ORNAMENTS✅

Chapter Thirty Five

Dasuki State, Nigeria
2022

Abba walked inside after the Isha Prayer, the familiar aroma filling the air—his wife’s cooking, a scent he’d remember even in his sleep. It was something he missed, though he hadn’t pressed her to cook, knowing she needed time to get back to herself. But today? Today felt like his lucky day.

He walked toward the kitchen to find her already packing food into warmers. "What do we have here?" Abba’s voice startled her out of her thoughts.

She smiled, and a wave of relief washed over him. He hadn’t realized how long it had been since he'd seen her smile. Beautiful. Gorgeous. Breathtaking. He’d forgotten how much he missed it.

"Sannu Da Zuwa. Welcome back," she greeted, her smile never fading.

"Today must be my lucky day," Abba remarked, his eyes following the pot of Chinese Rice and chips. Just the way he liked it. She remembered.

"Umaimah has been admitted to the hospital," she said, breaking the news—nothing he expected to hear.

Abba’s face immediately tightened with worry. "Subhanallahi, what happened to her?"

"It’s just malaria and typhoid. She’s on a drip. I’m taking food to her."

He nodded, setting the papers he’d brought on the center table before responding, "Maria’s wedding date has been set."

Nini continued to pack food and serve his portion on the dining table. "Eat. I know you’re hungry, then we’ll take Umaimah’s food," she said, still smiling.

"Maria? Nana’s eldest daughter?" Abba answered, taking a spoonful.

"Yes," he replied, chewing thoughtfully. "They were going to postpone the wedding because of Sauban, but Nana thought it would be disrespectful to have a wedding while we’re still grieving, so I stopped them. What’s the point? He’s not coming back."

Nini nodded in agreement. "When is the wedding?"

"Two to three weeks, I think."

Aunty Nana had always been known for extravagant events, and with her first daughter’s wedding, Dasuki was about to witness a celebration to remember. Maria had always loved attention, after all.

"Allah Ya Kaimu Da Rai Da Lafiya," Nini prayed softly, glancing at the invitation card and event program.

Soon, they were done, and the driver took them to the hospital. As they arrived, Yazid’s call came through.

"Nini, where are you? I was worried when no one was home," Yazid said, his voice tight with concern.

"Umaimah’s in the hospital. We’re here now. I’ll send you the address."

He sighed in relief before responding, "Okay."

Abba and Nini entered Umaimah’s private room, where she was fast asleep.

"Allah Sarki Baiwan Allah," Abba murmured, his gaze lingering on his daughter in the hospital bed.

Nabeel entered shortly after with Yazid trailing behind. They exchanged greetings before gaping at the lunchbag Abba carried.

"Did Nini cook?" Nabeel asked, surprised.

The next thing anyone knew, Yazid and Nabeel were eating Umaimah’s food.

"Nini, be generous. I’ve been at work since morning. Care about me too," Yazid complained, stuffing his mouth again. He’d been managing the Shamaki oil business while Abba had been absent, and things weren’t going well. Workers were embezzling funds, so Yazid had to step up before it all collapsed.