INTENSE BLING

Part 18

It really came as a surprise that Hajiya Rukayya, is at Jamila's mother's place that night. Nanny B confirmed from one of her trusted house maids. She eagerly went back to Sanaah and declared it's time for them to execute their plan.

"Sanaah, it's now or never," she had urged, her voice barely above a whisper. "Hajiya Rukayya's absence provides the perfect window for our plan."

As Sanaah stood outside her stepmother's room, she recalled Nanny B's urgent words: 'Tonight's the night, Sanaah. We have a golden opportunity to uncover the truth.'

Sanaah took a deep breath, steeling herself. The door creaked softly as she pushed it open. The room was dark, the silence oppressive. She felt a shiver run down her spine.

With trembling hands, she planted the camera, her mind racing with possibilities. What secrets would it reveal?

Task accomplished, Sanaah slipped out of the room, her senses on high alert. As she turned the corner, she collided with a figure looming in the shadows.

"Man!" Her heart skipped a beat.

His piercing gaze locked onto hers, his expression unreadable. "What were you doing in there?" he asked, his voice low and even.

Sanaah's thoughts scrambled for an excuse, but Man's intensity left her breathless.

"Oh! I was looking for my tablet." She recalled what excuse nanny B suggested.

"At this hour? It's almost time for fajr." Man asked, skeptically.

"Uh, are you here to see Mama?" Sanaah asked, deflecting Man's question.

He slightly nodded.

"Mama's either at Aunt's room on the ground floor or at Grandma's place in the BQ building outside, it's really surprising that she spent the night there today." She replied, trying to maintain her composure.

Man's gaze lingered on hers, as if searching for hidden truths. "I'll find her tomorrow. You, however..." He paused, his voice trailing off.

"Any news about Mahira?" She knew she hitted him at the right spot when his eyes darkened, but that was the only way she knew she could make him silent.

when he didn't give a reply she moved forward and wrapped her arms around him and whispered a good night, before walking down the hallway.

Sanaah burst into her room, slamming the door shut behind her. Nanny B, waiting anxiously, rose from the bed.

"How was it?" Nanny B asked, concerned.

Sanaah exhaled deeply, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. "It's done,nanny B. The camera is in place."

Nanny B's eyes widened, relief washing over her features. "Well done, Sanaah! You're so brave."

•

The morning sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the estate. Yet, despite its radiance, an air of tension lingered. At the breakfast table, the atmosphere was subdued. Not everyone was present.

The meal passed in silence, punctuated only by the clinking of utensils. As soon as breakfast concluded, everyone dispersed, retreating to their respective rooms.

Nadia, Jamila, Hajiya Rukaya, and Jamila's mother converged in Hajiya Rukaya's room, with neutral expression. The door closed behind them.

Hajiya Rukayya paced, her voice hushed. "Mahira's disappearance has attracted unwanted attention. We must adjust our plan."

Jamila's mother frowned. "I warned you, Rukayya, this was reckless. We should've waited."

Jamila countered, "Nonsense, This accelerates our agenda."

Nadia's hands clasped together. "But at what cost? Baba, Man, Gee, Ammi, Ahmed Hakimi, and everyone. Y'all know they won't stop at nothing."

Hajiya Rukayya halted, her gaze piercing. "We've come too far to turn back Nadia. Mahira's fate is sealed."

Jamila shifted as she glared at Nadia, "Matsala na dake ga ki kamar mai wayo amma sai tsoron bala'i."

Nadia snorted. "Ina da tsoro? For saying the truth? I'm just watching out for us, cause in aka gano mu abun bazaiyi kyau ba."

"Maganar banza! No one is going to find out, except if one of us here is going to go out there and reveal it." Hajiya Rukayya stated.

Nadia's expression turned solemn. "You're playing with fire, Mama. Remember the consequences." She said, before excusing herself.

"Ni fa gani nake kamar yarinyar nan zata je ta fadi wani Abu." Jamila's mother voiced out.

"Ba za ta iya ba, ta na da tsoro. Saidai in Muhammad ne ya lallabata ta gaya mishi which I'm sure he wouldn't do that." Hajiya Rukayya affirmed.

2:34p.m.
Man stepped into the elevator, its sleek doors gliding shut behind him. As he exited on the ground floor, the opulent grandeur of the living room unfolded before him.

Polished marble floors gleamed underfoot, reflecting the warm glow of crystal chandeliers. The atmosphere, however, was tense. Mahira's disappearance weighed heavily on the family.

Man's father, mother(Hajiya Rukaya), stepmother(Batoul), grandmother, sat amidst this splendor, their faces somber. Nadia, Jamila, Jamila's mother, and her brothers were also present.

He approached them, his footsteps echoing off the high ceiling.

"Please summon the chief security officer," Man instructed a nearby maid, who stood attentive beside a gleaming silver service cart.

The maid hurried off, returning with the chief security officer.

"Explain this," Man said, his tone firm. "I gave strict orders: no entry or exit without my approval. Yet, heard a car entered the premises earlier today, Why?"

The chief security officer shifted uncomfortably. "It was the weekly garbage truck, sir. The boss instructed us to always allow it, ensuring no dirt within the residence."

Man's gaze narrowed. "You could have informed me."

"I made a huge mistake, I'm really sorry sir." The CSO bowed.

Just then, the elevator doors slid open. Sanaah, Nanny B, and Achraf emerged, Nanny B clutching a small camera and a Macbook.

"We have something to share with everyone," Sanaah announced, her voice steady. "But I need everyone's attention."

The room fell silent, anticipation hanging heavy.

Hajiya Rukaya's eyes narrowed. "What is this about, Sanaah?"

Sanaah's eyes locked onto the screen. "You'll soon see."

End of Part 18
Doing well? Yeah me too.
So the book, Is it getting less boring?
Part 19 and 20 tomorrow?
Yea👍 or Nah👎