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Akeela walked into her room, took off her clothes, and checked herself in the mirror. She noticed she was getting her purity back, even though it had only been about three days—a common occurrence for individuals with sickle cell anemia. They don't start very early, nor do they last long; they usually reach full recovery around the fourth day. She performed the ritual purification bath, took a shower, and dried her hair with a hair dryer.
Coming out wrapped in a towel with a heavy heart, she walked to the window, opened it, and leaned her head out. The gentle rainy-season breeze blew softly against her face, making her feel a little better. She moved to the closet, dressed in a thick Jallabiya, sprayed some perfume without applying lotion, spread her prayer mat, and performed her prayers.
Meanwhile, Akeem went straight to his own apartment's bathroom, turned on the cold shower, braced his hands against the wall, and let out a heavy sigh as the water hit his face. After a while, he turned off the water, caught his breath, stripped completely, and took a bath. The body ache had subsided significantly. He put his wet clothes into the washing machine, dressed in a boxer and a thick Jallabiya, and hurried off to the mosque, still breathing heavily from his fatigue.
After finishing her prayers, Akeela stood up because she was feeling hungry. Aleema and the others were already awake, while Goggo was still fast asleep. She walked out to the main parlor just as Ummi was coming out. With her head bowed, she greeted, "Good morning, Ummi."
Ummi smiled and asked, "Yawwa, how was your body?"
"Feeling much better," Akeela replied.
Ummi said, "Alhamdulillah, let me get you some tea."
As she sat down closing her eyes, Abbu entered, holding Akeem by the waist and complaining, "I don't know when you'll start taking things seriously, Maudo Baffa!"
Akeem made a face, frowning when he saw Akeela sitting there, and muttered, "Abbu, please."
Abbu frowned as well and retorted, "Please what? I'm going to call the doctor right now."
As Ummi came out, she asked, "What's going on here?"
Abbu seated Akeem and explained, "We had just finished prayers and walked out when he suddenly collapsed. Thank goodness I was nearby with Alhaji Abdullah; otherwise, I shudder to think what condition he'd be in. You know how these sudden faints are!"
Ummi looked at Akeem, who quickly closed his eyes and leaned his head to the side. Ummi just shook her head, saying, "I just wish I knew what you really want from us."
He opened his eyes slightly with a pout and, in his soft, seductive voice, said, "I'm sorry, Ummie."
It was then that Akeela raised her head to look at him, as she hadn't realized he was the one speaking. Seeing him pouting like a child amazed her—does he actually act spoiled? And he speaks this much?
Akeem didn't even notice she was there, and he probably wouldn't have spoken if he had. Ummi glared at him, and turning away, he said, "Ummi, black tea with honey, add some lemon."
Ummi looked at him and asked, "Does your stomach hurt?"
He opened his eyes, then just closed them again without saying anything, because it was at that exact moment he noticed her toes.
Ummi turned away, and Abbu looked at Akeela, asking, "Daughter, how is your body?"
She smiled, which made Akeem look up upon hearing the sound of her laughter.
"I feel better, good morning, Abbu."
He stroked her head and said, "Maça Allah, let me call the doctor to check on your brother."
Akeem curtly interrupted, "No, please, Abbu."
Abbu looked at him and simply said, "Okay."
Ummi came out of the kitchen and handed Akeela her tea, while Akeem was given his. Almost simultaneously, they brought their cups to their lips, closed their eyes, and said at the exact same time, "Uhm Ummi, it's hot!"
They quickly looked at each other. Akeem looked away immediately and continued drinking, while Ummi just smiled. Akeem was utterly surprised by how Akeela didn't greet him or wish him well. He opened his eyes, and unluckily, their eyes locked. He widened his eyes at her fiercely.
Quickly, she closed her eyes, scrunched up her face, and called out, "Ummi!"
He stood up, holding his cup, and headed to Didi's apartment, while Akeela hurried to her room, brushed her teeth, and fell fast asleep. He stayed in Didi's apartment for a while before returning to his own, where he also lay down and fell asleep.
President Ahmad Adil was in a luxurious parlor inside his guest quarters with many important guests. One of the men—who happened to be Meema's uncle and Mom's older brother—said, "Alhamdulillah, I am very glad about this decision of yours. I fully support it because doing this is the best way forward, and I have also dedicated myself to praying for Maryam, having people complete the Quran recitation for her."
