Abuja, Nigeria.
"What do you mean, Fadeela?" Hajiya Khadijah asked, looking perplexed.
Aunty Fadeela huffed before replying, "Yes, I'm taking Jalilah with me. Your husband is already aware."
"But you can't just take her away, Fadeela! The preparations have already started. The spa artist has arrived for Jalilah's bridal spa treatment as we speak."
"Khadijah, may I ask you a question?"
"Sure, go ahead."
"Are you the only family that owns Jalilah? What about us? Why is it that you all never consider us? We're her mother's family, for God's sake! If anything, Jalilah should have stayed with us after my sister's death. Now, I'm only asking for two weeks with her, and you're already objecting?"
"Please don't look at it that way, Fadeela. I didn't mean that. It's just that Jalilah doesn't even know you've arrived."
"Is that difficult to manage? Inform her now or take me to her room." Hajiya Khadijah nodded helplessly and was about to stand when Jalilah and Banina entered the parlor, greeting with "Salaam."
"Aunty Fadeela!" Jalilah squealed, rushing toward her and hugging her tightly.
"My baby bride," Aunty Fadeela laughed, pecking her niece's cheeks.
"When did you arrive? Where's Daada, Ibtihal, and the rest?" Jalilah asked eagerly.
"They're all at home. You'll see them soon. Go pack your bags, and let's leave," Aunty Fadeela smiled.
"Leave? Where am I going, Mummy?" Jalilah turned toward Hajiya Khadijah.
"Come on, sweetheart. I'm taking you with me for a while. You aren't supposed to stay here, Jalilah. They're not just your parents now; they're also your in-laws."
"No, Aunty Fadeela! How could you say that? Mummy and Daddy will always be my parents. As far as I'm concerned, I don't have in-laws." Jalilah's words made Aunty Fadeela clench her fists, trying hard to calm herself. Her gaze darkened as she met Hajiya Khadijah's smirk, who seemed satisfied.
"I understand, Jalilah. You've always shown signs, but today I get it. You prefer them over us. It's okay, no problem. May my sister's soul continue to rest in peace." Aunty Fadeela said and picked up her clutch, ready to leave, but Jalilah held her hand.
"Aunty Fadeela, no, please don't misunderstand me. Wallahi, I love you both equally. Why would you say that?"
"If that were true, you would have come with me without objection."
Jalilah sighed and looked at Hajiya Khadijah, who replaced her smirk with a sad expression.
"Mummy..."
"It's okay, my dear. Fadeela is also your mother. Go get what you'll need. The spa artist will be coming with you."
Jalilah smiled, hugged her, and said, "Alright, Mummy. I love you so much, and I'll miss you and Daddy." Hajiya Khadijah smirked again at the clearly annoyed Aunty Fadeela.
"I love you more, my baby, and we will surely miss you more. I'll come visit, okay? Now go pack. Don't keep your Aunt waiting." Hajiya Khadijah smiled.
"And yes, I'll send a driver to pick you up tomorrow for your fittings with the tailor." Hajiya Khadijah added, and Jalilah nodded.
"There's no need to send a driver. I'll take her myself," Aunty Fadeela rolled her eyes.
"Aunty Fadeela, can I come too?" Banina asked hopefully.
YOU ARE READING
Affairs Of The Hearts |✅
RomanceCOMPLETED ~JALILAH~ Jalilah, a sweet, lively, and beautiful sixteen-year-old girl, knows no care in the world. An orphan since her parents passed away when she was just a year old, she has lived her enti...
