Shattered illusions

22: Unspoken hearts

Abuja,Nigeria.

The morning sun streamed gently through hanan's window, painting soft golden lines across her cleaned room. The faint hum of the air conditioner mix with the sound of her notification tone. She reached her phone lazily, squinting at her screen.

Aamir: "Morning baby. I have an interview tomorrow."
Hanan smiled faintly. "Alhamdulillah, that's great news ," she texted back, fingers gliding quickly over the screen.

But as she set the phone aside, her smile faded.
Her father's words from last night replayed in her mind, stirring unease. "You'll present someone after your bar exams." It wasn't that she didn't love Aamir — she did, in her own quiet way. But something in her heart whispered doubt. Maybe it was distance. Or maybe...uncertainty.

Downstairs her mother's voice echoed faintly, calling her name. Hanan wrapped her vintage scarf loosely around her head and descended the stairs, her robe swaying lightly as she walked.

"Good morning, Maamah," she greeted, planting a soft kiss on Hajiya Amina's cheek.

"Morning hanan," her mother replied, pouring tea
"How was your night?" She asked..

"Good Alhamdulillah" she said sitting down"

Soo...about what your father mentioned last night you know you can't escape me talking about it ko?

Hanan's breath hitched slightly. Yes Maamah i know.

"He said it's time i start thinking about it."

Hajiya Amina stirred her tea, her eyes gently but probing. "He's right, Hanan. But don't rush. Allah's timing is perfect. Just...keep your heart open."

Before hanan could reply, her phone buzzed again. Another message — but this time, not from Aamir.

Hooriya: "Hananii, how are you doing? Girl I've missed you."

Hanan smiled instantly, her fingers moving quickly across the screen.
Hanan: "I was literally about to text you! I wanted to tell you we should hang out this evening."

Hooriya: "perfect timing. Should I come to your place or do you want to come over?"

Hanan: "I'll come over, in sha Allah. I need fresh air anyway."

Hooriya: "yahyyy, let me oder something for us."

Hanan laughed softly, shaking her head. Hooriya always had a way of making her smile — the type of friend who understood even what she didn't say aloud.

Hanan had her breakfast helped the maid cleared the kitchen and made her way upstairs to her room.

By early afternoon, hanan lay sprawled on her bed, scrolling through her phone. Her thoughts drifted back to last night's conversation with her father. The words replayed like an echo: "you are presenting someone immediately after your bar exams."

When evening came, she dressed in a light lilac gown with minimal makeup and jewelry and tied her scarf loosely. After spraying a touch of her signature perfume with scented of oud and jasmine, she grabbed her handbag and car keys and left for hooriya's house.

At the Sambo residence, hooriya's bright laughter filled the air the moment she opened the door. "Finallyyy! My favorite human decided to visit," she teased, pulling hanan into a warm hug.

Hanan chuckled. "It's been a long week I needed this."

They made their way to hooriya's room —cozy, pastel-toned and dim and smelling faintly of rose mist.
The two best friends sat cross-legged on the bed, a bowl of popcorn and spicy chicken wings between them.