Turning 21 is a significant occasion for everyone, and it’s proved to be quite a milestone.” – Emma Watson

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" 

Zainab's eyes peeled open and her family's smiling faces greeted her.  A smile graced her lips and she sleepily pulled herself up into a sitting position.

"Good morning, everyone." She climbed out of bed to stand in front of her family. 

One after the other, they wished her a happy birthday.  

"Na gode, Uba," she thanked her father in Hausa. "Na gode, Uwa." She exchanged a hug with her mother.

"God bless you." Her mother said with an affectionate smile. 

"Amen." Her smile widened and she shifted to the side.   

Her youngest sister, Amina, flung her arms around her and Zainab patted her back with adoration.  

"Happy birthday, Sis. How does it feel to be 21?" Amina asked after their hug ended.  

"I feel ancient." She laughed and merriment sparkled in her eyes.  

"Is that so? I have always considered you old anyway." Amina giggled.  

Zainab narrowed her eyes and playfully swatted her arm. Her parents chuckled in the background. 

The Haruna family spent a few more minutes praying and singing for her. 
They departed after announcing that a special breakfast was being prepared for her.  

Zainab beamed and excitement filled her.  She rushed into the bathroom to have a quick shower.  She returned to her bedroom dressed in a denim skirt and a pink off-shoulder blouse.  An unwavering smile plastered on her lips as she stood in front of her dressing table.  

She brushed her cornrows and covered her hair with a scarf as was expected of a decent Hausa girl.   After applying some light makeup and wearing her earrings and charm bracelet, she smiled at her reflection. 

Her eyes gleamed with joy.  An emotion she had every year on her birthday. Except that year, eleven years ago. Her smile faded away as she thought of her tenth birthday. The day her dreams were shattered. That was the first time she went to bed in tears on her birthday. 

Over the years, she forced herself not to think of that dark day, and she didn't want to think about it on another of her special days. So she pushed the sad memory to the back of her mind and strutted out of the room. 

As she clambered down the curved marbled stairs, she couldn't help but give thanks for the financial upliftment her family had experienced in the last several years after their relocation to Lagos.  From a three-bedroom house, they moved into a house with eight rooms all furnished with high-end materials.  

She reached the end of the stairs and turned left where the dining room was located. A smile bloomed on her face as she reached the dining room. A tantalising aroma tickled her nostrils and her stomach rumbled. 

Her eyes moved around the dining room as she entered inside. The room boasted of a rustic elegance with a long wooden table and upholstered chairs.  

Her parents sent her a smile as she slid into the chair beside Alima.  Her eyes roamed over the different dishes laid out. 

"All your favourite foods have been made." Happiness shimmered in her mother's eyes. 

"Thanks, Mom. You must have woken up early to prepare all of it."

"True. But it wasn't stressful at all since I was making it for you." She sent her a soft smile.  

"And I helped as well," Alima said with pride. 

"And I did too," her father remarked and her mother snorted. 

"All you did was taste the food." 

Her father chuckled. "Well, I had to determine if the food was worthy of my princess." He smirked. 

"Whatever." Her mother playfully rolled her eyes. "Let's pray."

Everyone clasped their hands and bowed their heads. Zainab's father said a short prayer and they dug into their food.  

Zainab piled her plate with strips of bacon and sausages and some fried eggs on the side.  She took a bite and moaned. 

"Gosh, Mom, you have to tell me the secret ingredient you use to fry eggs."

"That's not happening. You have to figure it out." Her eyes sparkled with mischief. 

"Hmph," Zainab huffed and took a sip of her chilled apple juice.  

"So…any plans for today?" Her father asked while chewing a piece of bacon. 

"Not really. I have a test to study for." She pouted as disappointment filled her.  

"Aww, how boring," Alima remarked. "I thought we would be able to go out for lunch."

"I know. I would have loved to do something fun but alas." She shrugged and bit into her sausage. 

Her dad nodded. "It would be great to do something fun but you can't afford to slack a few months before graduation."

