This chapter is dedicated to Carpathia
When a reader understands your characters, there is always this joy I can't simply explain. Your comments are worth more than gold. Thanks for your steadfast support. I'm glad that I met you.

A WILD STORM

★★★★★

The following morning when Zayn woke up to the call of the Adhan, he climbed down from his ornate king-size bed looking worn out in the previous day's outfit. He hadn't had enough rest since he came home an hour before, he needed to sleep for as long as he could since it was the weekend and his day off but first, he had to answer the call to his Lord, the Mighty, the Wise.

Thence he headed on to perform ablution, then returned to observe his Fajr prayer. Usually, he liked to pray his morning devotion in a nearby mosque but he was too exhausted to step his feet downstairs given the previous night's events. His mind and soul were no longer on good terms with his body after learning the truth about his brother's birth.

He thought for once his father was right when he said some things are better left untold because for some reason, the longer he thought about this matter, the more he felt something inside of him fall apart. He didn't know how to face the others upon learning what his father and Saleh had done. He dared not go near them lest he revealed too much given his disorganized state of mind. That was why he refused to go back to the family house, at least not that very day.

Zayn sat there on his plush prayer mat for a bit longer than before, facing the Qibla with his hands raised heavenward. Sitting there before his Lord, his heart was filled with hope as he beseeched the Almighty for solace and an end to his heart-wrenching misery. He had never known unwanted thoughts to be such a cankerworm, eating into his soul and destroying vulnerable parts. What had he done to deserve such an ordeal? He had to stop thinking before his brain hurt.

The night before, he sought sleep as a measure to escape the cruel reality of the situation with the hope that he may forget everything but the moment he woke up, he was reminded of it all and he was set in motion like a yachtsman sailing a ship ashore and he feared he may not be able to deliver everyone safely to their destination. Without warning, their fate appeared to be changing bit by bit: taking over the hospital from his father, his grandmother's critical condition, Teslim's health, Ahmad's marital issues, Omar's intentions that he hadn't taken seriously, his brother's proposal which was a threat to the dignity of the family, Yusuf who was the patient he had become attached to without planning and then there was 'her', the wild storm he must sail through to get everyone ashore safely without hurt.

He would verily be delusional if he thought she was the least of his problem for she was his only problem. This was not the life he had planned, a life with obstacles. He ought to look for a way to get her out of his lane so peace would reign once more. So with raised hands in supplication, he wished for guidance through this pitch darkness into which his father whom he deemed a liar had thrown him. He prayed that whatever his decision may be, shouldn't hurt anyone.

After the prayer, he folded up the mat and walked over to place it in the wardrobe where it belonged. His eyes fell on a small gift package that Hannan had brought for him the night of his welcome party. It was placed in his box of old stuff but Zayn didn't know why he noticed it particularly and until that very moment he hadn't attempted to open it to check what was inside. He also didn't know why he was curious about her so suddenly, curious to know what was inside, and now without having any second thoughts, he found himself tearing off the gift wrap to reveal a small framed painting of a white kitten.

From Hannan Saleh

That was what was simply embossed on the lower edge of the painting. He just stared at it, not sure if he was surprised but he was sure he didn't perceive her gestures as fondly as he had done Aylin's. He remembered the bliss of the moment when she had given him the book. He studied the painting for a while before turning it over, his eyes caught a glimpse of a write-up that was intricately engraved behind the wooden frame.

And Allah's is the direction of the way, and some roads go not straight. And had He willed He would have led you all aright.

He recited the words and it seemed to him like those were a verse from the scripture. He pondered upon the meaning and he couldn't help but wonder why she had chosen to put that verse there. It looked like it was carefully selected. Was it some kind of message to him? Peradventure it was just a coincidence that those words held a grave meaning that he apparently could relate to.

