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320 Words
Hafsat laughed. “No, Mommy, it’s bigger than that. Here, take this tea and drink some first.”
Aunty Babba took the cup, sipped it a few times, and said impatiently,
“Now tell me — what’s the good news?”
Hafsat smiled brightly. “I just called Aunty Azeema to greet her, and she told me that Uncle Abusufyan’s children have been found!”
Before she could even finish the sentence, Aunty Babba dropped the cup in shock.
It shattered on the floor, spilling hot tea everywhere.
Hafsat jumped back. “Mommy! You almost burned me — just from hearing good news?”
But Aunty Babba yelled, furious, “Nonsense! Lies! You’re all lying — you and Hayaam are the same!”
And she stormed out of the room, upset.
Hafsat shook her head, muttering,
“I don’t care. I’m happy. I can’t wait to see Uncle Abusufyan’s daughters. I already love them even before meeting them. I’ll even bring them gifts when we go.”
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Upstairs, Ishaq was on the phone with their father:
“Alhamdulillah, Abba! I’m so happy. Why didn’t anyone tell me earlier? I’ll go and see them soon — our three beautiful nieces, just like photo copies of Abusufyan!”
Their father replied, “Yes, indeed. I’ll tell them their brother, General Ishaq, sends his greetings.”
“Ameen, Abba. Tell them I’m coming soon.”
When Aunty Babba entered the room, she overheard everything.
The truth hit her like a thunderbolt. Her body went weak.
Barely able to stand, she entered the bathroom without saying a word.
From the bedroom, Ishaq called out,
“I’m leaving for Abuja now. You and Hafsat can come later — tomorrow or the day after, whichever suits you.”
From the bathroom, she weakly replied, “May Allah protect you. Greet everyone for me.”
“I will, Insha’Allah,” he answered, and left the room.
- Writer
