Reaching the parking lot, she head towards her car and used the remote to open it. She opened the door to the driver's seat and got in, placing her clutch on the passenger's seat. She revved the car to life and raised her head to look at her face in the rear view mirror. Her matte wine red tainted lips stretch into a smile revealing her set of pearl white 32 teeth. Her eyes had this glow in them accentuated thanks to her light smoky eye shadow and her face a little shade lighter than she had before. She looked away and drove the car down the parking lot, pass the gate and onto the road.

She wasn't driving in a fast pace, nor was it too slow. If anything then one would say she's driving slickly. And though her pace didn't say it deep down she was restless, she couldn't wait to reach there. Today is the big day!

Realizing that she will be later, she stepped on the accelerator once she was no longer in traffic. Well that was until she found herself stuck in yet another traffic, though this time it didn't last long last the last one. Glancing at the ultramarine colored wrist watch clipped on her wrist she saw that she still had twenty five minutes before it starts. And if she drove fast then she'll get there in ten minutes which means she has fifteen minutes to spare. So, she decided to just make a quick stop by the bakery to check on the cake and the other desserts.

Once she was done checking on it, the baker told her that she can get it in just a few hours and she left agreeing that she'll come and get it later, or she might send someone to get it. But before she left, she brought out her phone and snapped a quick picture of what's written on the cake for memory sakes.

With one final smile, she walked out of the bakery and made her way to her car which she parked by the roadside. Because it was such a bright and sunny day, she pulled her sunglasses out of her bag and put it on and the fixed her flaxen veil that fell from her head and rested on her shoulder.

Just like earlier, she kept her clutch in the same place earlier as she ignited the engine. She didn't bother checking if there was anyone behind her because she was sure there was no one there but she was wrong; because when she reversed her car hit another car making her gasp. She quickly stepped out closing the door behind her as she made her way over to the other car to apologize.

A lady whom seemed to be in her mid twenties stepped out of the car slamming the car door angrily in the process. Her six inch heels making her taller than she already is and her veil that was slung on her shoulder falling off in the process revealing her lace off shoulder blouse and straight skirt. She held the veil before it fell off completely and slung it back carelessly as she checked the small dent in front of her car.

"I'm so sorry, it's my fault I didn't see you there" Daihaah apologized hoping that the woman will understand so that she'll get going. She really can't be late for that.

The lady looked up and glared at Daihaah, "Are you sick or something?" she asked.

"Excuse me?"

"You really are dumb. Just look at the dent on my car! You think your sorry will suffice?" She asked rudely raising of her brows at Daihaah whom sighed.

"Look I really don't have time for this, I'm so sorry. Tell me if there's anything I can do"

The lady huffed turning her head to the side before she clapped her two hands together, "There's nothing you can do to repair my car, it's way too expensive for a cheap person like you" she said her lips puckering as she set her hands akimbo. "Do you know I'm on my way to meet the most elite group of women here in Abuja? What will they say when they see my car with a dent on it?! But then again, of course you wouldn't know because they are too lavish for a low life like you"

Does she really want to play this game with me right now? Daihaah thought as she stared at the woman that's way too overdramatic for her like. What's too hard in accepting one's apology and moving on?

She didn't care about her elite group of women or whatever. She knew they are one of those women whom dress up and show off their husband's money for name and whatnot. She and Aneesah were once invited to join but they turned the offer down not wanting t get themselves involved with such women for any reason.

"I'm really sorry" she repeated going against what she really wanted to say to this crazy woman. Women like her are really unstable.

"Bakijini bane; didn't you hear what I said? I don't want your sorry. It will not fix anything. That's how you cheap people are, you envy people like us just because we have rich husbands so you're adamant on ruining the good stuff we have"

This woman is really crazy. What does husband have to do with this again?

And so they're playing the husbands game now huh?

The woman didn't shut up which only made her get on Daihaah's nerves. She isn't the girl she is before otherwise she would've shut her up at the very beginning but things have changed, she has changed too. Well, that was until she got tired of the woman ranting about her husband and his wealth and at the instant Daihaah knew there was only one thing she could do to get her out of this situation that doesn't involve her committing homicide.

She scoffed, "Do you know who my husband is?" she asked taking off her sunglasses to glare back at the woman whom had been disturbing her life since because she can't accept her apology. By now she was beyond vexed at the woman that's making a big deal out of nothing.

