Surprise!! Double updates. Yes, I am this nice.

Enjoy!

SA'ADATU'S POV.

KANO, NIGERIA.

After Asr prayers, Faiza offered me a change of outfit so I won't ruin mine when we decided to head over to the kitchen to help Ya Mama—who turned down our offer at first, but eventually caved in when she realized there is more work to be done than expected.

The three of us, plus the two other maids worked the next few hours to prepare for the Iftaar, though there was not much left to do since they have already done most of it. Laughter filled the air, coupled with light conversations here and there as we reminisced the past, and thought of the future as well. It has been long since the three of us got together like this, but we had fun seamlessly.

We were done about thirty minutes to Iftaar, and after settling it all up in the small living room, Faiza and I took over making the final décor for Ramadan there to give the vibe more, before finally setting the bakhoor.

We both went back to shower and get rid of the kitchen scent and by the time we were both done, it was already time for Iftaar. So, we prayed first, then did a quick touch up. Faiza changed into another outfit, picking out an abaya to blend along with me before rolling her veil—apparently, there are going to be two other guests amongst the men apart from Ya Mama's husband, and he who shall not be named so it is better to be prepared.

I rolled my veil once again just like earlier, reapplying lip gloss while Faiza smoked her abaya once again. Once we were both done, we stepped out just in time to hear voices from those coming in as well. We found Ya Mama already welcoming them, embracing the lady in the group. Confusion regarding her identity masks my expression, and Faiza must have noticed it, so she leaned down to whisper.

"That is her sister-in-law, Ya Mahmood's sister," She explained, her voice dropping when she added. "Ban son ta. Ta fiya iyeyi." Faiza did not bother to hide the dislike in her tone.

Just then, the lady turned around to face us, offering us a smile and a slight wave. Faiza and I both plastered smiles on our faces, waving back as if Faiza did not just say something about her. I waited until Ya Mama directed the lady towards the living room, Faiza and I following behind them for me to whisper back.

"Allah ya shirye ki," I muttered, throwing her a slight glare. "You are starting to sound more like me." Between the two of us, I am the one known for disliking everyone. Faiza is starting to pick up on that habit apparently.

"Kin koya min baqin halin naki," She teased, her voice low so only she and I could hear. Then, she added in a more serious tone. "But seriously, iyeyinta yayi yawa. You'll see."

I did not say a thing about it, partially because there is nothing to say, and partially because the men made an appearance then. The sound of their voices had us turning around, and unfortunately, for me, a certain man I wish to ignore was the first one whom my gaze fell on.

He was smiling at something Ya Mahmood said, and for the second time, I found myself stunned that the man is capable of smiling—he was never like that before. He looked up, and our gazes met and I could have sworn I forgot how to breathe for that moment. His smile did not falter, and he did not look away.

I did. I shifted my gaze to Ya Mahmood, offering him a smile instead. The man, upon sighting me, he offered me a wide grin.

"Ah ah, who am I seeing in our home like this? Saadatu, anya kece?" He teased, as they made their way further into the living room. I noticed there were three men, him, a certain man with glasses, and another man I do not know.

I focused my gaze on Ya Mahmood, "Ni ce dai. Barka da dare."

"Barka dai. How are you? It has been long since I last saw you. Tunda Faiza ta tafi you've abandoned us. It is now that she is back we are seeing you here again. Daman gunta kika zo kenan."

I chuckled, and before I could defend myself, Faiza jumped in to the conversation. "Nima ba guna ta zo ba. She came for Amani. At this point, I should just leave the girl to them." She stated, earning a slight glare from me.

Ya Mahmood chuckled in agreement, "Amani Kenan mai jamaa." He found a spot and settled down, so did everyone else.

Faiza extending her greeting to the two other men reached my ears, and I begrudgingly found myself shifting my gaze in their direction as well, then greeting. "Ina yinin ku?"

The other guy whom I do not know, answered jovially and the other one, well, he answered but it was in his usual tone—I barely heard him. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Why do I even bother at this point?