Dad smiled happily because no one loved Meema as much as he did. Right there in the parlor, twenty men witnessed the wedding formalization of Maryama Ahmad Adil and Asheer Ahmad Adil, with a substantial dowry which Dad paid on behalf of Asheer, acting as his representative.
Around 9:00 AM, Abbu entered the main parlor, and upon seeing him, the maids retreated to their respective apartments. He walked straight to Mom, whom he found on the phone with Jadda to double-check Meema's arrival at Azeema's house.
Dad stopped, and when she finished the call, he gently took her hand and said, "Guess?"
"No idea," she replied, fixing his cap.
Happily, he announced, "Finally, the wedding has been solemnized!"
Mom smiled and said, "Alhamdulillah, may the Almighty bless it."
"Ameen," he said, adding, "Haven't they come out yet?"
"Asheer is ready, but he said when he went in, she flat out refused to leave, even though she talked about traveling just a little while ago."
Dad nodded, saying, "Meema is quite something." He pulled out his phone, called Asheer, and said, "Come out now, son."
Without much delay, they came out. Meema was in front, dressed in a stunning pink Abaya that clearly bespoke high status, wearing heels, while her phone and handbag were carried by Asheer. Asheer was dressed in an army-colored Shadda with a grand babban riga, looking incredibly handsome—a very soft-hearted gentleman indeed. Meema looked like she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth; her beauty was so timeless that you could never guess her age, let alone think she was older than Asheer.
Dad looked at them and said, "Maça Allah, Alhamdulillah, may the Almighty bless you both." Mom offered prayers for them and entrusted Meema into Asheer's care. At that moment, Asheer felt like he loved her even more, perhaps because of that serene face that still remained vividly etched in his mind. Oh!
They walked out to the compound where three cars awaited to take them to the private jet inside the villa. Dad hugged Meema, then hugged Asheer, and Asheer took her hand, leading her into the jet. They were the only passengers, alongside some escorts and flight attendants. As the jet prepared for takeoff, Meema let out a sudden squeal, and Asheer quickly pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly while closing his eyes. The jet taxied slowly on the ground, turning around before soaring swiftly into the sky.
This coincided with the arrival of Ajmal's car in Kano at the Railway quarters inside the house of Alhaji Bukar Bello.
They parked, and Karim stepped out first, followed by Ajmal, who today wore a sophisticated suit with a phone cord plugged into his ear. Speaking in a low voice to Papi on the phone, he said, "Please, Papi, I love her so much. I can't leave this town without seeing her. She's sick."
Gently setting down his cup of fruit as Jadda fed him, Abdul-qhadir Azeem asked, "Who told you that, Ajmal, my son?"
Speaking in a hushed tone as he walked toward a secluded spot, Ajmal replied, "Her brother told me yesterday, Papi. I thought he'd tell me to come see her by evening, but he didn't, so I came back now."
Papi nodded and said, "Send her your well wishes. What's wrong with her?"
Ajmal answered bluntly, "I don't know, Papi."
Jadda, who was sitting nearby, said, "Ajmal, I told your uncle, and Papi even told Kawo Suraj. In sha Allah, this week they will go to her father's place."
It was then that Papi asked, "Whose daughter is she?"
Ajmal smiled slightly, stroking his hair, and said, "Papi, she said her father passed away and she is with her father's brother, but her name is Akeela Ayub."
Papi felt a sudden fondness to see the girl, so he said, "Okay, video call me when you get to her."
He hung up the phone just as Afaf was walking out to tell Bala the driver to prepare for a shopping trip. Seeing her, Karim smiled and said, "Hey."
She looked at him, softened her expression, and said, "Welcome." As she turned to leave, he motioned for her to come closer. She stepped up and asked, "How are your afternoon?"
Looking at her face, he replied, "Fine, what's your name?"
With her head bowed, she whispered, "Afaf."
Nodding, he said, "Nice name. What about Akeela?"
She lifted her head and said, "Okay, come inside and I'll call her," then turned around. They followed her straight to the guest room and sat down, while she went out and told a new maid to bring them drinks.
Entering their apartment, Afaf looked at Akeela, who was standing dressed in a long, beautiful Ankara gown with a small veil draped over her hair. Smiling, Afaf said, "You look like you knew you'd have guests dressed like this!"