The woman snickered.

Daihaah pulled up her phone that she had been holding in her hands, "Wait. Let me call him" she said holding one of her hands up before she tap the call button on his contact. He picked up after the second ring and she didn't waste a second telling him that she needs help, he asked for her address and she gave him it.

The other woman still won't shut up as they waited for his arrival. Daihaah honestly wanted to slap some sense into the woman but she held herself back knowing that it will only cause more problems. She tapped her feet impatiently on the floor as she waited for him to arrive and get her away from the woman she's close to sending to the hospital.

She looked up when she heard the sound of a car parking in front of hers. She lets out a sigh of relief when she realized it's his car. Her eyes moved back to the woman that now crossed her arms over her torso with her lips puckered as she glared at the car her face displaying boredom.

He stepped out of the car locking it as he looked at their direction, his eyes moving from Daihaah to the woman for a second; his eyes narrowing slightly. He walked towards them with his lips set into a straight line and only stopped when his wife was. "Are you okay?" he asked her looking down to see her face as one of his hands rest on the small of her back.

She nodded, "Yeah I'm fine. Just get me away from this woman before I do something that will land me in jail" she muttered looking at him taking his hand in hers as she rolled her eyes.

An amused smile took over his features; of course she will say something like that. He knew from the way she talked that her patience is wearing thin and if he doesn't stop whatever is going on she will do something that she'll regret later. "Sure thing baby" he said leaning down to kiss her forehead.

When he looked up, his face turned passive as he stared at the woman that stares at him with wide eyes, "Mrs Sameer, may I ask what the problem you have with my wife is?" he asked, his voice coming out cold.

Daihaah's brows furrowed as he looked at the woman once again. Mrs Sameer?

Sameer as in Tractor head?

"M-Mr El Khabir..."the lady stuttered trying to form a smile on her face, "I didn't know she's your wife" she said sweetly looking at Daihaah whom looked like she wanted to puke at her fake attempt to smile and feign cordiality glared at the woman as her eyes looked at her up and down. The lady didn't dare say a word about the way Daihaah looked at her knowing what might come next.

"You weren't supposed to; it's none of your concern" Prince replied, "Now that that's cleared up. There will be an increase in Mr Sameer salary, use that to buy a new car. And this time you might want to buy..." he eyes looked behind her to her car. His face scrunched up in distaste, "You know the latest that you can actually flaunt with"

So she is Tractor head's wife, Daihaah thought in her head. That makes her Mrs. Tractor head! Daihaah wanted to laugh at the thought.

Tractor head and Mrs. Tractor head both have the same stinky attitude.

They honestly make the perfect couple, Daihaah thought.

Mrs. Sameer looked like she's about to blow up but she held it in, "I'm really sorry Mr El Khabir" she apologized.

"I'm not the one you should apologize to but rather my wife"

"Huh?" She glanced at Daihaah before huffing slightly, "But she hit my car. I—"

"I don't remember asking you that" Prince cuts her off getting tired of her rants.

"I—"

He held Daihaah's hand and gently pulled her close to him as they walked away from the woman whom stood there staring at their backs. She scoffed placing her hand under her chin. "Such an arrogant couple" she muttered under her breath still glaring at them.

"Wait my car..."Daihaah said once they walked away from her car and to his.

"Don't worry; I'll have someone pick it up"

"Ok"

They both entered his car and settled in before he revved the car to life and slickly drove to their destination as they only have about eight minutes to get there.

"Thank you for coming. I think I would've insulted her whole generation if you hadn't come" she said turning to look at him with a small pout on her face.

He smiled and reached his hands to hers intertwining them before bringing it up kiss the back of hers, "Anything for you. Besides, I know what my wife is capable of"

She chuckled, "You ought to. But it's not my fault. The woman was seriously getting on my nerves" she mumbled.

"Well that's over now"

She hummed in reply as she moved her gaze outside staring aimlessly as her thoughts wander to what's about to happen. She was nervous for one, and determined. She just can't believe it's finally happening. The fate will be decided today.

"Are you okay?" Prince asked momentarily looking away from the road and to face.

She shook her head, "Honestly, no" she breathed out closing her eyes to calm down, "What will happen? Will it be the right thing?"

"Just trust them. Justice will be served"

"But it just doesn't feel right, without him at least" she said frustratingly raising her other free hand to prove her point.