His thoughts had been so occupied with the reason behind her efforts that he hardly noticed when Hanamy had ambled gracefully between his feet, tickling his calves with the tip of her tail. Zayn looked down to see the white feline arching her back to rub against his ankles. She paused and then purred at the sight of Zayn stooping to look into her piercing blue eyes.

"What?"Zayn asked in a whisper seeing that the cat was stretching its fluffy body to see what he held in his hand. He had to squat to her level in a bid to show her the painting. And now that he thought about it, studying the image carefully, it did look like the smaller version of Hanamy. Zayn repressed a smile upon noticing the cat's reaction. She shook her lady-like body.

"See this, it's a mini Hanamy." He placed the frame on the rug before the cat. He saw her wagging her tail at first, then purred at the sight of what she recognized to be a fellow feline. He saw the cat slowly touching its paw to the frame, then jumped over it playfully. She stopped, staring at Zayn with her glowing blue eyes. He ran his hand smoothly along her furry spine and the tip of her tail wagged with pleasure.

Zayn noticed that even the cat could find happiness easily while he had to struggle between the heavens and earth to find his. The pain of being a human.

The similitude between Hannan and Hanamy seemed to get odd every minute. It didn't stop him from picking the cat up into his arms. He tried not to dwell on the thought or even recollect how he had come to name his pet after his now worst nightmare.

He picked up her gift and stood up, intending to put it away so it didn't have to remind him of her. As he reached to place the frame on his nightstand without intending his thought strayed to a forgotten memory of little Hannan.

FLASHBACK

The Durbar Festival was a spectacular horse parade in Kano. There was nothing Zayn wanted more than to participate in that contest, it was the last thing he wanted to do before he left for the States and he might not be able to live with himself if he didn't take part in that parade. To prove how serious he was, he had to spend a fortune to fetch himself a stallion which he and his friends had hidden in his grandfather's stables for more than a week.

They were going to put the animal in a truck they had rented but at fourteen none of them had a driving license or any driving experience. Then why were they teenage boys if they could not take such a crazy risk?

Zayn was certain his schemes would go according to plan and now Omar, Ahmad, and Shifu were sneaking the horse out of the palace when nobody was around the compound. And of course, Zayn had tipped the palace guards so he was rest assured even when they saw his friends with the horse they'd all turn a blind eye to it.

So he thought but little did they know that trouble lurked aboard. The restless souls made their way to the front yard. The palace gate was surprisingly opened, and sitting there was a little girl, a seven-year-old Hanamy. Her presence meant trouble. At that moment they knew that they were dead meats. The mouthy one would tell on them if she happened to notice them and found out what they were about to do.

"Oh no! Don't tell me we're going to deal with that." Omar exclaimed, turning around to face Zayn, the mastermind who was now strolling out of their veranda to join them.

Zayn cast a glance her way and saw how unkempt she was looking in her little peach dress. She didn't seem to notice them because she had been playing with her favorite Disney princess, a Barbie doll. She had all her attention on whatever she was doing with the toy that she didn't even perceive Zayn who was now standing very close to her.

He scrutinized her intently, that was the only time he had to look at the child without casting his gaze away from her because she always irritated him. She was fat with bushy hair like a squirrel tail and a bad attitude for a child. The way she always disrespected Ahmad before their eyes baffled him and he found it upsetting. Aliya, his sister was not nearly as bad as that child when it came to being disrespectful. At least Aliya knew her place and when to keep her mouth shut but Hanamy was a wild cat with fangs and claws for a mouth.

Looking at her once more he moved back to Ahmad upon realizing that he didn't have the energy to deal with the mouthy one and her tantrums, she may end up making him lose it as his head was hot at the moment. "Ahmad do something about her." He whispered."She doesn't have to see us taking the horse out of the compound, if not she'll rat us out."

"Okay, I'll distract her," Ahmad assured them, hoping she didn't create a scene. They knew better not to disturb her while she played on but he wanted to try his luck anyway.

