Two Brothers, One Heart

Part 2: Chapter 77

They eagerly awaited distinguished guests - not mere visitors, but cherished family members reuniting for her wedding celebration.

Big mommy and her daughter Ummita were en route, accompanied by Uncle Hassan's offspring: Maryam, Najwa, and Habibah, alongside their brothers Farhan, Amir, and Adil. Meanwhile, Ummusalma and Hafsat were engrossed in their nursing internship at Bayero University, sending heartfelt regards in their absence.

The familial relationships, a tapestry of complexity and affection, unfolded in anticipation of the gathering. A full house, both a blessing and a challenge, with a touch of mischievous delight in Goggo's absence due to back pain, leaving only big mommy, her daughter, and Uncle Hassan's quintet to join.

Zaynab meticulously orchestrated a setting of pristine elegance, ensuring every detail exuded charm and grace, as the maid meticulously arranged the vacant rooms and infused the air with the sweet fragrance of incense.

As they settled in the opulent living space, each member engrossed in their chosen pursuits - Yasin immersed in games on Zaynab's device, Firdausi and Khalid engaged in a battle of wits over a game of chess on the gleaming glass table. "In your face!" Khalid's triumphant cry echoed through the room, met with a playful eye roll from Firdausi.

Islam, engrossed in her phone, simultaneously conversed with Tessie and delved into Nagogo's old photos on social media, the thoughts lingering persistently.

Zaynab skillfully fried doughnuts for the guests, handling the task singlehandedly as Islam was indisposed, while Firdausi, the self-proclaimed bad chef, opted to linger with Khalid.

Summoning her strength, Islam made her way to the kitchen, showing signs of improvement. Zaynab focused on the sizzling vegetable oil, engrossed in frying chicken. "Need a hand?" inquired Islam, grabbing a delectable, buttered doughnut and taking a bite.

"Do you think I do?" Zaynab retorted, concentrating on the cooking.

"Absolutely delicious!" Islam exclaimed with a smile. Firdausi lazily approached, eyeing the doughnuts, but Islam playfully nipped her hand away. "The sluggish ones always miss out, Firdausi."

"Mama," Firdausi sulked, as Zaynab gestured for her to take one. "Why do they have to come here? They could stay at our old house. It's too much trouble for Mama.

"You know how your father loves his family. Don't let me hear you," Zaynab stated with a hint of authority, her voice carrying a mix of care and warning.

"I wasn't saying, I was just suggesting. I need a piece of mind right now," Firdausi replied, her arms crossed confidently, highlighting her slender figure in a stylish tube top paired with baggy trousers. Her clavicle peeked through, showcasing her tall and lean physique, reminiscent of Zaynab's grace. While Islam had inherited Zaynab's fashion sense, Firdausi possessed her mother's model-like body.

"It's heavenly and yummy, Mama," Islam exclaimed, reaching for a second pastry, eliciting disapproving looks from Zaynab and Firdausi. "Fine. It's for the guests," she relented, nonchalantly shrugging her shoulders. The removal of her arm sling bandage signaled her healed hand.

"Speaking of pastries, I've spoken with Radiya, the baker, and I think you should go check out the flavors since you're feeling better. You can ask Usman or take Firdausi," suggested Zaynab, as she meticulously drained the fried chicken on paper towels to rid it of excess oil.

"I'll take Firdausi, moreover Usman is preoccupied," she said, her disappointment evident in her voice as she shrugged her shoulders in resignation. The recent changes in her surroundings left her puzzled.

Firdausi didn't mind the change in plans, engrossed in dipping her Oreos into the dairy milk at the counter, slowly embracing her foodie side while effortlessly maintaining her slender physique. Islam couldn't help but envy Firdausi's natural grace and perfect figure, especially with the added stress of the upcoming marriage weighing on her mind. "Better get dressed," she reminded Firdausi, acknowledging the need to prepare for the day.