"They will find him, trust them"

"Trust them?" she looked at him with the look that screams are-you-serious-right-now?! "One year! One year and they still can't find him. Where the hell is he hiding that they can't find him for one year?"

He sighed, "You know he's not dumb. He's smart and tricky. Let's just be glad that he is no longer after you..."

"For now" she cuts him off.

He tightened his hold around her hand gently, "Calm down okay? He won't come back for you"

"How can you be so sure?" her voice was barely above a whisper. As much as she hates to admit it, a small part of her deep within fears his return. After what he did to Mami she was sure that he is heartless. She had feared the day he'll come back for her.

"I am sure because I won't let him. If I have to fight till my last breath then so be it"

"Yeah well he won't have a problem arranging that" It was meant to be a light joke, but they both know the seriousness behind it. And frankly speaking, none of them found it amusing.

"You are safe" Prince decided to say deciding not to anything about what she said earlier. He understands how she feels, not completely but enough to not think much about the things she says whenever she's like this. Over the past year, he has seen her break down blaming herself for what happened to Mami and if he was being honest then that sight hurts. He had never seen her like that, even when she regained her memories she wasn't like that.

She sighs and just nodded deciding not to say a thing more. Prince brings her hand up and places a kiss on it making her turn her head to him; he flashed her an assuring smile which she didn't reciprocate because no matter how hard she tried, she just can't.

The rest of the ride was spent in silence. Prince knew that Daihaah needed time to clear her mind before they arrive at their destinations and so didn't bother her.

When they arrived, Daihaah was the first to step out of the car with her husband trailing after her. Together, with hands interlocked they walked into the court where the others are all waiting for them as it's about to begin. Inside the court, Faruk, Aneesah, Ummi, Layla, Muhsin, Sultan and Mami sitting on the first two rows and behind them is a sobbing Inna Nana and a weeping Mahira. Daihaah never wanted Mahira or Inna Nana to go through this no matter how much the woman hate her, but justice has to be served. Lamido has to pay for what he did eventually. There's no escaping now.

Hajiya Kaka and Baba Sarki sat beside the two. Hajiya Kaka sat there with her lips set into a straight line. When she found out about everything Lamido did, she was a second away from cursing and disowning him for life had Baba Sarki not been there to stop her.

He too was beyond disappointed, heck he was furious but he took the news better than she did because he was suspecting Lamido to be up to something shady. He had noticed that ever since that day back in Karaye when they talked; he, Lamido and the late Uthman. He just didn't think he'll get to this extent.

The two made their way towards them and sat on the two empty spot beside Layla. They sat in silence as it started after their lawyer assured them that she will do everything in her power to make sure that justice will be served. Everyone was surprised when Jabeer's wife stepped forth to become their lawyer in the case. At first they were cautious but Layla assured them that her mother only wants to help after everything that her husband did. And ever since then, she had been helpful.

Daihaah didn't know how many minutes have passed since the hearing started. She will be lying if she says she feels an ounce of sympathy towards him even if he's just a pawn in Big Boss's games, he still did everything in his right sense. And for what? Money.

She zoned out amidst of the trial. They all just kept stating things they've already known and heard before. After all, this is not the first trial but it will be the last, hopefully.

"Lamido Muhammad Fareed, based on the evidences presented to the court on the conspiracy on the kidnapping of Mrs Khadijah Fareed, the murder of Mrs Larai Fareed, and conspiracy in the attempted murder of Mrs Aisha Fareed, I hereby find you guilty! And thereby will be sentence to death by hanging" the judge finally stated.

Lamido hung his head low as Inna Nana broke down wailing in the courtroom begging for mercy on behalf of her husband. She was shouting, trying to reach out to where her husband is but two female police women came and held her back while she fights in their grasp. Everyone else just looked away not because they don't feel sympathy towards him but because they know there's nothing they can do. Well, everyone except Mahira and Hajiya Kaka whom had tears streaming down their faces. Mahira stood up and went to where her mother is trying to pacify her even though she too needed the pacifying. And for that, her husband tried to do that.

"However..." the judge continued much to everyone's surprise, "With the former Senator Jabeer Waziri on the loose and Lamido being the only solid witness against him, he shall be sentenced to life in prison instead with heavy labor until the real culprit is found"

And with that, Lamido's fate was sealed.

