5 Days Later,

Zainab too got discharged. Although, the doctor advised that like a new born baby, she should be taken care of 24/7. He also warned that the incident that happened shouldn't repeat itself, else... She might lose her memory forever and nobody can say or predict what else would happen afterwards. All she needs right now is love, care, affection and lots of rest. Forcing her to remember the past or triggering her brain might cause permanent brain damage s. Aliyah is high risked now... I'm sure you understand what I mean ma'am." the doctor in charge explained to Mrs. Maikuddi.

"Yes doctor. I promise she wouldn't go through such pain ever again." She replied him before Zainab was finally discharged from the hospital.

With this, Zainab's health condition worsens. She only recognized Hajia Fati so she spends more time with her now, skipping work for later.

Khalid tried to approach her but Everytime their eyes meet, Zainab would start crying and shivering as if she's having relapses or so. With these, Hajia Fati warned him never to come closer to Aliyah or her room ever again. It's as if she would get a panic attack whenever she feels his presence.

That same day, Alhaji Umar Farouk Maikuddi, Khalid's dad came into the country. Hearing about the incident, he felt so heart broken and planned on sending Aliyah to India or China for treatment so, he called his personal doctor. But his doctor told him that she needs is time and understanding. Going through any surgery now would worsen things beyond repair.

Hearing this, Alhaji Maikuddi felt so disheartened. He couldn't believe his son did this. Someone he loved and trusted so much. But it was too late now, no matter how hard Khalid tried to beg his parents for forgiveness, they just turn deaf ears to him because this wasn't a small injury.

"Nevertheless Khalid, I've made up my mind. You wouldn't be going for your masters in India again for your theatre arts programme.
master's in acting and theatre arts at Film and Television Institute of India, Pune would be cancelled for now... It's off my schedule."

"What the fuck?!" His ears went deafstruck when he heard it.

"You'll be studying here in Nigeria, at the University of Abuja to be precised. There won't be a room of your nonchalant attitude anymore. It's my fault you got spoilt like this. But what is bad in sending my only son abroad to study? I wanted you to be the best... You're doing great academically but what is knowledge without wisdom?"

"D..dad! You can't do this to me. You promised to sponsor me in This is fucking bullshit dad!" He cried, defeated.

"Hey, Mister! Watch the kind of language you use in this house. I don't mind what you say outside but when you enter this house, or you're talking to me, drop that your fowl language in the streets, not here! Okay?!" He decleared.

"B...but dad!"

"If I hear you say those words again, I'll send you to kunchi to stay with your grandma! You would stay with her for a complete year and nothing would happen. If you don't change for the better, you'll continue staying there until you finally have sense!" Alhaji Maikuddi spat at his son.

Khalid couldn't mutter any more words. Although, he's the only child if his parents but sometimes, they could  be desciplinarians, treating him with force... Things that he didn't want. Especially his dad, Alhaji Maikuddi. He has great talent in making people bend to his rules. Sometimes, he could be the best dad alive while other times, he could just be... The worst.

Khalid didn't know what to say or how to convince his dad again. There was no point in convincing him anyways.
'It seems he has already made up his mind.' A voice muttered in Khalid's mind as he rolled his eyes in anger and locked himself into his room.

***

That very minute...
Humaira was in doctor Zayn's office when she caught him staring at her in a startled way.

"What's is doctor? Is everything okay? I've stopped thinking as you asked... Is my blood pressure rising again?" She managed to say.

Your B.P is fine but ummm... I have bad news.

W..what is is?" She frowned

There are high chances for your blood pressure to rise again.

"What do you mean by high chances doctor. You just told me my blood pressure is fine." Her voice shivered a bit as she spoke to him.

"Don't be frightened, Miss. What I'm trying to say is... You have to live healthy, exercise regularly, even when you don't want to. You have to drink a lot of water, eat healthy and most importantly make yourself happy by forgetting about those you've lost."

Humaira let of a deep grieving sigh as she heard him say these it all sounded like fantasy to her.

"Perhaps, I heard you're a lawyer. You need to continue practicing law, it's your profession. You can't just leave it like that no matter what. Perhaps, how do you cope. How do you live?"

"I don't know, doctor."

"What do you mean by you don't know? Don't you have a friend or a colleague? What about the man that brought you here the other day. What's his name again? Barrister Edward. You should have people around you. Family, friends, neighbors?" He asked, curiously.

"Ummm... My parents died long ago so, I don't even have a family. Ummm.... My friends don't live in Abuja here and neighbors? I just packed in from Zaria 3 months ago so, I'm trying to establish my life." She explained to him.

"Oh my... She let of a sad expression. I understand that so how do we do this? Because you need attention. You really need someone to take care of you. If you want to live a happy and healthy life... You need attention."

"I'll try my best doctor. I'm sure time would heal and... I'll manage. That's the only option I have."

You don't know that you're in a difficult position right now. There's a 60/40 percent chances that your blood pressure could go back to it's former position, or maybe rise again... It just takes a minute, Miss Humaira.  That could lead to hypertension or stroke. I'm sure you don't want to experience any of these at this age."

"My life is as good as over so, why bother?" She muttered in a sad, defeated tone.

"Miss Humaira. I may not be able to understand exactly what you're going through but as your doctor, it's my responsibility to save lives. To make sure your tomorrow is healthy, today. I don't want you to get depressed again let alone taking that step that you did. I want to give you a hope to live and a reason to smile." He persuaded.

Seeing Humaira depressed makes his heart ache for her. He wished he could help her through all of these somehow. To get better at least.

"Look doctor, are we done here?!" She rolled her eyes at him. "I would like to leave, please?!"

The rise in her voice made him realize she wasn't feeling comfortable with all his questionings so, he just let her be.

"Ummm... Yes. Pass this to the matron he handed her a file.

"Thank you." Humaira replied before standing

"But abou_" he wanted to say something but he stopped in between.  It's okay."

"Okay." She walked out of his office.

***

A Week Later...

Doctor Zayn lived in a two-storey building duplex. His house is just the definition of elegant. Everything looked neat and glassy. As if he was lost in thought, he took his phone and scrolled through the contact list. After a while, he pressed the call button, placing the phone beside his left ear.

"Hello. This is doctor Zayn." He introduced himself over the phone.

"How is your health and how is work?" Humaira's weak voice replied him from the other edge.

She was just about to sleep when his call entered.

"I'm fine. Well, I should be the one asking you because you seem not to be sleeping."

"You should be sleeping too doctor. It's almost midnight."

"Yes, but ummmm... I intend to send you an address. You'll have to go there tomorrow morning. Can you do that?"

"Okay... What's it about?" She frowned.

"It's about exercising and sport for people with high blood pressure, hypertension and other related cases you know, a get together to inspire people. I was thinking I should invite you too, you know, it could help reduce the stress."

"Okay, sure. I'll try to come tomorrow Inshallah."

"You shouldn't just try, you should come." The doctor persuaded. "So, I'll message you the address right away okay?"

"Okay doctor. Thanks very much sir." She muttered over the phone as she cuts the call.

***

Words and Translations

-Kunchi: A village in the Northern part of Kano.

***

Who wants Khalid to go to Kunchi? If you want him to girl, raise a hand...✋

Poor Zainab... She and Humaira are Inca terrible situation right now but what do you think Doctor Zayn's motives are?