22| La Familià

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Kano, Nigeria.

"I'm so happy you're all here," Hajiya beamed, a smile she'd worn since they landed at Aminu Kano Airport.

"We're happy to be with you too, Hajiya," replied Hajiya Khadijah with a smile.

"Hajiya, I hope you won't be too strict with us while we're here as your guests," teased Jalilah.

"Silly girl! Of course I will, especially if you and Banina get up to mischief." Hajiya playfully narrowed her eyes at her.

"Now, everyone freshen up and come back for lunch," Hajiya said, and they all headed to their part of the family house. The large home housed Alhaji Abdurrahman's family (he was the eldest), Hajiya's, and the families of two of Alhaji Abdurrahman's cousins with their wives and children.

"Daddy! When can I visit my mom's family? It feels like ages since I saw Hajja Daada. I'm sure she's even older now," Jalilah said, referring to her maternal grandmother.

"Anytime you want, Pumpkin," Alhaji Abdurrahman smiled, using her pet name.

"Hajja Daada is still as fit as I am. People of our generation don't age quickly," Hajiya laughed.

"True, Hajiya," Alhaji Abdurrahman agreed with a smile.

"Wait...you two really do look alike," Maheera chimed in for the first time, her voice barely above a whisper. She was always quiet.

"What? No way! Hajja Daada is way prettier than Hajiya," Jalilah blurted out, making the kids laugh while Hajiya Khadijah gave her a mock glare.

"Oops...sorry, Hajiya. It's just that my mom's side of the family is too pretty...so pretty it's almost unfair," Jalilah teased, ignoring the glare Hajiya was throwing her way.

"Are you really mad, Hajiya, just because I'm telling the truth? You know me—I never hide my emotions or my thoughts," Jalilah laughed, while Jalal shot her a warning look.

"It's alright, Pumpkin. Rest today, and you can visit your mom's family tomorrow," Alhaji Abdurrahman said, smiling.

"Silly girl! If I'm ugly, then your late father and uncle are too," Hajiya said with a chuckle.

"What!" Jalilah gasped. "Say Astaghfirullah, Hajiya! Daddy and my late dad are literally the most handsome men I've ever seen. And yes, they took after our late grandfather, not you," Jalilah said, sending everyone into laughter while Hajiya gave her a playful smack.

"And we all know how Aunty Hannatu turned out after taking after you, Hajiya," Jalilah added, making the kids burst into laughter again.

"Abdul, take your daughter away from here," Hajiya said with mock irritation while Alhaji Abdurrahman chuckled.

"Daddy, after Jalilah's done with her mom's side, we're visiting Mummy's family too," Banina chimed in.

"As you all wish. The chauffeurs are available to take you wherever you like, and..." Alhaji Abdurrahman paused, scanning the room. "Where's Jalal?"

"He left a while ago," Nabeel replied as Jalilah shook her head, wondering why Jalal always avoided socializing.

They were still laughing when Alhaji Abdurrahman's cousins arrived with their families, and the room filled with warm greetings and hugs. It had been too long since they were all together.

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