February 28

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Abuja, Nigeria.

Wedding preparations were in full swing, with both families bustling about to ensure everything was running smoothly. The atmosphere was electric with excitement and anticipation, as every detail was meticulously attended to. 

The lefe—the bridal gifts—were being arranged to be taken to Maheer's residence. Twenty-four lavish boxes, bearing names of renowned luxury brands like louis vuitton, Hérmes , and Balenciaga, were packed with the most exquisite items. These were gifts meant to signify love, honor, and the blending of two families, and they were soon to be delivered to the bride's parents' house in a grand procession. 

Amidst the frenzy, Muneefah was the happiest of all. She couldn't contain her joy at the thought of Jojo, her beloved nephew, and Jaiyana, her cherished daughter , tying the knot. It was a union she had always prayed for, and now it was becoming a reality. 

Munaya , too, was beaming with happiness. Her heart swelled with pride and gratitude as she watched her son, Aabaan, and her niece prepare to start their lives together. It was a dream come true for her as well. 

On the other hand, Safna was a whirlwind of emotions. She had been deeply sentimental since the wedding preparations began. The thought of her little Jaiyana getting married and moving out was both heartwarming and bittersweet. Jaiyana had been her constant companion, and now she would no longer live under the same roof. 

When the preparations kicked off, Safna had insisted that Jaiyana temporarily relocate back to Maheer's residence to honor Muneefah and the tradition it represented. It had taken countless pleadings and reassurances before Jaiyana finally agreed. Today marked the day she would leave, right after the bridal gifts were delivered. 

As Jaiyana was about to leave Munaya's chamber , where she had gone to greet her aunt—soon to be her mother-in-law—and bid her farewell, she overheard whispers. 

"Is she the bride?" one of El-Kabir's sisters murmured, her voice just loud enough to reach Jaiyana's ears. 

"Yes, fah! She's the one," another responded with a mocking tone. 

"What's she still doing here then? Isn't this like her in-law's house now?" a third voice chimed in, dripping with sarcasm. 

"Oh, come on. This wedding isn't like any ordinary one," the second woman added conspiratorially. "Her adoptive mother is married to Yaya, so she obviously had to stay here. But her real mother is Muneefah, who is Munaya's sister. So she's technically Munaya's niece. Who knows, they probably arranged this marriage." 

"Oh, you mean the two sisters who suddenly reappeared? Isn't it strange how everyone thought they were dead? And now, coincidentally, the moment Munaya returns, Mariya is dead? Plus, Kalthum—Muneefah's co-wife—is gone too. Does it even make sense?" 

"The way I heard it," another voice chimed in, "Mariya and Kalthum were behind the sisters' disappearance. When they were about to be taken into custody, Mariya allegedly tampered with the brakes, causing the accident that ended their lives. But Allahu Ya'alamu—Allah knows best. Yaya isn't saying anything about it." 

"Well, he doesn't have to," the first woman dismissed. "I don't care about their family affairs anyway. I have my own family to manage." 

Jaiyana couldn't help but shake her head and chuckle softly as she exited the chamber. People will always talk, she thought to herself. 

She headed back to Safna's chamber , where she bade a heartfelt farewell to her mother and El-Kabir. As she stepped outside, her siblings were already seated in the car, waiting for her. Taking a deep breath, she climbed in, and with a gentle hum of the engine, the car sped off, carrying her toward the next chapter of her life.