Now that Zainab has regained her memory, she had to leave Khalid….

It was a heartwarming welcome but Mrs. maikuddi was surprised to see another lady looking like her Aliyah.

Zainab hugged and greeted Mrs. Maikuddi and introduced her to Humaira.

"Mummy, meet my sister, Humaira." She introduced. "Humaira, meet Hajia Fati, Khalid's mum. She's been kind and generous. She took care of me me like her own and also sent Khalid and I for Umrah."

"Assalam 'Alaikum ma. Good afternoon." She greeted.

"Wa'alaikum Sallam warahmatullahi wabarakatuh my dear. I've always wanted to meet her relative. How did you girls meet?" She asked confusedly.

"It's a long story mum. I'll explain everything to you when we get home." She explained.

They got into the car and went to the Maikuddi's mansion. Humaira was surprised and grateful at the same time that a wealthy family like them took Zainab in.

Hannatu had prepared lunch for their arrival she set the table and they ate together. Humaira thanked Mrs. Maikuddi for all the love and care she had showered on her sister. She also explained to her how she struggled to look for her her. And why she left home.

It's entirely my fault ma. But I promise to handle things maturely thus time. Humaira muttered.

Okay my dear. That's good to know. So, are you taking Zainab with you or?

Yes ma. It's going to be best that way. I want to take her back home but, she's welcomed to visit here anytime right?

"Yes, sure. Why not. She can visit us anytime she feels like. The doors of this house are widely open to her. Anyway, I'm really going to miss her a lot, especially my son." She explained.

Meanwhile, Khalid was in his room, eaves dropping at their conversations. For some reasons, he didn't want Zainab to go. He's scared that if she leaves, he would become lonely again and things might get difficult. How it was before...

Zainab looked upstairs as her eyes caught Khalid peeping. After eating, she went upstairs to meet Khalid in his room.

"Why don't you join us for dinner?" She asked in a calm, low tune.

"I'm not hungry!" He jerked off, trying not to look back.

"Really? Are you really not hungry or is it because I'm leaving?" She asked with curiosity lacing her cute, feminine voice.

"Don't ask me any question, Aliyah! Just leave if you want to!" He psyched up.
The way he spat the words at Zainab immediately shattered her heart.

"Okay... If you're going to send me away like this, then fine. I'll leave." She muttered as Khalid saw tears welling up in her eyes. She wiped it away with the back of her hand. About to leave, Khalid grabbed her hand and pulled her to a hug.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have spoken to you in that manner. I'm so sorry, Aliyah.

Zainab broke into tears as she wrapped her slim hands around Khalid's built body.

"I don't want to leave because of you you Khalid, but I need to leave. My sister has been through a lot for me and I'm sure she missed me so much the way you would. I promise to visit as much as I can, okay?" She flustered.

"Okay, Aliyah. But seriously, I don't want you to leave."

"I know. She replied him as she pulled herself towards him, making her lips captured his in a short kiss.

Khalid was surprised. He wasn't expecting that she would take a move like that. Staring back into her angelic dark eyes, she smiled and it looked as if the kiss had done something magical. It supressed all his anger.
Well, Khalid helped Zainab pack some of her baggages to the car as he drove them home. However, Humaira noticed the chemistry between Khalid and her little sister, Zainab. She was happy. It's good Zainab wouldn't have a heard heart like she had.

When they got in, Zayn had prepared the house for Humaira's birthday party. Well, it wasn't so big but it was bigger than that in the hotel at Saudi Arabia.

They took pictures and ate. It turned out to be more fun than Zayn or Humaira had expected. The song, 'photograph' by Ed Sheeran was playing in the background.

Later that evening, Idris called so Humaira invited him. She also told him Zainab is around. This made Idris so excited, he had to rush to Humaira's apartment.

Getting there, Idris saw Zainab. She looked so different. It's exactly 5 months and 2 weeks since she left their house but it looks like it's been over 5 long years. They made eye contact, especially Zainab, she was trying to recall but immediately, she walked into Idris's arms. He was surprised to what was happening because he knew that Zainab was always arguing with him. She hated him so much infact, they never hugged. Although Idris was just startled, he hugged Zainab tenderly. And Zainab wept, clinging to Idris like unto a lifebuoy.

