BEYOND THE ABAYA

3. The warning

"Yes, me." he said with a smirk.

"Oh i see," i muttered, moving away from his gaze.

"Isly, finally found you," he said with a smirk, using a nickname only family members would use. "What is going on, sis? I've heard rumors, and i need to warn you: beware of the eyes that see beyond the veil, for they may not have your best interests at heart."

I frowned, feeling a mix of confusion and frustration. "What are you talking about, Ya Bilal? What eyes?"

He leaned in, his voice taking on a serious tone. "You remember what Amma used to say, 'the eyes are the window to the soul'? Trust your instincts, sis. Not everyone has your back."

"Huh?" I said trying to understand.

His pause was fleeting, but his words sent a shiver down my spine. "I know more than I'm letting on, Islaha. But for now, just heed my warning."

With that, he disappeared into the crowd, leaving me with more questions than answers.

"Hey, what did he say to you? You suddenly look pale." Husnah asked as she approached me with worried eyes.

"Nothing, why didn't you change?"

"Uhh i think i picked the wrong dress. But first tell me what that guy said to you."

"Excuse me, i need to powder my nose." With that i left her standing.

I hastened towards the bathroom, but just as I was about to turn the door handle, I froze. His voice echoed from the male restroom, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Yeah, she still thinks I'm in the Uk, and I'd like to keep it that way for now."

"I asked you to keep this quiet, Zaik. We can't afford to have them worrying."

"Yeah the old woman still sleeps."

Remember, Zaik, secrets keep the family safe."

"Okay, I'll be there soon. Watch your back."

He opened the door and met me outside. Omg! I should have left but i couldn't, my legs felt heavy to move.

"What are you doing here?" He said with anger visible all over his face

"I...I...nothing." I said unable to form a sentence.

"Shit. Did you hear anything?" He said as he ran his hand over his hair."

"Uhhm..." I murmured.

"Listen, the bird that thinks it owns the sky has never been hit by the broom of a witch. Breathe a word of what you heard here to another soul and i will show you what fire does to the ears of a rat." He threatened.

With that, he left me shaken.

~*~

After Husnah's extensive shopping spree, we were heading to Bisola's place, as I had previously suggested. She's definitely a shopaholic! I learned my lesson - I wouldn't be accompanying her to the mall again anytime soon.

Hussy spoke up, ending the silence, "can't you just reveal who that person is?"

"He's Ya Bilal, my brother!" I sighed

"You're joking right?"

"No I'm not. He's not my full brother, just my half-brother, and Amma's sibling. We're only 2 years apart in age."

"What? I never knew Amma has a brother."

"I think that's because he's been living in the UK since he was 10. It's been a long time since I saw him - not since my first year in college, when he visited with my dad, until today."

"But he didn't attend the same University with us right?"

"Yea he attended Oxford."

"So he's now back to Nigeria?" Husnah asked

"I think so." I never knew Husnah to be this nosy but i did answer her anyway.

Just as she was about to ask another question, her phone rang, grabbing her attention. A welcome interruption!

She pulled over to answer the call, but her face fell when she saw the unknown number. She shut down her phone and hit the road again, seemingly in a hurry.

"Who was that?" I said sensing her change of mood.

"Uh... someone not important." She said waving her hand in the air.

"Let's drop by Bisola's place quickly, as you mentioned. It's getting late." She said not giving me a room to further ask her questions.

"Yes, we're on a tight schedule. Let's go!" I said as i sank back on my seat.

~*~

As Husnah drove through Victoria Island, I sat lost in thought, replaying Ya Bilal's words: "Beware of the eyes that see beyond the veil..." wondering about the meaning behind his cryptic message.

"Hey, are you okay? You seem lost in thought. Did Ya Bilal freak you out?" Husnah noticed my distant expression

"Yeah." I laughed a bit. "But I'm more worried about you. What's going on? You've been quite since that phone call."

Husnah smirked "oh, just my aunties being dramatic as usual. I'll deal with it later."

"Aunties, huh? I'm sure it's not about your shopping habits... again." I said teasingly

Hussy laughed "hey, my shopping is necessary research! I'm supporting the economy."

"Sure you are, Husnah. That's why your credit card is crying itself to sleep every night."

"You're one to talk, Islaha. Your fashion sense is still stuck in University days." She said as she playfully rolled her eyes.

"Hey, my style is timeless! And at least i don't have a whole room dedicated to shoes." I said laughing

She smiled, "that's because you have a whole room dedicated to books instead.

"Well, yea i miss my old room."

"Yea, i know, right! But everything will be fine yunno.

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Don't forget to vote and comment!!!

Why is Ya Bilal warning Islaha and why's he threatening her?????
Who the f*ck is Zaik
And why is Husnah acting suspicious?! Omg she's starting to irritate me!!! 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️😂
What does "beware of eyes that see beyond the veil" mean and who is behind it?

And yayyyyyyyy!!!! I'm sooooooo excited to meet Bishola! Finally they are on their way.
Well, keep reading. I promise the book is getting better❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️