BEYOND THE ABAYA

18. A Chance to Reconnect

I woke up feeling a mix of emotions, but nervousness dominated my senses. Today was the day I had to meet Ya Bilal, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Despite knowing that Iqmat, Amma, and Islam would be going with me, I couldn't shake off the feeling of trepidation. My mind was racing with thoughts of what the meeting might be like, what Bilal would be like, and how I would react.

Just as I was getting lost in my thoughts, Husnah and Bisola entered the room. They noticed my distress and immediately approached me.

Husnah placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, "Islaha, don't worry, Bilal might have changed since you knew him as a child. People grow and mature, you know."

Bisola chimed in, "Yes, I don't know the relationship you guys shared as kids but i can say he was more like an enemy to you than a big brother. So just think of this as an opportunity to reconnect with your brother, you need to let go of the past. Besides, his younger sister will be there too. I'm quite sure Amma is eager to meet you."

I nodded. Their words of encouragement helped calm my nerves slightly, but I was still apprehensive. I took a deep breath, got up, and began to freshen up. As I went through my morning routine, I tried to focus on the present moment, rather than worrying about what lay ahead.

Once I was ready, I headed outside to join the others. To my surprise, everyone was already gathered at the dining table. There were all ready except Husnah and Bisola, who wouldn't join us. Iqmat and Islam looked unusually happy, which only added to my confusion. I wondered if I was the only one worried about this meeting, but tried to convince myself that Iqmat was just excited to see Amma. However, I couldn't understand why Islam appeared so calm and almost happy.

As we prepared to leave, I couldn't help but steal glances at Iqmat and Islam. Were they really as carefree as they seemed, or were they just putting on a brave face for my sake? Iqmat caught my eye and smiled reassuringly, but Islam just nodded at me, his expression unreadable.

I pushed aside my doubts and focused on the task at hand. We had a meeting to attend, and I needed to be composed and confident. Taking one last deep breath, I followed my companions out the door, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

We took Mommy's car but as usual, Islam insisted on driving "I'll drive, I'm fine."

Iqmat's eyes widened "No, no, Ya Islam, we can't let you drive. You're always speeding!"

I nodded "Yes, and remember what happened last time? You took that corner too sharply and we almost flipped over!"

Islam defended himself "That was one time, okay? I've improved since then. I promise I'll be careful."

Iqmat chimed in "We can't take that risk. You're always pushing the limits with your driving."

"I understand, but I'm not a bad driver! You guys are being unfair." Islam said with a pout.

"We're not trying to be unfair, Ya Islam. We just want to get there safely. So let Ya Islaha drive instead."

I smiled "Yeah, I'm happy to drive. I'm not as... enthusiastic as you are behind the wheel."

Islam sighed "Fine, but I'm still a good driver..."

Iqmat laughed sarcastically "We know, but let's err on the side of caution, okay?"

I laughed "yeah just to be alive if not for anything else."

The journey to the meeting location was uneventful, but my mind was racing with thoughts and scenarios. What would Ya Bilal be like after all those years? Would we have anything in common? Would this meeting change our lives forever?

As we arrived at the meeting location, I felt a sense of trepidation wash over me once again. But with Iqmat, Amma, and Islam by my side, I steeled myself and stepped forward, ready to face whatever the day might bring.

Ya Bilal's cabin was hidden behind tall trees. You couldn't tell it was there. Inside, the cabin was small and cozy. The walls were painted a calm color and the air was quiet.

As we entered the living room, we found Ya Bilal and Amma deeply engrossed in conversation. Noticing our arrival, they turned to face us. My eyes met Ya Bilal's, but he quickly looked away, avoiding my gaze. Amma, on the other hand, rushed towards us, eager to hug her beloved Iqmat . It was no secret that Iqmat adored Amma, and sometimes I even wondered if she loved me as much as she loved Amma. They had always shared a special bond.

dating back to when we lived in Victoria Island and Iqmat would insist on visiting Amma in Lekki every day after school. Iqmat's enthusiasm for Amma's company was so strong that she'd often persuade me to take her to Lekki. Their close relationship was evident despite their age difference, and I couldn't help but feel a hint of amusement at Amma's  eagerness to see Iqmat.

After their non-stop banters, she finally noticed me and came to hug me. "Ya Islaha! I've missed you so much!"

Hugging her back "Amma, I've missed you too! So much! I've thought about you every day. How have you been?"

She replied smiling "I've been okay, Ya Islaha. But I've thought about you too. I've missed your stories.

I laughed "Ah, my stories! I have so many new ones to share with you. But first, let me look at you. You've grown even more beautiful, Amma.

"Thank you, Ya Islaha. You look beautiful too. I've missed your smile.

"Wait, am i just a statue here? Islam finally talked.

"Ya Islam!!!!! Oh my god, it's been ages! You look exactly the same, except for that fancy new haircut."

He winked. "I'll take that as a compliment."

She laughed. "it's so great to see you! How's life been treating you?"

"The usual Amma! Just busy with life and stuff. You know how it is."

"Yeah, I do. You're always busy, but somehow you still find time to play video games for 12 hours straight and not think of your baby sis. I'm hurt."

"Hey that's not true." He said and we all laughed at that. My eyes travelled to the small living room with a comfortable couch and a simple table. Books and papers were neatly stacked up. The cabin felt like a safe and peaceful place. I think that's why Ya Bilal had made it his own little home.

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