"So, are we all here?" Ya Mahmood inquired as Ya Mama settled down beside him and everyone else basically found their own spot. I do not know how, but somehow the only spot left was beside the man I refused to spare another glance, and Faiza, ever so wicked refused to trade spaces with me no matter how much I try to plead to her with my eyes. Instead, she offered me a knowing smile, and I almost smacked her really.

"There is one more person..." Ya Mama's statement was cut short by the sound of another, much familiar voice.

Our gaze shifted to the entrance, and my eyes dilated slightly upon sighting the last, unexpected addition to the group. He stepped in ever so casually, his usual smile on display as he came over, exchanging handshakes with the men, then exchanging pleasantries with Ya Mama, and her sister-in-law.

Just as I got over my shock and was about to speak to him, Faiza beat me to it.

"You..." She stated, her brows drawn in and her lips slanted into a deep frown.

He shifted his gaze to her, noticing her presence. Some sort of recognition flicked through his eyes, I could see it, and his lips as well slanted into a slight frown. He did not say a thing to show it though, instead, he offered her a dismissive, "Sannu."

Weird, because I have never seen him treat someone that off.

I was not the only one that noticed the exchange though, and once again, Ya Mama beat me to questioning. "You two know each other?" She shifted her gaze from Faiza sporting a glare at the man, to the indifferent man.

He was the one that answered, "We are...acquaintances," He left it as such, and a slight huff came from Faiza, but she did not comment.

Ya Mama flashed them a look of suspicion, but dropped it.

The man turned around, and the moment our gazes met, he offered me a wide grin, coming over to sit beside me, successfully sitting between I, and the man beside me, much to my relief.

I waited until he had settled down, before I leaned down to whisper, "What are you doing here?"

"What else? To eat of course," Zaheer responded casually, his smile very much evident. "Speaking of which, you are hosting me for Iftaar next, don't forget. She beat you to extending the invite."

I hummed, eying him slightly. Zaheer truly has the talent of easily getting people to like him. He and Ya Mama met for the first time during my graduation, and somehow, he had managed to become enough to be invited for Iftaar.

I threw a slight look at a still very much annoyed Faiza, then shifted my questioning gaze to him, "You know Faiza?"

"Who?" He seemed genuinely confused.

I gestured to her, and a look of realization dawned on his expression. "She is your best friend?"

I nodded.

He shook his head, then added. "You should consider changing her. This one has a bit of superiority complex." His words only left me more confused, but the man was not exactly being low with his voice, so she heard him.

I know he did it intentionally. Rarely does Zaheer dislike someone, but when he does, he does not get over it easily. What I am yet to understand though, is when they met when she came back two days ago, and he arrived in Kano maybe last night or today. So, when and where did they even meet enough to sow this seed of dislike?

Knowing it is not the time, or place to have this conversation, I gave him a look that showed we would discuss later and instead focused on the Iftaar. Soon enough, everyone was pretty much serving themselves and the air was light with jokes and conversation here and there. Or in my situation, Zaheer and I's never ending banter.

"Madam, eat more else by the end of Ramadan, you will look like a skeleton," He stated, as he swooped another serving spoon full of fried rice and added it to my plate.

I hissed slightly, then threw him a glare. "Zaheer, ka fita a idona." I warned, then found myself stopping him when he attempted to add another. "It's enough, haba. I can't finish that."

He stopped, but focused his slightly pointed gaze at me, "If you fall sick again, I am not taking you to the hospital again. Else at this point, yen asibitin nan sai sun gane mu."

I scoffed in disbelief, "You take me to the hospital once, and I haven't heard the end of it." A few months ago, I had another attack back in camp but Anty had travelled and Yaaya was not in town as well. So, they called Zaheer because he was the last person I spoke to, and thankfully he happens to be in town so he came over.

He has not shut up since then.

"And the other times I stayed with you in the hospital nko? I'm your certified patient relative at this point which means I have to take of you well," He offered me a cheeky smile.

I found myself eying him suspiciously. He is acting weird. Normally, he could not care less how little I eat because he knows that is how I normally am. Not to mention, our conversations are normally banters. Today though, he is acting a bit too nice.

What is he up to?

