So close, yet so far

32

ABUJA, NIGERIA

Sa'eed's eyes never left Safar's face as he pulled out his phone and dialed the pilot's number. His mind was racing with thoughts of betrayal, deception, and revenge. He couldn't believe his own sister could stoop so low.

"Ahmad, I need the jet ready to take off ASAP," Sa'eed said, his voice firm and commanding.

"Sir, I'm afraid that's not possible. The jet is currently undergoing maintenance, and we can't arrange for it to be ready right now, it will take time," Ahmad replied, his voice apologetic.

Sa'eed's jaw clenched in frustration. He had been counting on leaving immediately, on getting Safar to Abuja and confronting Mami and Baba about her sinister plans. But now, it seemed, he would have to wait.

"Fine. What's the earliest we can leave?" Sa'eed asked, his patience wearing thin.

"8 PM tonight, sir. I can arrange for the jet to be ready by then," Ahmad replied.

Sa'eed nodded, his mind racing with the implications. He would have to wait several hours before he could confront Safar and get to the bottom of her betrayal.

As he hung up the phone, Sa'eed turned to Mama and Baba. "The jet can't be arranged until tonight. We'll leave at 8 PM."

Mama and Baba exchanged a concerned glance. "Sa'eed, maybe it's best if Hauwa stays here with us," Mama suggested, her voice gentle.

Sa'eed's eyes narrowed. "No, I want her to come with me." He glanced at Safar, his eyes blazing with anger.

But Mama and Baba were insistent. "Sa'eedu, Hauwa is still recovering from her illness. The stress of traveling and confronting Safar will only exacerbate her condition. It's better if she stays here with us, where we can take care of her," Baba reasoned.

Sa'eed's face twisted in frustration. He knew Mama and Baba were right, but he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was leaving Hauwa vulnerable, that Safar would somehow find a way to hurt her again.

As the hours ticked by, Sa'eed's anxiety grew. He paced back and forth in the living room, his eyes fixed on Safar, who sat quietly in the corner, her eyes downcast.

Finally, at 8 PM, Sa'eed stood up, his eyes locked onto Safar's. "Let's go," he said, his voice cold and menacing.

Safar slowly got up, her eyes flashing with anger, but Sa'eed didn't care. He was determined to get to the bottom of her betrayal, to make her pay for what she had done to Hauwa and Jannah.

As they left the house, Sa'eed felt a sense of trepidation. He knew that the journey ahead would be fraught with danger, with secrets and lies waiting to be uncovered.

But he was ready. He was ready to face whatever lay ahead, to protect his family and uncover the truth about Safar's sinister plans.

Throughout the journey, neither Sa'eed nor Safar uttered a word. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken accusations and unresolved anger.

As they arrived in Abuja, Sa'eed's driver, whom he had called from home, was waiting to pick them up. Sa'eed had deliberately kept their return a secret, unsure of who to trust. His eyes narrowed as he glanced at Safar, her phone confiscated to prevent her from alerting anyone to their arrival.

The drive to the Mato mansion was a silent, uncomfortable one. Sa'eed's mind was a whirlwind of emotions, his anger and betrayal simmering just below the surface. Safar, on the other hand, seemed subdued, her eyes cast downward in a gesture of false contrition.

As they approached the living room, Sa'eed could hear the murmur of his family's voices. He knew they wouldn't be asleep yet, not at this hour. The room fell silent as they entered, the sudden stillness a testament to the shock and surprise etched on their faces.