Chapter 7
961 Words
University of Lagos
Zayn's POV
I stepped out of the car just as the Vice Chancellor approached with a warm smile.
Mr. Maikudi, welcome back.
It's good to be here again, sir.
After exchanging pleasantries, we made our way into his office. We appreciate your continued support for the university," he began.
The scholarship programme has changed many lives. I'm only giving others the opportunities I was fortunate to have.
The Vice Chancellor smiled before his expression became serious. There's another reason I asked to see you. He slid a file across the table.
I opened it.
One name immediately caught my attention.
Sophia Maikudi.
I looked up. "My cousin?"
He nodded.
I'm afraid so. He sighed.
"Over the past year, we've received multiple complaints about bullying, intimidation and disrupting other students. Unfortunately, yesterday's incident crossed the line."
He handed me photographs. A girl lying on the ground. Students gathered around.
An ambulance. My jaw tightened.
"What happened?"
The student suffered a medical emergency after the confrontation. I closed the file.
And Sophia?
We've suspended her pending the disciplinary committee's final decision. I remained silent.
We wanted you to hear it from us before the news reached your family.
A few minutes later…
Sophia sat across from me, arms folded.
"This is ridiculous."
I looked at her calmly. Is it? They're exaggerating.
"Did you put your hands on another student?"
She hesitated.
I only grabbed her. I closed my eyes briefly.
"You call that 'only'?" She looked away.
They deserved it. "No." My voice remained calm.
You embarrassed yourself.
She frowned. They're poor. And?"
They don't belong—
"Enough."
The room became silent. I rarely raised my voice.
I didn't need to. You carry the Maikudi name.
I leaned forward.
"You don't use it to oppress people."
She blinked.
For the first time.. She looked nervous.
I stood.
Whether the university expels you or not..
you're completing your degree abroad.
Her eyes widened.
"What?"
"I'll arrange your transfer."
"But—"
"This discussion is over, i stood up and left the university .
The moment I walked into the house, I loosened my tie.
"Good evening, sir."
Fatima smiled as she took my briefcase.
"Good evening, Fatima."
"Everything ready?"
"Yes, sir."
I glanced around the sitting room.
Everything was exactly where it should be.
The cushions were neatly arranged.
The floor shone. No unnecessary noise. Exactly how I liked it. I smiled faintly.
How is your mother?
Fatima's face lit up. She's much better now, sir.
"Has she gone for her follow-up appointment?"
"Yes."
"And the doctor said she's recovering well."
Alhamdulillah.
She smiled
If not for you… I raised my hand gently. Don't thank me. Tears filled her eyes.
My younger brother started secondary school this week. And my sister…
she keeps saying she'll become a doctor one day
I chuckled. Then she should study hard.
She will, sir." I won't disappoint you.
I know.
She smiled before excusing herself.
I went upstairs. Dinner with my family always required one thing. Patience.
After taking a quick shower, I changed into a navy-blue kaftan and checked my watch.
Right on time.
Maikudi Mansion
The moment I stepped inside…
He's here!
Hafsat ran over and hugged me.
"Easy."
"You'll knock me over."
"I missed you."
"I saw you three days ago."
"That's too long."
Laughter filled the room.
"Assalamu alaikum."
"Wa alaikum salam," everyone replied.
"Look who finally remembered he has a family," Zee teased.
"Ignore her," Malik said.
"She's only saying that because she wants you to buy her something."
"I heard that."
Father folded his newspaper with a smile.
Come and sit.
Before I could reach the dining table...
Ummi spoke.
"Have you been eating properly?"
Yes.
You've lost weight.
I haven't.
You have.
I haven't.
Father laughed.
Your mother says that every time you visit.
Dinner was loud.
Malik and Hafsat argued over the last piece of grilled chicken.
Zee complained that Malik still hadn't returned the money he borrowed.
Father pretended not to hear them.
For the first time all week…
I relaxed.
This…
This was home.
After dinner, Father cleared his throat.
The room gradually became quiet.
"There's something your mother and I want to discuss."
I looked toward Ummi.
She exchanged a glance with Father before looking back at me.
A small smile appeared on her face.
Zayn...
I think it's time we found you a wife.
The room fell completely silent.
I sighed.
Ummi…
She raised a finger.
"You haven't even heard my plan."
I looked from her…
To Father, whose expression told me he already knew where this was going.
Something about the way they looked at each other made me realize this wasn't one of Ummi's usual jokes.
She had been planning this.
And somehow…
I had a feeling my life was about to change.
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