This chapter is wholeheartedly dedicated to Sholeey_ for the love you've showed for DH. I LOVE YOU.

THREE YEARS LATER.

Ummi came out of her examination hall, feeling greatful and extremely happy, she was suprised at the same time. Time really flies, she's now a biochemist. Surely Allah has his wonders.

Azeezah came to were she stood, looking at the school premises, the students roaming about, the new JJC's holding their files friskly, she'll surely miss this school. It holds alot of unforgettable moments in it. She was broken at her first year, that made her realize how cruel people can be, the same place that taught her to be responsible, she learned how to act matured and shrewd. She was mended, and finally she was graduating. All thanks be to Allah.

Azeezah patted her shoulder, making her shrieked of out shock, she looked at her, an unreadable expression plastered on her face, she will surely miss her second bestfriend. "Azeezah durling, I'll miss you," she said glumly, side hugging sad looking Azeezah.

Azeezah break their hug and guide her to the nearest bench, they sat down, "Ummilolo, I'll miss you too. Hope you won't forget about me? I told you Iyawo said I should go back to Ondo state, as I was only here for my studies," Azeezah said lugubriously, looking blankly at the ground. She's a Yoruba lady, her parents lived in Ondo state. She came to Kaduna for her studies, and she was living with her Uncle.

Ummi gave her a sympathetic look, she knew how Azeezah does'nt want to go back there, as she said she'll be doing all the chores, going to market, roaming round the streets under the blazing sun, which she so much despise. "Azeezah my dear, how can I forget about you? You've become a part of me. We'll be in contact insha Allah. Just get yourself a husband, to avoid all worries," Ummi winked jestingly, eagerly waiting to hear Azeezah's reply.

Azeezah smacked her shoulder playfully, wiping away her small irresistible tears, "You idiot, who can I marry then?" She asked, giving Ummi the you must be crazy look.

Ummi practically placed her hands over her chest "Why the look miss? I was just trying to help. You can marry that your over sentimental cousin, his love for you was palpable, so just give him a chance," Ummi said, and they both started laughing.

They were engrossed in their talking, laughing at their silly and crazy talks, when a voice intruded in their conversation. "Assalamu Alaikum, hope I'm not interupting something?" He said, standing beside Ummi, smiling at her.

She smiled back at him, "Ofcourse Mubarak, you are'nt. I was looking for you, I thought you won't come and see me before we all leave," she smiled warmly, holding Azeezah's hand so she can't leave. Mubarak was Ummi's friend for 2years, he was caring and loving, he was a very good and understanding friend. He never go across his limits, though he has some feelings for Ummi, he never for once let her know, as he knew about her heart break, and the promise she made to herself. He did'nt want to be heart broken too.

They nattered away for about thirty minutes before Ummi's phone started ringing, it was Ya Yusuf. As she has already named his number from 'Favourite bro' to 'Soul mate', a smile crept out of her lips, Ya Yusuf was always there for her, he was the only one that knew about her heartbreak, not even Ya Husna. He kept probing her until she finally told him, he felt sorry for her, he promised not to let any guy hurt her again, and she promised to let him know about any guy that tries to enter her life. She needed that love and care, and he gave her.

She gestured at Mubarak to remain silent, because Ya Yusuf will be freaked out when he get to know they're together. Not that he did'nt knew about him, but he was over protective.

"Hello bro," she said, smiling warmly, giving Mubarak the apologetic look.

"Hi Lil sis, I'm on my way to your school, Baba sent Malam Ummaru on an errand, be at the bus stop please, I have a place to go," came Ya Yusuf's warm loving yet husky voice.

Ummi chuckled outwardly, "Okay Yaya, will be there ASAP. Can I guess where you're going to?" She asked teasingly, trying to annoy him.

"Where will I go to? After that your so called bestfriend rejected me. I'm getting angry, bye," he hissed and hang up the call. He confessed his love to Meeno, but she rejected him, saying she has the person she loves. Ummi tried to help him but all in vain, Meeno loves Sadeeq so bad. She hope it will last long.

She removed the phone from her ear, chuckling at his childish behaviour yet feeling sorry for him. She knew he still has feelings for Meeno, but what can she do expect praying for him? That's the least she can do for him.

She bid Mubarak and Azeezah adieu, after promising to be always in contact, they'll come for their signings and all other necessary things together. Ya Yusuf came and they zoomed off.

***

Al-amin was seated in his living room, looking broken and depressed. He finished his final year examination last month, he was waiting for his result.

The sound his stomach made, reminded him of not having his breakfast, as it was already time for Asr prayer. He glumly trudged to the kitchen, cooked indomie and wended out of the kitchen, sombrely looking at the plate of the indomie, which made his stomach growled.

He was silently eating his food, ruminative about how his life takes a drastic turn. All he wants now is to be on his Mami's lap, hushing some soothing words to him. She's the only person he needs, well___expect Ummi, which he's very sure she's thousand miles away from him.

His phone's ringtone jolted him out of his reverie, he looked at his phone beside him, Abba's name popped out, he grimaced, contemplating wether to pick the call or not. He let it rang twice before he slowly slide the answer button.

"Hello Abba," he said, palming his face, practically waiting for the worst. As Abba easily get hyped up these days.

"I was sent a picture of Laila and a guy at a club, she was dressed in a tight jeans and a top that hardly reached her navel. Why did'nt you tell me huh? Is that why you were sent to study together? What is your use if you can't correct her?" Abba spatted wrathfully.

Al-amin was shocked, the first question that popped in his mind was 'Who sent the picture?' He's surely not going to have this answer, not now.

"Abba, I can..." he was cut off by Abba.

