MUHAMMAD IMRAN
From the moment Muhammad Imran drove out of the house, his mind was a storm of thoughts and emotions. His usually calm and composed demeanor was disrupted, a rarity for the man known for his unshakeable presence. Anaya, sensitive to the change in his mood, attempted to draw him into conversation, but he remained distant, his responses terse and distracted.

Upon arriving home, Imran didn't linger. He moved with purpose, heading straight to his private quarters. The moment the door closed behind him, he began to shed the day's worries and prepared for the gym. The familiar routine of changing into his workout gear and stretching brought him a semblance of peace.

As he started lifting heavy weights, his muscles straining with each rep, he couldn't escape the thoughts of Jadwa. Her image was etched in his mind her stunning beauty, those captivating freckles that added to her charm, her beautiful long red hair and the sweet shyness that seemed to envelop her whenever he was near. The thought of having such an impact on her thrilled him in a way nothing else could. It ignited a hunger within him, a desire to hear her voice, to know her thoughts, but he reined himself in, maintaining his strict self control.

Imran pushed his body harder than usual, the physical exertion a welcome distraction. He relished the burn in his muscles, the way his strength was tested with each lift. But even as he focused on his form and the weight in his hands, Jadwa's presence in his mind was unwavering. He found himself distracted by the thought of her delicate hands, how she always played with them when she's nervous around him, her little habit of biting her lips or her lips parting in a shy smile, and the way her eyes would light up when she saw him. The images stirred a tension within him that was hard to ignore.

After an intense workout, he returned to his room, his body glistening with sweat. The hot shower that followed was meant to relax him, but instead, it became a place where his thoughts wandered back to Jadwa. He imagined her reaction to the house he had built with such care, would she find it to her liking? He envisioned her in every room, as his bride.
As he scrubbed the sweat from his body, he couldn't help but think about the possibility of her being there with him, He shook his head, trying to dispel the thought, but it lingered, refusing to leave.

That night, as he lay in bed, his mind refused to quiet down. Thoughts of Jadwa filled his head again and again and again but it has always been like that except that today, he found himself unable to sleep. He was consumed with questions and hopes about their future, he wondered what it would be like to hold her close, to feel her warmth against him. The thought frustrated him, and it took considerable effort to push these thoughts aside, forcing himself into a restless sleep.

The next morning, Imran woke to the silence of an empty house. Anaya had left for school, and Sadiq and his wife were already at work. He moved through his morning routine with his usual efficiency, brewing a cup of mint tea that filled the kitchen with its soothing aroma. He sat down with his files, the picture of a man in control, yet his thoughts kept drifting.

A message from Ahmad broke his reverie. Imran responded immediately, agreeing to meet his friend. He took his time to dress up, his tall, muscular frame was clad in a crisp shirt and trousers, his dark skin glowing and beard that framed his face was perfectly groomed, adding to his already striking looks.

When Ahmad arrived, Imran greeted him with a handshake and a warm smile, though his eyes remained as unreadable as ever. They settled opposite each other, the air thick with the anticipation of their conversation. Imran's presence, calm yet dominant, filled the room, making it clear that whatever the discussion, he was ready to handle it with the same unwavering resolve he applied to every aspect of his life.

Once Ahmad arrived, Imran greeted him with a firm handshake and guided him into the living room. They settled into the comfortable chairs opposite each other, the afternoon sunlight filtering through the windows and casting a warm glow over the room.

"How is Ameerah, Hannan and your work?" Imran began, eager to start the conversation on a light note.

"Very good, Alhamdulillah. Hannan just came back from her work trip and went back home. And Ameerah, we are at that stage where both the wife and the baby are stressing me out," Ahmad chuckled, eliciting a rare smile from Imran.

"Oh no!" Imran laughed heartily. "But it's a blessing. Enjoy it while it lasts," he said, genuinely happy for his friend.

Ahmad was one of Imran's closest confidantes, alongside Ibrahim and his brother Sadiq. Despite the age gap, their bond had grown stronger over the years, transcending mere friendship.

"InshaAllah," Ahmad responded appreciatively. His expression turned serious as he continued, "I heard what happened last night from Baba."

Imran nodded, his demeanor unchanging. "He did the right thing."

"I'm sorry," Ahmad sighed, his sincerity evident.