I shook the thought away, focusing on eating my food just as everyone else continued with their conversation—Faiza was being oddly quiet, and my best guess is, she still has her beef with Zaheer. But, she is not the only one quiet, another man is—only his silence is nothing new so I did not think much into it.

After we were done with our main course, we all transitioned to appetizers, each with their preferred choice. Some opted for fruits, and some for the drinks, or the cupcakes, or even all. The sitting arrangement from earlier had scattered, each simply finding a comfortable position.

"I can never match up with this man over here," Ya Mahmood stated, as he gestured to the man with glasses. "As if consultation and hospital work is not enough, he decided to add being a university professor on top of it. I can never."

"How is it though, I forgot to ask you." Ya Mama cut in, giving her brother her undivided attention.

"How is what?" The man asked, and for the first time that night, I heard him speak out. He has barely said anything; it is like he is not even there to begin with.

"Lecturing, of course," Ya Mama distinguished. "How is lecturing going for you?"

Somehow, I found myself shifting my gaze in his direction as everyone else, wanting to hear what his response would be. He turned around as well, and our gazes met. I noticed the slight curl of his lips, and I could swear I knew I would not like what he would say. "Good. Though certain students are fond of sleeping in class, and being dramatic as well. It is quite entertaining really." There, I knew it. My eyes narrowed slightly, and he had the audacity to smile.

He is not talking about me, is he? He better not.

If he was not, then the chuckle that came from my left, followed by the statement certainly was directed towards me. "Even I know someone fond of sleeping in classes," Zaheer teased, his gaze on me. He does not know the situation with the man, but he jumped in on teasing me at the expense.

We've all found a common topic to talk about, and somehow, that topic got swayed in my direction after Zaheer's statement. Ya Mama was the one that inquired, "Walida I heard you went back for your masters as well, how is it so far?"

Holding my bottle of Pepsi to my lips, about to take a sip of it, I paused, bringing it down as I met her gaze. "Good, so far," My lips curled into a small smile.

"Of course it is good," Faiza's slight snort came from my side, a knowing look thrown in my direction when I glanced at her. My glance turned into a glare, already knowing what is on her mind.

"Really?" Ya Mama either does not understand what Faiza means, or she choose to ignore her. "Masters da degree, which one do you prefer?"

"Masters, definitely," I chuckled. I thought about it for a second, before I added. "Though certain lecturers still treat us like we are in undergrad," I added, bringing the Pepsi to my lips to take a sip from it.

"How so?"

"Well for starters, one decided to set lectures during the last ten days of Ramadan," Faiza's chuckle came almost immediately, which she masked with a cough. I could tell she is enjoying it, and I am to—because I am getting payback for his earlier statement. So, I plastered a wide smile on my face as I settled my gaze on Ya Mama. "Why would anyone set classes now please?"

Ya Mahmood, probably unaware of the one my statement is directed towards, hopped into the conversation, "Maybe his wife annoyed him, that is why he decided to vent it on you guys."

I chuckled, feigning innocence as if the man in the topic is not seated opposite me. I shook my head, "I doubt that one is married seff, not with such character. He should change his ways really, maybe then he won't be single."

This time around, Faiza did not bother to hide her laughter. She threw her head back and laughed, and when she got questioning looks in her direction, she waved it off. "I am sorry; this is just too funny..."

I can't help but agree, for I found myself fighting back a smile as well. I slanted my gaze in his direction, to find him already staring at me. I offered him an innocent, wide smile. He arched a single brow in response, before his own lips slanted into a smile. He simply shook his head, not saying a thing more as if to silently agree I have gotten him this time around.

Adnan 1, Saadatu, 1. It's a draw for now.

I found myself looking away, hiding my smile behind the bottle of drink I brought to my lips to take a sip of. Thankfully, the conversation did not dwell on us anymore, or at least, not one me. Because my statement somehow gave room for someone else to start their questioning session.

"Speaking of being single..." Maryam—Ya Mama's sister in law's voice came suddenly, making everyone focus their gaze on her. She however, has her gaze set on someone else, "...Adnan, are you still single?"

His earlier smile disappeared, his usual cold expression returning. He did not answer, not that it appeared he has any plans of doing so in the first place. Rather, Ya Mahmood answered.