Akeela quickly turned her head, looking at Afaf with wide eyes as if to say, What guests?
Aleema laughed and said, "Teacher, stop pretending. Just relax, okay?"
Afaf announced, "They are in the guest room."
Unable to move, she stayed frozen until Didi peeked out and said, "Should I come and take you there? Yuuu! In our days, there was no courting like this; even kissing happened after marriage!"
She stepped out slowly, trailing a very sweet, pleasant fragrance behind her.
Akeem was walking down the stairs, calling out from afar, "Ummie! Ummie!" He sat on the bottom step, closing his white eyes and inhaling her fragrance as she walked into the parlor.
Ummi came out, saying, "What kind of calling is this, Maudo Baffa?"
He pounced his face, slightly closing his eyes before saying, "Ummi, I'm hungry."
As he spoke, his eyes landed on Akeela, and he instantly hardened his expression as if he hadn't spoken at all.
Ummi said, "Daughter, you've left the servant of God waiting."
Lowering her head, Akeela whispered, "Ummi, what do I even say to him? I don't know how to do this!"
As if out of nowhere, Akeem snapped, "Then go back inside!"
They all turned to look at him; his eyes were glued to his phone screen, and his face was completely devoid of warmth.
"Go ahead, Daughter," Ummi urged.
Filled with shyness, Akeela walked slowly toward their apartment. Akeem watched her back, taking a breath while clutching his chest. When Ummi brought him food, he stood up and announced, "I'm full," heading straight for his gym.
Anup told Ummi, "Let me take it to him." She took the tray and headed to where she thought he was. When she arrived, she found him shirtless, doing gym exercises to build his body; his muscles were twitching, and his eyes were bloodshot.
Slowly, Akeela stepped inside, greeting him with Salam. Ajmal quickly jumped to his feet, rushed over to her while breathing heavily—feeling like he hadn't seen her in years—and in a soft voice, she greeted, "Good afternoon."
He stared intently at her face before slowly pulling out his iPhone and snapping photos of her while she kept her head down. Right near her face, he whispered, "Rest of my life, I love you, Akeela."
Seeing that she wouldn't speak, he said, "Sit down," and sat on the chair next to hers. Just then, Afaf walked in, saying, "You forgot your phone, dear."
Ajmal stretched out his hand and said, "Let me see." Afaf handed him the phone. As she turned to leave, Karim called out, "Come with me," and the two of them walked out.
Ajmal was speechless, so he picked up his phone to call Papi, but Papi wasn't around. Breaking the silence himself, he started chatting with her. At first, she didn't answer, but seeing that he had to catch a flight soon, he eventually relaxed her and said, "I think I have to go."
He stood up, took her hand, and pulled her to her feet. Accustomed to a more liberal lifestyle, he pulled her into a quick hug. Startled, she quickly raised her head, and he let go just as fast, saying, "Sorry, let me get you some chocolate."
Hearing the word "chocolate" made her smile slightly. He looked at her and asked, "Oh, what's wrong with you again?"
Without a second thought, she replied, "Sickle cell."
He looked at her with a hint of surprise and simply prayed, "May Allah grant you healing."
"Ameen," she replied.
They walked out and found Afaf and Karim chatting like old friends. Ajmal handed her a large bag filled with various kinds of chocolate, took her phone number, and saved his contact as Soul.
She took it and said, "Thank you."
He got into the car, feeling a surge of happiness, and asked, "Until when?"
Karim answered, "My friend, until you return. And Afaf, thanks a lot."
Ajmal looked at Afaf and said, "Please take good care of her for me."
“In sha Allah,” Afaf replied.
Afaf walked back into the house, while Akeela headed toward the swimming pool out of shyness, feeling embarrassed that she had just come back from a "date." She crouched by the edge of the pool, admiring how lovely the water looked.
Akeem had been watching her ever since she walked in, sucking his teeth in annoyance. Unaware of his presence, she tried to open one of the chocolates she had taken.
Quietly, he got up, walked gently behind her while standing tall, and gave her a slight nudge with his foot.
She pitched forward with a scream, plunging straight into the massive swimming pool with a loud cumm-dumm splash, along with the chocolate in her hand!
Her fall into the water caused the bag of chocolate to burst open, instantly melting as the water rushed inside.