"Why should you be? I would do the same thing," Imran replied, his voice firm and honest.

"I don't like the pressure that's being put on both of you," Ahmad said, concern lacing his words.

"I promise you, this is completely fine. The only time it's going to be a problem is if Jadwa isn't comfortable with it and we push forward," Imran assured him, his tone resolute.

"It's not like that, Ya Imran. You are my brother, and I have to be honest with you," Ahmad started, and Imran leaned in, listening intently. "You see, I don't want you to marry Jadwa now for any reason that is not based on love or because of the pressure that's on her we can handle it I promise."

Imran sat up, his posture shifting from relaxed to alert. "What do you mean? Why would I do that?" he asked, a hint of offense in his voice.

"You didn't ask to marry Jadwa because of the time limit Baba gave her?" Ahmad pressed gently.

"I don't know what you're talking about. I just did what I have been wanting to do, and you knew that from the beginning," Imran replied, his voice steady but his eyes searching Ahmad's face for understanding.

Ahmad sighed, "I got it all wrong. I am sorry."

"Ahmad, what is happening?" Imran's tone was serious, his patience thinning.

"I don't know how to say this, but there's a lot going on at the moment," Ahmad began, narrating the entire situation to Imran. "When Jadwa met me this morning and told me her decision, I couldn't understand how fast everything was moving" he admitted. "There's no man I would want more for my sister than you, Ya Imran, but I will not ever put any pressure on you for it."

As Ahmad narrated the situation, Muhammad Imran felt a storm brewing inside him. Each detail about Jadwa's predicament. How her family was considering marrying her off to a man who had once nearly ruined her life intensified his anger. He clenched his fists under the table, his knuckles slightly shaking, but he kept his expression neutral, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Imran's mind raced, replaying the moments Ahmad described. He thought of Jadwa, her innocence, and her vulnerability. The idea of her being forced into a marriage with such a man was intolerable. His anger was a slow burn, spreading through him like wildfire, consuming his thoughts. He struggled to maintain his composure, but inside, he was seething.

The muscles in his jaw tightened as he listened, his usually calm and collected demeanor slipping. He felt a surge of protective instinct, a primal need to shield Jadwa from any harm. The thought of her being subjected to a life of misery, all because of her family's misguided decisions, was unbearable.

When Ahmad finished speaking, Imran took a moment to gather himself. He knew he had to respond carefully, but the anger was bubbling just beneath the surface. "I had no idea all this was going on, Ahmad," he said, his voice steady but laced with a dangerous edge. "It still won't stop me from doing what I wanted to do. I approached Jadwa by my own will and told her exactly what I wanted, which is marriage."

He paused, his dark eyes locking onto Ahmad's with an intensity that was hard to ignore. "I don't want to waste my time or your sister's time dating around. I am thirty-three, I have a family to take care of, and I will never tolerate Lily entertaining men for a reason that is not marriage. If she wants to give me a chance, there's no reason to waste time, and I am ready. I have no issue with what your father said to me. I've never been one to test waters with relationships, and you know it."

Imran could feel the anger simmering, his mind unable to shake the image of Jadwa being mistreated by someone unworthy of her. The fact that her family even considered such a marriage was a betrayal in his eyes. He forced himself to breathe deeply, trying to calm the storm within.

"You're right," Imran nodded curtly. "Did Jadwa say anything about this?" he asked, trying to steer the conversation to a place where he had more control.

"That's the main reason why I'm here," Ahmad smiled. "She has, she is positive about Baba's decision"

Hearing this brought a measure of relief, but it was fleeting. Imran knew he needed to act quickly, decisively. His anger, while still present, was now channeled into a clear purpose to protect Jadwa and ensure her happiness.

"Is this weekend okay?" he asked abruptly, cutting Ahmad off.

"This weekend?" Ahmad repeated, taken aback. "Yes, it is, but you know there's no rush, right?" he asked, seeing the intensity in Imran's eyes.

"Expect us this weekend," Imran said firmly, his tone brooking no argument.

Ahmad was speechless, recognizing the determination in his friend's voice. "Of course, Ya Imran. Allah ya kaimu," he said. "Jadwa also mentioned she wanted to return your calls, but her phone needs to be fixed. If you need to talk to her, just reach her through Hannan," he added, a genuine smile spreading across his face.

