BEYOND THE ABAYA

17. The Prodigal Son Returns

Third person POV

Bilal navigated the crowded market, his eyes scanning the stalls for any sign of Zaik. He spotted him in a small, unassuming shop, surrounded by stacks of dusty crates and forgotten trinkets. Bilal pushed open the door, and a bell above it rang out, announcing his arrival.

"Oh look who we have here. The prodigal son returns." Zaik said as he  looked up from behind the counter, his eyes narrowing as he took in Bilal's formal attire. "Bilal, what's going on?" Zaik asked, trying to keep his voice steady. "Why are you armed?"

"You know exactly what's going on, Zaik," Bilal growled, the knife inches from Zaik's face. "I want to know who's behind everything. The manipulations, the secrets, the lies. Tell me the truth."

Zaik swallowed hard, his eyes darting back and forth. "I swear, Bilal, I don't know. I only know the person I told you about, and that's all. We've been best friends since we were kids, since our diaper days. I'm not lying. I'm only helping you I swear."

Bilal's grip on the knife tightened, his eyes blazing with intensity. "I'm not playing games, Zaik. Tell me the truth, or... "

Zaik raised his hands, palms up. He knew Bilal could do anything. "I'm telling you the truth, Bilal. I don't know anything else. Please, put the knife away. You're scaring me."

Bilal's face twisted in frustration. He knew Zaik was telling the truth, but he couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to the story.

"Zaik, listen to me," Bilal said, his voice low and urgent. "I need to know who's the mastermind. If you're hiding something from me, now's the time to tell me."

Zaik shook his head, his eyes pleading. "Bilal, I'm not hiding anything. I swear on my life. I only know what I've told you, and that's all."

Bilal sighed, his anger slowly dissipating. He lowered the knife and apologized. "I'm sorry, Zaik. I know I overreacted."

Zaik exhaled a sigh of relief, his face still pale. "It's okay, Bilal. I understand. But please, believe me. I don't know anything else."

Bilal nodded, his eyes locked onto Zaik's. "I believe you, Zaik. Now, I need a favor. I'm going back to the UK to finish some things, and I need you to keep an eye on everything here including my family and the old woman. Make sure nothing goes wrong."

Zaik nodded eagerly, still shaken but trying to compose himself. "Of course, Bilal. I'll take care of everything.

Bilal's gaze intensified. "And remember, keep being in disguise. Don't show your true self yet. We can't afford to tip our hand."

Zaik nodded again, his expression serious. "I understand. I'll be careful."

Bilal turned to leave, then paused. "And Zaik?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for understanding. And for telling the truth."

Zaik smiled wryly, still a bit shaken. "Anytime, Bilal. Take care."

Bilal nodded and left the stall, leaving Zaik to breathe a sigh of relief.

I think it is finally the time for family reunion. Bilal said as he removed his phone from this hoodie pocket.

~*~

As Husnah and Islaha entered the kitchen, their eyes widened in unison at the sight before them. Bishola stood at the stove, expertly juggling multiple pots and pans. The aroma of sizzling meat and spices wafted through the air, making their stomachs growl with anticipation.