Ikram shifted uncomfortably, trying to look away from the prying eyes, but it wasn't possible because more than a dozen pairs of eyes stared at her.

A few nights ago had been the same with Janan and Islam staring at her. Now the whole Matazu's family were doing the same. Some had frowns etched in their faces, signifying they don't believe she's not Noorie. The certain Noorie girl who has definitely been the reason for so many heartbreaks obviously.

"Haven't they confirmed it yet?" Ya Shahid asked impatiently. After a revelation came yesterday that a carbon copy of Noorie had been discovered, and would be introduced to the family. Most of them wondered if Noorie wasn't infact playing one of her crazy games. She seemed to top her act every single time. After successfully capsizing a moving van, none of them could trust her again. The distrust only grew larger when they heard she had gone to Maryam, her worst enemy. It's absurd that she went there to find solace. Was she hoping to capture their heart with that? It did not work, it had only confirmed how unstable she is.

"It's weird she's this calm" Tanzeel whispered enough for Ikram and her father to hear.

"For the love of God, she's not Noorie" Zarah had stated loudly making the whole living room erupt in disagreement. Maryam sighed tiredly, watching her mother who hasn't said a word to anyone. She kept staring into space occasionally shaking her legs. She looked exhausted.

When Maryam and Ikram had been introduced, both of them squealed with a smile. She could tell Ikram apart from Noorie. Unlike Noorie, Ikram doesn't have that crazy glint in her eyes.

"It's her" they had both said in unison, making Iman stiffen. He remembered how Maryam had gotten angry at him for requesting she stops talking about Noorie's lookalike. They watched as both girls relayed the same story in different point of view.

"I told you she existed. You did not believe me" Maryam lamented cocking a brow at Iman. He looked away shyly but dazed. How could anyone look like someone unless if they're related. It's obvious they're twins, the resemblance is uncanny.

"We have to tell them. Knowing you exist might help Noorie recover" Maryam stated quickly, making Iman scoff. She glared at him and he raised his hands in surrender. Hence the visit to the Matazu's family.

Alhaji Matazu glared at his phone waiting for it to ring. He had informed the hospital thirty minutes ago that he would need a proof of life of Noorie. They've not called back yet. If at all it was Noorie sitting on his sofa pretending to be someone else, then he is going to probably disown her.

The phone started ringing as if sensing Alhaji Matazu's ticking angry bomb.

"Hello sir" the caller had said, and Alhaji Matazu replied grumpily, waiting for his suspicions to be confirmed so he could beat the living daylights out of Noorie. "We were informed that you're requesting a video call with the patient you had brought in few days ago," the man paused waiting for Alhaji Matazu's reply.

"Yes" he replied rather bored.

"Noorie Matazu right?"

"Yes"

"If you would hold on a minute, let me connect you to her room"

Alhaji Matazu started tapping his feet patiently, waiting for them to realize that the patient they were about to connect him to had ran away. It did not matter that Ikram had sat down and had explained that her father and her mother were separated and that her mother was living in porthacourt and that she just arrived Abuja days ago. It all felt like a calculated lie. The man with her was going to receive the worst punishment for following her here to spew such nonsense.

"What do you guys want?" Noorie's very angry face appeared on his screen. "I've told you times without number to leave me alone. I don't want to talk to you, why won't you let me have peace in this confined place" she had added glaring at Alhaji Matazu.

He rose his head slowly and stared at Ikram who was staring at his hands curiously wondering who the person behind the screen is.

"Keh! Are you really in the hospital?" Ya Shahid asked angrily making her cower a little. She knew he did not care a bit about her, unlike Alhaji Matazu.

"Where else would I be?" She grumbled stubbornly with a pout.

"Ask the security or whoever is there with you to show us your surrounding" he ordered and Noorie pushed her lips forward before relaying what her older brother said to the caretaker. The woman smiled and moved around Noorie's room and even showed herself to them. "You're really at the clinic" Ya Shahid lamented absentmindedly with furrowed brows.

