Larai's hand trembled on her laps, as she awaited what the announcer had to say. Her heart thumped faster and louder in her chest.

Larai could swear Safiya heard it when she placed a hand on her trembling one.

"Don't be nervous. I'm a hundred and one percent sure you're going to be called on stage."

Larai simply nodded and forced a smile. She had worked hard—went out of her way to ensure she becomes the valedictorian of her set because she wanted Yusuf's family to be proud of her. She wanted them to have the feeling of satisfaction and that they didn't throw their money down the drain. It was the least she could do to repay them for all of their favors showered on her. She could still vividly remember Yusuf telling her to study hard and make them proud. She didn't want to let him down.

Larai averted her gaze to him and he flashed her a heartfelt smile and gave her a thumbs up.

Larai returned the smile and looked away.

"I really don't get why you're so apprehensive. You're a genius. You've been on the top ever since our first year. Just like always, I'm sure this time isn't going to be an exception."

"I hope so." She really did.

"Just like every year, we are about to announce the best graduating student in law. Law has always had a special place in my heart. I like the fact that there are people out there, whose vision is to help bring criminals to their knees. Last year, we were able to produce the overall best graduating student from this department and it was a great deal—not only for me but for the department at large. It was a thing of pride." He cleared his throat, then dived straight to what everyone had been wanting to hear. "Standing here today, I will like to call upon the best graduating student of law 2019. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Larai Gana Mustafa, the overall best graduating student in law, this year. It's no surprise she is here on stage today. Ever since her first year, she had been the one leading in her class. A round of applause for this special lady."

Larai heartbeat quickened, as everybody in the hall began to clap. Due to her hard work, Larai had expected to be summoned, but hearing her name being called in a hall filled with thousands of people, made her feel nervous. Eyes were moving around, searching for whom the special girl was.

"Larai." Safiya nudged Larai on the shoulder. "Didn't I tell you you'd be called? Go ahead. People are waiting for you."

"Is Larai Gana Mustafa here?"

"Here, sir." She stood and hurried up the stairs, to the stage.

"Congratulations, dear." The announcer handed her the award and took a photo with her. "You did very well."

"Thank you, sir." Larai sightly bowed, happy that her hard work had finally paid off.

The governor of the state and other high-ranking politicians also shook and took photos with her.

"As a reward, Larai Gana Mustafa has been granted a scholarship to further her studies overseas in any university of her choice." 

At the latest announcement, Larai's smile broadened.  "Thank you so
much, Sir."

"Here." He handed her the microphone. "Say a few words to the audience."

Larai collected the microphone and cleared her throat before speaking.  "Good morning, everyone. I'm honored to be standing here today. Right from when I was just a fresher, I visioned myself to be here today. All these wouldn't have been possible without God. His blessings have kept me going, even in tough times." Her eyes landed on Yusuf and she found him recording her on his phone and winking at her. She smiled and then continued; "Special thanks to my...to the people who have taken me in. They are present here today: Yusuf, Yusrah, and Yumnah. I'm eternally grateful for all of the support you all have rendered to me over the years. You have proven to me that strangers can become family. Had it not been for you, I wouldn't have been standing here today. You're Allah's blessing to me in human form. May Allah's blessings always be with your entire family.
I wish my parents and sister were here to witness this day, but sadly they are not. I don't feel too sad, because I have my second family with me.

"To every student who dreams of being here someday, don't lose hope and keep a positive mindset. If anyone can do it, then you definitely can as well. All you need to do is study hard and pray. If Allah wills, your hardwork will pay off.

"Thanks to all of my professors for teaching me that which I know today. To my colleagues, I'm grateful for the four years we have spent together and lastly, I want to thank my course mates, roommate, and friend, Safiya, for always being there for me. For always staying awake with me as we studied. For all of the words of encouragement, you have given me. Thank you, Safiya. Thank you, everyone." She returned the microphone to the announcer, and collected her award, then walked down the stairs.

Before she could completely descend from the stairs, Yusrah approached her and engulfed her in the tightest hug ever. "Oh my God! This is amazing! You're amazing, girl! That was one excellent speech. Congratulations. I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you so much, Yusrah. This means a lot to me. I will be back, I just have to speak to my examiner and my professors."

"Alright. We will be over there, waiting for you. We need to take pictures and show them to Ammi when we get home."

"Of course." Larai smiled and walked away.

•

"Did you see how so many people were applauding Larai?" Yusrah asked her twin.

"I'm really impressed by her performance, though I didn't expect anything less from her. The girl is pretty smart." Yumnah admitted.

Hearing his sisters talk so nicely about Larai gladdened him. More than ever, Yusuf was proud of his Larai. She had always dreamed of being the best student and her dream had come true.

Patiently, he was waiting for Larai to make her other dreams come true, singlehandedly. She was a fighter. With no doubt whatsoever in his mind, he knew she would be able to do it. Her speech from earlier had him grinning until his jaw began to hurt. He didn't fail to capture the wonderful moment on his phone's camera. Without an atom of fear, she climbed up the stage and made her speech. Indeed, Larai had changed a lot—to a much better person than he previously knew. 'That, she is."

"She has transformed. I still remember the first time I saw her, she was so timid and you know how much I dislike timid people." Yumnah remarked. "I even told that to Yusie. But later, I realized she was not as bad as I thought."

"Does this mean you like her now?" Yusrah wiggled her eyebrows.

"I never really hated her. I just hated the lack of confidence in her." Yumnah clarified. "But today, I'm convinced her confidence has boosted. At least the money spent on her education wasn't wasted." She muttered her last statement underneath her breath, but Yusuf heard it.

To be honest, he really wasn't bothered if she graduated as the best student—who was he to expect that when he didn't graduate as the best student. All he wanted for her, was to be able to graduate with good grades. Having graduated with great honors, was a bonus.

"Yusuf, how comes you have lawyer friends? First, Adam and now Larai."

Yusuf shrugged. "It's actually a good thing. No one can wrong me and go free. Adam is a great lawyer and I'm sure Larai will become one very soon."

"That reminds me." Yumnah chimed in. "Your friend, Adam called me last night. He said he wants to meet me and talk to me about something. Do you have an idea what the matter is?"

"He called you?" Yusuf's hand balled into a fist. Without being told, he knew his friend had stolen the number from his phone. Adam was a wonderful human being. He was an exceptional lawyer and he had sackful respect for women, but the fact that his best friend was interested in his sister, didn't just sit well with him. Perhaps he was just being overprotective over his baby sister, for he would never be able to overlook it if Adam hurts Yumnah, but Adam was a good man. For sure, Yusuf knew he would take good care of his sister. 

He heaved a deep sigh. There and then, he decided to give him a chance with his sister, but if he dares to break her break, he would not hesitate to break all of his bones and then feed it to him—their friendship as well. Before anything else, he made a mental note of dealing with him for making his move without his permission.

"Yes. He did last night."

"Don't meet up with him." It wasn't a request, but a command.

The side of Yumnah's lips raised.

"Why?"

"Because I said so." Yusuf reclined backward in his seat.

"Alright then, I will call and tell him exactly what you just said."

Yusuf's PokerFace depicted he was nonchalant about the whole thing, but deep within him, he didn't completely hate the idea.

He had scores to settle with his friend.

•

Assalamualaikum/hello!

One question; why do brothers dislike the idea of their friends liking their sisters? 🤔

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