Ayan

chapter 1

I woke up in the morning and offered my prayers, then immediately reached for my phone to dial my best friend Zubaida. The ache of missing her tugged at my heart, especially since her move to abuja had created a void in our conversations since I'm in bauchi.

Following a brief exchange with Zubaida over the phone, I decided to indulge in a quick nap before the clock struck 10:00 am.

***

"Ayan!" Arhaan's voice pierced through my slumber, urging me awake.

"Abba requests your presence downstairs; he has important news," Arhaan relayed before exiting the room.

Struggling to rise, I made my way to the bathroom for a refreshing shower. After drying my long locks, I carefully selected coffee-brown jeans, a black long-sleeved shirt, and adorned my hijab.

Clad in my chosen attire, hair neatly tied, hijab in place, and a hint of lip gloss, I heard Arhaan's call once more.

"Gani nan zuwa" (I'm coming), I responded, proceeding downstairs to join my family in the dining area, where my parents, Arhaan, and Khadija had assembled.

After breakfast, we convened in the living room. "I have an important announcement for you three," Abba declared, capturing our undivided attention with his revelation.

"We are relocating to the Abuja," Abba declared resolutely.

"But Abba," Arhaan interjected.

"No objections; our decision is final. Kun ji?" (Have you understood?)

"Yes, Abba"

Abba's proclamation left my siblings in disbelief, rooted in their love for our current home. However, for me, the news brought a surge of excitement.

As I headed to my bedroom, I swiftly grabbed my phone and dialed Zubaida; she answered after three rings.

"Ke quess what," I exclaimed.

"Mehh," she replied.

"We're coming to abuja" I shared.

"Ki ce wallahi," she requested.

"Wallahi," I affirmed, causing her to scream in excitement.

"Oh my God you guys are going to stay in abuja!," she exclaimed.

We were both overjoyed at the thought of reuniting after two years, especially since we'd be living there permanently. After sharing the news, we chatted for a while before ending the call.

Glancing at the clock showing 1:15, I headed to the bathroom for ablution to pray Zhur. Emerging from the bathroom, I went to my walk-in closet, selecting a large hijab and a prayer mat. As I started my prayer, during the final sujood, I poured my heart out to Allah, expressing gratitude for reuniting me with my best friend. After finishing my prayer, I engaged in Zhikir, placing my hijab and prayer mat back in their place afterward.

***
Zubaida's pov

After wrapping up the call with Ayan, I was bursting with excitement knowing she was on her way here to stay for good. The anticipation of her arrival was so overwhelming that I hurried to my brother Ya Zayn's room.

"Ya Zayn," I called out.

"Ke baki san yadda ake kwankwasa kofa ba shebi now I'm your mate ba?" he retorted, making me roll my eyes.

"First, hear me out, guess what," I began, ignoring his question.

"Meh," he responded.

"Ayan and her family are coming here to abuja," I shared.

"And?" he replied, frustrating me with his indifference.

"Bro, at least show some excitement that your friend is coming to abuja," I urged.

"Dan Allah? Omg tun yaushe? I'm so excited," he sarcastically exclaimed. Irritated by his attitude, I just hissed and left, not in the mood for his behavior.

Glancing at the clock showing 1:30, I realized, "Innaliallahi bani sallah ba".

Rushing to the bathroom, I performed ablution, then retrieved my hijab and prayer mat from the closet. During my prayer, especially the final sujood, I poured my heart out to Allah, seeking forgiveness and expressing gratitude. After completing my prayer, I recited my Athkar before heading downstairs to the kitchen to eat.

I'm so excited