~*~

Daihaah didn't think they'd spend much time in the court but they did. And once they left, Prince wouldn't let her out of his sight so she couldn't go back and get what she ordered. She tried to talk to him into letting her go but he just won't. So, she gave up; well kind of. Instead, she just thought of asking Jannah to pick it up for her on her way back from her internship since she'll go to their house afterwards.

They all went their separate ways agreeing to meet later that day for the surprise which a certain someone is unaware of. For the meantime, Daihaah has time to set up the surprise and keep Prince company when Aneesah and Faruk along with the other's help come to decorate the backyard.

Once they reached home, Prince went upstairs to answer a phone call leaving Daihaah downstairs whom decided to use this opportunity to call her best friend and ask for the favor. Jannah picked it up on the second ring making Daihaah smile. "Jannah..." Daihaah stated as if not believing that she actually picked up.

"Daihaah"

Daihaah smile widened as she stood up from the couch she was sitting on, "Hey..." she tittered, "Where have you been? It feels like I haven't seen you in ages" She wasn't exaggerating; she really hasn't seen her best friend in a year for reasons even she is unaware of. For some reason the girl has just been distant lately, she barely even answer Daihaah's calls.

There was silence on the other side confirming Daihaah's thoughts that indeed there's something wrong.

"Jannah what is it? You now you can tell me everything right?" she asked looking back when she heard Prince coming to the living room still on his phone. Because of this, she walked farther away so as to hear what her best friend is going to say.

"Daihaah of course I know that..."

"Then tell me" Daihaah pressed knowing one thing, she's fed up with whatever her so called best friend has been hiding from her. One way or the other she will get those answers today.

Daihaah heard Jannah sigh on the other end of the call.

"Besties before hitches remember?" Daihaah added once she noticed that Jannah doesn't plan on saying whatever it is bothering her.

"Daihaah just don't bring that up please"

"Why shouldn't I?" Daihaah asked suddenly sounding frustrated. It wasn't her fault though, she can't keep letting this get in the way of their friendship, "You are my best friend, or at least you used to be before you became like this. I haven't seen you in a year! You completely left Nigeria to Allah knows where! And you hardly pick my calls! Whenever you do, you always sound so distant. Jannah you keep pushing everyone away, why?" at the end she was raising her voice slightly to prove her point. At this point she didn't care that Prince heard what she said because it's not like they keep secrets from each other anymore.

She heard the sound of giggling behind her making her turn to see their three year old daughter running away from one of the maids that Daihaah asked to take of the girl while they were at the court. "Daddy!" the little girl exclaimed jumping into her father's arms that were opened for her.

"Jannah tell me what is it please?" She knew that her best friend ca hear the desperation in her voice but she didn't care. She wanted to know what the problem is so she can help her. It's so unlike the girl to be like this all of the sudden.

"It's about what I told you in the hospital" Jannah finally said after a minute of silence making Daihaah move her gaze away from two of the most important people in her life.

"Which hospital are you talking about?" Daihaah tried to think of talking to Jannah about something in the hospital that will make her act like this.

"You know back when Ummi was in a coma..."

"Huh?" Daihaah's brows furrowed, "I honestly don't know what you're talking about"

"Daihaah stop pretending you don't know"

"I really don't" Daihaah said honestly. Sure they'd talked but not about anything serious that will make Jannah like this. Most of the things they talked about mostly revolved around Daihaah and Aamir's relationship.

There was silence from the other side again before Jannah hummed, "I understand what's happening here"

"Understand what?"

"If it wasn't you then it must've been...." Jannah trailed off waiting for Daihaah to finish the sentence knowing that she understands what she meant. Who else could Jannah have mistook for her best friend that even she couldn't seen the difference.

"Layla" Daihaah breathed out as all the pieces fall into place. Jannah must've talked to Layla that one time Layla visited Ummi in the hospital thinking it was Daihaah.

At first when Jannah found out that Daihaah had an identical twin she was stupefied. She found it hard to believe; that was until she actually saw Daihaah and Layla together. However, she didn't act like Daihaah thought she would. Yes, she was being, well...Jannah but not exactly Jannah. What does Daihaah mean by this?

She did act exactly like how she would on normal basis but there was something about her that was off; which was unusual.

"That explains the looks she keeps giving me" Jannah mumbled on the other end of the line.