Ahmad walked up to her and squatted near her on the concrete floor where she sat planted. Of all places she chose the mouth of the gate, the only entrance into the palace. "Ya Hanamy." He called softly, to earn her attention but she didn't spare him a glance. "Where is Umma?"

"Umma is in the backyard with Inna and the others." She answered, never taking her eyes off her plaything.

"Okay, come I want to show you something." He said, pulling her up from the floor. The plan was to get her inside so she didn't have to see them moving the horse out of the place. If she did, she was going to tell on them and that was bad news for the boys, even for Zayn who had always somehow managed to get away with his crimes in the past.

"But I don't want to leave here." She looked at him with an annoyed expression as her hands continuously braided her doll's hair. She wished that her cousin would just go away so she could concentrate.

"Alright that's it, I'll carry you if I have to," Ahmad warned because he was impatient at the moment. He couldn't risk Hafsah or Zayn's mother finding them there.

Lifting her with force, she began to battle with him. "Just leave me alone!" She screamed. Her awful shrilling threw Zayn off to a point where he had to respond to the situation.

"Ahmad, what are you doing? Just get her inside, fetch the truck keys, and let's bounce." Zayn hurried him impatiently.

"I'm trying," Ahmad said, while pulling her inside but she was too adamant to give in. She started shouting, fighting back with everything she had. Looking at the scene one would think that she was being abducted. Zayn was dumbfounded by her bad temper, he never expected her to throw a fit too quickly, maybe it was Ahmad who did not handle the situation well enough. He saw him snatch her doll, the sight of which was like adding gasoline to an already burning flame.

As Ahmad dragged her into the house, little Hanamy burst into tears and began to cry and curse out loud. "Leave me alone. Give back my toy you old fart." Were all it took to flare up Zayn's anger.

"Old Fart?" A dark look appeared in his eyes. While the others laughed at what she said, Zayn didn't find it funny. It provoked him because it was disrespectful for her to talk to his friend in such a manner.

"Unsightly," He spat, narrowing his eyes on the child. "No sign of intelligence or dignity at all." He marched towards them, stopping at the door.

"What did I just hear you say?" He leaned back on the door frame, folding his hands over his chest, he looked deadly. When little Hanamy saw the spirit that was standing by the door she froze, stepping back in fear.

He stepped forward as she shrunk back, taking slow steps away from him. "Now if I ever catch you cursing at your older brother, I'll cut off your hair." He threatened, sticking out his index finger at her.

"Argh! Leave me alone."She shrieked. He grabbed her by her hair, stopping her from moving an inch.

"Next time don't insult your brother in my presence, if I catch you doing that I'll spank you so hard that you won't be able to sit on your butt." He warned, before releasing her from his grip. And when she turned to flee headlong she was absolutely a wild storm that rained fire and ice. She didn't just let the ship capsize, she made sure the captain drowned along with his fellow sailors. Soon the whole house was aware of what was going on outside.

"GET AWAY FROM ME!" She cried, running and falling anything on her path. It wasn't just his tall frame that frightened her, but those dark orbs of his were the deadliest things she had ever perceived. She had always been scared of him.

"UMMA!" She called out to her mother who was in the palace kitchen."Umma! There's a spirit in our house."Her voice resonated across the corridor, reaching the women. They had no idea what was going down under their roof.

Zayn watched as she ran off and his lips creased into a wrathful smirk. He knew she had ruined his plans already. He wasn't the one to give up on his ambition so came up with another plan to get them out of the mess they got themselves in. They didn't run around the entire school all for nothing. He walked out of the house and just started to head back to the truck.

"Zayn?" A voice called as soon as he opened the truck door.

Zayn finally laid his eyes on his grandmother. The other boys stayed behind, waiting for him in the truck save one of them. Unknown to him Shifu had wandered off to stroll around, taking in the view of the fascinating architectural wonder of the age fortress. That was his first time being in a palace. He came across a pool somewhere in the compound. Without thinking it through the young soul stripped out of his clothes, getting ready to take a swim.