Akeem broke into a cute, suppressed smile, letting out a soft sound of amusement. Slowly, he walked to the edge of the pool and watched her sink. Seeing water start to enter her mouth as she struggled, he closed his eyes briefly. Then, he dove into the pool, blew out air, spread his legs, and glided toward her with powerful arm strokes.
By the time he reached her, she could barely open her eyes.
He lifted her up with one arm and swam with her toward the pool steps. Laying her down, he stared into her beautiful face, then pressed gently on her stomach. Instantly, water spurted out of her mouth and nose, even though she hadn't swallowed much.
As the water cleared, she took a deep, ragged breath and opened her eyes. The moment she saw him, she burst into tears and turned her face away.
With a fierce frown, leaning in close as if to whisper a secret, he asked, "What brought you here?"
Pouting and twisting her lips, she snapped, "As if I wanted to be thrown in!"
His eyes fixed on her tiny lips, he lowered his voice and said, "Because demons got into your head?"
Glaring at him, she retorted, "Demons are better than you!"
He curled his lip, and just as she was about to speak, he pinched her lips hard. Her eyes bulged in shock from the sudden pain, and tears immediately welled up in them. Raising his voice, he warned, "You're not my age mate! Keep talking back and I'll wipe off that chocolate-like mouth of yours!" he said, pinching harder.
She scrambled to her feet, crying, "Fine! I'll leave you to God!" With that, she bolted back into the house.
He watched her go, breathing heavily while clutching his aching chest, feeling a sharp pain radiating through him.
When she rushed into the main parlor, everyone stared at her. Didi shrieked, "Ya Rasulullah! Messenger of Allah, what am I seeing, Tsila? Don't tell me you've become a delinquent! What kind of violent entrance is this into our house without even a Salam Alaikum?"
She stood in silence, her eyes darting everywhere. Seeing her soaked clothes dripping wet, Ummi said, "Go change your clothes."
Didi immediately jumped up, shouting, "No, hold your horses! As Bukari's wife, who do you think you are? Are you Rabi, Tsila's mother, that I shouldn't speak? Where is that sweet thing you were given?"
Akeela pouted, clutching her body, and muttered, "I fell into the swimming pool and everything got ruined."
Didi widened her eyes in disbelief and shouted, "You are truly a loss! You just wanted to be wicked, and you've brought this curse upon your father Bukari, not me, you hypocrite!"
Akeela hurriedly ran into their apartment and straight to the closet to change into a stunning stone-embellished Abaya.
Anup called out, "Hey!"
Akeela ignored her, reaching for her glowing phone without checking what the notification was.
Anup stood up and said, "I'm talking to you!"
Only then did Akeela look at her, look away, and say, "Hey, I heard you, I just didn't think you were talking to me."
Shocked, Anup muttered, "Who do you think you are then? If not you?"
Akeela rolled her eyes and walked out, phone in hand.
As she entered the parlor, Akeem was walking in; his lightweight clothes were already starting to dry in the breeze. He headed straight upstairs without looking at anyone, while Amani followed him, trying to talk to him.
Akeela sat down and asked, "Ummi, what about the trip?"
Ummi, who was typing on her computer checking new clothing orders, replied, "They're waiting for you. Go to Hero so he can give you your shopping money—he gave everyone else theirs—then you can go."
Her eyes widened in horror, and she pouted, "Haba Ummi, I'm not going!"
Baba Rabi, who was sitting nearby watching them, demanded, "Why? Isn't he your older brother? Get up before I discipline you!"
Looking like she was about to cry, she whimpered, "He's not going to give it to me."
Surprised, Ummi asked, "On what grounds?"
She fell silent, not knowing what to say, until Baba Rabi snapped, "Aren't you being spoken to?"
With a frail voice on the verge of tears, she confessed, "I twisted my mouth at him."
Even Mami stared at her in shock, wondering how she could admit to mocking him and yet face no punishment. Angrily, Baba Rabi scolded, "Just say you disrespected him, right?"
She shook her head and stayed quiet. Ummi remained silent too, as she didn't condone such behavior. Baba Rabi continued lecturing, "Wlh, the next time I hear of this, I will discipline you severely! Such a useless attitude—is there anyone in this house who dares argue with him, let alone disrespect him? Get out of my sight! I don't want this nonsense. Get up and leave before I beat you right here!"
Akeela burst into tears, terrified of the scolding, especially since she was getting punished over a man who had terrorized her. Seeing her distress, Ummi said, "Well, she has learned her lesson now."