"What?" Daihaah asked as she didn't quite hear what she said.

"Nothing"

"Jannah you have to tell me, I mean it!"

"Fine I'll tell you but not over the phone" she said her voice coming out lower at the end.

Daihaah sighed in relief knowing she'll finally get her questions answered, "You'll come over today right?"

"Yeah I will. I wouldn't miss today. But wait, did you tell him?"

"Not yet. Speaking of which I need you to pick up the cake on your way here please"

"Sure. I will once my internship for today is over"

"Wait, today's your first day right? How was it?" Daihaah asked with a smile lingering on her face as for the first time in a year she's having the longest call they've had. She was glad that her friend is opening up to share her problems with her.

"Okay" Jannah sighed, Daihaah can imagine her shrugging while saying this, "I came late"

Daihaah laughed, "How can you go late to work on the first day of your internship?" Of course if anyone will go to their internship late it will be Jannah. The girl has a thing for being late to almost everything. She might've just overslept.

"Hey it's not my fault. In my defense, I couldn't sleep early last night"

Daihaah creased up, "Sure it wasn't"

"I'm serious!" Jannah laughed too because she knows it is her fault but then what's the harm in denying it?

"Are you really?" Daihaah raised a brow though she knew the girl can't see her.

"Nahhh" they both laughed, "I have to get back to work, I'll see you later"

"Okay. Bye"

"Bye"

Daihaah ended the call taking a few seconds just smiling to herself; it's nice to have her best friend back even if it's just for a few minutes. Keeping her phone on the couch beside her she walked towards Prince whom is laughing with their daughter. Now you might be wondering how they had a three year old daughter when they've only been married for a year and some months now.

Simple. It's the same girl from the orphanage Muhsin owned. The two both loved the girl and after talking about it they decided to adopt her which they did it five months ago. However, her name being 'Noor' brings back unwanted memories to both of them so they changed her name to Rahma. They both agreed that it was the perfect name for their little daughter. Daihaah can still vividly remember the day they introduced the girl to their family as their daughter; everyone was elated and proud of the two. Well, everyone except Anty Rabi whom wasn't kin on having anyone that wasn't really an El Khabir blood taking their last name. But then again, who really cares about what she thinks? No one.

"Mammy" the little girl's voice brought Daihaah out of her trance. Her smile turned into a wide as she walked towards them taking the girl out of her father's arms and into hers.

"Hey baby" Daihaah said fixing the girl's bow that has begin to slip off her head. She sat down on the couch that her husband was sitting on placing the girl on her laps.

"I asked Suhad to pick up the cake later" Prince informed making her turn to look at him.

"What? I asked Jannah to pick it up" she said making him shrug.

"Is this going to be a bad thing?" he asked as they both know the history between the two. Well, Prince Suhad's best friend had always knew what's going on, it was Daihaah that was left in the shadow, that was, until he told her everything.

"I honestly don't know" she sighed turning her attention back to their daughter that's sucking her thumb. Daihaah quickly removed it but it was of no use as the little girl repeated the action again.

"Don't you think it's time they forget everything and move on?"

"Move on how? Are you forgetting that she ended things with him?" Daihaah asked not moving her gaze away from the girl that's giggling as Daihaah tickled her slightly.

"I know that. They should at least be civil around each other not so cold. Or at least she shouldn't be so cold"

This made Daihaah turn to look at him, "So you're saying it's her fault?"

He shook his head, "No of course not. I'm just saying that she shouldn't be that cold towards him" he tried to defend himself and his friend.

Daihaah sighed, "Carino she's obviously going through a rough patch. Moreover we shouldn't get involved in their life. It's none f our problem. If two people are meant to be, they'll end up together no matter what. If not, then it's better they stay apart"

"You're right. But I'm telling you those two are meant to be" he stated as if he's sure that what he's saying is right.

"You can't say that" she chuckled slightly, "You don't know what might end up happening. Besides, isn't he getting married?" She asked remembering Prince saying something about Suhad getting married soon.

Prince shrugged leaning forth to rest his hands on his thighs, "Yeah and no"

"What do you mean?"

He made a silly face at the little girl on his wife's lap making the girl laugh wrapping her tiny fingers around his index finger, "You see, he is supposed to get married. But he doesn't want to"

"And why is that?"

