Scarred For Life

Chapter 37

*
"Adnan," Halima smiled warmly as she saw him approaching. "You naughty boy. You've been here all along and you didn't come to see me."

"Forgive me, aunt," he bowed his head. "I lost track of time. Congratulations on your anniversary."

"Thank you," she continued to smile. "You've grown much taller since the last time I saw you."

"He's taller than Yusuf now," his mother added. "I don't even know where he gets it from."

"That's how they all are," she laughed. "I honestly don't know how Amir grew so suddenly. It seems like one day he went into his room as a boy, and came out as a young man."

She turned to Adnan then, pulling him by the elbow. "Come," she said. "Walk with me. I want to know all about the years you spent away from this country."

Adnan glanced at his mother, who simply smiled and turned to leave them. Halima dragged Adnan away from the crowd, leading him back through the house.

"When did you come back?" she asked.

"A few months ago," he replied. "I've been in Kano mostly."

"Yes, your mother told me all about that," she said, patting his hand. "Maybe one day I'll come and see the new house."

"I look forward to it," he smiled warmly. She had led him to the living room, where Aminu and his friends were still talking loudly. He looked up however when he saw her approaching.

"Aminu," she smiled, "do you recognize who this is?"

He blinked, studying Adnan's face carefully. The familiarity was there, and just a hint of someone he was trying to forget.

"Adnan?" he asked.

"Good evening, uncle," Adnan smiled back at him.

"It can't be you," he laughed loudly as he grabbed his arm and shook it tightly. "It's been ages. I didn't even know you were back in the country. How are you?"

"I'm fine, uncle," he replied. "Congratulations on your anniversary."

"Thank you, my boy," he laughed, smiling briefly at his wife who was still eyeing Adnan with a mischievous grin.

Aminu led Adnan over to his group of friends, introducing him to them one by one. Adnan smiled and exchanged pleasantries with all of them, his hand still in his uncle's.

"So, tell me," Aminu said as the pleasantries were over and he led him to the dining table, "how's your father?"

Halima had joined them as well, sliding into the table beside her husband.

"He's fine," Adnan replied. "He's sorry he couldn't make it."

"I understand you wanting to defend your father, Adnan," Aminu chuckled. "But I know my brother. He would rather drown in a pool of venom than set foot in my house again."

"Aminu," Halima cautioned.

"It's the truth," he replied. "Have you forgotten what happened the last time he came here?"

Adnan's curiosity pricked up instantly, but he dared not ask what exactly had happened.

"Yusuf has always been a bit temperamental if you ask me," he continued. "But I thought we put all that nonsense behind us once we had kids. Why do you think I brought my kids over to your house most of the time? I wanted you all to grow up as close to each other as possible. But he never seemed to agree with my way of thinking."

"Aminu, this is hardly the time or the place for this conversation," Halima said.

"Of course," he shook his head. "I don't know what got into me. Anyway, how are you, Adnan? Any plans for the future now that you're back?"