No escape from you (Taken Down For Polishing)

7: Sneaky escapes and gleamy eyes

Zhulfah unlocked the door to the house and headed to the kitchen with hands full of bags of foodstuff. Heaving out a tired sigh, she began to arrange each of the groceries and perishables one by one in the correct cabinet and in the fridge, just to get the chore over and done with once and for all.

She headed for her room upstairs, enjoying the peace and quiet of the house. Everyone was out, and she would have used that opportunity to play some hip hop music and dance all round the house without a care but now all she wanted was a nice cold shower and some food, and probably some sleep too.

She took her time showering, humming an old song as she slathered the soap all over her body. Afterwards, she wrapped a towel around herself and was out.

She was already dressed in casual clothes and applying lotion unto her skin before her room door flew open.

" Big bro!"

He smiled when he saw her startle at his entrance.

" Titi, you're home", he stated, leaning against her door frame.

She rolled her eyes. " Obviously. "

It was useless telling him to knock before he entered. She made a mental note to put a sign on her door to remind him of it every time.

" How was work?" She asked, seeing he was still in his work clothes. " You're home early."

" Fine, Alhamdulilah ", He responded. " I left early because I had to see Dad for some stuff. Also....", he paused and cupped his ear. " Did you hear something, Zhulfah? "

Zhulfah looked at him tiredly, letting out a yawn as she laid down on the bed. He had a mischievous smile playing on his lips as he regarded her, but she was in no mood for his games.

" I don't hear anything."

" Are you sure? Because if you listen well, I'm sure you'll hear something. "

Zhulfah turned her back to him, shutting her eyes. " Too bad I don't. "

" It seems someone is calling...", There was a pause. " Titi temi nikan."

Sleep fled away instantly and her eyes flew open. She almost fell off the bed as she was scrambled up in her duvet as she struggled to stand on her feet.

" Brother Khalid! Please don't tell me...he...Alhaji Omotosho... that he's... "

" Here", He completed humorously. " And here to see none other but you."

" No, no, no, no!" She paced up and down the room, biting a finger in panic. " He was not supposed to be back till another two weeks! I thought dad said he travelled to Qatar and is staying there for two and half months or so!?"

" Guess he couldn't wait anymore", Khalid was clearly enjoying it all. He watched her almost going crazy and all he did was smile amusingly.

" A certain lady has his heart." He hugged his sister. " I'm going to miss you after you leave."

" Oh, for the love of Allah, Brother Khalid!" She pushed him away and stomped her feet angrily. " I can't see him! I'm still traumatized from what dad told me some time ago! Please, I can't...I just can't meet with him! I'm not ready. I can't bear it!"

" Relax, Zhulfah ", Khalid laughed. " Just go and meet him and tell him you're not interested. Or are you indecisive about it?"

" No!", She said immediately. " Wait, where is he?"

Khalid cocked his head to the left. " Downstairs with dad."

" No, no, no!" She cried. She continued pacing then stopped, her eyes widening as she looked at her brother.