"He wants to marry the girl he loves"

Daihaah looked at him as if he's grown five heads before she laughed, hard, "So Suhad actually loves someone? Suhad your best friend?" She asked as if she knows another Suhad other than his best friend, "No way he's like the biggest player I know"

Prince chuckled, "Clearly you haven't met my brother, he'll definitely win that award"

"Yeah but he's married now"

"I'm aware of that. But the thing is he changed because he's getting married, Suhad changed because..."

Daihaah gasped slightly her eyes held disbelief. After everything she didn't really believe it was true until now, "So Suhad really love her?"

Prince sighed, his gaze held hers before he nodded, "Yes. He does"

"How?"

Prince's brows furrowed, "I don't know. I think it has something with the fact that he is human and he has feelings. Though I'm beginning to wonder if he's a human being I mean..." he stated seriously shrugging.

Daihaah lightly hit his arms making him laugh at his attempt to joke, "Don't joke like that"

"What is it my fault? You asked" He smiled when he saw her roll her eyes as her attempt to not smile, "But seriously. The guy likes her. Believe me even I was surprised too"

"But she doesn't like him, at least not anymore. And they've ended everything between them last year right?"

"Yes. But you never know what the future beholds"

"Let's hope it's for the best"

"In shaa Allah it is"

~*~

"Baby..." Prince walked down the steps searching for his wife that came down to pick something earlier but she still hasn't returned. He waited for her for more than ten minutes but she still hasn't come back so he is now looking for her. It also didn't help that the house is eerily quiet. The maids already left earlier, he knew that. And the others weren't supposed to come till in two hours time for the small celebration which at first he didn't agree to but there no way he can wins against his wife right now when she sets her mind to something.

He didn't bother checking the living room because somehow he was sure that she wasn't there. He sighed when he couldn't find her. He walked into the kitchen and got a cup of water before gulping it down. When he checked the backyard, still he couldn't find her. He decided to just give up knowing that maybe she's just at Aneesah and Faruk's house with Rahma.

However, he got his answers when he stepped into the dimly lit living room that he skipped earlier.

"SURPRISE!!!" They all yelled.

He was caught off guard and because of how loud they were he staggered back a bit making some of them laugh. Clearly this wasn't the small party he agreed to because almost everyone's here. Aneesah, Faruk, Daihaah, Suhad, Samhah and her husband Harees, Sultan, Mami, Ummi, Anty Asmau, Grandmother, Afnan, Layla, Muhsin, Ya Moh, his wife, Ya Abdul and his wife Anty Habiba along with Ammah.

Aneesah held one of her twins, Shaheed while Faruk held his twin brother Suhaib. Muhsin held his and Layla's son Ashfat whom is just six months old; just two months younger than Anee's twins. The twins came as a surprise but no one, not even she knew that she was having twins. It's just safe to say that the two little babies were enough to knock some sense into their parents. At times, Daihaah actually pities them because clearly taking care of twins is not an easy task.

"Happy Birthday to you..." they all started singing the song together. Thought o be honest half of them their voices while singing sounded like drawing nails on chalkboards but then again, it was the intentions that matters. However, Prince wasn't willing to let some of them off the hook; especially Faruk and Aneesah.

Once they were done singing it he laughed at the couple, "Faruk you and Anee should never sing in public again wallahi. Aren't you embarrassed?" he stated earnestly feigning seriousness.

Faruk glared at him, "Someone should hold my son for me I'm about to commit homicide"

"Leave him to me. If anything our voices are better than that of everyone here" Aneesah added her eyes narrowed playfully at Prince whom nodded.

"Keep telling yourselves that till you believe it kunji?" he said grinning at the glares he kept getting from them.

"Enough of that" Layla cut in chuckling at them, "So answer our question. How old are you?"

Prince pretended to think stroking his chin, "Fifty eight I think" he shrugged as if what he said meant nothing.

Daihaah scoffed, "If that was it I would've left you long ago"

"Gaskiya I support you on that" This time it was Samhah that spoke.

"I know a fine young guy I can pair you up with wallahi" Aneesah contributed patting her sister's shoulder with her free hand.

"There's this friend of Harees too, he's single I think right?" Samhah asked turning to her husband who nodded in agreement.

"He's looking for a wife seff" he said.

This time it was Prince's turn to glare at them, "It's like you guys want to die koh?" he threatened making everyone else laugh.

