Have a day interval before my next CA test so, an update for you lots here!

The reaction to the last chapter is CRAZYYYYYY but i laughed so much ngl.

ADNAN BAYERO'S POV.

MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA.

"Oh God! Alhamdullilah. Adnan, you are here." Hajiya's relieved voice welcomed me the moment I stepped foot into the Bayero home.

"Assalamu alaikum," I greeted instead, as I trudged further into the home.

"Wa alaikissalam." Their collective voices came in response, though their tone matches the gloomy air hanging heavily in the air.

"Hajiya," I made my way towards her, and once I was close enough, she moved into my embrace, giving me a slight pat on the back. "Barka da rana."

"Barka dai Adnan. Ya hanya."

"Alhamdullilah," I breathed out, offering her a small smile, hoping that would ease some of her worries but it did not appear as so, and if I am being rather honest, I do not expect her to be so really. As such, I immediately diverted my conversation to that which is important. "Where is she?" I asked, moving my gaze from Hajiya to Yusuf, whom stood alongside her in the hallway, both looking gloomy might I add.

"She is in her room," Hajiya breathed out heavily, gesturing with her hand upstairs. "She has not been out since yesterday. Taqi barin kowa ya shiga. She has not even eaten anything since she came." If Hajiya's frown is not evident enough of her worries, then the frustration and that coating her tone is evident enough.

"I have tried calling Abubakar, but he won't answer my calls. What really happened? How can he divorce her out of the blue, or have they been having issues?" Yusuf fixated his gaze on me. "Yaya, you are closer to her. Didn't she perhaps say anything to you recently? Did she sound off on the phone or anything?"

"No," I breathed out, then shook my head. "But, what happened is not what is most important right now. Let me try to talk to her first, okay? Then we will figure out what to do later on."

"Ni da kun barni, da naje gidan su Abubakar in, we deserve an explanation if not just from him, but his family as well. In ma rabuwa za'ayi, sai ayi a mutunce. How can they just send her back home alone with no explanation?" Yusuf's voice rose with each statement that escaped his lips, his anger vivid. He has always been the ticking bomb amongst us four, and I am not surprised he's expressing his anger this evidently.
"Was that how we gave her to them? Kunsan me? Ni I will go and find him myself, sai ya min bayani." He made an attempt to walk past me and storm out, before he could, I extended a hand out, stopping him.

"You will do no such thing," I gave him a firm look, needing not raise my voice to get my point across. "No matter what we decide to do, we will make that decision after I speak to her. Ko ba haka ba?" I shifted my gaze to Hajiya, seeking her input in this because at this moment, her decision on how to go about this matters the most.

"I am with you on whatever decision you make, I trust you." Hajiya nodded, in a resigned tone. "Dan Allah get her to eat something at the very least. I've had them prepare some food for her, can you take it to her? I will go and call your father in the meantime, he's still in Abuja for work."

"Sure," I handed Yusuf the small bag I had hastily prepared for the impromptu journey, then retrieved the tray of breakfast, now turned lunch from the maid there. Making my way upstairs, I headed directly to the end of the hallway, stopping in front of Faiza's bedroom, then knocked on it.

"Faiza," I called out. "Open the door for me, kinji?" I knocked again, but I did not get a response. I tried again. "Faiza, open the door. Don't worry. It is just me; no one else is here." I managed to keep my voice soft, knowing she must be vulnerable—the last thing she needs is for any of us to act all macho on her but to actually be understanding of her current predicament.

Besides, if there is one way I know to get through to her whenever she is down is not to force her out, if we do, she will recoil back to her hole and not come out.

But, she did not respond this time around again. So, I released a small breath, then spoke again.

"You know I will not leave, right? If you refuse to come out, I will not leave this door as well. And if you want me to keep standing here for hours after having a long night shift, then alright." I intentionally added the last part, wanting to lighten up the air in a way.

Not so surprisingly, that did the trick. Because only a few seconds after I have said that, I heard the door softly click unlocked. A relieved breath escaped my lip as I took the handle and pushed it open, stepping into the dim light room with a salaam as I closed the door behind me.

