---
"What the hell is happening here?!" He calmly stated, sending shivers down their spines.
"We are v-very s-sorry, Sir," Maya stammered.
"Out of my office," he said quietly, prompting Maya to scurry out immediately. He turned his gaze to Jalilah, who was trembling with fear. Without a word to her, he gathered his items and left the office. She sighed and followed him.
"My Jalilah is back! But why are you frowning?" Hajiya asked. "Or was it Jalal?" she added.
"No, Hajiya, I'm just tired. I'll freshen up and come down for lunch," Jalilah replied, heading upstairs.
"I saw your article in this year's school magazine; I'm proud of you, sis," Banina said, pulling up a chair opposite Jalilah, who was having a late lunch alone.
"Thanks, B! Cake encouraged me to write it," Jalilah giggled.
"Well, to me, you're just wasting your time, Jalilah," Banina shrugged.
"Pardon?" Jalilah asked, confused.
"Yes! You're wasting your precious time with Aslam! Everyone knows you two don't have a future together."
"And why's that?" Jalilah asked, starting to feel annoyed.
"Because you don't! You're classmates, Jalilah! He's only a year older than you. How can you even imagine a future with him?"
"Oh, really? So you're also one of those who think someone can't have a future with their classmate? Wow, just wow," Jalilah said sarcastically.
"Watch your tone, girl."
"Then stay out of my business! It's my life, not yours or anyone else's!"
"I know, right?! Anyway, as you said, it's your life. The truth is always bitter," Banina shrugged.
"If that's the case, keep your truth to yourself, Banina! I despise hypocrisy."
"You did not just call me a hypocrite, Jalilah!" Banina fumed.
"I didn't say it, but your actions justify it," Jalilah said coolly.
"How dare you call me that just because I was looking out for you?! You'll regret this!" Banina shouted, furiously leaving the dining area as Jalilah shrugged and continued eating.
Life is good.
---
"Daddy, how about we spend our upcoming holiday in Kano? It's been a long time," Jalilah suggested during dinner.
"I think that's a great idea, dear," Hajiya Khadijah smiled.
"Alright, since you all want it," Alhaji Abdurrahman agreed.
"No, Daddy! Anyone who wants to go can go alone; not everyone wants to be there," Banina said with a smirk.
"You're obviously the only one who doesn't want to go," Nabeel chimed in.
"Exactly," Jalilah laughed.
"Who cares about my opinion in this house anyway? Everyone cares about hers since she's the favorite child," Banina muttered, as Jalilah stuck her tongue out with a giggle.
"Banina! I don't want to hear anything like this again! No one is a favorite in this family; we love you all equally," Alhaji Abdurrahman cautioned.
"I'm sorry, Daddy."
---
"The inter-house sports finals are today, Mummy! I can't wait! I'll be playing volleyball," Banina said excitedly.
"I'll be running a 1000-meter race," Nabeel added proudly.
"Wow, I'm so proud of you both," Hajiya Khadijah smiled.
"And I'll be running the 500-meter race, Mummy," Jalilah chimed in.
"What?! No, my dear! I'm sorry, but you won't be running," Hajiya Khadijah said firmly.
"But why, Mummy?" Jalilah asked, perplexed.
"Have you forgotten you're asthmatic? I can't let you risk it, Jalilah."
"Mummy, please! It's the finals; I can't just back out! My house will be so disappointed. I promise nothing will happen, and I haven't had a seizure in a long time," Jalilah pleaded, almost in tears.
"Why did the teachers allow you, knowing your condition? I won't risk your life for this, Jalilah. A 500-meter race isn't for you."
"Mummy, please! We've been practicing for two weeks, and I've had no issues. Please, Mummy," she begged, holding her mother's hands.
"This will be the first and last time, Jalilah."
"Thank you, Mummy! I love you," Jalilah giggled, hugging her mother.
"I love you more. Take care, okay?"
"In Sha Allah, Mummy! And please don't let Daddy or Hajiya find out."
"Alright... but be careful. Stop if you feel tired. I pray nothing happens to you, In Sha Allah," Hajiya Khadijah said, kissing her forehead.
"In Sha Allah. Thank you, Mummy," Jalilah said, smiling.
"Cry baby," Maheera teased as Jalilah laughed.
---
"Hello, good day. Is this Alhaji Marshal?" Alhaji Abdurrahman, who was reviewing files in his office, picked up the call.
"Yes, sir. We're calling from your daughter Jalilah Marshal's school. She had an asthma attack and is now at Nisa Hospital."
"What?!" Alhaji Abdurrahman exclaimed, hanging up. He grabbed his car keys, left the office, and called Jalal to meet him at the parking lot.
"What happened, Dad?" Jalal asked as he started the car.
"Jalilah had an asthma attack at school. Head to Nisa Hospital," Alhaji Abdurrahman directed, and Jalal nodded.
When they arrived, they found Banina at the reception, crying hysterically with a fellow student and some teachers nearby.
"Banina?" Alhaji Abdurrahman called.
"Daddy!" She rushed to hug him, still crying.
"Shh, it's okay; she'll be fine, In Sha Allah. Where is she?"
"She's in the intensive care unit," she replied, wiping her tears.
"How did this happen?" Jalal asked.
"She ran the 500-meter race," Banina replied.
"What?! Why? How could the school allow it, knowing she's asthmatic? It's clearly stated in her form!" Alhaji Abdurrahman said angrily.
"We're very sorry, Sir, but your daughter insisted, and she brought consent from her mother," a male teacher explained.
"What?! Khadijah allowed this?!" Alhaji Abdurrahman muttered to himself, shocked.
"Jalal, stay here. I'll be back soon." Jalal nodded as his father left. Alhaji Abdurrahman drove home swiftly, heart pounding.
"Why did you let Jalilah run in a race, Khadijah? Her life is in danger now! Why?!" he demanded.
"Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. By Allah, I didn't know this would happen. She begged, and you know I can't deny her," she replied tearfully. Alhaji Abdurrahman sighed, pulling her into a comforting embrace.
"It's okay. She'll be fine, In Sha Allah," he whispered.
"You did this intentionally because she's not your daughter! If it were Banina, you wouldn't have allowed it!" Hajiya seethed, startling them.
"Hajiya, please. This is not the time," Alhaji Abdurrahman said just as his phone rang.
"Ya Allah! I'm on my way."
---
Written on: 14.11.20.
Edited on: 13.8.22
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Affairs Of The Hearts |✅
Roman d'amourCOMPLETED ~JALILAH~ Jalilah, a sweet, lively, and beautiful sixteen-year-old girl, knows no care in the world. An orphan since her parents passed away when she was just a year old, she has lived her enti...
