UNDER 168 HOURS [BOOK 1, 168 HOURS SERIES]

Chapter 31 : The Decision

"Subhanallah! It's unbelievable!!" Hamaira cried. "He actually did this too you?"

"Yes. He sent those guys. I recall them saying he asked them to kill you and spare me. But you weren't around. So they used me. I almost died because of that wicked old man."

"Was it because we went to face him at home that he decided to do this or what? Why would he be so heartless like this towards us?... Even if we mean nothing to him." Tears lingered down humaira's face again.
"It's all my fault, Zee. I made a mistake of going to him at the first. I'm so sorry. I brought this upon you, forgive me."

"It's not you Humaira. It's me. I forced you to go to him at first remember? I should be the one to apologize. Maybe that's what I'm suffering for."

"I'm the one at fault here, Zainab. I'm the older one. I should have protected you but what did I do? I'm not worth to be called a sister."

Zainab grabbed humaira's arm and cried upon it. The way she use to, with Binta, their mother, when she was alive. As it is... Humaira's eyes were already dripping.
"I can't forgive myself if you hold this guilt, Humaira. You're innocent after all. The one guilty here is that good for nothing beast. I hope he leaves us alone from now on. Going back and causing another scene might hurt this family. And I don't want that."

Humaira placed her lips on Zainab's forehead, and kissed her lightly.
"I love you so much, Zee. I want you to know this." Humaira muttered, trying to force a smile that wouldn't come.

"I love you too, sis. I want you to know that you're my strength. Now that you're here, let's continue living together. Just like before."

Just then, they heard a greeting from the door. It interrupted their talk and he entered. It was Mr. Abdullahi. He just came back from mosque and met their swollen faces.

"Why are you girls still sitting here? Come on, let's have lunch." He said with a little smile. The girls quickly wiped their faces and went to the living room.

Amina, who has been silently wallowing in tears wiped off her face to serve lunch. Her husband wanted to ask her aside to ask her why but he didn't. He was so tired and famished. All the gists can wait for later.

Amina opened the cooler. It was soft, sliced yam and fried egg sausage dished into different coolers. She served each of them their portions and sit to watch, again.

"So, what level are you?" Mr. Abdullahi started.

"100 level sir. It's my first year."

"Okay, that's good. Zainab told me you're studying Law?"

"Yes sir."

"Why law?" He asked again.
Amina placed her hand on her husband's lap. As if she was trying to convey him a message. Not to disturb the girls during lunch but he don't even reply her.

"Long ago, my mum was sent out of her matrimonial home by those she called her in-laws... Because she couldn't bare a son. After the death of my father, we were sent out of the house and we became homeless. From  Maitama, we started living here. My mum had sacrified, her job, her happiness and even her future."

"So, In a nutshell, you want to becone a lawyer to take back your father's properties?"

"No. Not that sir. What I mean is, I have the zeal to speak and fight for the less privilage in court; especially for women and children like Zainab and myself. I've withnessed a lot so far. I've witnessed lot of cases where the less priviledge we're asked a huge amount of money by their advocates and they end up not showing up in court. It's so unfortunate." She let out a deep breath.
"Sir, I want to rewrite the narrative of corruption in high places."

Amina was astonished by her words.

"Masha Allah. I hope you become one in the nearest future. I see you're a smart girl." She smiled.

"What about your sister. Is she following you or..."

"She'll stay here, maybe. She should. There's nowhere safer for her to stay other than here. I'm sure you would take care of her, ma."
"No.. Humaira. But_" Zainab wants to say something but Humaira cut her words.

"What's it Zee! You should be grateful." She muttered scornfully to her sister.

"Sir, ma. It would be a pleasure if Zainab would stay here hence forth. I promise to visit during holidays."

"Wow! That's beautiful. I'll treat her like my daughter. Humaira, you're really a blessing. I mean, Zainab would be fine staying here." She smiled.

The rest of the eating was silent. Although, Zainab looked fustrated. She wasn't happy that Humaira wants her to stay with the Bala's. They were actually good couple but she would terribly miss her sister. And now, she would have to wait till holidays?

Humaira on the other hand was grateful. The couple were nice enough to accept them in. And Zainab would be able to school well and study hard. Nothing would distract her education and she won't have to suffer or get hurt because her, ever again.

The couple were just excited to have them. But Amina kept on thinking about the discussion they had earlier on.
'That Alhaji Musa, Who is he?' She wondered.

***

Later that night...

The two sisters were meant to sleep in the same room. So, it was after Isha' and Zainab had just spread the bed.

"Why did you decide I should stay here just like that?!" Zainab cried. "You should have told me about it first."

"Shut up, Zee. It's already night. People are sleeping." Humaira whisphered with a warning.

"This is unfair, Humaira. You're making the decisions because you're the elder right?"

"Mteeeew! I don't have your time." Humaira cursed under her breath and lay to sleep.

"I know you want to leave me. I'm sure you're happy now. All what you said the other time are lies! This your emotional addiction would lead you nowhere, Humaira. If you truly love me, you wouldn't have taken me to Doctor Azeezah's house the first time. Why should I stay here? I'll follow you to school tomorrow morning."

Hearing all of these, Humaira couldn't catch a sleep. Zainab kept on murmuring, she wouldn't stop.

"Okay, fine. You can say what ever you want but don't say I don't love you please. I'm doing all of these simply because... I care."
Humaira sits up from the bed.
"I care about you so much, Zee. And I want you to know, all I did was for your protection. I wouldn't take a step to hurt you."

"Don't lie to me Humaira! Then why don't you want to take me along with you." Zainab persuaded.
"What are you protecting me of, exactly? Isn't it just Alhaji Musa? Would he come after us in Zaria? I really want to follow you, please. I can attend the staff school there and we can live happily and together."

"That's impossible, Zee. I wish you'll understand me. Its your birthday next month, I might have completed my exams before then. Study hard and grow up, Zee. I can't wait to see you completely highschool. It would be easier for you here. Mother would be so proud." Humaira smiled, gorgeously.

"Whatever..." Zainab hissed and went to bed. "You can't trick me with that smile, Wallahi."

Humaira laughed at her cute, little sister. She was growing fast already. And much mature than before.

'It's just six years. Six years, Zee. And all our dreams would come true." Humaira thought as she cuddled Zainab from the back.

Zainab flinched as if she didn't need it but Humaira still held her closer.

"What about school... Give me all the gists." Zainab whisphered with a smile.

Humaira couldn't help but to laugh out loud.

***

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 leave your comments.