Just the two of us (EDITING)✔️

Chapter One

As I stepped onto the school premises, the vibrant colors of the trees and the crisp, invigorating air greeted me. The semester break had come to an end, and memories of my days in secondary school with Zulaiha and Amna flooded my thoughts. My people, a smile involuntarily graced my lips. It wasn't unusual for me to get lost in my own mind, especially when walking alone. My mind wanders to places and events yet to unfold – what I liked to call "oblivion thoughts." Sometimes, it took a lot to bring me back to the present, back to my own soul.

"Back to school," I mused quietly, my steps leading me to my department. I passed a group of boys engaged in hushed gossip.

Entering the classroom, I spotted familiar faces and waved at them before taking my seat. I was waiting for my two friends, Zara and Munira, who were yet to arrive. Just as I reached for my phone to call them, Zara walked into the classroom, perfectly timed with the lecturer's entrance. "Lucky thing," I whispered to myself, waving at her as she approached. She acknowledged my wave with a nod and settled into the seat beside me.

"Ke Ginnado," she whispered, "I called you. You didn't pick."

I hushed her with a finger to my lips. "Whatever," she replied, rolling her eyes. We focused on the lecture as it progressed, trying to absorb the information being shared.

About halfway through the lecture, I decided to discreetly check my phone. It was then that I noticed a string of messages from Munira. "Chums, I'm resting today, but can you be a darling and help me with attendance. Thank you," her message read. I shook my head, chuckled softly, and set my phone to "Do Not Disturb," preparing for the academic challenges and adventures that lay ahead.

We were through with the lectures, and as Zara and I prepared to leave, she leaned in and whispered, "Lift your head and see a handsome guy checking you out."

I glanced up, surprised by Zara's comment, but before I could see who she was referring to, the reality of the moment rushed back.

My name is Khadija Afrah Shettima, a 22-year-old Muslim hailing from the northern part of Nigeria. I grew up in a modest household with two sisters, Adda Ummi, who is 25, and Harrira, who is 17, along with my two brothers, Ya Khalil, 30 and Zain, 18. Currently, I'm a third-year student studying International Relations.

Back to reality.
I remembered the first day I met Zara. It was on registration day, and I was standing in line, awaiting my registration number, when someone tapped me. I turned and saw a girl around my age with captivating long lashes. She was dressed in a stylish black abaya with a black camisole wrap-around, a black Chanel bag slung over her shoulder, and heels that accentuated her style and beauty. It was a look I admired, although my fashion sense leaned more towards the wild side.

"Hello!" she shouted, which I found amusing because I was standing right beside her. Being the introvert I was, I replied with a quiet "hi," and she smiled. "Are you also a fresher?" I nodded. "Which course?" I responded, "Political science."

She beamed, "Oh wow, I have a new friend! My name is Zara. Give me your number. Where are you from? Are you Fulani?"

I smiled, and we engaged in a conversation. From that day forward, we became best friends. Then there's Munira, my childhood friend who embodies wildness and sweetness. I introduced her to Zara, and they instantly clicked. The vibe flowed, and we became the "bad gang."

"Ke Khadija, what's up with your love life? How's it going with Noor?"

"Zara and calling people 'ke'... and please, which Noor?" I responded with a smirk. "I don't know any Noor. He has already served me breakfast, and I've moved on. My heart is made of stone now, only if you'll give me Ya Afaan."

We both burst into laughter, knowing him and his ego. Ya Afaan is Zara's eldest brother, a man with a colossal ego who rarely smiles at women.

Zara teased me, "You know, Afrah, he asked about you just yesterday. I was shocked because he never asks about anyone. Anyway, he's the one picking me up today, so maybe you have a chance," she said, winking sarcastically.

"What? Let me go and climb a rickshaw! To think I was going to follow you home today."

Just then, we spotted his car, speaking of the devil. She held my hand and pulled me towards it. I followed her sheepishly because I didn't want to appear childish in front of this egoistic man. He was frowning, as usual, talking on the phone and didn't drop the call even when we entered the car. He started driving.

I was lost in my thoughts when I heard his deep voice interrupting my reverie, "You girls have lost your manners. I can see so you don't greet your elders anymore, right?"

Zara quickly responded, "Ya Afaan, you were on the call when we entered. Ina wuni."

I rolled my eyes and mumbled, "Ina wuni," which he didn't acknowledge as he continued to drive on and I zoned off.

TRANSLATION

Ginnado – Fulani word for a crazy Person

Ke – You

Ina Wuni – Good Afternoon