Navigating my way further into the room, my gaze fell on the figure that had recoiled back to what assume has been her position for hours now, all curled up by the edge of the bed with her knees to her chest and her face buried between them.

She must have sensed me getting closer, because she suddenly look up, her tears streaked face meeting mine. And the moment her eyes held mine, they instantly welled up with tears, her lip wobbling as they parted to speak but no word came, only tears that streamed down endlessly.

I dropped the tray on the small coffee table there, then made my way towards her. The moment I crouched beside her, Faiza threw her arms around me, crying softly in my arms. The sound of her sobs broke my heart, for I can count on one hand how many times I have seen her cry growing up for she has never been the type to cry.

Seeing her in this position though, my heart broke into a thousand pieces, each piece igniting into a flame of anger, nothing comparable to Yusuf's, but definitely more. Only difference is, I know when to reign it down and control it, like in that exact position.

So, instead of dwelling on the anger, I held her in my arms and patted her head softly as she cried, whispering "It is going to be okay," to her. I know she won't believe me, but I know it will be. She has me, and all of us. She will heal from this, with her family by her side.

I wanted to ask her what happened, to discuss the details and her feelings with her as well, but she is in no position for that. Instead, I stayed with her until her tears subsided, and I had her eat something despite her silent protests. Her rumbling stomach though claimed otherwise and so, she only ate a bit, but it I still better than nothing.

When she was done, she washed her face and came back to my side, resting her head on my shoulder as she looked her arms with mine, clinging onto me just like she did when she was younger. No words were exchanged between us as we sat in silence, her silent sobs being the only thing that filled the room which eventually evened out along with her breathing, and she fell asleep.

Once certain she truly is finally getting much needed sleep, I slipped out of her hold and brought a pillow and duvet for her for any movement would have her waking up. So, she would have to make do with sleeping on the carpet. I adjusted the air conditioner so she would be comfortable then decided to leave her alone to rest.

I picked up her tone that is on the bedside cabinet, buzzing from the oceans of messages that kept flooding the device. From what I could see, there are messages from every platform she has on the phone, and even at that moment, a message came through, or should I say the messages that kept popping up one after the other.

Samira Lawal: Just heard what happened. I am here if you need someone to talk to. I know this is difficult for you.

The others found out as well, I don't know how it happened though. I guess someone told them.

Call me when you see this please.

I just want to make sure you are okay.

For some reason, I felt as though whoever this girl is does not really care for Faiza, but might just be looking for another source of gossip. Without giving it much thought, I turned the phone off, slipping it into my pocket before she wakes up and decide to seek it, knowing it will only bring her down even more.

I made a move towards the coffee table to pick up the food tray there and leave. However, as I picked up the tray and was about to head out, a paper on the table, which was under the tray caught my attention. I thought about ignoring it and walking away, but what is written on it caught my attention.

Using one hand, I picked it up and gazed through it, releasing a small breath realization and confirmation sets in my mind.

Pregnant. Faiza is pregnant.

Dropping the paper back where it was, I turned around, my gaze falling on her now peaceful, sleeping figure before I turned around and walked out, closing the door softly behind me.

Making my way downstairs, familiar voices reached my ears the moment I reached the bottom floor. I handed the tray to the maid that came out of the kitchen, then made a detour towards the living room, where the voices became clearer.

"Daman ta yaya auren nan zaiyi albarka? Kunyi lavish biki anyi bidi'a? Duk albarkan auren ya qare a events. Not to mention, how long has this girl been with the man before they got married? I heard they were in a relationship for years. Ai ko a nan an shiga haram relationship, daman the moment he got what he wanted from her, he will obviously let her go tunda ta gama zubar da mutuncin ta a waje! I have been warning you but did you listen? No! Wai ku iyayen zamani toh gashi zamanin ya dama da ku ai."

The moment I stepped into the living room, the first person my gaze fell on is the owner of the voice—my paternal aunt, and the one person probably no one in the family likes—Anty Ruqayya.

