her roll her eyes.

"See Ya Aamir is married already, dan Allah just go and get married too. I'm sure Ummita wants that too" Samhah said making Suhad frown immediately.

Prince creased up, "You're right. It's about time Suhad settle down before Ummita start wife hunting for him" he uttered in support of what Samhah said.

If possible, Suhad's frown deepened, "She has already started. I don't understand why she wants me to get married this soon wallahi"

"Don't get married. Let me tell you if you're too old no woman will marry you" Prince said making Suhad glare at him before turning to Samhah who raised a brow seeing the look he's giving her.

"Samhah you'll give me one of your friends right?" he asked with a wide smile on his face.

Samhah huffed, "Chabb! Wallahi no. What will they do with an old man?" she asked.

"Call me old again I'll break your legs" he threatened as the smile fell from his face.

"Break her legs I'll snap your head" Prince retaliated making Suhad huff.

"Oh abun gori ne" he said making Prince shrug.

"Whatever. I'm a man. It doesn't matter whether I'm old or not. I'm rich so I can guarantee you I'll get a wife. What about you Samhah? It's about time I get you married seff" Suhad said stroking his chin as he pretended to think. Clearly he's pulling both Prince and Samhah's leg and he sure knew what he got himself into because Prince narrowed his eyes at him.

"She's still a child, there's no way she's getting married now"

Typical overprotective brother.

This time, I decided to join the conversation, "She turned 21 two months ago. She's not a child"

"Exactly" Suhad agreed with me making Prince whack his arm.

"We're not having this conversation till she's fifty"

Samhah gasped while Suhad and I laughed at his choice of words. This man is not serious at all.

"Fifty? Haba Yaya" Samhah whined like the child she is. The girl seriously knows how to get him to do what she wants easily but I can tell she's not going to easily change his mind on this though like I said earlier, he's not serious.

Plus, he doesn't know this yet but her boyfriend is planning on sending his elders to meet Sultan. Now thinking about it, I pity the poor guy. God knows he's going to have a hard time with Hermano and Prince. They're both stubborn and overprotective when it comes to their sisters.

"Dude no one is going to marry her when she's fifty" Suhad said in between his laughter only to annoy Prince more.

"She's going to have to get married soon you know" I said making Samhah nod in agreement.

"Like I said, she's too young" The man is hell bent sticking to his words. Too bad his little sister is going to get married soon and he has no choice in it.

"Should I remind you that she and I are age mates?" I turned around to face him as I raised one of my brows.

"Yeah but you're older" he argued.

"Big deal" I said sarcastically as I shake my head at him. He's simply unbelievable.

"It is a big deal. Do you know Muhammad threatened to have my head if I dare hurt his sister?" he raised a brow making us all laugh.

Suhad raised one of his hands gaining our attention, "If he's going to do that, please invite me so that I'll bring my popcorn and Pepsi" he said seriously but you can still a hint of lark in his tone.

"You'll like that won't you?" It was rhetorical question from Prince but Suhad answered yes either way just to annoy him more.

The two continued to bicker while Samhah and I laughed at them. The time passed by with everyone talking about one thing or the other. At a point, Sultan, Mmai, Hermano and Adda teased Suhad about getting married too. And just like he did earlier, he just kept on complaining about how people keep disturbing him about getting married. You can tell that everyone enjoyed it because by the end of the day everyone had a big smile on their faces.

Sultan informed us all that tomorrow we'll leave by 9 since they have to attend the nikah which is by eleven and afterwards we bid everyone farewell and we all went our separate ways agreeing that we'll meet up in the airport. Well, except Suhad who will travel back to Gombe tomorrow too.

Once we got home, I changed, prayed and slept off hoping to get as much sleep as I can get before tomorrow.

God I hope this time won't be as bad as the last time.

Though deep down I feel like it will be.

Allah see me through it.

~*~

Hey!

How have y'all been?

Those that had inquired about my wellbeing through dms and comments, I was sick but I'm much better now thank you. deejahdarlingit's been four days please not six, spare me😂😂.

So, Katsina again.

Lemme go and pack my boxes seff.

I'll see y'all there.

Love, Jannah.