The birthday wishing started, each taking turns to wishing Prince happy birthday. Gifts were handed out to him, food were eaten. They all enjoyed their time there for it has been long since they spent time together. And since they were all finally here together, they were determined to make the best of it.

It would've been perfect had Jannah came, but unfortunately she didn't. Suhad was the one that brought the cake instead and though he didn't say anything, Daihaah and Prince both suspected that it must've had something to do with him. Daihaah tried calling her but her phone was switched off so it was of no use. After many tries later, Daihaah gave up knowing that the girl doesn't want to pick up that's why she switched it off.

"Come with me" Daihaah said taking prince's hands dragging him to kitchen with her as everyone else is too engrossed in their conversation to notice their disappearance.

"Is this your way of getting me all to yourself?" Prince asked folding his hands leaning on wall as she made her way to the refrigerator.

"No it's my way of giving you my birthday gift" she answered not turning to look at him.

"Are you sure? You didn't really have to do anything. The party is more than enough"

"Just shush and close your eyes" she said turning around placing her hands on her hips.

His lips twitch up, "Can I ask why first?"

"Shut up and close your eyes please"

"Ok" he does as she said.

Daihaah sighed before turning to pull out the cake Suhad picked up. The others brought cakes with them so she knew Prince thought that was it. He knew she ordered the cake, that's why he asked Suhad to pick it up since she can't get it herself.

She grinned at what's written on it. She picked up the cake and walk towards the other side of the counter before placing it there. She then moved to where he stood and took his hands pulling him to where she kept the cake with his eyes still closed.

"Okay you can open it now" she said.

He did as she said, his gaze falling on the cake momentarily before moving back to her, "Another cake?" he stated.

She smiled biting her lower lip to stop her from grinning, "Read what's written on it" she gestured with her head.

He eyes her cautiously before turning his gaze back to the cake in front of him reading what's written on it.

~•'Roses are red, Violets are blue, In July next year our baby is due!'•~

He read it again, then again and again trying to process and make sense out of it. His confused look turned into that of glee, his lips stretching into a wide grin before he swiveled his head to look at her. "Does this really mean..."

She nodded, "Yes. We're having a baby" Her words were followed by laughter as he picked her picked her up in his arms and twirled them out of happiness. Both two were on full laughing mode, in other words he looked like a Christmas goat while she looked like an Eid goat that escaped the chances of being slaughtered. No offense to the happy couple.

When he finally placed her back on her feet, they both have matching grins on their faces. He joined their foreheads together and they stayed like that.

"Isn't this the part where they kiss?" They heard Layla's voice making them turn their heads at the instant to see her, Muhsin, Anee and Faruk. Immediately they were caught Aneesah pretended to be checking out the cupboards while Faruk started checking out his wrist watch.

"I like the cupboards don't you think so B?" Aneesah said placing her hand on Faruk's shoulder.

He nodded, "I know right! Such a topnotch wood it was made of"

"Yeah..." she trailed off before quickly dragging him away since they were caught.

Daihaah chuckled at them. The two will never change, she thought. Prince moved his gaze back to back Layla and Muhsin raising his brows. Layla shrugged while Muhsin laughed; "I wasn't lying was I?" it was Layla that spoke making Aamir raise a brow at her, his grin not wavering one bit.

"I think they want us to give them some privacy" Muhsin said dragging her away knowing his wife. Knowing his wife, she won't let them be or let them have the privacy they needed.

And just like that, they gave them some time alone knowing they need it.

And with that, they continued what they started with no annoying siblings to interrupt them. It is just them at the moment, no one else.

~*~

"They've came a long way haven't they?" Aneesah asked once they returned to the living room where they rest were followed by Layla and Muhsin behind them.

"They sure did" Faruk replied sitting beside her while she rests her head on his shoulder, "Sometimes I find it hard to believe that that they are our younger siblings that used to fight all the time" he added.

"Exactly" she chuckled, "Now it's like they're completely different people. Though they still fight but still..."

"They're not the only ones though. Do you remember what I told you when we met in Karaye?"

"You said a lot of things"

"Yes. But I said you have to pay me for my car that you ruined" he said making her laugh lightly.

"You never told me what you want in return" she stated because it is true. In their four years of marriage he never brought it up till today.

"I know what I want now"

"And that is?" he raised her head to look at him.

