168 Hours Later,

Humaira went back to Nicon Hotel, complaining she left a bag of one million naira in the hotel room but she wasn't able to get in because she wasn't with the keys and she wasn't looking like someone that can ever own ten thousand of her own.

Nobody recognized her, definitely, there was more than a thousand and one guests that visit there on daily bases. Humaira felt terrified of losing the money just like that. Unable to face Alhaji Musa again, after what happened between them. She thought timelessly about what to do next… As it is, she should be in school next weekend, back to campus and she only have seven thousand naira in her safe.

How foolish she was! If only she could take back time. For the past few days, Zainab had noticed the change in her sister's attitude. She's always moody and easily distracted. And anytime she brings up the topic about what happened in the hotel, or what was in her mind… She just keeps mute.

Humaira wouldn't want to disturb her eight year old sister with this burden. It was torturous already, and she hope to bury it inside of her as long as possible... Maybe forever.

"What about the money? Didn't he give it to you?"

"Yes, he did… But I forgot it there, hearing the news about mum's death. I never expected this to happen. I thought mum had 168 hours but she only lasted for two days."

"How stupid! Why didn't you go back later that day? Have you even gone back to check at all?"

"Yes, but the guards threw me out. As in… I don't fit into that world but no one believes me. I shouldn't have taken the drink he offered... I never thought he would stoop so low. I only went there for mummy's sake... I was so blind to see the devil before me. And today, they thought I was lying, or begging…. I'm so confused, Zee!" Humaira, held her sister's hands in confusion.

"What? That's not fair! You should have taken me with you or perhaps, told me about this earlier. How long  were you planning to hide this from me, sis? What if I didn't ask?…" She cried.

"I can't even think straight anymore. First, I lose mother, now the money…"

"You really made a mistake sis, If I were in your shoes, I would have never left such an amount of money. Never, ever. Even if the world was crumbling. Finally, we got free money and puff! It disappeared into the thin air!"

"I'll have to resume school next weekend and I have nothing on me…"

"Don't worry sis, every problem has a solution."

Humaira's eyes immediately searched her sister's for answers.

"What is it? Please tell me…"

Zainab sat down to think for a moment.

"I suggest you go back to Alhaji Musa. You can visit him in office since today's Monday. I think somehow, he should report back to them for the missing suitcase. It's one million naira we're talking about here o, its not chicken change."

"Wow! I never thought of that! How could you be so intelligent?!" Humaira joked, giving her sister a hug. 

"Thanks a lot, Zee! I'll have to prepare and go to his office immediately! It never occurred to me, no one would ever reject Alhaji. Only if he accepts to come with me."

"He definitely would, sis. Since he wanted you to have the money…"

"Okay…" Humaira muttered and went into the bathroom to take her bath.

Facing him about the rape case was frustrating but she had no choice. One million naira would literally pay her tuition fee till she graduates from college and improve their standard of living.
Only One. Million. Naira.
It's just a common thing that the rich gets richer and the poor gets poorer... How unfortunate?

Getting to his office, Miss Lydia stopped Humaira.

She knew her but pretended to be very serious.

"Yes, excuse me young lady? How can I help you?"

"I'm looking for Alhaji Musa, the executive director of this company. Good morning ma." She noticed she haven't greeted her yet.

"Do you have an appointment with him?"

"No, I just want to see him briefly. I wouldn't cause any havoc, I promise. Just help me this time ma." She knelt down, her eyes filled with tears.

"Hey! Get up miss… This is an office, please! I would have help you but the truth is, you can't see Alhaji right now. I mean, He's really busy. I suggest you leave and come back later if you can."
Miss Lydia begged because of her two months salaries that was deducted. She didn't want to get herself in any of their matter, ever again.

"He's in, right?" Humaira asked wiping away her tears. "I'll wait. I don't mind how long… I have time."

"If Alhaji Musa meets you here, it would be double Palava on my head o! Please, leave now." Miss Lydia  ordered.

"My mum died and I have no money to go back to school with… Please ma, for the sake of God Almighty, try and understand me." Humaira begged once again.

Miss Lydia wanted to push her out or parharps call the security guards to throw her out but she felt her pain.

"Okay, you can wait for him if you can." She finally agreed.

The guilt wouldn't leave her if she let an innocent teenage suffer like this. Even if her salary is at stake. She can't imagine what the poor girl might be going through. How unfortunate some people are…

A/N

Word Count: 998.

How did you think the story is going? What do you think of Miss Lydia. If you were in her shoes, would you do the same?

And...

I'm crazzzzzy for you guyzzzzzz! Just ztarted thiz ztory two dayz ago and 70 read? Chai! There iz God ooo!!

You made me feel so blezzed and zpecial, A heartful "Thank You!!!"

XOXO

Madinah_Writes
MadeenahJunaid

***

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 leave your comments.