THE RISING SUN

CHAPTER FIVE

As the exams continued, teachers began to realise that Zainab did not register for the GCSE exams. Their reactions really showed that they were not happy at her experience, not in the least. So, some teachers started making plans on when to go and visit her.

"Salam alaikum!"

"Walaikum Salam!" Ahmed replied. As soon as he went outside, he recognised them to be his children's teachers.

"Ah! My friends, I'm happy to see you in my house."

Ahmed was really surprised to see them, but he never wanted to show how surprised he was. Upon shaking hands with them, he offered them a seat. He went inside to inform his family that they had important visitors outside, so he took along with him a bottle of soft wine and three glasses.

"You're welcome, sirs", Aysha greeted them with some genuflexion before them.

The guests accepted the greeting with a sense of smile.

Abdul and his sister were coming out to also greet. But as soon as Zainab sighted them, she recoiled and jumped backwards into the room. Her action was noticed by everyone.

"What could be the problem? Does she not want to see us?" Mr Suleiman asked himself.

Her father burst into laughter and attributed her action to shyness.

"I think she's been shy, because she couldn't do her final exams", Mr Suleiman said.

"Oh no! Come out, please. That's not a problem at all. By next year, I promise you, you're going to register for your GCSE", Suleiman said.

Peter was only smiling. I think he was the only one who could provide an explanation for her action.

So slowly she came out of the house, with a wry smile on her face.

"Good morning, sirs" , she greeted them with a slight genuflexion.

So, Abdul was able to move forward to also greet them, and bowed before them.

Carutha had a unique way of greeting which always portrayed humility by younger ones.

After the greetings, Aysha and her children went into the house, while Ahmed and the visitors sat in the veranda.

"So, we're actually here on behalf of the school management to know why Zainab was unable to register for her GCSE exams", Peter said.

However, both of them only visited of their own accord.

"It's just constraints of money that caused it. But hopefully, by next year, I will register her", Ahmed replied.

"Alright! That's why we came, to know what actually caused it. Although your son told us, we really want to hear from you. But, by next time, when something like this happens, don't hesitate to let people know, okay? Perhaps you could find some help from them", Suleiman said.

" Thank you, my brothers!" Ahmed replied.

So, they all sipped the drink in their various glasses, and the visitors left.