CONNECTED HEARTS

11:Dinner And Discoveries!

So maimoona darling😂❤️ here you girl!!
This one goes to you thanks for the comments 🤝💋 keep it coming!!

As the seconds ticked by, minutes turned into hours, and hours into days. Before Adyan knew it, only three days remained before he flew back to China. Six more months and he'd finally be done with his four-year program at Tsinghua University. Graduation was close, but life at home was getting complicated.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Kabir Humaydh, and Alhaji Salman had met to discuss the potential relationship between Adyan and Kaltoom. They agreed not to rush anything no forcing, no pressure just time for the two of them to understand each other. Still, to mark Adyan's impending departure and bring both families closer, they planned a dinner gathering. Khalid, Kaltoom's older brother, had also just returned from abroad and was due in from Abuja that afternoon, so the timing felt perfect.

Both families were preparing. The Salmans' mansion looked immaculate floors shining, curtains freshly pressed, bakhoor already burning in the corners. Every detail screamed that tonight mattered. Mrs. Salman, as always, was particular about food: enough to satisfy, but never waste. To her, wasting food was like disrespecting God's blessings.

At the Humaydhs', Kaltoom was in full crisis mode. Her closet looked like a hurricane had hit it. She was excited about the dinner, but mostly, her heart raced knowing Khalid was finally home. Farouk had gone to pick him up, and while she waited, she was FaceTiming Amani, asking for outfit advice.

After endless bickering, laughing, and a million "no, not that one" moments, they settled on a look: a fitted maroon slit turtleneck dress, paired with a Burberry purse and low heels. Kaltoom whined that it was "too extra," but Amani wouldn't hear it. Once dressed, she rolled her veil neatly, lined her eyes with kohl, swiped on some lip balm, and without trying looked breathtaking. The maroon made her skin glow, and she carried an air of effortless elegance.

Just as she was about to head out, the maid announced Khalid's arrival. Kaltoom nearly tripped over herself running downstairs. She threw her arms around him, squeezing so tightly he groaned. She only pulled back when another voice chimed behind him.

"Oh my gosh, Maimoona!!!" Kaltoom squealed, spotting her cousin.

Maimoona her aunt's daughter and best friend since forever stood there, grinning. They hugged like they hadn't seen each other in years. They were almost the same height, with similar fair complexions and features that made people mistake them for twins. But Kaltoom knew Maimoona's secret her cousin had been harboring a quiet crush on Khalid for years.

Maimoona spent most of her holidays in Kaduna, officially to visit Kaltoom, but unofficially to orbit Khalid's world. And Khalid, being protective of his sister, had unknowingly let Maimoona into his circle as a trusted friend. Only Kaltoom knew the truth: that her cousin's heart beat differently around him. Maybe that was why Maimoona had shocked everyone by ditching law at Oxford for theater arts in Paris. Head over heart, literally.

The reunion was short just hugs, chatter, and laughter for fifteen minutes before Khalid and Maimoona were whisked off to get ready. Khalid kept quiet, though his curiosity burned. He had no clue tonight would be anything beyond a dinner.

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"As-salamu alaykum, welcome everyone, kushigo," Mrs. Salman greeted warmly when the Humaydhs arrived. The scent of fresh bakhoor hung in the air, wrapping the grand sitting room in soft warmth.

Drinks and snacks followed immediately. The rest of the Salman family came down, exchanging hugs and pleasantries with their guests. The atmosphere was alive with laughter, chatter, and genuine hospitality.