So close, yet so far

18

ABUJA, NIGERIA

Hauwa sighed tiredly as she rubbed her palms on her face before entering the opulent dining room. The warm glow of crystal chandeliers illuminated the spacious area, casting a golden ambiance on the lavish spread before them. Fine china, sparkling glassware, and intricately designed silverware adorned the table, reflecting the Mato family's affluence.

As she took her seat, Sa'eed's longing gaze settled on her, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Hauwa's gaze swept past him, deliberately avoiding the intensity of his stare.

Safira and Safina, the bubbly sisters, flitted around her, their bright smiles and infectious energy immediately lifting the mood.

"Ya Jidda, how are you, my love? We've missed you!" Safira exclaimed, her voice melodious.

"Yes, yes, we have," Safina chimed in.

Hauwa's lips curved into a warm smile as she fielded their questions, her responses brief but polite.

Meanwhile, Safar, as usual, maintained her distance, her expression unreadable. Hauwa reciprocated her indifference, choosing to ignore the tension between them.

Mami and Baba, seated at the head and foot of the table, respectively, inquired about Hauwa's well-being, their concern genuine.

Baba intervened, chuckling, "Girls, give Hauwa some space. Let her eat in peace."

Hauwa seized the opportunity to ask, "Where's Adda Bahija? I haven't seen her today."

Mami's expression turned wistful. "Fahad took her to the airport early this morning. She's returning to Lagos. She wanted to say goodbye, but she had to leave early. She promised to call you later." She said and Hausa nodded.

Hauwa's face lit up with a mixture of happiness and relief, grateful that Mardiyya, Sa'eed's cousin, was absent from the gathering.

As she reached out to pinch Ajmal's cheek, the five-year-old's face flushed with delight. He buried his face in Mami's stomach, giggling.

"Ajmal ciki zaka kuma; Does Ajmal want to go back inside Mami's tummy?" Hauwa teased, her eyes sparkling.

The room erupted in laughter, Sa'eed's deep chuckle blending with the others. Though Hauwa's gaze never met his, she felt the weight of his gaze, like a gentle caress.

The sumptuous feast before them beckoned, with dishes like succulent orange juice, pancakes, and steaming French toast. The aroma of freshly baked naan bread wafted through the air, enticing everyone to dig in.

As they began their meal, Hauwa's thoughts drifted, her mind shielded from the emotions Sa'eed's presence stirred.

As they savored their meal, the dining room fell silent, the only sound the clinking of utensils against fine china. The tension between Hauwa and Sa'eed hung like a palpable fog, heavy with unspoken emotions.

Sa'eed pushed back his chair, his movements deliberate. "I should head to work," he announced, his voice low.

The family bid him farewell, their chorus of goodbyes warm and genuine.

Sa'eed's gaze locked onto Hauwa's, his eyes burning with longing. He strode toward her, his footsteps measured.

"Goodbye, Mi Reina," he whispered, his breath caressing her ear.

Hauwa's spine tingled, a shiver coursing down her spine. She fought the urge to recoil, reminding herself of Mami and Baba's presence.

"Goodbye," she spat, her voice laced with venom, each syllable a dagger.