UNDER 168 HOURS [BOOK 1, 168 HOURS SERIES]

Chapter 49: Bed of Roses

"So what are you suggesting right now, Amina. I'm curious."

"Let's keep her. I agree. I accept whatever you want but please, don't compare her with any of my sons. She doesn't belong here and you know it!"

"But we're only doing this to get Allah's Barka and Rahma. Zainab is just an orphan, she deserves a better life just like our sons."

"Okay. Let me agree with you. Imagine we treat her equally among our sons and she becomes our daughter as you wish. When she gets old enough to get married, who would you think would want to marry an HIV patient?"

"Ehn?"

"So you see... All these are not ordinary. It's not as if you have an obligation on her or something. She's just an homeless girl. Give her a home. She's hungry? Yes, feed her. Educate her well. That's enough. Don't do more than that."

"Aminaaaa..." He smiled. You always have a way to control me. So who are you protecting now o? Your son's.

"No. It's not just our sons. I'm protecting you as well. Help her as you should and you'll still get blessed  No hard feelings."

"Okay, fine. I get you. I won't attach so much feelings to Zainab any longer. If that would make you happy."

"Yes, definitely!" Amina lit a bright smile across her lips as her husband planted a soft kiss to it.

"I love you hubby."

"I love you too, wifey." They hugged themselves romantically.

Finally, Abdullahi was able to settle his wife and Amina was able to save humer marriage and her beloved husband.

****

The Following Morning...

Everything went on as planned. Zainab did all the chores and continued school. Her and Idris became closer and they did everything together. Amina was curious about the fact that her last son was so attached with the girl she hated so much.

She planned to despise her even more. Maybe warn her from even getting closer to Idris. That would be a good start.

***

Days Later,

At Zaria...

It was hot as usual. The sun was brighty and shiny, making the pricing even looked hotter and unbearable.

The fact that Humaira was pregnant meant nothing to all of them. She isn't going to be the first pregnant prisoner in history anyway, so, what's the news?

Earlier that they, Humaira and other prisoners went outside to cut the grasses. They cleared the bushy surroundings and burnt the dirt. After that, they were divided into sections (pairs) to clean each office because it was Saturday.  Some wash the toilet while others do the dishes. Firdaus and Saturdays are for cleanings and sanitation. While Sundays and Fridays are for visiting.

That day actually looked longer to Humaira. She's been going through so much pain since she got there but.. all she had done so far was to keep all the pain to herself, waiting and praying for God's miracle. If there's ever one.

She laid on the bare floor as usual, silently reciting some prayers. It was after Asr... She was about to take a sleep off when one officer came, hitting there burglary (iron door) with his stick.

Some that were asleep woke up while others that weren't asleep rained him curses.

"You better shut up there else?! I'll come and teach you some lessons!!"

The ladies hissed at him and sat down back.

"Hey you!" He pointed.

"Me?" One ugly looking lady asked with a smile.

"Not you idiot! I'm talking about cry- cry. Where is she?"

The lady hissed and tapped Humaira. She's nicknamed cry-cry because of how frequently she burst into tears there and everyone knows her well...

She slowly jilt up. "Yes?"

"They're calling you." She rolled her large eyes at Humaira's lazy body..

Humaira quickly stands up to meet him. Maybe he wanted to give her a chance to call her sister.

Yes sir. She muttered as stood in front of him

"You have a visitor."

"What? A visitor?"

"Don't ask me foolish questions, cry-cry, because you're not deaf! Just follow me."

He opened the door and dragged her out if the place.

"Walk fast abeg!" The officer yelled as her as she woke up from the thought of who would come to visit her. She thought maybe it was Mrs. Bridget or Mr. Abdullahi from Abuja.

Just then, she saw someone she never expected. It's barely two weeks after the incident but he was looking better.

Melvin.

***

Words and Translations

- Barka: Blessing

- Rahma: Mercy

***
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.