MINE (EDITED)

Chapter 19

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Unknown number- Layla Hussain, you stay away from Muhammad Yerima because he is mine, he is the love of my life, he is just playing you, he doesn't love you, he is just leading you on. I am just telling you that so that when something happens you won't say I didn't warn you. Stay. Away. From . Muhammad.

What?! Is someone threatening me to stay away from Muhammad? Seriously? Whoever this person is, they should know that I wasn't the one who arranged this marriage! I didn't even want it in the first place! And now they're sending me a message like this? I checked the unknown number that had sent the message a few hours ago, and the number was still blocked.

I quickly dialed Ibty's number. She needed to know. She would understand. "Ibty! Someone just sent me a message telling me to stay away from Muhammad! Can you believe that?"

From the other end, Ibty blurted, "It must be that Salima girl from Tulip, or whatever her name is."

I shook my head, even though she couldn't see me. "Don't jump to conclusions, Ibty. It might not be her. Only Allah knows who the person is."

It was past midnight, and everyone else was asleep, but I couldn't let this slide. I ended the call after a few more words with Ibty and promised to meet her in the morning before we leave for Katsina. I performed ablution and prayed two nafils, but my mind kept wandering back to that message.

I decided to call Muhammad. I needed to hear his voice. I didn't know if it would help, but I was desperate to feel reassured. After two rings, he picked up, sounding a bit groggy.

"Hello," his husky voice came through, still heavy with sleep.

"Hey, I'm sorry I woke you up," I said quickly, though my heart was racing.

"No, no, it's okay. How are you?" he asked, his voice soft.

"Lafiya Alhamdulillah, where are you?" I asked, hoping to change the subject quickly.

"Missing me?" He chuckled, and I could feel the smile in his voice.

"Not at all," I replied, my tone light, but deep down, my thoughts were racing. "I went to your house today, and Ni'imah told me you were out of town with your mum."

He laughed again. "Yeah, I'm in Kaduna but coming back tomorrow, Inshallah."

"Allah ya kawo ku lafiya," I said, and he replied with "Ameen."

I felt a little relieved hearing his voice. "Well, I just wanted to say hi and tell you that I will be going to Katsina tomorrow, Inshallah."

He sighed, and his voice was warm. "Katsina again? How long are you going for?"

"Four to five days, I think," I replied. I wasn't sure how I felt about it yet, but it was something I had to do.

"I'm going to miss you," he said. The sincerity in his voice hit me in a way I wasn't expecting.

"Me too," I blurted out before I could stop myself. Immediately, I closed my mouth in surprise. Did I really just say that?

"You do?" he asked, sounding both surprised and pleased.

I quickly changed the subject, trying to cover up my slip. "So, how's everything with you? I hope everything's good."

We talked for a little longer, discussing everything from wedding plans to life in general. It was easy to talk to him now—less shy, more open than I had ever been. Before I knew it, we had said goodnight, and I drifted off to sleep.

The annoying sound of my alarm jolted me awake at 5:30 AM. I went to the bathroom, performed wudu, and prayed Subh. Afterward, I went back to sleep for a few more minutes of rest.