UNDER 168 HOURS [BOOK 1, 168 HOURS SERIES]

Chapter 32 : Life Goes On

The sun was rising from the sky, like a big, bright, shiny ball raising from the ground. It was morning again. Zainab woke up to meet her big sister making bathing. She knew she already preparing and would leave for school today. How sad. Only if she can convince her to stay with her, one more day. It would really mean a lot.

"Oh you're awake." Humaira startled as she came out of the bathroom.

Zainab kept silent. She had woken up for a while but decided to rest still. She was watching Humaira as if she wasn't.

"Get up and brush your teeth! So you would see me off."

"Why the rush now. You can go tomorrow morning. Why don't you stay?"

"I would be starting my exams on Monday, Zee. I really need to study hard so that I can get high grades, ehn? You know how hard I struggled to get this semester's tuition fees?"

"What is tuition fee again?" She asked confusedly.

"Its same with school fees now, I thought I've once explained it all to you." She remainded her. "Whatever, I don't expect you to understand everything. Just go and brush your teeth so you can accept me to the car park."

"Good luck with your exams anyway. Don't forget to take me away from here... So we can continue our hustling."

"Yeah, I understand you, Zee. I need to go and greet Mr. and Mrs. Bala before I leave. I should thank them heartedly for all their help. Try to do your best for them, Zee. They're like your new parents now. I trust they'll care for you."

Zainab just rolled her eyes and went to the bathroom.

***

Minutes Later...

Humaira was already leaving. Zainab accompanied her to the car park. The place was very crowded but Humaira was lucky enough to get a sharon vehicle. It was almost filled up, only two seats left.

So good luck with your exams. I'll pray for your success. And... I promise to be a good girl. Since you'll come back soon, I won't worry much. Take care of yourself and baby too." She smiled. Humaira gave a one more hug before saying her final goodbye.

Another traveler came to join them so, they were set to go.

It was a guy, he dressed handsomely clean and neat. He smelled quite expensive too but Humaira didn't notice. What was in her mind was, how to get to school and started studying for exams. Everything is happening so fast, she just hoped everything turns out well by the end of the day.

Throughout the journey, the guyvwas staring at her. But she avoided his gave, and even the quick touch he mistakenly gave.

About ten miles away to Zaria, the vehicle stopped. The driver has to step out of the car and check the fault.

"The engine is hot. We just need to rest for a bit." He announced to them. Everyone hissed while some started murmuring within themselves. They just had to step down a bit and stretch their bodies.

The two mothers sitting before Humaira, by the left, asked her to come down so they would ease themselves and buy snacks for their babies who seemed to have woken up.

"Please, excuse me sir." She politely asked the man, so he gave space. The women dropped from the vehicle. Humaira, just stayed inside, waiting for the car to start moving again.

Meanwhile, the guy decided to make a move.

"Are you a student?" He asked. His question woke Humaira from her thought.

"Hmmmm?" She turned to him.
"You said what?"

"Are you a student?" He repeated again. With a smike this time.

"Yes I am. Definitely." She replied shortly.

"I noticed you've been off minded throughout. I mean, I've noticed you since I entered. The girl you hugged the other time... Was that your sister?"

"Yes." Humaira answered, wondering why he keeps asking her questions.

I'm Sulaiman by the way. I'm also a student in ABU. I wnt home for an urgent meeting but here I am. He smiled. Humaira didn't join him, she just looked away.

"I'll like to be your friend you know, know you better and we can help each other."

Humaira rolled her eyes at him, and replied and 'okay.' It was clear that she wasn't interested in being friends with him but he was just trying to.

"I'd really appreciate it if we could meet again. Here's my card." He handed her a business card. "You can contact me whenever you want. Okay?"

She collected it and nodded
"Okay."

"Let's move! Let's move!!" The driver alart as everyone rushed in. They're journey was already delayed enough. As they drove through. The rest of the journey was a smooth and silent one.

Finally, Humaira was back to school. Safe and sound.

***

Getting to the hostel, Humaira took a shower immediately she got back and slept off. She was tired with all the stress she's bern going through, lately.

After am the short nap, she decided to prepare Indomie noodles for lunch. After lunch, she decided to study a bit. Usually, Humaira studies with Firdausi so they can throw questions at themselves and exchange ideas, together.

She decided to dial Firdausi's number but she was out of airtime.

"This MTN would not kill me. I just recharged yesterday evening and their telling me story?" Humaira cried in her mind.

Just going to Firdausi's apartment without informing her won't be right.
So, she decided to dial *606# to borrow airtime. Then she dialed her friends number but she wasn't picking.

"Subhanallah! Firdausi is with my jotting book. How would I understand all these notes now? That stupid girl promised to give me one Thursday, but she forgot. I need to see her today... I'll have to go." She said to herself and put on her hijab.

It was a couple minutes past 5:00 pm. The sun slowly sets and hides in the auburn shadows. Humaira stopped in front of Firdausi's door, handling the bikeman #50 note. It was the last cash in her pause. Other things in it was her lip gloss and A.T.M card. Nothing was left in her account, other than the change she couldn't withdraw. Maybe Firdausi would help her with some money... Maybe.

The area is a rule one but it seems everyone wasn't around as the place was silent. Humaira knocked at the door but it wasn't locked.
It was just a room and she's the only one residents there so, Humaira usually visits and even spend the night over with Firdausi but this semester has been different. It was because of the things happening to her recently, and its actually causing separation between the two friends. They used to be like sisters.

Just by the door step, she saw a male's shoe.  Or was it unisex?

"Firdausi!" She called. But there was silence. "Where could she be?" Humaira asked herself as she pushed the door.

Then she saw something that shattered her heart. Or maybe it was she wasn't meant to see.

Mubashir and Firdausi.

***

Words and Translations

Indomie noodles : Noodles

***

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.