"Idris... I've missed you Idris. I've missed you so much. I'm so sorry for leaving like that the other day. I was so pissed off... I wasn't even thinking." She cried, wrapping her hands around him tightly.

Watching both of them in this state sent goosepimples on Khalid's body. He couldn't believe his eyes. It was the first one he's seeing Zainab with any other guy apart from himself but that very moment, he was feeling a surge of heat boiling in his heart. As if he was jealous or something but he didn't want to be the annoying jealous boyfriend. Not on the first day of visiting Zainab's house. Not on Humaira's birthday party. Even though he was a shirt tempered person, he waited and watch the both of them... Patiently.

It's okay, Zee. I hope you understand that whatever I did, I did it out of love for you. I just wanted your freedom and happiness.

"Yes, Idris. I know you love me so much." She almost choked on her own tears. I love you so much too.

Khalid's head ached as he watched them. His heart was beating too fast as he fought down the hysteria burning inside of him. He couldn't take it anymore. He was about to leave when he heard..

"I love you as a brother, Idris. You're my brother. You've been there with me through it all, Idris. You're my bro...ther."

'Oh! It's a brother-sister relationship?' he swallowed hard and frowned at the both of them. He was more than interested in knowing who Idris was and how he is her brother.

"Awwwwn... I'm so happy that you two reconciled. I'm so happy right now." Humaira muttered, interrupting them with her hug.

"Come on guys, let's celebrate. Join the party  Idris. You wouldn't just stand there, right?" Humaira smiled, inviting him inside.

Khalid joined the party and he met doctor Zayn and Khalid.

"This is my sister's husband to be, Doctor Zayn and my friend, Khalid." Zainab introduced.

Khalid wore an annoying frown as if he wanted to say... Is that all? Am I just your friend? But he didn't say anything.

Idris wanted to give Khalid a handshake but he turned away with a fake smile. Zainab understood him. She told Idris to eat whatever he wants... They're on good terms now.

"What's that all about?" Zainab asked.

I should be the one asking you that!" Khalid hissed, taking her to a corner where no one would see them. Idris watched how he took Zainab away and he was wondering what kind of friend he was. And for some reasons, he noticed that Zainab has changed. Before, she hardly even talk to guys let alone have a guy friend. She never even have friends...
'What has changed?' he pondered on the thought.

Idris met Humaira and told her about his parents. It's two weeks before their release. The last time he visited, the said they wanted to see you. Khalid reported.

"Me? Why?" She asked, looking puzzled.

"I don't know, exactly. But I think they want to seek for your forgiveness. And that of Zainab's too."

"Really?" Humaira muttered in surprise.

"Yes. They're really serious about this. It's been a month now but I didn't tell you. Later, I heard that you went for Umrah.

Yes, that's true. Infact, were just coming from the airport. My fiance just wanted to make it more like a welcome back home, birthday party. That's why I decided to invite you.

"Oh, where did you meet Zainab again?" He asked.

I met her in Saudi when we went for Umrah. I met her last night just in front of the holy mosque, if was baffling. I still can't believe it.

"You mean she was there with the other guy?" He asked, concerned.

Yes. She went for Umrah with Khalid. He's also like a brother to her but I guess they're kinda close. She's been with them for the past five months now. They've helped her a lot. Humaira said with a smile. Umm... About your parents. Tell them I and Zainab would pay them a visit within the week. Maybe tomorrow or next tomorrow, I'll find time.

Okay. That would mean a lot. Idris smile. I'll have to leave now. He took his leave without saying goodbye.

***

Meanwhile...

Hadee isn't doing well mentally and physically. Mr and Mrs Sheyi registered him to a small school to start learning but things became worse. The students didn't relate with him well and they always called him a mad boy.

He scored all his sums wrong and he couldn't even write an alphabet. They kept on insulting him that he's unable to spell his name, Mayowa at the age of six.

Despite the fact that Mrs. Sheyi made them see reasons why he can't. She tried explaining to them that they should treat him equally as other pupils since he's paying same fees as others but the school management always complained.

After spending one term, the Sheyi's were forced to withdraw him from the school. The maltreatment was too much for their son, Mayowa. But they wanted him to go to school and improve just like the rest of his mates but that seems impossible.

***

Poor Hadee... What would you do if you're in the Sheyi's shoes.