Gossip to secret

40. Abuja/fashion show

They arrived in Abuja, and their car picked them up at the airport. Auntie Nusaiba owns a jewelry company in Abuja where she sells a lot of gold. She is wealthier than Awwal, so she arranged for a car to take them to their destination.

Awwal had a house in Abuja, and that's where they would be staying.

"It has been a while since we came here," Salma said, jumping on the sofa in the living room. She removed the hat she was wearing due to the sun.

Salma and Salamatu were dressed alike, wearing trousers, tops, veils wrapped around their necks, and identical handbags and shoes with a hat. They looked so similar that it was hard to tell them apart.

Many people admired them at the airport, some even took pictures with them. Anisa was unaware of her fame until people began asking for photos, making her feel both shy and happy.

Suddenly, paparazzi appeared, bombarding her with questions. "Mrs. Anisa, can you tell us about your trip to Abuja? We heard there's another fashion show happening," one of them inquired.

"We're going for a family vacation in Abuja, and yes, our fashion show is coming up soon," Anisa replied, feeling nervous.

"Can you share your emotions when you won the first fashion show competition?"

"Rumors are circulating that you and Ashraf aren't siblings but a couple, based on a video circulating on various blogs."

They bombarded her with numerous questions, leaving her unable to respond; all the inquiries sounded overwhelming. Fortunately, some soldiers intervened, putting an end to the paparazzi, allowing them to enter the airport and catch their flight.

Anisa never expected to be so famous; it was her first experience, and it left her feeling awkward. Ashraf sensed something was amiss as she acted cool and distant.

"Didn't know you were this famous?" Auntie Nusaiba asked while ensuring the TV was cleaned. Anisa, busy scrolling through her phone, didn't bother to reply. She was surprised to see the video of them at the airport spreading everywhere on social media. She wondered if she'd have any privacy; every move she made seemed destined for social media.

"Anisa, I'm talking here." Auntie Nusaiba brought her back to reality, and she turned to gaze at the one who had just spoken. Anisa gave her a confused stare because she had no idea what was wrong.

Seeing Anisa's mood, Ashraf suggested, "Why don't we take a walk outside the house, Anisa?" She gave Ashraf a quick look, nodded in agreement, and stood up from her seat by the small stairs at the entrance of the house.

Grabbing her handbag, they both left the house. Auntie Nusaiba didn't mind; she felt Anisa needed a break, and she genuinely wanted to talk to her in private.

They walked down the quiet street, with not many people around. Both remained silent, and all he did was stare at her continuously.

"You keep staring at me," she remarked without looking at his face, but she could feel his eyes on her.

"I'm glad you noticed," he replied, still fixated on her while keeping his hands in his pockets. She remained silent, and he didn't push her to talk, even though he was eager to understand why she seemed distant. Was it because of the paparazzi or the questions about their relationship? he wondered. So far, she had been normal and composed, even when their plane landed in Abuja.

Spotting a place with a few children, they sat on a bench. After a few moments of silence, he expressed concern, "I don't like seeing you like this. What is wrong?" He placed his palm on hers, intertwining their fingers.