THE VISITORS
1526 Words
Chapter 2: The Visitors
AMMAR'S POV
Abba finally appeared with the family that he was standing with earlier.
We said our greetings to the family. Turns out he was Abba's course mate. He moved to Saudi Arabia with his family about 12years ago and returned only last year. They introduced their son Ali who's about 10 and daughter Hafsat, who looks 19-20 but I recognized her as the graduate that presented with Farouk so she's probably 21 or 22 years old. I mean its almost impossible to graduate medical college at the age of 19 right?
They made plans to come to our house on Wednesday which is in 4 days. Abba kept praising the family and their children on our way home making Ahmad and I exchange knowing glances.
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"Naseer! You are late for your shift" I growled. I had a night shift and it was so hectic. I was so damn tired from all the emergency cases that came. Its like there was a grim reaper last night. I was suppose to hand over my duty at 8am to the nurses so they can pass it to the next doctor on duty but even the nurses were late. Whats wrong with people. It 8:20am and I am sleepy. Being in Accident and Emergency unit shift sucks.
"Sorry Ammar. Nafisa wasn't feeling well. I think the baby is giving her a hard time" he apologized. I felt bad for being rude. Naseer is my closest friend, he got married a year ago and his wife is now pregnant.
"its okay. I am just a little too tired." I said. "How is she and the baby?" I normally don't care or mind people's personal life or feelings but I sincerely care for Naseer and everything that's his.
"Better insha Allah. I dropped her at her aunt's"
"Insha Allah " I assured him. I took my bag and straight to the car.
I went straight to my bed as soon as I got home. I slept till 3pm when Ahmad came to my room. I was sure I locked my door. Oh damn. I forgot to lock the toilet door.
My room and Ahmad's are linked through the toilet. So sometimes or almost all the time we enter each other's room through the bathroom.
Zainab kept saying she likes it because its like the one in a movie or cartoon called gossip girl in one of the actress's house. Zainab's and Amrah's room are linked like ours.
Even though its cool, its gives me more stress than happiness.
"what do you want? " I grumbled.
" Did you pray zuhr?" yeah right zuhr. I quickly jumped out of bed and went to perform ablution. I prayed zuhr and decided to go to the kitchen and eat.
I walked sluggishly to the kitchen as I heard odd voices coming from the parlor. I went straight to the kitchen avoiding everyone especially my parents who would make me sit with the strangers. Whoever they were I was just not interested.
I heard laughter when I entered the kitchen. My sister Zainab was sitting on the kitchen stool with another girl that had her back to the door. I decided to leave the kitchen unnoticed but well my sister wouldn't let that happen
"Ammar! " she squealed. I turned and decided to ask her to bring my food to my room. As I turned the other girl too turned to look at me and I thought she looked familiar but..
" Ammar, this is my friend Hafsat. She's now a doctor. Hafsat, this is my brother Ammar. He's also a doctor." She introduced us.
"Oh. Nice to meet you again. " the Hafsat girl said with a smile. Both Zainab and I gave her a confused expression.
" You've met before? " Zainab asked confused
" Yes. On Saturday. Him and the other brother together with your father came to our induction." she explained.
No wonder she looked familiar. Oh that reminds me Abba said he invited her family to our house for lunch on Wednesday. Guess today is Wednesday.
" Ammar, I was looking everywhere for you." Ahmad said from behind me as he entered the kitchen.
"I came to get my food"
"Yeah, I've already done that for you. Your food is in my room. I knew you wouldn't want to come out." he explained and I nodded even though I felt a little embarrassed he said that in front of a visitor.
"Its the other brother right? I saw you on Saturday" Hafsat said pointing at Ahmad.
"Yes please let me introduce myself. My name is Ahmad Hussain Adam. I am more than pleased to meet you Miss....? " Ahmad gave her a bow. Flirty much.
" Hafsat Haruna Adam, pleased to
meet you too. " she giggled as she replied.
Zainab stepped in front of Hafsa, blocking her from Ahmad "Don't get too flattered. He's a player." she waved her hands in front of her.
"Ahmad she's my friend so please no. Boundaries" she crossed her hand protectively in front of her face.
Tired of watching their little drama I decided to leave first. On my way to Ahmad's room Abba stopped me to greet Hafsat's parents. I quickly got over with the pleasantries and after receiving some from her younger brother Ali, I quickly ran to Ahmad's room before Mummy or anyone finds a reason to stop my hungry stomach from eating.
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I was watching news@10 on Channels TV with Ahmad, Mummy and Abba. The president made a speech about the rising price of dollar after ensuring the safety of school children.
The vice president with a governor, two senators and two ministers went to Uganda then Brazil to seal some business deals.
The announcers went on and on about somethings that I've tuned out to.
I was thinking about my surgeries scheduled for next tomorrow. I would be assisting in a pediatric surgery in the morning and a heart surgery of a 40 years old man. And only God knows how many new cases. Thank god I was done with my two weeks A&E night shift. Ya Allah help me and guide me.
"Ammar. Ammar! " I jumped on my spot as I was jolted out of my thought after hearing mummy scream my name.
" Yes! " I screamed back in fear and confusion.
" Ammar is it true? Masha Allah" mummy said smiling. I looked at her confused as she moved to sit next to me.
"What is true?" I gave her a confused smile.
"That you are interested in Hafsat? "
" What? " I tried not to raise my voice but who can control that in a situation like this?
" Wait. What are we talking about? Who is Hafsat? And what do you mean? " I tried to stay calm but my voice was giving me away. I turned to look at Ahmad for an explanation but he just gave me an apologetic look.
What the hell did he do?! I was so speechless.
" I asked your brother about Hafsa, the girl that came with her parents today. He praised her and I told him to go and see her and get to know her but he declined. I tried to get your attention but you seemed to be in another world so Ahmad told me that you were interested in Hafsa that's why he can't think of her in any other way. You have no idea how happy this makes me feel. Ammar is actually interested in someone." Abba explained as I looked at them in disbelieve.
"Now Ammar don't be too mad at Ahmad. He was only trying to help. Knowing the type of person you are, you would hardly ever say feelings like that. I hope you take this chance and try to know her really well. I hope you work things out and we would be having a wedding very soon insha Allah" Mummy squealed with happiness.
To say that I am speechless is an understatement.
And what?
She's already thinking of a wedding?
I sighed and wiped my face with my hand. I turned to shoot daggers at Ahmad who was giving me a nervous look. I didn't care, for all I know I could actually slit his throat with a knife if he gets close to me. And yes my temper can get that high. Now what would I tell my parents to believe me.
My mum stood up abruptly and said "I need to get my phone and tell your Ammi this news" she left referring to my stepmother, my father's 3rd wife who lives in Lagos.
Now they are even going public with things I didn't even consent to.
"I will go through some formalities with her father tomorrow insha Allah. Goodnight "Abba said as he retired for the night.
I began to feel lightheaded. I could not comprehend what was going on around me.
I need to get out of whatever this is and I need to do it fast. I will think about killing Ahmad later.
- Writer