"What are you?" Zayn heard her ask and his eyes traveled to see that they had an audience. The town crier had succeeded in assembling the entire household. His eyes met her, she was hiding behind her mother where she thought safe. He felt like spanking her right away but first, he had to clear up the atmosphere. So he followed Inna who had motioned him to come.

"Inna, I'm sorry. I just wanted to make memories." Shifu heard Zayn telling an old woman. They were heading his way. He turned to look at them and saw them staring aghast at him. Upon sighting the child, Innajo raised a questioning brow at Zayn and he huffed weakly.

"The stripping one is my friend." He came clean, letting out a sigh. "Come on! Shifu put your clothes back on." Zayn shouted at the shirtless one and watched as he slipped his shirt on and collected his dreadlocks into a ponytail.

"So, would you let me and my friends participate in the Durbar festival?"

"I can't do that. I've got strict orders from your grandfather not to let you roam about the city without taking any of the palace guards with you."

"Fine we'll take them along, but he doesn't have to know. I promise we'll get back home before nightfall." After pleading his life out with Innajo he saw his plans becoming futile even before they got the chance to execute them.

"I'll let you go on one condition." She secretly went around the house with Zayn on her tail. They entered the courtyard where she presented a brown box to him and atop, it was written:

Farewell My Child.

It was a 'Forget Me Not' gift from his grandmother. When Zayn opened it he was faced with a small white kitten and he also knew what her condition was. He was not a fan of pets, especially not cats. He'd have to keep this particular one on account of his beloved grandmother. And because little Hanamy always reminded him of wild cats, he immediately named his pet after her.

*****

There was a knock on the door bringing Zayn back to the present and making him forget where he wanted to put the painting. He left it on the nightstand as he turned to face the door. Thomas had emerged from there carrying with him a large breakfast tray, decorated ceremoniously with a fine collection of cutleries and platinum and ceramic plates.

"Good morning, sir!" He greeted as he approached his master. Thomas didn't know if he answered his greeting or not but he did hear him mumble something as he set the tray on a glass stool that sat near his lounge chair.

Zayn gently placed Hanamy down on the carpeted floor where the feline waited in expectation of milk or something fishy.

"I've made your favorite, grilled fish!" Thomas said to the cat and pointed to a linen tea cloth covering the plate. Zayn was allergic to fish so he was certain that wasn't for him.

He wasn't sure if what he had was an allergy or just an aversion to the smell of fish that made his stomach churn whenever he ate any meal that had fish in it. Its smell alone could make his guts stir to the point where he might just want to vomit. He watched as Thomas reached for the plate and placed it in front of the cat and to his greatest surprise he didn't perceive any fishy stench.

"That looks nice," He remarked, noticing the grilled fish garnished with tomato sauce.

Thomas smiled upon his words."I've made you something nice too, Chicken à la king."He gestured to the ceramic plates containing his work, making Zayn shift his gaze to see a refined French cuisine presented most elegantly. He was a simple man but he took delight in such things. Thomas's culinary art was one of a kind.

Zayn thought Thomas was wasting his talent on him because he knew how to prepare a lot of continental dishes. With such great talent, the man should seek employment in a five-star hotel as a chef or possibly own a restaurant. Zayn could never understand his loyalty to this household.

"What is chicken à la king?"He asked, turning away to fill his tea mug from a kettle.

"It's a dish consisting of diced chicken in a cream sauce, and often with sherry, mushrooms, and vegetables, served over rice, pasta, or bread."Thomas opened the plates to reveal the food and to Zayn's delight, it looked so appetizing.

"Excellent!" Zayn said as he took his spot on the couch, his eyes glistening with interest."I hope it tastes as good as it looks." He sipped from his cup of steaming tea. "What type of tea is this?"

"It's oolong tea, originated from China. I hope you like it, sir."