"Stay with me till we grow old and wrinkled. Let's grow our family together. Promise to never leave me"

"I thought that was the plan already" she said, humor acing her tone.

"Yeah but there's no harm in having an assurance right?"

She nodded, "You're right. I promise to always be here with you till my last breath Faruk"

He leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead, "I love you Fatimah"

"I love you too Umar"

~*~

"I don't know what to say to you" Ummi said walking to where Mami stood staring at her children as they laugh together like they have no care in the world.

Mami moved her gaze away from them and rest it on her best friend; "You don't have to say anything" she smiled.

"I can't thank you enough" Ummi said her eyes welling up with unshed tears, "Qamrah thank you for everything. Wallahi I don't think words will be enough to describe just how grateful I am"

Mami reached out her hand and held Ummi's in hers, "There's no need to thank me Aisha. I'm sure you would've done the same for me had it been you in my shoes" her smile widened when Ummi nodded, "The important thing is that everyone's safe now and everything is over. Even if Jabeer comes back, he can't do anything to any of us"

Ummi nodded again before breathing in slowly and then out. Her eyes where Daihaah and Aamir sat hands intertwined, "Setting those two is the best decision we've ever met don't you think?"

Mami grinned, "Yes it was. And to think you were contemplating in the beginning"

"Can you blame me? I was just thinking about them" She asked not turning to look at Mami.

"Yes you're right. But now we're one big happy family"

"Yes we are all thanks to you"

"Don't say that" Mami shook her head, "We did everything together no matter what part the other played"

"Well I hope this is the beginning of better things in our life"

"In shaa Allah it is"

~*~

Daihaah sat on the chaise lounge by the window staring at the sky. Something she always does every night because she finds solace in it. She enjoys the silence and serenity it came with. She couldn't help but find Prince's words true; she really does love everything quiet and peaceful. That's another thing that made her Khadijah.

It has been a few days since his birthday and ever since she told him she's pregnant, and to say that he was and still is happy will be an understatement. When the rest found out they all congratulated them. Faruk went to the extent of telling Prince quote unquote "Welcome to the club. I pity your life for the next eight months wallahi. You will see pepper my brother, wickedness anyhow kawai! She will not pity you, not one bit. And let's not talk of waking up in the middle of the night, you're in for it" and then he laughed liked there's no tomorrow.

"What is my baby mama thinking of?" She heard Prince's voice snapping her out of her reverie.

She shrugged as he sat on the empty spot in front of her. She looked at the sky again before sighing, "What would've happened to us had I not stayed with you?" she asked after a while.

He didn't ask questions, he knew what she meant. What would've happened to them had she not agreed to stay with him that day he asked her to choose. He smiled, "I guess I would've let you go"

"You would really do that?" she asked looking at him.

"Of course, that's the extent you can go for the person you love" He answered sincerely not breaking eye contact with her.

She looked down, "Now thinking back I was stupid for ever considering leaving you"

"Not really. You weren't given much choice in the beginning so it's understandable. But I do have a question for you Daihaah, if you asked to go back in time, hypothetically; will you change the way we got married? The circumstances I mean" he asked curiously as he watched her reaction closely.

She looked up, her eyes meeting his again, "No" her voice didn't waver as she spoke, "I wouldn't change anything. Sure the circumstances weren't the best but that's what made us who we are. Had I not been given the choice to leave after three months then I would've acted way worse than I did. But instead I was given 99 days. 99 days with you Prince. 99 days my Prince" she smiled genuinely holding his hands in hers.

He smiled, "I'm glad you stopped that counting of yours"

She chuckled, "I had to!"

"Yeah yeah" they both laughed, "Well that chapter has ended. It's time for a new one; new experiences, new people, new challenges to face, new arguments, and most especially, new memories to make. A whole new story"

"Time for a new story indeed, for this one has ended"

~!FIN!~

~*~

7500 words exactly an excluding the author's note.

This date last year I published the first chapter of this book with no plans of how it's going to be. Can you believe it's been one year exactly? Ya Rahman time really does fly.

I can't believe I'm saying goodbye to my Aamir and Khadijah. I'm seriously trying to hold my tears back right now. It doesn't help that I'm listening to Before you go by Lewis Capaldi too, so yeah I'm overly sensitive.

17/07/2020.

©Ferdeausee_.