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Abuja, Nigeria.
Over a week later, Yasmine and Sa'adah were going to Zuma Rock resort for a weekend getaway. Amna and Khalthum decided to tag along even though it took Amna 4 days to convince Aslam to let her go with them. He agreed on Friday night and watched her pack her bag excitedly at midnight.
"Why the heck are you taking all these things, aren't you coming back on Sunday?" He asked.
"Yes but we're having a picnic so I need a sundress for that and my yoga set..." As she dumped a pink lululemon yoga set in the bag.
"Because we'll have yoga after sunrise and a swimsuit too and then I need a pair of jeans because I can't ride a bicycle with a picnic dress." She rambled on and on, excitedly.
"Wai hadda itinerary kukeda? -So you even have an itinerary?" Aslam raised a brow.
"Of course, Adda Yas got us covered."
"We'll have a sip and paint too." She smiled.
Aslam palmed his face.
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After they left in the morning around 10pm, Aslam had breakfast and decided to head to the site. Site workers were doing their job, he inspected everything and the overall progress. Then he headed to Mami's and spent his entire evening there. After Maghrib prayer in congregation, he headed to the barbershop and got a haircut.
Aslam dialed Khalifa's number when he settled in the car after the haircut. "Salam, Khalifa, kana gida? -are you at home?"
"Wa'alaikum salam. No man, ina Palm Spring amma I'm leaving in a bit -I am at Palm Spring but I'm leaving in a bit"
"Alright, ka gaida Umma please. Zamuje mu gaida ta nida Amna in shaa Allah- My regards to Umma please. We will go greet her in shaa Allah"
"Gobe zataje Yobe for condolences- She's going to Yobe tomorrow for condolences"
"Ah alright, we'll visit when she's back then, let me head to AK's, meet me there."
"Okay toh."
Aslam called Alamin.
"Ka fito ne? -Are you already out?" He asked Alamin.
"No, I am yet to." Alamin answered.
"Gani nan zuwa toh, Khalifa yana gidan Umma -I am on my way, Khalifa is at Umma's house"
"Alright, toh shikenan -Alright, then."
Aslam exchanged pleasantries with the police at Alamin's gate and parked next to one of Alamin's cars. He made his way into the main house and greeted Alamin's father who was having dinner with a Lebanese man, probably an investor and one of Alamin's brothers.
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The match had just begun when Khalifa walked into the living room of Alamin's chalet with a Salam. He slumped on the couch next to Alamin with a dejected look which made Aslam and Alamin exchange a look.
"Guy, how far now?" Alamin asked.
"Ka barni kawai AK- Just leave me, AK. Do you have something cold?" He asked, then stood up and headed to the kitchen, shortly returning with a can of coke.