My gaze then fell on Hajiya whom sat on the couch opposite her, looking dejected as she listened to the woman standing in the midst of the rant. I was not surprised because whenever that woman is throwing her tantrum, everyone tends to keep their words to themselves because she is not afraid to say whatever she wants to anyone, and our father would back her up as his elder sister—and the one person he unfortunately listens to.

Upsetting her equals upsetting him as well, and no one wants to cross that line.

I am also not surprised Yusuf is nowhere in sight. Either he left willingly, or she sent him away.

She noticed my presence as I walked further into the room, and her narrowed gaze now moved to me.

"Anty Ruqayya ina yini?" I greeted, crouching.

She answered in a dismissive tone, as always. "Ban ganshi ba." She hissed, then continued. "Amma I have seen the disgrace your sister has brought to our family. She wants to become a divorcee just after a month and a half of marriage at the tender age of 22? Wallahi bata isa ba. She will not stain the Bayero family name. I refuse to let that happen so long as I am alive." She shifted her gaze to Hajiya, "Kina jina Badriyya, send that girl back to her husband's house, taje ta zauna tayi haquri, that is how we all survived kuma dole ta koma. Ba saki a lamarin dangin nan. We cannot have a divorcee in our family. Allah ma ya sawwaqe!"

Hajiya sighed, as she met Anty Ruqayya's voice, her line of worries evident. "Maman Zainab it is not that simple. We can't just send this girl back. We don't even know the reason for the divorce. What if he is assaulting her? Are we supposed to send her back if such is the case?"

"Tabbas! Ai haquri zatayi. In mutum yayi ba daidai ba ai dole a gyara masa. See, Badriyya, even if she is going to die, Faiza must go back to her husband's house. She has already started to ruin our family name. News on the streets is already out that diyar Alhaji Sunusi Bayero has gotten divorced. It's even on that social media she took her wedding too. Zainab ta gaya mun it's spreading on there as well. Ai this is a huge disgrace to the Bayero family name! And we will not handle any disgrace, especially not from that stupid girl. Gidan miji dole ta koma. Ba ita ta kawo shi ba, toh she must stay with him." She then hissed, and added. "Wayasani ma ko tana da cikin dansa? Ai kuwa wallahi sai ta koma because she will not raise a child alone in this family. Ehen, kuji ku sani. I will call Sunusi and tell him myself, I will take her back if I have to myself."

Hajiya released a deep sigh, and looked away. I could see it from the look on her face, even she knew there is a possibility that the woman's words would become a reality. If she is not in the picture, we might expect a different solution from my father but with her words, her decision is practically set to stone.

And she knew that. Because the moment she declared so, she added a hiss and then stormed out, muttering something along the lines of 'Aikin banza' under her breath.

With her gone, I got up and moved to sit beside Hajiya, who released a deep sigh and turned to meet my gaze. "How is she? Did she eat? Ya take?" It is clear from the dark eye bags under her eyes that she barely had any sleep the night before, and I do not blame her.

Her questions, coupled with Anty Ruqayya's words had that particular paper I came across in Faiza's room crossing my mind again. But, instead of indulging in it, I offered Hajiya a small smile, hoping to ease some of her worries. "She's eaten, though small, but it is better than nothing. Tayi bacci ma."

Hajiya released another, visible relieved sigh, as she nodded slowly. "Alhamdullilah, Alhamdullilah." She buried her face between her palms, as she hunched forward slightly, her shoulders slumping along with the weight of her worries.

"She will be fine, Hajiya," I assured her, making her look up to stare at me with a look that screamed her not being certain of my words.

She shook her head as she turned around to look at me completely. "Adnan, you have no idea how worried I was last night when she came home. Wajen 2Am fa! She showed up at the front door crying. It was the maid that informed me, and when I came home, she simply told me that he divorced her and before I could get over the shock and attempt to console her, she ran to her room and locked herself up."

"She will open up when she is ready, I am sure she will,"

"Wallahi Adnan I don't even know what to do again, especially regarding Anty Ruqayya. Kasan halin babanku, yana jin maganar ta. How are we to send Faiza back to the man whom hasn't bothered to reach out to us, nor his family even? Ai basu mutunta mu ba."

