Fickle

Chapter 27

The sun had set over Abuja, the vibrant capital of Nigeria, casting a golden glow over Alia’s luxurious home. She had just returned from a long day at the hospital, her heels clicking softly against the marble floors as she greeted her children.

"Ismael, Humairah, don’t cause too much trouble while I freshen up," she called, her voice filled with affection as her daughter clung to her leg.

Moments later, as she settled onto the living room couch with a cup of tea, her mind drifted to Kulthum. Memories of their late-night conversations, shared laughter, and unbreakable bond filled her heart. She sighed and picked up her phone. It had been years since they’d truly talked.

She dialed Kulthum’s number, fully expecting it to go unanswered as it had so many times before. To her surprise, the call connected.

"Kulthum?"

The voice on the other end was soft but unmistakable. "Alia."

The conversation began hesitantly, like two old friends stepping carefully into a room filled with fragile memories. Alia asked about Kulthum’s life, the twins, and her work in Minnesota. Kulthum, surprisingly, answered every question, her voice steadier with each word.

When Alia asked about Abdullah, the hesitation returned, but only briefly.

"I think it’s time you knew the truth," Kulthum said suddenly, her voice heavy with emotion.

Alia sat up, her heart racing. "The truth about what, Kulthum? What happened between you and Abdullah? Why did you leave?"

Kulthum took a deep breath, as if bracing herself. And then, with a voice filled with both pain and resolve, she began.

Kulthum didn’t hold back. She started with the fabricated evidence Neil had presented, the crushing moment Abdullah believed it, and the bitter fallout that followed. She described the painful months after the twins were born, her decision to leave Daura, and her struggles in Minnesota as a single mother.

Her voice wavered as she spoke of the loneliness, the sleepless nights, and the countless times she had questioned her choices.

"And then, I built myself up again," she continued, her tone resolute. "I had to. For Jenna, for Hudayfah. For myself."

Alia listened in stunned silence, tears streaming down her face as she pieced together the puzzle of her best friend’s absence. She hadn’t realized the depth of Kulthum’s pain or the strength it had taken for her to start over.

"Kulthum, I had no idea," Alia whispered, her voice breaking. "You went through all of this alone. Why didn’t you tell me? Or Saddique? We would’ve been there for you."

"I couldn’t," Kulthum admitted. "Every time I tried, I felt like I was dragging you into my mess. And Saddique… he’s Abdullah’s closest friend. I didn’t want to put him in an impossible position."

Alia shook her head, her resolve hardening. "You’re not alone anymore, Kulthum. We’re family, and we’ll face whatever comes next together. But I need to ask—where do you stand now? With Abdullah, with all of this?"

Kulthum hesitated, her thoughts a whirlwind. "I don’t know," she admitted. "He knows the truth now. He’s trying to make amends, not just with me but with the twins too. Jenna adores him, but Hudayfah… he’s struggling. And I… I’m scared, Alia. Scared of letting him in, of trusting again."

Alia’s voice softened. "You don’t have to decide everything right now. But promise me you’ll give yourself the chance to heal. And know that no matter what, I’m here for you."