"I told you I hadn't gone anywhere" she protested with a huff.

"Who are you then?" Ya Shahid asked Ikram who sighed tiredly. The other siblings had already moved towards their father, collected the phone, taking turns to see Noorie and trust her to disrespect each and every single one of them who tried to greet her.
******

"Your family is way dramatic than any I've ever seen and trust me, my mother's family are very dramatic too" Ikram commented as Maryam walked her to her father's car. After the confirmation, Maryam's family became civil.

They offered them food and drinks and kept talking about the uncanny resemblance. They even showed her Noorie's pictures, which she had already seen with Maryam. She knew they looked alike. Maryam's mother has been the only one who kept her distance.

The only thing running in her head was if this was Ikram's father, then he's Noorie's father. Her mother did say there had been twins that night. She felt ashamed of herself for being the reason for the separation of a family.

"When would we go see Noorie" Ikram had asked excitedly, making Maryam stiffen. She felt Noorie was still filled with resentment about her life and it would be a mistake to inform her about Ikram's discovery.

"I don't think that's a good idea" Maryam had said making Ikram frown.

"Why?"

"Well, Noorie is in a mental facility for starters. I was hoping we give her time. Did you hear how she spoke to her family? These people were here for her from birth........."

"Maryam, I understand"

"No you don't. You don't understand it. You've not been here to witness it all. I know her, and I know nows not the best time to go see her" Maryam said in a tone of finality.

They stood by her father's car. He was on his way with Alhaji Matazu and Ya Shahid side by side. Alhaji Matazu's hands were flying in every direction, no doubt explaining Noorie's predicament.

"I know what Noorie is going through" Ikram had said making Maryam cock a brow. "Noorie inherited my mother's illness. My mother has been in mental facility in porthacourt for as long as I can remember. Even though her family blame my dad for what happened to her, I believe she inherited from one of her parent who are both late......"

"O Allah! I am so sorry" Maryam whispered softly, making Ikram nod.

"Noorie is my twin, I should see her. I need her to know we are here for her too. I need her to meet her father at least. Can you do that for me?" She asked softly. Maryam found herself nodding. Soon afterwards, Mubaraq arrived with Alhaji Matazu and Ya Shahid. They all stood and watched father and daughter get into the car. They waved them goodbye, as they drove off.

Ya Shahid had a big grin on his face. Maryam wondered why he was in a good mood. It could not have been the talk with Mubaraq, Maryam thought as they walked back to the main house.

"I am so glad she's not our problem anymore" he had said chuckling. Alhaji Matazu glared at him but ofcourse Ya Shahid hadn't noticed. He wouldn't have to hear about Noorie, now that her family is in the picture.

Alhaji Matazu sighed softly, as they walked into the house. His two wives sat on opposite sofas. While his first wife had her attention on the television, the second one was staring into space. He knew he had to break the news to them right away. He had been through so much in their hands. He needed space.

"Ummi" he had called Maryam's mother. She looked up tiredly. He ignored the pain he felt in his heart knowing he was about to shatter her dreams further, he needed this to keep him sane. "Please go home, until I send for you" he had said handing her a piece of paper.

"Inna lillahi wa Inna lillahi rajiunnnn" Mama shouted at the top of her voice. "Alhaji what's the meaning of this?" She asked in confusion. How could he divorce his wife. It's obvious the content of the white paper is definitely a hand written analysis of his divorce.

"Should I go with the kids?" She asked standing up. He nodded tiredly and she nodded too. She knew a day like this would come. She knew she had done enough to earn a divorce. She had cried before and she wasn't going to cry now.

"What are you saying? Aren't you going to beg him? Why are you all standing? Ask him to take it back!" Mama had yelled at the top of her voice. Nobody moved, not even Maryam. It was like everybody expected it.

"Here's yours too. Please go home, until I ask for you" he had said handing Mama her own letter of divorce.

Mama went rigid. She stared at his hands for some moments then back at his face. He had a neutral expression as if what he was doing at the moment was very normal. He didn't even bat a lash.

