UNDER 168 HOURS [BOOK 1, 168 HOURS SERIES]

Chapter 26: New Hope

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Walking under the hot burning sun was as if Zainab was going through hell. She begged some passers-by to lend her their phone but they refused. She really needed to call her sister, Humaira who is in university but no one helped her. Walking along the busy street, a car horn to stop Zainab but she was lost in thoughts. She didn't even notice anything behind her. It's a good thing Zaytoon said her piece of mind. Its even better she left that family for good. Only if her parents were alive, none of these would have happened today.

"Zainab!" The man called.

He is Mr. Abdullahi Bala, the headmaster of her school. Mr. Abdullahi is well known to be hardworking and kind hearted.

"Zainab!!" He grabbed her by the shoulder but she flinched to his touch, waking from her daydream.

"Are you alright?"

She looked so confused. As if she didn't recognize him or something.

"What's wrong Zainab? Why are you crying on the road like this? And... What are you doing all alone? Where are you going?"

"Good afternoon sir." She greeted.

"Are you alright? Talk to me, please." His eyes begged, noticing her pathetic state.

"I'm fine sir. I mean... I'll be fine." Zainab muttered and inconsiously broke into tears. It was uncontrollable, no matter how she tried to hide her feelings, she couldn't stop herself.

His eyes caught the fresh open wound on her right shoulder. It was quite deep. Mr. Abdullahi couldn't help but to but to wonder what the poor girl must be going through.

"Come on, come into my car. I'll take you home."

"No, don't worry sir. I'll be fine." She wiped away her tears with the back of her hand.

"It's already 12:00p.m, have you eaten?" He asked with so much concern.

Zainab nodded, telling she hadn't eaten.

"Let's go to my house and relax for a while. My wife would prepare something delicious for you to eat." He persuaded.

Finally, she agreed and entered his car.

Mr. Abdullahi is a very nice man that knows Zainab Ahmad Sanni very well. He knows her too well and was transferred from Government Secondary School, Kuje to Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada. Kuje is just a neighboring town to Gwagwalada, and also a local government area in Abuja.

He is happily married with three boys; Ibrahim, Idris and Idris which are 15, 13 and 11 years old, respectively. Mrs. Amina too was a nice woman. She works with First bank at Gwagwalada branch, Abuja. She's an hardworking woman and a disciplinarian also.

Mr. Abdullahi wanted to start the car when he remembered that Zainab had an elder sister.

"What about your sister?" He brought up.

"She schooling in A.B.U Zaria."

"Do you have her number?"

"Yes, it's 07014576211." She recalled.

"Okay, Good." Mr. Abdullahi took the number on his phone and dialed it.

Meanwhile, Humaira was just getting ready to enter the lecture hall. There was to be another test that afternoon when the call entered. It was an unknown number but she picked it.

"Hello."

"Hello, am I speaking with Humaira Sanni Ahmad, please?"

"Yes. Who am I speaking with, please?"

"It's Mr. Abdullahi Bala. Zainab's school headmaster." He introduced himself over the phone.

"Okay sir. Hope no problem?"

"I just met her on the road just now and I was think you need to speak with her. Zainab is in a critical condition right now, she's been through a lot." He handed Zainab his phone to have a word with her sister.

Humaira felt anxious.. She couldn't help but to wonder what was wrong with her precious little sister. Maybe the dream wasn't just a dream after all... Maybe it was a warning.

"Hello Zee! What's wrong?"

Tears lingered down Zainab's face again. She was so sad and all she needed was Humaira's presence and comfort.
"Doctor Azeezah is dead..."

"What? Inna lillahi wainna Ilaihi Ragi'un!" Her quivering lips muttered in dismay.

"Yes...She died last night. A gang of rubbers attacked us and I was also beaten and raped. Now, Zaytoon and Zayd threw me out. They blame me for their mother's death. I need you right now Humaira, I don't know what to do."

"Just calm down, Zee. Everything would be sought out, trust me. You've been my strength these past few years.... Please don't break down now Zee. But why didn't you call me earlier? I thought you would have been in Canada by now."

"No. I'm in so much pain right now, Humaira. When are you coming?"

"We're about to start our exams Zee. Coming home now would be a but difficukt but, I promise to visit you soon.

There's nothing at home and there's nothing on me Humaira. Hope you understand.

She let out a deep sigh.

"Yes, I do. You know what? I'll come home during weekend. I can't leave you in this state, despite my tight schedules, I also need to see you. So where are you now?"

"I'm with Mr. Abdullahi Bala. He's a very nice man and he's my headmaster."

"Okay then. Would you stay with him for the main time? Tomorrow is Thursday, I'll be back Friday Evening. I'll definitely come to check on you."

"Okay then, I'll be waiting."

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After the call, Humaira's hear stopped, literally. She felt a deep pain from inside of her.

'Why Zainab of all people? Why would anyone hurt her precious baby sister? The only one left for her to protect.'

It turns out that Zayd was a bigger fool than she'd ever imagined. Well, Humaira didn't have a deep connection with Dr. Azeezah's children but she always thought Zayd was wise and mature enough. He should have understood. Especially now that they need help the most.

Thinking about it brought Humaira another headache. After the test, She decided to study in the library for a bit, but the truth is, she wasn't really herself. Almost she felt was ears swimming and her heart, stirring up her soul from her very weak body. Since the day her mother left this world, everything has been going from bad to worse?

Humaira was lost in thought as she walked out of the exam hall. Tears filled up her saggy eyes not thinking about the stupid test she didn't even prepare for. Its no doubt that she'll fail anyways. Why the worry? The test was the least of her problem that very minute. All in her mind was Zainab, her little sister.

'It's all my fault. Zainab lost her virginity even before puberty. How do I face her after all of these? I'm such a disappointment, I know. I must find a way to make things better for Zainab. At least, she shouldn't suffer like me.'

"Hey!" Someone touched her from behind and she flinched.

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Word & Meaning

* Inna lillahi wainna Ilaihi Ragi'un- From God we come from and to He is our final return.

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Enjoy reading and please, don't forget to press the tiny orange star ★ at the end of each chapter to notify me you've actually read it... So! What are we waiting for! Continue reading this story of family, adventure, mystery and plot twists and also, don't forget to comment.