"She won't go back," My words were firm, and so is my stance.

Hajiya's brows drew in, her frown deepening. "But, your father..."

"I will convince him, trust me." I placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, my words urging her to believe me.

"But how..."

"I accepted that work offer in the UK." I cut her off, watching as realization settled in -her head, and a small smile dance across her lips given she is the one that has been pushing me towards it for a while now while I keep rejecting it. "I am supposed to leave in two weeks, and I will take her with me. She will need the change of environment as well."

"But you will be gone for years."

I nodded, confirming her words, "Till I decide otherwise. I believe she will love the change as well," She also won't be here, under the prying and scrutinizing eyes of the likes of Anty Ruqayya when she gives birth to her child, which is a plus. "I will take care of her there. She will get back on her feet, trust me."

"I do, Adnan, I do." She held my hand in hers, her eyes welling up with tears which she tried to blink back. "I just feel bad for everything that is going on at once, and now you two will be away for years..." Her voice broke.

"We will be back before you know it," I tried to lighten up the mood, before she fully breaks down. "Time flies, and by the time we return, the wounds would have healed, ready for fresh new starts."

She folded her lips in, then nodded. "Toh Allah sa hakan shi yafi alkhairi,"

"Ameen, Hajiya. Ameen."

A beat passed, then another before she released another sigh, closing her eyes as she shook her head. "With everything going on, I forgot to call back Maman Sa'adatu, and I saw her missed call earlier," She held my gaze, then said. "Kasan yau aka daura auren ita Sa'adatun ma."

I nodded, "I am aware, Hajiya. Allah ya basu zaman lafiya." I had intentions of going for the wedding Fatiha, but with Faiza'a situation, of course it became the last thing on my mind.

"Ameen ameen," She gave me a look I could understand well enough, "And you? I know marriage is a sour topic for us at this moment but what about you?"

"What about me?" I feigned ignorance.

She gave me a disapproving look that showed she does not like what I am trying to do. "Do you think I do not know what is going on with you?"

"Hajiya..." I tried to steer her away from the topic, because the last thing I want is to have this conversation with her, especially not now.

"Adnan, I know how deep your affections for Naima is but..."

"Hajiya," This time around, my voice was a bit sterner, stressing that I do not want to open old wounds. I best handle this myself, alone, as I have been doing all this while in silence.

Hajiya's frown deepened, her eyes a sea of worry. She must have seen the look on my face as well, because she sighed and shook her head. "Okay, fine, if you do not want to talk about it but let me just say this, you need to learn to open your heart to another. You cannot possibly live like this," I parted my lips to speak, but she held her hand up to stop me, "Maybe if you start to think clearly, then you might see that you have missed someone great that would have been a great blessing for you in the process of yearning for another. Amma, Allah sa hakan shi yafi alkhairi."

As always, I could not decipher some of the things Hajiya says, but I know she just touched a sore topic for me that I have been burying in my heart, and perhaps, she is right.

I am not sure what the future holds, but I know by the time we do return, Faiza won't be in so much pain, in shaa Allah. Time heals even the wounds we do not speak of, doesn't it?

I might just be in need of that as well. Desperately.

Maybe then I can see what Hajiya is talking about. Maybe? Only time will tell.

~*~

Oya, finally you have gotten Adnan's point of view!! Hmm things dey happen for the Bayero family o!!

Tam you have met su Anty Ruqayya, Allah dai ya raba mu da irin su.

And my Faiza, Allah sarki, i pity my girl.

So, this so called Naima, who is she? I mean Adnan did say he has someone, is she the one? Where is she? Wetin sup Adnanu?

Toh nima dai I go follow him to the UK sai mu dawo kawai, mun barku yen Naija a house.

Starting exams this coming week so of course, I might be MIA for about three weeks. But if i get the chance to write in between, you will get your updates in shaa Allah. Till then, include me in your prayers make this wicked school no finish someone's child and someone's favorite author.

Till then, stay safe.

Love, Jannah.