Zayn nodded"Yes, It's nice. I like the aroma."

"It's mildly acidic, rich in antioxidants, and promotes relaxation and stress relief." Zayn nodded encouragingly at the last words of his explanation of the benefits of Chinese tea. Maybe it would help him relax. It was almost a miracle that Thomas always knew what he needed. He wasn't just his servant, he was his caretaker.

"Come sit with me, let's have some tea." He ushered him to join him on the seat and Thomas was a little hesitant for a moment before walking over to sit beside him. Although he was far older than Zayn he felt he and the handsome young man shared something much greater than a master and a servant relationship. Zayn had always been kind to him and in return, he adored and cherished him.

Zayn felt that there was no need to be formal with his most trusted servant so he poured him some tea."I wanted to ask you something."He uttered, passing the teacup to Thomas.

"Thank you, sir." He accepted the offer with a slightly slouch posture. It was not like he was uncomfortable in the master's presence despite their closeness but he was well aware of the difference between their social status.

"Don't mention it." Zayn waved it off with a flick of his wrist, leaning into his seat.

"What was it you wanted to ask, sir?"

"I was wondering if you knew anyone by the name Ruqayyah."

"There was a palace maid that went by that name, but she left a long time ago. I have not seen her for the past two decades." Zayn paused as the words rolled out of his mouth. It was as if he knew exactly the information he wanted to hear.

"So you don't know where she went, perhaps know anyone she is related to." He thought if he met one-on-one with Ruqayyah she might tell him what exactly happened at that hospital twenty years ago. He could start his investigation from there. His father was fond of filtering his words and hiding the most sensitive part of it all. He told lies like tales. Just when he was about to trust and at least bond with him, this had to happen. How was he supposed to trust him if he kept hiding things from him?

"I have no idea, Sir."

"Okay," He simply stood up and turned away.

"Lest I forget sir, you have some visitors downstairs," Thomas informed him and he was quite sure it was Omar. He had invited him over for a chat. They were supposed to discuss and make preparations for Ahmad's forthcoming wedding.

Their other friends saw the occasion as an opportunity to have their alumni reunion since they hadn't had any since their passing out from secondary school. It was a welcome idea by all and Zayn and Omar were in charge of the planning, and more to that Ahmad had chosen Zayn to be his best man. He couldn't afford to fail his best friend on his special occasion since he wasn't around when he and Teslim took the plunge.

Zayn gave a brief nod as a sign that he was aware of the guest's arrival and Thomas couldn't help but notice the slightest change in his eyes. It looked like his pupil had disappeared and all he could see was darkness with a shard of bitterness.

"Are you okay, Sir?"

"I'm fine, I just need to shower." Zayn asserted, offering him a small smile, then strode into the bathroom. It wasn't long until Thomas left to attend to other things. Hanamy was curled in a corner of the bed, licking her paws, she purred when she saw him leaving and the manservant took that as a symbol of appreciation for feeding the animal.

"And a year later, Hannan was born, I felt there was no greater way to repay Saleh for what he had done for me. So I had her betrothed to you, my son. So that she will one day become the Queen of this great Emirate." His father's words played in his mind. Was that what Saleh wanted for his daughter all along? No, he was overthinking it. He shook his head and moved languidly to pour his tepid tea down the drain. It was no longer appealing to him.

Each time he was reminded of the odd conversation he had with his father the night before, it felt like someone left a dagger in his chest. There was no way he could consider being with someone like her, not after what she did at the hospital parking lot. She might have changed physically, but she was still a child at heart. There was no way he could put up with her bad temper. It was not worth considering.

She might be everything his father said she was but she was nothing like her sister or any other woman he had met. She seemed to have a loud opinion about everything and a little adamant in her disposition. Maybe he didn't know her well enough to reach such a conclusive opinion about her but he wasn't planning to know her or even change his impression about her. He wanted her out of his lane.