"Of course, this brother of mine seems to forget he is getting old. Ya kamata mu nema mishi mata," He joked, but his sister seemed to take it seriously. "He is not getting any younger."

"Really? If so, there is this friend of mine that is single as well, the one I was with at the hospital dazu, Asmau Bashir, ka gane ta ai," She said to her brother, who nodded in recognition, "Wai wallahi ya mata. I was wondering if we could pair them together, they would make a great couple. She was even asking if he is single, if not, sai mu hada su, kaga AB square."

Okay, now I understand why Faiza does not like her, and I do not as well.

Why is she trying to introduce him to someone? Did he ask her to? Yau naga shishigi. AB square? Ai ko AB double ne. Nonsense.

I threw him a quick, subtle glance, only for our gazes to meet, and I quickly looked away, clearing my throat slightly.

"That sounds like a good idea really," Ya Mahmood seemed to be on the same boat as his sister, and I found myself frowning. What is a good idea? Bad idea dai.

I am saying this for the girl's sake. This man is insufferable. She cannot handle him. It is best if she avoids him, for her own sake. And it will be even better if Ya Mahmood's sister shut up and drop the matter.

Apparently, she cannot hear my inner thoughts. So, she continued. "I know right! She is also in the medical field so you would at least be with someone you can relate to. Think about it please."

Same field? I have seen Doctor Amal as well, now where is she? Shirme ma.

I thought I had heard the entirety of the nonsensical situation, but apparently not until she then added. "—she is in your university for masters as well. I think she might be taking your classes as well."

You say what? Taking which classes? Ikon Allah, ita kuma haka qaddarar ta take. Speaking from experience, she can crush as long as she wants—this man would not bat an eyelid. So, why bother?

I brought my Pepsi to my lips, hiding a hiss behind it as I took a sip of my drink. Some people do not know what is good for them truly. And what is the man doing that he cannot respond for himself? Normally, he knows how to tease someone but now he is being all too silent. Okay.

As if he had heard my thoughts, his voice finally came. "There is no need to think about it," Is he agreeing already? That easily? What happened to the old Adnan Bayero? "I have someone already." He suddenly confessed, and I found myself swallowing my drink thickly, my heart galloping behind my ribcage.

His sudden confession though stirred questions from all around.

"You do?" Ya Mama does not seem to believe him. "Kai din? Finally! I need to call Hajiya gaskiya."

"You? You have someone?" Ya Mahmood seemed to be on the same page as well.

Only Faiza snickered, casually taking a sip of her drink before she too chirped in, sounding not surprised in the slightest. "He does."

I kept silent, my expression blank. Ever so discreetly, I threw a glance in his direction, and yet again, my gazes met. I looked away immediately, my frown evident.

There was a bit of amusement in his tone when he added, "Yes I do. And I do not want my woman to be jealous so please, drop this topic."

Faiza nudged me ever so discreetly, and when I focused my gaze on her, she mouthed, "My woman," with a cheeky grin on her face.

I glared at her, my cheeks heating up. She is impossible really. While they all mull over this 'my woman', I found myself zoning out of the conversation, not wanting to be linked to it in any way, thankfully, no one directed any conversation in my direction again.

Ya Mama was not ready to drop the topic though, too ecstatic at the thought of her brother finally settling down, "No, but seriously," She dropped the now empty wrap of cupcake she had just ate aside, then turned around to fully face her brother, her tone laced with excitement when she inquired, "When do you two plan on getting married?"

He shrugged, "Why don't you ask her yourself?" He stated simply, and Faiza incessantly tapped me by the side, her excitement evident in her action. I glared at her, but she simply gestured to her brother. I turned around, just in time he settled his gaze on me as well. There is this mischievous glint in his eyes, and I knew right then he was about to say something. And I was right, because he continued, "After all, she is--"

I choked on my drink, then found myself coughing, dropping the bottle aside. Faiza was quickly by my side, patting my back while everyone uttered words of concern. Zaheer was by my other side, and he leaned down to ask, "Are you okay?"

