HUSNA

Chapter20

"There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment." – Sarah Dessen

                  ***************

"Little Scout, please, na?" Husna pleaded, her eyes wide with desperation as she clutched Faiza's arm. "He's been begging me to go out with him, and I don't want to go alone. Can you please come with me?"

Faiza tilted her head, raising an unimpressed brow. "Wait so you want me to third-wheel your date?" she asked dryly, folding her arms.

Husna groaned. "It's not a date, Faiza! Wallahi, it's not. I just don't want to go out with him alone. He's been disturbing my peaceful life for weeks."

Faiza's lips curved into a teasing smile. "Disturbing your life? Maybe he's disturbing your heart too."

"Abeg shift," Husna muttered, glaring at her. "You're not helping."

Faiza laughed softly, the sound filling the small room. "Hussy , I have my own wahala. My boyfriend is coming over that day, remember? You want me to cancel on him because of your own admirer?"

She bit her lip, unsure. "I just... I can't go with him alone. It won't feel right."

Faiza's eyes lit up suddenly. "Wait! What if we turn it into a double date? You and your 'not date,' me and my man." She winked mischievously. "We'll even go to the masjid tomorrow morning, take some
pictures, and send them to him just to tease him a little."

"Pictures?" Husna's eyes widened. "Of what? You know he's like a brother to me, right?"

Faiza chuckled, pretending to look innocent. "Did I say anything otherwise? Why are you defending yourself like someone that has something to hide?"

"Because you always twist my words!" Husna shot back, throwing a pillow at her.

Faiza dodged it easily and laughed. "Fine, fine. But I swear, Husna, the way you act around him ehn, there's something there."

"Nothing!" Husna said quickly, her cheeks heating. "Absolutely nothing."

"Okay, my innocent girl," Faiza teased, standing up. "But if you refuse to go tomorrow, wallahi, I'll grind you in a machine."

She burst into laughter, following her to the door. "You're not serious, Faiza."

"Oh, I'm dead serious!" Faiza said, stepping outside. "You'll see tomorrow."

****

The next morning...Eid day....her phone buzzed just as she was wrapping her scarf. The screen flashed Captain Calling.

She froze for a moment, then answered hesitantly. "Assalamu alaikum," she greeted softly.

"Wa'alaikumus salam," his deep, calm voice replied. "Eid Mubarak, Asma."

"Eid Mubarak," she said quickly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Are you going to the masjid today?" he asked after a short pause.

"Yes... Faiza's taking me," she replied.

"Hmm." He paused again, then added lightly, "Kinyi kwalliya sallah dai ko?" (Did you do your Eid makeup?)

She rolled her eyes, biting back a retort. "Why are you asking?"

"I thought all girls usually paint their faces on Eid," he continued, but you probably didn't, right? You're always the simple one."

She scoffed quietly. "At least I don't spend hours trying to impress anyone." Without thinking, she blurted out, "Did you cut your hair?" and immediately covered her mouth in embarrassment.

He chuckled softly, his laughter rich and low. "Yeah, I did. Didn't want to look messy... like someone."

She gasped. "You mean me, right?"

He laughed again. "I didn't say that."

Before she could respond, she ended the call, her heart fluttering with annoyance...and something else she didn't want to name. "I don't have time for this," she murmured, shaking her head.

Husna slipped into her new atamfa outfit...orange with a touch of sky blue and white. The fabric shimmered softly under the morning light, the blouse perfectly fitted. She fastened her earrings, adjusted her veil, and just as she was about to grab her bag, her phone rang again.

"Hey, Faiza! What's up?" she answered.

"Up? I'm outside your gate, madam! We're going to be late for the masjid!" Faiza's voice was as loud and dramatic as always.

Husna chuckled. "Typical you. You never give a girl five minutes' notice."

She rushed out, greeting her parents and siblings briefly before joining Faiza.

When they arrived at the masjid, Faiza gave her a long stare. "Husna, wallahi, you must have used powder today. You're glowing!"

"I didn't!" Husna protested.

"Don't lie!" Faiza laughed, dragging her aside. "You always act like you're not a girl. Today, you'll at least wear a little powder. After prayers, I'm taking you to the salon. Case closed."

Knowing it was pointless to argue, Husna sighed and let her do as she pleased.

After the Eid prayer at Sultan Bello Central Mosque, they stopped by a salon where Faiza insisted on styling Husna's hair. Then came a spa visit...Husna's first time...and she couldn't deny how relaxed she felt afterward.

Later, as they sat for a pedicure, Faiza leaned forward with an excited grin. "Tomorrow, my sweetheart is coming," she announced proudly, clapping her hands.

Before Husna could reply, Faiza began singing in her soft, melodic voice:

"Nacika burina, idan naga ranar aurena,
naganni a dakina, biyaya zanyi wa ango na..."

Husna laughed, covering her ears. "Faiza, please! My ears are begging for mercy."

"Abeg," tell Mama to marry me off quickly before I lose my mind. Unlike somebody who has been single for twenty-one years and counting."

Husna rolled her eyes. "You talk too much, Faiza."
"I'm serious. Maybe I should set you up with Yaya Hameed," Faiza said with a smirk. "Even he's acting like he's catching feelings."

"Faiza!" Husna gasped, swatting her arm. "Stop saying nonsense!"

Faiza laughed and picked up her ringing phone. "Ah, speak of the devil! My habibi is calling." She winked, standing up to answer. "I pray Yaya Hameed confesses soon."

Husna just shook her head, smiling faintly. Faiza was impossible...but she loved her anyway.
By the time they got home that evening, she was exhausted. She fell onto her bed, the scent of orange perfume still clinging to her scarf. Her mind drifted, unbidden, to the sound of his voice earlier that morning and the quiet laugh that still echoed in her thoughts....

double update."I might update another chapter tonight or tomorrow but only if you guys voted.."
Sorry for the typical error and grammatical mistakes.."

A big hug to all of you🤗
Ummeetarh05 🌹