He never thought he would see himself taking Omar's words seriously. He had shown his interest in the girl, maybe he should just let him do the needful. He was considering letting his friend marry her in his place. Zayn was in a dilemma because as much as he wanted to give his dear friend his support he felt that the girl was too young and immature, even for Omar. She needed more time to grow.

After having his bath, Zayn headed on to change into a pair of black joggers, and a grey hooded sweatshirt. He checked his phone and saw some missed calls from Ahmad and Omar. He also had a missed call and a message from his uncle, Sheikh Jaffar Ali, saying they should meet up, he had an important matter to discuss with him which was why he urged Zayn to create time out of his busy schedule to come and see him at the National mosque on Friday before the khutbah session. Zayn couldn't wait to see him, the only person he knew would understand him and give some reasonable advice.

With a deep sigh of exhaustion, he slipped his phone into his hoodie pocket and exited the room to meet up with his brother. He wondered why he had not come upstairs, the Omar he knew would not hesitate to come to his room or even enter the bathroom to check if he was in there, just like he did when they were young teenage boys.

Zayn climbed down the stairs to the bottom floor of his three-storey mansion, it was quiet until he heard noise from the kitchen. He walked through the living room, heading to the kitchen and when he flung the door open, he wasn't at all expecting to find his stepmother and Yasmeen sitting on a long bench and sipping from their respective cups of steaming coffee.

His eyes shifted to meet his sister who sat on a breakfast bar across from them. Zayn was surprised to see someone other than Aliya draped in a navy blue jilbab, and dicing fruits over the counter. It was only when he said the Salaam and entered the room that he saw who it was that had graced them with her presence in the early hours of the morning.

His limbs suddenly felt heavy and he was at a loss for words as he walked up to her. She greeted him with a bright smile from where she stood near Aliya. It was Hajiya Maryam, his father's younger and only sister, the woman who was a spitting image of his father, despite their gender differences. She had his father's facial features; from his straight nose, and his arched eyebrows to even his honey-brown undertone complexion. She was the woman who took care of him when he was in kindergarten and at the time his mother had been heavy with Aliya.

He hadn't been in contact with her since he left for the States and when he returned he couldn't even visit her. Now there she was under his roof, which was why he felt embarrassed when his eyes laid on her. He was happy to meet her with that happy smile she wore yet so ashamed of his behaviour toward the woman who practically raised him with love. It was said that in the Ali family, a child is not raised by one person and this woman was proof of that. Being the elder grandson he was like everybody's child.

Zayn felt even more abashed when she exclaimed"Ya salaam! This boy has turned into an arab man completely." She shared a knowing smile with his stepmother.

Oh no! Please don't start. Zayn thought, but it was too late to abort, he was already in their midst and he was well aware of the upcoming adoration speech for him. These women were ready to finish him with talk.

"Masha Allah! You've become too handsome for the world standard." She said as he got closer to her and engulfed her in a loose hug.

He smiled, laughing at her speech, then said" You seem to be getting younger yourself, what's the secret?" She giggled at that, then took a slice of apple from her plate and fed it to him. She would have fed him mango but she remembered he was allergic to those.

"That is my secret, I hope that answers your question, my son." For a woman who was well over her fifties, she looked lively and energetic and she remained ever ravishing just as Zayn had left her.

"Aunty, ina farin cikin haduwa da ke.( I'm pleased to meet you.)" Zayn chewed on and she would have fed him more if his mouth wasn't already full.

"Nikuma gaskiya, ina farin cikin haduwa da kai( Honestly, I'm so happy to see you again)" She looked at him in admiration and smiled so much so that her golden tooth shone, a testament that she had gone for hajj (pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca)."I hope you brought us a wife with this." She referred to his tall frame and good looks.

"Of course, he did because this cannot go to waste."Aisha chimed in, she was Omar's elder sister. She appeared at the door with Hajiya Maryam's girls following behind her."I hear she's a fine woman too."She was talking about Aylin from the rumor she had heard.

