Affairs Of The Hearts |✅

23| Screwed.

"She was just like you...kun cika rigima," Daada said, her eyes twinkling as everyone laughed.

"Daada is right... Baba would never let us ride bicycles, but Fatima was as stubborn as they come—she always found a way. She was always getting us into trouble with Baba...and she was fearless too." Aunty Fadeela said, her words softened by a sad smile.

"If that's the case...then I took after her in every way. I love riding bicycles too, even if Daddy and Ya Jalal keep stopping me."

"Trust me, Jan—Oh, I'm sorry," Aunty Fadeela quickly covered her slip with a smile, while Daada watched her, humming in thought.

"What were you going to say, Ummi?" Ibtihal, her daughter, asked, sensing the tension.

"Nothing, Ibti... it was just a mistake."

"Aunty Fadeela... don't you and Daada think it's time you tell me what you're hiding from me?" Jalilah asked with a pout.

"Kiga ja'irar yarinya... Who's hiding anything from you? Now, are you ready to continue listening to my story or not?" Daada asked, feigning sternness.

"Of course, Daada! But I know there's more to this. Why don't you tell me why you guys hate my paternal side so much, huh?"

"We have every right to hate them, Jalilah! They took you away from us when you were supposed to be with us!" Aunty Fadeela burst out.

"But Aunty... you both are my family. You both have equal rights over me."

"If only your so-called grandmother and uncle knew that," Aunty Fadeela muttered bitterly.

"Chapter closed. Jalilah, nobody is hiding anything from you, okay? And Fadeela, dan Allah kiyi hakuri. This is beyond our control; it's something we cannot change." Daada said, trying to keep the peace.

"I can be patient about most things, Daada, but not with something I cherish and love. Jalilah is Fatim's daughter. She's the only living reminder I have of her. When I look at Jalilah, I see Fatim's face, I remember our bond, our memories. Pictures mean nothing, Daada! I need a living memory, and that's Jalilah!"

"Aunty Fadeela... please don't cry." Jalilah hugged her tightly.

"I can't help it, Jalilah. They took you from us when you were just a baby, and now we only get to see you once a year or every two years. How is that fair?"

***
Jalilah spent a week with her maternal family before it was time to leave, as they were heading back to Abuja the next day. She had a wonderful time and knew she'd miss them terribly.

"I'll really miss you, Jay," Ibtihal said.

"I'll miss you too! I'll ask Daddy to pay for everyone's flight to Abuja so you can all visit me." Jalilah smiled.

"Really?" Ibti's sister, Imhal, squealed with excitement.

"We don't need his money, Jalilah. I'm saving up, and we'll come visit you when we're ready. Including Daada." Aunty Fadeela said firmly.

"But Aunty, why save up when he could just pay? I know Daddy wouldn't mind."

"No, Jalilah... as I said, we don't need anyone's help. We're content with our life. When I'm done saving, we'll come see you, my love." Aunty Fadeela smiled, cupping Jalilah's cheeks.