From behind them, Didi interjected, "Over my dead body! Hand me that, Rabi!" She handed Baba Rabi a small knife.
Politely, Baba Rabi asked, "What do I need this for, Didi?"
Didi bluntly replied, "To slaughter her so we can be done with this madness! Goodness, I was in my room shaking with fear, thinking a war had broken out, only to find out you were fighting with your mouth! Let me tell you, actions have consequences." She glared at Baba Rabi, who softly apologized, "I'm sorry, Didi."
Weeping like a small child, Akeela walked into Akeem's apartment. He was sitting wearing only a 3-quarter pant and a black sleeveless shirt that hugged his frame. In a low, quiet voice, he was speaking on the phone: "Okay, I'll come tomorrow. But seeing her blood cell count compared to his... Dr. Sahil, it shook me."
The person on the other end replied, "That's not unusual. Having the same blood type doesn't mean they share the same genetic makeup. You're a doctor, even if it's not your specialized field."
Akeem fell silent. He still hadn't noticed her entering the parlor, completely absorbed in his thoughts—thoughts that threatened to destroy all his plans.
He let out a sigh, lowered his voice even further, and said, "I ran a P.C.B. test on her. Seeing no blood relation, I used Abbu's sample. I was shocked by what I saw."
Dr. Sahil paused before responding, "Well, there is a solution if you want to confirm your suspicions—though I don't know why you're investigating this. But what's wrong with Akeela being Abbu's daughter? Her father's blood runs in Abbu's veins anyway, so it shouldn't be surprising."
Akeem hardened his expression, realizing Dr. Sahil wasn't taking it seriously. In his usual composed voice, he stated, "You don't understand. This is equivalent to the ruin of my life. What is the solution?"
Directly, Dr. Sahil answered, "An N.D.A. test. That is what will clear up..."
Summary
This chapter weaves together multiple dramatic storylines across elite settings in Nigeria.
- Akeela and Akeem's Tense Dynamic: Akeela recovers from a sickle-cell crisis, performing her prayers and trying to avoid trouble. Meanwhile, her wealthy, brooding cousin/guardian figure Akeem continues to antagonize her. After Akeela goes on an awkward "date" with a young man named Ajmal—who brings her a bag of chocolates and gets her phone number—Akeem spots her and spitefully pushes her into the swimming pool. He dramatically rescues her, but immediately torments her afterward by pinching her lips for "talking back." When she retreats indoors crying, she faces strict reprimands from the elder women of the household for disrespecting Akeem. Unbeknownst to anyone, Akeem has secretly run a genetic/paternity test comparing Akeela and Abbu's blood, discovering a shocking revelation that leaves him distressed and determined to uncover the truth through an NDA test.
Meema and Asheer's Wedding & Departure: Elsewhere, the wedding of Maryama Ahmad Adil (Meema) and Asheer Ahmad Adil is successfully solemnized among family and elite guests. Following emotional blessings from Dad and Mom, Meema and Asheer board a private jet from the villa to begin their new life together.
Description
- Tone: Emotional, romantic, dramatic, tense, and culturally rich (highlighting traditional Northern Nigerian domestic life, family dynamics, strict upbringing, and elite luxury).
- Setting: A lavish residential estate/villa in Kano, featuring private apartments, grand parlors, swimming pools, gyms, and private jets.
Themes: Family hierarchy, hidden secrets, medical anxieties (sickle cell and genetic testing), youthful romance, strict discipline, and underlying romantic tension masked by hostility.
Analytics
Metric / ElementAnalysisPrimary ConflictThe psychological and emotional friction between Akeela and Akeem, compounded by Akeem's secret genetic discovery regarding Akeela's true parentage.Character Development (Akeem)Displays complex, contradictory behavior—acting aggressively and controlling toward Akeela while secretly harboring deep emotional and protective impulses.Character Development (Akeela)Portrayed as a resilient yet vulnerable young woman navigating chronic illness (sickle cell), strict family discipline, and unwanted romantic attention while dealing with her hostile guardian.Subplot ProgressionThe smooth progression of Meema and Asheer's wedding and departure contrasts sharply with the brewing domestic chaos in Kano.Narrative StyleAlternates between multiple point-of-views, blending rich Hausa cultural nuances, slang, and modern elite lifestyle elements.