"Aliyu! Have you lost your mind? Why exactly are you giving me this too? What have I done to you?" She asked hysterically. "I did not bring Noorie into this house, I didn't fuel her antics and I most definitely wasn't in support of you marrying that wretched girl who was birthed by a wretched mother. Why are you sending me away?"

"Please just go" he whispered tiredly closing his eyes for some time.

"Are you all going to stand there and watch him do this to me?" She yelled loudly, yet none of her children moved. She snatched the paper and read it's content. She chuckled bitterly in disbelief.

"Tahir go and get my bags" Alhaji Matazu had said. His son obediently went to get his father's property, ignoring his mother's lamentation.

Alhaji Matazu headed to the door, ignoring all his children and their pleading eyes, he turned to Mama who was watching him bewilderedly.

"Take your children with you please. This house is on sale"

Mama threw her hands up and clapped in disbelief, while he walked away as he inhaled and exhaled feeling less burdened.
******
Ikram sat in front of Islam, glaring at his hands as he was about to try a trick he has learnt for the umpteenth time. Iman was on the phone whispering and smiling profusely.

Janan and Mubaraq were talking in hushed tones as they allowed the TV work itself. Mubaraq was yet to meet her family, which Janan was dreading in secret.

She had no idea how it might go and that seemed to be the only thing Mubaraq talks about. There was a soft knock on the door, and Iman had stood up immediately to go see who it was.

His expression turned cold as he stared at his father. Junaid wore a sad expression which Iman doesn't buy. Not after what he had done the last time he visited with that his woman. Thank God she was nowhere to be found today.

"Good afternoon sir" Iman greeted loud enough for his mother to come to the door. But her discussion with Mubaraq seemed to have taken her attention.

"Iman How are you?"

"Fine"

"Can I come in? Or are we going to keep standing by the door?"

"I don't think that's a good idea"

"Would you step away from the door my friend. I need to see your mother" he had said frowning at Iman. Iman shrugged and stepped away. He was hoping to spare him the hurt of seeing Janan and Mubaraq but since his father was being difficult, he was welcome to hurt himself further.

"Assalamualaikum......." He had said slowly, seeing the same family he had met the last time he visited. Ikram had a big grin on her face, until she had turned towards Junaid.

The last time he was here had been quite loud and annoying. When Ikram and her father had visited, Junaid had openly glared at them, ignoring the TV and his fiancé. When nobody paid attention to him or his blatant glares he decided to take this personal.

"This is your daughter?" He called out, and Mubaraq inhaled deeply before turning to him. He hated how Junaid had decided to make himself feel like a superior to him.

"Yes she is" he had replied curtly, hinting that he hated the conversation. But ofcourse Junaid wasn't going to stop for anybody. He had a plan, and he was going to set it in motion whether it works out or not.

"How old were you when you had her?" He asked again, ignoring the way his fiance was squeezing his hand to get him to stop. Mubaraq stiffened immediately and furrowed his brows. He couldn't understand why it was any of Junaid's business. "You're older than her with what exactly, a year or two? It's obvious you were a teen dad, so out with it and save us all the stress" Junaid had added. When his fiancé squeezed his hands to get him to stop, Junaid unclasped their hands and shifted away from her after glaring at her.

"Listen, I am not here to exchange words with you. Please, concentrate on your program and let me be" Mubaraq had stated calmly.

Junaid actually laughed. He wiped a tear, as he did. He loved how laid back Mubaraq is. He figured it would be easy to bully him out of his relationship with Janan.

"Exchange words? Young man, I am almost a father figure to you, if I was a teen dad like you, I would definitely had birthed you so would Janan, so address me with respect. We are not exchanging words, I give orders you obey, I ask questions and you answer.
Janan is fragile and she doesn't know what she wants. Frolicking with you isn't going to change the fact that she's older than you with a decade or so. You're only fit for brotherly duties and not love. Why don't you just disappear from her life and save everybody the stress of having to criticize this nonsense you're about to indulge yourself and her in?..."