"Yeah, exactly." 

"I find it surreal that in less than a year, you will be graduating from the University," her mother said with a smile.  

A grin grazed Zainab's lips. "I know, right? It feels like yesterday I was applying for admission."

"We give Glory to God. I am proud of your success." Her mother sent her a look filled with love.  

Zainab sent her parents a smile. "I couldn't have done it without both of you. Thank you for always supporting me."

"No need to thank us. You deserve the best." Her father's eyes gleamed with happiness. 

Zainab's heart swelled with happiness and love for her family. Breakfast continued with light chatter. 

Zainab finished her food several minutes later. "Hmm, that was delicious." She licked her lips. "I don't think I have eaten so much in a long time."

Amina snorted. "I believe you eat two rounds of food at every meal. Everyone knows you are a world-renowned foodie."

Zainab sent her a playful glare. "I don't know what you are talking about."

"Yeah, right."

Zainab laughed and stood up with her empty plate. "Thank you all for making my day special." She sent her parents and sister a smile full of affection and gratitude. 

Amina laughed with twinkling eyes. "The day just started. You haven't seen anything yet."

A thrill surged through Zainab and she beamed. "I look forward to all the surprises, but for now I need to study."  

She rushed into the kitchen to wash her plate and returned to her room where she spent the next several hours pouring over textbooks.   

                       ★★★★

Being a journalist was a dream Zainab had nurtured since childhood.  Her heart swelled with happiness every time she remembered that in a few months, she would be getting her degree as a journalist.  

Her eyes burned from staring at the pages of her textbooks for so long, but she pushed her discomfort away and continued reading.  

Many might question her for studying on her birthday instead of partying. And she had one response for them. Fulfilling her dream was more important than food, drinks and parties.  

Her head shot up as a knock sounded on the door.  

"Come in," she called out. 

The door cracked open and Amina peeped in. 

"Hey, Sis. Dad said you should come to his study now." 

Zainab's lips puckered. "Okay. Do you know why?" 

Amina shook her head. "All I know is that Mom is there and they have guests."

"Guests?" Her frown deepened.  "Who could they be?" She wondered aloud. 

"I am not sure. Come and see for yourself," Amina said and closed the door. 

A sigh left Zainab's lips, she closed her books and got up.  She winced as a throb shot through her legs.  After the pain subsided, she moved to the door and ambled out of the room. 

As she drew closer to her father's study, nervousness and excitement bubbled within her. She stopped in front of the heavy mahogany door and gave a swift knock.  

Her father indicated for her to come in and she took a deep breath and pushed the door open.  The chill from the air conditioner slapped her as she stepped inside.  

She spared her parents a glance before her eyes drifted to the guests sitting on the couch parallel to her parents.  Surprise welled within her as her eyes stopped on two men with a striking resemblance. The only difference was that one man was several years younger than the other.  

Bewilderment filled her as she couldn't help but wonder why the younger man seemed oddly familiar. 

"Come in, my dear." Her father ushered her in and gestured for her to take a seat on the armchair across the couches.  

She closed the door behind her and took timid steps into the room. With a rigid body, she sat down.  

Her father arranged his position and pointed to the two men. "These are two important people I would like for you to meet." 

She glanced at the men and sent them a polite smile. "Good afternoon, sirs."

The older man sent her a warm smile and nodded his head in greeting.  However, the scowl the younger man sent her triggered an image from her 10th birthday.  

She pushed the thought aside and waited for her father to make further introductions. 

"Zainab dear,  meet Mr. Danjuma Yakubu." He pointed to the older man, "and meet Mr. Danladi Yakubu, his son and your husband." 

                       ★★★★

Oh boy!

Who saw that coming? 👀😂

And what are your thoughts?

I feel so bad for Zainab😩

Before we go, I have a question

How would you react if you were given such news? 😂

I would definitely rant and rave and maybe throw a tantrum 😂

Anyway, until next time, remain blessed❤️