"I don't want to hear anything from you, I told Hajiya, and she said you two were in love, and planning to get married. So__be back in two days! I'll get you two married," Abba added, disappointment and pain were palpable in his voice. He felt betrayed and guilty.

"Abba, please let..." before he could finish his sentence, Abba ended the call. Al-amin knew not to disobey, they have to go back to Nigeria, or else, they'll face his wrath.

He heaved, letting go of all his worries. How can he marry this girl? He's sure he's not upto a fiddling to her now, and same to him. They're now enemies, and he does'nt trust her, not for a single second. How can he marry her? Abba must change his decision!

He quickly got dressed, took his wallet and exited the apartment. He trekked to their dormitory with a heavy heart, the last time he was there was 2years ago. The day he wished he did'nt know her all his life. The day she broke and shattered his heart. The day he lost every single trust in her. The day he felt the pain he never felt before. The day he reapped what he sow. The day he needed Ummi, he wished she was by his side. Only if wishes were horses. The day he was broken beyond repair.

With that thought, he halted in front of the huge ironed gate, he looked around, before he found a girl making her way inside the dormitory, he asked her to call Laila for him, being the popular girl in the dorm and school, she realized her before further descriptions. Had it been he had her number, he would've call her.

It took her twenty minutes before she came out, looking dolled up, her face was heavily maked up. She was wearing a blue jeans, a red top, and a black jacket, halfly opened; showing her full boobs in her transparent top.

He quickly lowered his gaze, muttering an Astagfirullah. He was disgusted by her outfit, but that was'nt conpared to what he saw two years ago. The picture will forever be embeded in his heart.

Her facial expression suddenly changed from happiness to sadness, she thought it was Laith. She had'nt seen him for years, that made her scrutinize his face. He looked matured, his side burns were black amd trimmed, he has bags under his eyes; obviously from sleeplessness, his hazel eyes were now red; emanating anger, sadness and pain, his long chiselled nose, and his eyebrows were creased, his purplish lips were still the same.

She suddenly looked away and hissed "What brought you here? I thought we were done?" She sneered, avoiding his gaze, because his eyes still have impact on her.

He was angry, how dare her hissed at him? "Mind your tongue young lady, I'm here to deliver Abba's message. He wants us in Nigeria in two days, I guessed that's what you're after huh? I promise to make your life a living hell," he spatted wrathfully.

She looked confused, and is he really serious? Like__Abba really wants them to be in Nigeria in two days? And what is she after? "Look Al-amin, I really don't understand what you mean, can you please stop beating around the bush? Just tell me!" She half yelled, earning a hot glare from him, making her next words guttural.

"Abba wants us in Nigeria in two days, he's getting us married! Happy?" He sneered at her, making a disgustful look on his face.

"Be ready by 10am," he added and angrily stomped on his feet, leaving her humbugged. This is what she's always looking for, but why is she not happy now? Why Abba's sudden summon, surely something is'nt alright.

"I need Inas," she muttered, as she glumly trudged to their room.

***

THREE DAYS LATER.

Baba, Mama, Ya Yusuf and Ummi were sitted in Baba's living, all their faces were glum. Ummi; who's heart was beating vigourously, a bad feeling gnawing at her. She looked at their faces, hoping to find a clue of what was happening, but No, she saw nothing but sadness. She knew their must be something, this gathering is about her. She hope it will end up well.

Baba cleared his throat, lugubriously looking at Ummi "Ummi, I called you here for a reason, please don't disappoint me, I know you'll obey my decision, that's why I made it," came Baba's throaty voice.

She looked up, praying to Allah to make it easy on her, seeing Baba's face made her want to cry even before he tell her what was his decison, she knew it would be something really hard on her.

Without waiting for her reply, Baba continued "Since you're now a graduate, I wanted to get you married since, but considering the fact that you wanted to study Medicine but ended up studying Biochemistry, I pitied you, that's why I waited till you finished your studies. And Alhamdulillah you finally graduated.

I wish you no harm Ummi, and I pray you'll respect my decision, as there will be no backing out, my decision is final!

Your wedding Nikkah will be tommorow by 2pm," he said, getting a suprised look from his family.

Ummi was'nt sure she heard the correct thing, she turned to Ya Yusuf for help, hoping he'll say she heard it wrong, but No. He gave her the I can't help look.

She frenzed, her heart stiffened, her lips were tremolously shaking, wanting to beg Baba. But seeing his face, she knew not to talk.

"Please, can we postpone the wedding celebrations till next week?" Mama asked, afraid of what might be his answer. She can't let Ummi go without some preparations, she's her favourite daughter, she has to make her wedding memorable.

Ummi abruptly looked at Mama, so she even have the time to think of celebrations huh? Good. It's not like she has someone she love, but she is'nt prepared with marriage stuffs. Not now, not anytime soon.

"Sure, it's only the Nikkah that is taking place tomorrow, but all other things can be next week or two weeks," Baba said, and stood up.

"You can all leave," he said, giving Ummi the apologetic look, and left.

Ya Yusuf held Ummi shoulders, and guided her to her room. When they were in her room, she flopped on her bed, letting out a wail, she suddenly burst into tears.

Ya Yusuf hugged her, stroking her back, rocking them "I'm sorry Ummi, I can't do anything here, it's beyond my limit. It has to be done!"

Finally an update. Who's happy?

How time flies, Ummi is now a graduate.

Who sent Abba the picture? Weird guesses.

What did Al-amin saw two years ago?

Al-amin and Laila are finally getting married.

Ummi too is getting married. With who then?

Don't expect an update soon, it might be till February.

Ghost readers, If you like vote, if you don't.... Hmmmm. My time will surely come, and you guys are the reason why I won't update soon. But I'll, if you show up.

Don't hesitate to.

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Mi yidi ma.

Soko juur.

Ayshatou👑.