Echoes of Agony

Chapter Twelve

Usman was experiencing a range of emotions – from frustration to worry. He had made a promise to Zaytun that he would find out where her husband was. He started his search at the company, but unfortunately, AbdulJalal wasn't there. Although he knew that his younger cousin sometimes worked late, he decided to check their gym as well. However, even the security man informed him that AbdulJalal didn't show up there.

Usman was now at his wit's end. He had always been the one who shielded AbdulJalal whenever he did something wrong. He supported him through all his chaotic adventures and stood against his parents when they tried to punish him. But he felt that there was a limit to everything. AbdulJalal was now a married man to the most selfless person Usman had ever met. He saw the sincerity and care that Zaytun had for the man and his entourage. In the past, AbdulJalal was surrounded by many women who were only after the brand of his name, his fame, and his wealth. None of them were genuinely in love with the man, and AbdulJalal knew this. As a result, he would just play with them and then dump them after a while.

However, Usman felt that this time things were different. He saw the kindness radiating from Zaytun on the day of their marriage. He saw her sincere desire to get to know them and make them comfortable. None of AbdulJalal's exes had ever done that, and this made Usman realize that she was truly special.

Usman tried calling his cousin again, but the phone rang out. He cursed under his breath, feeling a knot form in his stomach. He had just gone to look for the young CEO in his other house, and now he was worried about his cousin's whereabouts. This wasn't like AbdulJalal, who was usually prompt in answering calls. Usman paced back and forth, wondering where to look for him. He checked his phone again, hoping to see a missed call or a message, but there was nothing. The silence was unnerving, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

Usman felt helpless and frustrated as he tried to locate AbdulJalal. He had exhausted all his options, and his last resort was to call Idris and Ibrahim. However, he knew that Ibrahim would make a big deal out of this, and Idris would give a lecture on how AbdulJalal was out of control. So he decided against calling them.

As he sat in his car, he wondered where AbdulJalal could be. He checked the time and it was already 3 AM. He couldn't imagine how scared Zaytun must be feeling at that moment. He was impressed by how patient she was, having only sent one message inquiring if he had found AbdulJalal. Usman didn't have the heart to respond with a negative response, so he lied and told her that her husband was at the company, working. He knew it was a big fat lie, but he had no other option. He couldn't tell Zaytun that he hadn't found her husband.

Usman's head was throbbing from all the thinking he had been doing when his phone suddenly rang. He answered it without verifying who was calling, thinking it must be AbdulJalal.

"Yaya, I saw a lot of missed calls from you, what's wrong?"

"Gidanku neh AbdulJalal Sani, what do you mean by what's wrong? I've been looking for you for hours, you animal."

"Usman you-"

"Where the hell are you?"

"Why are you looking for me?"

"Answer me with questions and I'll dig your grave and bury you there, and nobody will find your stupid self. Now tell me, where are you?"

"Busy with work."

"Stop this nonsense, you aren't at the company, nor at your home, neither your other house, so tell me the truth because your wife is worrying about you."

"Zaytun- Zaytun called you?"

"Yes she did. She was worrying about you. Where are you now?"

The line cut off.