For a brief moment, that calmed the fire within Imran. Oh the effect this girl had on him... a small smile appeared on his face "It's nothing," he shrugged, feeling a bit of relief, but the anger remained, simmering just below the surface, ready to ignite if necessary.

"I have to get back to work. Send my regards to the family," Ahmad said as he rose, prompting Imran to stand as well.

"Thank you so much, Ahmad. Send my best regards to Ameerah," Imran replied, escorting him to the door.

As Ahmad left, Imran stood at the doorway for a minute longer. He knew the path ahead was fraught with challenges, but he was steadfast in his decision and ready to face whatever came next as long as Jadwa wouldn't end up with someone else. His anger had crystallized into a powerful determination to protect Jadwa at all costs, even from herself.

It was good that she was willing to give him a chance, although her reasons didn't matter to him at the moment. All he wanted now was for the weekend to arrive, to hear that she was officially his fiancée, and to see who would dare interfere with her life again.

Muhammad Imran spent the rest of the day teaching his students online. The structured routine helped a lot to get away from his thoughts, seeing the eager faces of his students, and answering their questions offered a temporary respite from the simmering anger he felt earlier. He was still teaching after moving back to the country until the end of the academic year.

In no time, it was time to pick Anaya up from school. He decided to go himself today, wanting the comfort of his sister's presence. A genuine smile spread across his face when she entered the car and gave him a side hug.

He asked about her school and they chatted about the friends she made there and the courses giving her a hard time before he started the car.

"Lily, I am considering getting engaged to Jadwa this week," he said abruptly, even before she could fasten her seat belt.

"What?!" she screamed, making him shut his eyes momentarily.

"Where? When? And how did this happen? I thought you just liked her," she exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock.

"Well, after her dad kind of saw us from his window, we had a conversation and decided it was time," he explained calmly, glancing at his sister who sat with her mouth agape.

"Are you pranking me, Ya Moh?" She folded her arms across her chest, her face serious.

"Have I ever joked about her?" he said, momentarily looking at her before returning his focus to the road.

She stomped her foot angrily. "Why didn't you tell me? You said I was your best friend! I am sure you told Ya Sadiq," she sulked, her pout exaggerated.

"Exactly, honey, you are. How wouldn't you be the first to know?" he said, smiling at the sight of her struggling to maintain her serious expression.

"I like Jadu! She's so beautiful! And she's such a sweetheart. I am so happy for you, Ya Moh," she said, giving his arms a tight hug.

"Are you finally at peace? I won't hit forty without a woman," he joked, prompting a loud laugh from her.

They played and joked around as they drove home. Lily was full of stories about Jadwa, enthusiastically sharing how she would help plan everything for the wedding, from choosing what he would wear to what she planned on wearing. Her excitement was contagious, filling the car with a lively energy.

"Lily, do you realize it's not a wedding? It's just gaisuwa, not even setting a date. Just a mere introduction. The wedding could be more than a year away," he reminded her, amused by her boundless enthusiasm.

Anaya didn't listen, too excited to let her boring brother ruin her plans. Her eyes sparkled and her laughter echoed through the car.

Once they arrived home, Imran settled into the main living room and called Ibrahim, told him everything and asked to meet immediately if he could.

Soon, Ibrahim arrived and found lily who was disturbing Muhammad Imran to tell her more about him and Jadwa. If only she knew, there was no more to it. This was only the beginning.

"Lily, let me be honest with you I think your brother actually met some sorcerers in Maiduguri because there's no way he's this lucky" Ibrahim said making
his younger brother Sadiq and his wife Fatima who just came back from work and sat with them in the living room burst out in laughter.

Imran gave Ibrahim a warning glare before clearing his throat as they began discussing which elders to call to represent him. Despite being a small family that had always been on their own, they saw it as a blessing and never complained.

After a long discussion, they decided to involve the same uncles and their father's friends who had attended Sadiq's introduction, this time replacing Jadwa's father with Ameerah's father, their father's cousin.

Everything fell into place smoothly, and with the weekend only a couple of days away, Imran traveled to Kaduna to see his now-married stepmother and stepsister, Rahma, to tell them about it in person.

Imran decided it was time to at least see or talk to Jadwa. The longing to hear her voice, to confirm her consent and readiness, was too strong to ignore. He picked up his phone and called Hannan.