BEYOND THE ABAYA

19. Autumn of change

Ya Bilal ushered us through a small door in the living room, which led outside to the backyard. The cool air was almost shocking, but it was the refreshing atmosphere I needed. As we walked further into the garden, I noticed trees surrounded by leaves scattered all over the grass, a clear sign of autumn.

The backyard was a peaceful spot with green grass, colorful flowers, and tall trees. A cozy patio invited us to sit and relax. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming gardens and the gentle sound of birdsong. Leaves crunched beneath our feet, a crunchy carpet of autumn colors.

We all sat down, with Amma sharing a seat with Iqmat. My twin and I sat together in a similar seat across from them, while Ya Bilal took the solo chair at the head.

Ya Bilal sighed, his expression somber. "Uhh... I called you all here to ask for forgiveness. I know I wasn't a good brother to any of you, especially you, Islaha." He turned to me, and I felt my gaze drop. "Islaha, it was never my intention to treat you that way. My jealous mind got the best of me. I was jealous because you were Dad's favorite." He paused, his voice filled with emotion. "Even though I bullied you, know that you've always been my favorite, and you still are..."

Iqmat chimed in, pouting playfully. "Thought I'm your favorite!"

We all burst out laughing at that. I had always known that Ya Bilal and Iqmat were close, often catching them on calls together. I had assumed I was the only one he didn't like, but now I realized that wasn't true.

"Iqmat, don't pout! You're my favorite troublemaker, but Islaha's my favorite... well, Islaha's just my favorite, okay?"

Iqmat put hand over her chest faking a cry. "I'm hurt." And we all laughed again.

Overwhelmed, I burst into tears. Ya Bilal immediately rose from his seat and exchanged places with Islam, sitting beside me. He gently wiped away my tears and enveloped me in a warm hug, patting my back soothingly.

"It's okay, don't cry, Islaha," he whispered. "I'm sorry for everything. I promise to be there for all of you from now on. Trust me."

Once he was certain I had composed myself, he continued, "The second thing I want to address is my apology to you, Iqmat. I felt terrible and helpless when you shared that you'd be attending BUK. We all had the privilege of studying in the UK, and now the youngest among us will be attending a federal university. I feel utterly useless for not being able to change this situation. As we're all aware, the government is confiscating our assets. I'm truly sorry, Iqmat. Please start at BUK for now, but I promise to transfer you to the best private university in Nigeria – even if it's not in the UK."

She smiled "It's alright, Ya Bilal, really. We can't change what's meant to be. God's plan is unfolding, and we have to trust in that."

He smiled, "Alright, Iqmat, why don't you go whip up something to eat? We're all famished."

She stood up, "You could've just asked for some time alone." We all laughed.

When we were certain she was out of earshot, we turned to him, eager to know what he had to say. He cleared his throat, "So, the thing is... I know you're all wondering why I returned to Nigeria without anyone's knowledge. Well, I'm here to make things right, but I must return so that no one will doubt my stay. Besides, i need to go back and finish some matters, as we can't let the family fall apart like this."

He called out our names, "Islaha and Islam." We turned to him, curious. "Dad didn't send you away because of Fawaz," he continued. "He only wanted to keep you safe, so he sent you out of his house. He didn't abandon you; in fact, he kept track of everything before his arrest. He did what he had to do to ensure your safety."