I nodded, waving it off as my eyes pricked with unshed tears. "Yeah, I am fine," I wheezed out, leaning back once I had gotten a hold of myself. "I am fine," I whispered once again.

The man opposite me dared to speak up, "Sannu ko," He said innocently, pretending as if he was not the one that made me choke.

I glared at him, then cleared my throat, offering the others a smile to show I am alright now. Thankfully, Isha came, and the men left to pray while we went to do so as well.

I offered to help Ya Mama wash the plates, but she said the maids would handle it. After praying, I played with Amani while I waited for the men to return—for I planned on leaving with Zaheer instead of asking Muazu to come and pick me up. However, when the men did return and we headed back, Zaheer was nowhere in sight.

Ya Mahmood explained, "Zaheer got an emergency call so he had to leave. He said he will call you later."

"Oh," I found myself frowning, as Amani grabbed my veil in her fists tightly. I tried to remove her hands so she would not remove the veil, the attempted to get my phone out of my bag with the other hand, "I should call Muazu then."

"Lulu! Lulu!" Amani exclaimed excitedly, and even without turning around, I knew who it was. The sound of his cologne reached me, as he stepped in as well, coming over to stand by me. I ignored him, not turning around but the girl in my arms kept wiggling, trying to reach out to him.

Amani extended her hand out, and he effortlessly took her away from my arms. She found something new to play with—his glasses, and he allowed her.

Faiza scoffed from the other side of the room, "It is like you've forgotten how she broke your old ones," She said to her brother, answering my earlier inner thoughts as to whether he had changed the frames. He did. "Amani, bari!" She scolded.

"Barta, ina glasses ina ne ba naki ba. If she breaks it, I'll get another."

"Ikon Allah," Faiza could only shake her head, "Why do I even bother with you two?" She raised her hands up, surrendering before shifting her gaze to me. "Walida let's go, I will drop you instead."

"Don't bother," He stopped her, "I am leaving as well. I will drop her."

"No..." I found myself shaking my head, as I threw Faiza a look that silently pleaded with her to step in for me, the wicked girl did not.

She gave in way too easily. "Sounds like a good idea, daman na gaji." She smiled widely, the came over to where we are, retrieving her daughter from him.

Just like that, they unanimously agreed to let him take me home, and I could not turn it down since the other choice is Muazu, and honestly, I would rather pick him to that man. So, I found myself bidding Ya Mama and her family good night, Faiza being the last.

She embraced me, then whispered. "Goodnight, Mrs. Prof. Have fun you two. Let me know when you decide on a wedding date."

I hissed, and before I could smack her away, she moved away from me then turned her brother, offering him a wave before she retreated back to the house, leaving us standing there.

His voice came soon after, in his usual curt tone. Though, there seems to be a soft edge around it this time. "Let's go."

I lifted my head to meet his gaze, then swallowed a lump, my heart rate spiking.

What have I gotten myself into ni Saadatu?

****

Heheh Saadatu Wato you won't agree ko😂 you seff you wan try your luck okayyyy😂

Kai Kuma Adnan Wato you won't give up as well😂 must you put us out like that?

Jamaa who won this round? Abi na draw🫢 it's like he won though, as always 😩

Ai Ina gaya muku can naji Nace anga Adnanu a zanga zanga Nace anyaaaa😂😂 why would he go and protest? Wetin concern him? Later on it appeared he was passing by in his car Nace ohhhh no wonder. I know my guy would rather stay at the hospital than comot.

This Bayero siblings won't kill me, especially Faiza and Adnan😹 they won't allow person to rest at all. Ah ah!

Saadatu better tighten your belt o, it's like they want to keep winning. Wallahi kar ki yarda. See them trying to dash your man another woman😭 them people after your husband plenty o!

Oh Omo i don forget, Ashe bata son sa🫢 my bad. We will soon leave him on the streets for y'all.

Toh I've done my part, two updates, 7k+ words now my commentsss😭😭😭

Stay safe and take care. Stop dreaming of Adnan, he's not real!!!

Bye🫢

Love, Jannah Pei Wenxuan Mia🫢🫶🏽 yes I've found a new man💕😂