"How about you get out?" Janan had retorted having listened to the rubbish he was spewing.

Junaid's rigid shoulders became flaccid and he became dumbfounded.
"What do you mean by I should leave?" He asked exasperatedly. She ignored him though.

She had simply walked to the door, yanked it open and pointed outside, while throwing daggers at him and his stooge.

"You're making a big mistake, Janan" he stated still staring at her.

"Until you learn how to talk to my guests, you're not welcome here Junaid. Please leave before I do something both of us will regret" she warned again. His fiance didn't need to be told twice, she bounced out of the house, her head up high, refusing to look intimidated.

Junaid stood up angrily. He hated the turns the situation had taken. He eyed Mubaraq who stared at the TV, acting as if Junaid did not exist and it agitated him more.

"You will pick this child over me. I am trying to help you. Imagine what people would say. Do you think his parents would accept you. Even if you have been celibate for eternity, won't change the fact that you're older than him. Just because you kept fit, doesn't mean your wrinkles won't show before his......."

"Dad. Please get out" Islam had cut him off with a disapproving look. He huffed and stormed out, and Janan banged the door after him.

Ikram was glad the attention wasn't on her anymore, atleast Junaid had made a big dummy out of himself.

"Sorry about that" Janan had said, staring at Mubaraq who had a small assuring smile on his face. Ikram looked from one person to another and couldn't find help but giggle at how carried away they were by themselves.

Islam wondered which was more cringe worthy. Noorie the psycho's lookalike, or his mother's googly eyes to Mubaraq.

And today, Junaid had decided to bring himself here again.
"What are you doing here? Iman why did you open the door for him?" Janan had asked exasperatedly when she saw him standing by the door.

Iman shrugged.

"Don't blame him. I practically forced myself in" he had said softly.

"What are you doing here again?"

Junaid knelt down.

"What are you doing Junaid, please stop it. The kids are here" she yelled palming her face.

"I am on my knees, begging you to please forgive me. What I did was uncalled for. I should not have called the boy names. I was clouded with jealousy, and I regret my actions. Please forgive me"

Janan groaned frustratingly, she could not ignore the fact that he was still referring to Mubaraq as a boy.

"He's not a boy. Just because you're older than him doesn't make him less a man like you. He's not......"

"I apologise for that. Just forgive me. I could not sleep a wink knowing you're angry with me. Forgive me Janan" he said stretching his hands towards her.

Janan sighed and went to him. She held his hands and pulled him up, he used that opportunity to wrap his arms around her.

"Have you forgiven me for my foolishness?" He whispered but enough for the whole room to hear. It's his own way of seducing her, it used to work and it has to work now.

"Yes. Please, treat my guests with respect. It's none of your business what I do with him" she warned absentmindedly, not noticing how he was caressing her back in an attempt to spite Mubaraq. And ofcourse it was working because his jaws were locked and he was glaring at Junaid's hand.

"I will" Junaid said cunningly before engulfing her into a hug. Her hands remained by her side, while he kept roaming his hands over back and her arms. Mubaraq had looked away in grief. He couldn't watch. "Thank you for not throwing me away, and thank you for not letting me know he's just your friend so I could show that I still love you"

That statement had successfully irked Janan. She struggled out of his grip and glared at him.

"Friendship? Who said he was my friend? We are in a relationship, we are getting married. If you cannot accept it leave!" She had yelled poking his chest.

Junaid frowned. The plan did not go as planned. Was she immune to his hugs and caresses now?

"Is that a joke?"

"No, it's not! I love Mubaraq, he loves me too. We are not frolicking and we are not wasting our time. We are getting married and you......"

Just then Janan's father pushed open the door where Iman stood dumbfounded. Islam was trying to stop himself from throwing up. His mother's confession about love in front of them tops the list of the cringe worthy things that has happened to him. While Ikram was beaming uncontrollably, Mubaraq felt alive and he relieved.
"Who is getting married?" Janan's father had asked looking from Janan to Mubaraq with a solemn expression.

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