My Sister My Enemy

Chapter Twenty Nine

Early in the morning after praying, taking bath and breakfast, Abdulrahman hit the road and made his way back to Katsina. He sent Maryam a message as soon as he left their house that he is on his way and he is coming to see her first thing when he arrives Katsina. She saw the message immediately as she didn't go back to sleep after subh prayer and she was so happy and excited to see her Alhaji back. She made some quick plans on how to welcome him and how she is going to dress to kill today.

She briefly opened her what's app to check for new messages and she saw a new number saying hi, when she replied and they talked a little more she gets to know that it was Firdaus, Abdulrahman's cousin. They exchanged few more greetings and pleasantries before promising to talk soon on the phone as they said bye.

At around 1pm Alhaji was already standing in front of his beloved's house, sending her a quick text that he is outside while he waits for her to come and usher him inside like they always do. Maryam checked herself out for the last time in the mirror before going out to get her guest inside. As she approaches him he couldn't help but stare at her, his heart racing, beating fast in his chest. He wondered, how could someone be this beautiful. She was dressed all native in a stylish skirt and blouse atamfa which suited her complexion and her head tie was just a symbol of an elegant Hausa lady, a matching veil draped over her shoulders and a dangling earrings blinging on her ears. Her face glowing radiantly with very minimal makeup and with that killer smile of hers that he can sell off all his body organs for. Truly she was dressed to kill today and he felt even more happier when the thought of her dressing like this just to impress him crossed his mind and now he was grinning like a little boy who was just given the candy he loves the most.

They exchanged greetings and she ushered him inside their house into their guest living room. They sat down facing each other and for some strange reason Maryam couldn't get to look at him in the eyes, she was being her shy self today while he just sat down there starring at her adoringly. When she finally look up to him he held her gaze for a minute then for another minute and then another one before she look down on her fingers again smiling.

"It looks like someone has went dumb all of a sudden" she said trying to start a conversation. He chuckled at her remark and shook his head just to collect his thoughts together.

"Well!" He sighed exhaling a deep breath "You rendered me speechless and if staring at this beautiful creature right in front of me is a crime or defined as dumb, then I plead guilty because you look spectacular and gorgeous and beautiful and whatever good word that exist in the English dictionary that defines beauty and excellence"

She looked up at him again mouthing "aww" while he laughs "I am flattered, thank you for the compliment" she added. "No c'mon! Don't mention it, it's the least I can do" She nodded smiling brightly, she excused herself only to come back with water and some drinks on a tray. "What should I serve you?" She placed the tray on the centre table. "I think water will be good for now" she nodded "Yeah, sure" she handed him a glass of water before going back to her initial seating position.

"So how was you trip? And how is everyone at home?"

"Well my trip was good Alhamdulillah, there wasn't much of traffic today not like when I was leaving and then everyone at home is perfectly fine and are all excited to meet you, they send their regards too" she felt really good at the thought of Abdulrahman's family liking her, it's a good thing, isn't it?

"Well I am glad to hear that and I can't wait to meet them too soon inshaa Allah, speaking of which, your cousin Firdaus has reached out to me on what's app this morning." He smiled, knowing fully well that Firdaus will keep to her word of contacting Maryam because she is such a sweet soul.

"Yes I know she would since I told you that I have shared your phone number with her and she promised to contact you, she is really nice and I think you guys will get along very well." Maryam nodded in agreement. "Yes I agree with that, she is indeed nice and I will love to get along really well with her and all your family members too." He smiled nodding "Yes you will, soon inshaa Allah. In fact that's why I wanted to see you first before heading home. We have talked with Baba and my uncles that's his brothers and they have proposed to come for official introduction and neman aure by next Saturday that is if Baba and everyone is okay with that time and if not then they should set a more convenient time for them to come." He sounded so excited and Maryam was listening to him like she was day dreaming, like is this for real? Ya Allah don't let all this be a joke, she prayed quietly.