"Aunty Aisha, ke ma kin zo (you came too?)He welcomed her with a warm smile and they exchanged greetings just like they normally did over the phone while he was away. Just as he was about to ask after her husband and kids, a feminine voice interrupted him.

"Uncle Zayn, do you remember me."It was Zainab, his aunt's youngest daughter. She was only eight years old when he left and now she was about Imran's age and almost reaching his shoulders in height. He couldn't believe how tall she had grown.

"How can I forget my little Dr. Zee."He called her by her childhood nickname which he named her himself. She had been his favorite little cousin because they shared the same initials.

"I thought you wouldn't."She smiled proudly, glad that he had a recollection of her childhood memories.

"I have a good memory, my dear."He threw an arm around her neck, pulling her close affectionately. "So tell me, Dr.Zee. Did you study medicine just like you promised me you would?"

"No, Dr. Zee, I couldn't gain admission into medical school, so I went for pharmacy instead."

"Masha Allah! That is great, so I can now call you Pham. Zee instead."

"No, you can still call me Dr. Zee, I don't mind," Zainab said, giggling as she looked over at her older sister who had now come into view from behind Aisha. She rolled her eyes at the both of them calling each other some ridiculous nickname. She was somewhat jealous that Zayn preferred her sister to her.

"Is that Bola? Why the straight face? Aren't you happy to see me?"

"Haba! Uncle Zayn, I was coming to greet you." She was forced to smile even though she hadn't intended to.

"With that stone face of yours. You almost scare me away. So you haven't changed your ways." He teased her and everyone laughed. She hated it when he did that, even as a child. Bola was the kind of girl who was easily irritated and was fond of keeping a neutral expression. When she wasn't smiling one could think she was angry.

"Wanan yanrinya (this girl?)" Hajiya Maryam interjected with a small frown. She didn't like her elder daughter's personality. "May God help her. I pray she doesn't chase away her suitors with this stony expression." She didn't know how she came to give birth to such an unsociable daughter when she was the stark opposite.

"Haba! Mama Bola, ki kiale ta(Leave her alone) she will change, it's just a matter of time," Zayn said, making his aunty smile, loosening her frown. He turned to Bola and asked about her studies where he learned that she was studying Marine Engineering at the University of Lagos and she was on her second semester break.

Zayn looked around to see that he was surrounded by women and for a moment he wondered what had assembled them in his house that early. He was a little taken aback to learn from Bola that almost all of his family had come to see their grandmother. The whole family was devastated to hear the news of her critical condition. Innajo was the oldest of the family, the one who kept them all together, and hearing that she was unwell was a resounding blow to their heart. It was heartbreaking for them all.

They had all chosen to visit her at the hospital later in the day and Zayn couldn't believe they had been in his house since the previous day.

"How is your father?" He asked Bola and watched how she easily reached his shoulder as she walked alongside him when they left the kitchen. She was around ten when he travelled out. He kind of liked that she was taciturn but he still preferred the one that he shared the same initial with who was quite reserved too but somewhat sociable compared to her sister.

"Abbah is fine. Did my mum tell you we have relocated to join him in Lagos?" She informed him and his eyebrows raised slightly before shaking his head as a sign that he was not aware of that piece of information."That was why we couldn't attend your party. Wallah! traveling from Lagos to Abuja by road is almost a day's journey and by the time we got the news, it was too late to book a flight."

Zayn listened and offered her an understanding smile. When they reached the living room, the eyes that stared back at him belonged to the women of his family. Bola was right, they didn't look like they came in at dawn.

The moment he entered, their chattering stopped and they all turned to face him. An older woman sat at the edge of the sofa next to his mother. She smiled warmly at him when her eyes fell on him. Seeing that smile, Zayn was immediately reminded that he hadn't seen her in more than a decade so he walked over to greet Hajiyat Amina, the Emira of Kano. Aside from his mother, she was the only member of the family from a different race and of course, she was Omar's beloved mother.

"Assalaam Alaikum."He greeted in a deep throaty voice and there was a simultaneous reply, accompanied by giggles and laughter from the women around him.

"Ah ah! Are you trying to scare us?"His mother had to complain because she was almost startled by his act. Looking up at him, she saw a small smirk appear at the corner of his lips. She smiled back and averted her his from him to the noble lady who sat next to her.

Zayn thought it right to sit on the other side so he could apologize to Umm Omar properly because he knew what her next words would be. He reached over to kiss her hand and then asked about her well-being. She replied positively before praying for him since it was the first time they'd seen each other in a long while.

"Zayn, kana gujemu ko? (Are you avoiding us?)" And just as he predicted, she had been the first to attack him. This woman was Kuwaiti but she spoke Hausa like she was born in Northern Nigeria."Didn't Khalifa deliver my message to you?"

"He did but I'm at fault. I'm sorry Ya ummiy, I've been quite engrossed with work, but Insha Allah, I'll pay you a visit one of these days."He apologized and saw her preparing a lecture for him, he could almost guess what she would say next.

"You are giving the same excuse as your brother. Don't you young men ever get tired of work."She complained and Zayn realised how much this woman had in common with his mother. Little wonder they often hang out together. They were birds of the same feathers and just like every other woman, they were demanding."For the past few years, I have tried to persuade Khalifa to come spend some time with me at home, but he prefers work to his family."

Zayn grinned, he wasn't sure if this woman was reporting her son to him or calling him out on his misbehaviour. This wasn't the lecture he anticipated.

"Zayn is just like his father," He heard his mother say. "He doesn't like to stay at home either, using work as an excuse to avoid me."

"You're the one always nagging me."He joked, making Umm Omar stifle a smile but his mother wasn't ready to give up yet.

"Even if he comes home, he prefers to stay with his stepmother."She carried on, telling on him.

"Ouch! I smell jealousy in the air." Zayn sniffed the air, making the girls giggle.

"But I thought staying at home is for the woman and the men are meant to go to work or have the positions changed?" Bola chipped in, pretending to seem confused which earned her some accolades from Zayn.

"Banu, let's get these young men married, that will give them a reason to stay at home."Umm Yasmeen said as she strolled in from the kitchen, and there was an enthusiastic response to this.

"Wahala! I'm in trouble."Zayn smiled, shifting a little in his seat.

"Speaking of which."Umm Omar cut in, stealing his attention. Zayn thought it was time to escape, so he stood up but she held his hand. This woman was unpredictable, even worse than his mother. How did Omar survive this? "Zayn, when will you get married?"

"I heard he has a Turkish girl."Aisha, her older daughter shouted from a corner of the room. Zayn looked in her direction to see her sitting next to Umm Yasmeen, both of them smiling like little girls. He knew that a dangerous gossip duo had been reunited and without being told he knew who told Aisha about Aylin.

"Shh! Allow him to speak." Umm Omar hushed everyone and the room stilled. All eyes on were Zayn.

He smiled, looking at her hand on his wrist. It felt like a trap. He thought telling her what she wanted to hear would be easier than his usual excuses.

"Very soon."He finally said and he thought he heard his mother release a breath she didn't know she had been holding.

"To Masha Allah! Allah ya ba mu Alheri (may God bless us)" Umm Omar exclaimed in excitement and there was a collective chorus from practically everyone in the room."This is the kind of news we want to hear. Please don't keep that innocent girl waiting, your mother can't wait to receive her." She admonished him and the moment she released his hand, Zayn couldn't help but heaved a huge sigh.

Seeing his family made him feel much better. Their presence was therapeutic, suiting his worries and for a moment he had forgotten about his odd conversation with his father.

★★★★★

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