© Sanusi Z.O

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Prologue
Sixteen years and six months old!
She was just sixteen, a two hundred level student at University of Port Harcourt and here she was at the Masjid getting married to a man who was ten years older than her. She had longed for him but this was not how she wanted it to happen. This was not how she prayed for it to happen, not trussed up like an Eid ram or packaged like "about to spoil goods" that was quickly rushed to the market.
The Imaam said prayers for the newlyweds but the congregation remained silent. Under normal circumstances, the said prayers by the Imaam would have caused a loud amen among the congregation. More prayers would have been said for the wedded couple. But not this particular wedding. This wedding of the only daughter of the Jaleel's family, the nobles amongst nobles should have been crowded with large number of people not this less than thirty people, this people were tensed and uncomfortable with the union. The bride's brothers were visibly angry. The bride father was frustrated while the mother was besides herself with tears. Those tears were not cool tears, but hot ones. And the groom looked bored.
Zakiyah was so frantic in the beginning and kept praying to Allah to do something. Praying to Allah to forgive her. She should never have been alone with Caliph.
Tears spilled from her eyes.
"O my creator! Please do something" she pleaded. But it was too late, the Nikkah was over in five minutes. She was now wife to Umar Caliph.
The tears continued to spill as she watched guests being served take aways and other gifts. She was truly married and her impulsiveness led her here.
Zakiyah remained seated in her bridal chair, she looked around the Masjid, it was massively decorated even though they had only few days to plan the unexpected wedding. Too sudden wedding. Some people stared at her with speculations, Zakiyah could read their thoughts on their faces that was saying "How sad! This poor girl is pregnant"
"She used to be pure, pious and now she's committed Zina"
She looked away from their faces, they were so close to the truth. Her impulsiveness and willful nature had led her to the marriage Mart too quickly.
She saw her elder brother Zaheer approaching her, she quickly looked down, staring at her flowing white khimar wedding gown. That too had been made very fast within seventy two hours. It felt like ages but it was just three days ago her doom started.
"Zakiyah" her brother called.
She slowly look up, she was expecting to see sadness in his eyes like it was a permanent resident on their father's face. But he only looked a bit angry and desperate. He felt responsible for her predicament and wanted to right it anyway possible.
"You can divorce him. Give it seven days and you can divorce him afterwards. You can initiate Khula" her brother pleaded
Married at sixteen and divorced at sixteen. No, what difference would it make? It would only make her a marred woman in the society. Everyone would mark her with an indelible stigma. But marriage would preserve her honor, her family's honor.
She stood up and embraced her brother who wrapped his strong arms around her.
"Zakiyah" he said softly
"I will talk to him to divorce you. He can't want this union" Zaheer told her.
Zakiyah knew that. She had overheard Caliph said it was just hormonal. It wasn't like she thought, he never had a single feeling for her, it was just hormonal. And here they are having a hormonal Nikkah.
"Let it be Zaheer. Please, don't tell him anything. We will all be fine at the end" Zakiyah said moving away from her brother's arms.
She walked outside the hall and saw all her belongings parked in a big truck. She was leaving her parents' home at sixteen years, too early!
Her second brother Zachariah jogged towards her. He was older than her by five years, yet he was her closest sibling.
"I found a solution" he whispered conspiratorilly
Despite her situation, she grinned at him. "What's it?"
"You know i am a lieutenant. I can help you become a widow so fast" he said looking very serious.
Wedded at sixteen and widowed at sixteen sounded crazy. Widowhood brings more honor than being a divorcee which shouldn't be because divorce is lawful even though Allah detest it.
"It's not his fault Zach. I was equally responsible for everything" she said
"It's all his fault. You are a minor" he retorted
She smirked, she didn't look like a minor. To the outside world, she could easily pass for a twenty year old lady, she was the youngest by age in her class at the University but most didn't know. Her height was above average, she was brown skinned and on the chubby side.
The moment was cut short by the presence of their parents. Even though she was at a crossroad with her father, she embraced him tightly. Her father's love for her had always been known to everyone including herself, even if she had doubted his affection for her these past few days, she didn't say anything because he would always be there no matter the outcome.
"Be good" he said kissing her forehead.
She nodded. She embraced her weeping mom
"Mama, it's ok" she helped clean her tears.
"This is not my dream for you" her mother sobbed.
This was not what she dreamt for herself. Not like this. She saw the glimpse of Caliph talking to his parents, if only she could turn back the hands of clock.
And if she could would she have erased the memories of the two beautiful months they had together?
She knew saying would make her an hypocrite. That memory was what she would cherished forever, no matter what happens to their marriage.
The driver called to her, she was heading back to school not her husband's house or his family's house. She was a bride without a home.

Babes, is this really you? My longtime fave writer

heemah:
Babes, is this really you? My longtime fave writer

Lol, it is me o .

Chapter One
Her name was Zakiyah Jaleel. She was born into a family of five, her parents and two older brothers. Abu Zaheer as he was fondly called by the Muslim communities was known for his love for female children. He often chastised men who became sad because of the birth of their daughters. He would remind them that Allah described the birth of a female child as a gift. Then why should they be angry over the gift of Allah? Why should they be acting like the people of Jaahiliyyah, the unbelievers in Makkah? With a reminder from the Qur'an, their disposition usually change
He didn't understand how anyone would be sad about having the half of the society, especially knowing how important they are in Islam as mothers, daughters even wives. Without this women how would they complete half of their Deen?
When he had his first child, Zaheer he was happy and thought he only had to try once more and Allah will bless him with his heart desire. After four years, he welcomed another child from Allah, it was a boy whom he named Zachariah. He was sad he had no female child and he wouldn't have any because he would not risk his wife's life again through another cesarian section. They had found out during their first pregnancy that his wife had a very narrow pelvis and if she was to have a living child, their only option was cesarian section. This made them kissed away their dreams of five children. They had settled with having two children with the help of CS.
The sadness lingered in his heart, although he was affectionate towards his boys but there was that longing in his face whenever he saw little girls. Ummu Zaheer saw how her husband was always excited to have his nieces around. His elder brother must have seen it too, he gave Salma to them. Salma was three years older than their Zachariah and she was Zachariah's favorite cousin as the two enjoyed each other's company. When she came to live with them, everyone was happy.
Ummu Zaheer prayed to Allah to bless them with a female child. After five years, she removed the implant in her arm that prevents pregnancy. Few months afterwards, she became pregnant. At first, her husband was angry because they had both agreed to stop with Zachariah. For the whole of the first trimester, he was always fuming around the house. He complained about everything she does, he wouldn't even assist her with anything.
"I care about your health but obviously you do not" he said during one of his anger.
Ummu Zaheer was sad, for the whole of ten years they were married her husband had never been angry at her for more than an hour. She didn't even know how to placate him. She had gotten pregnant hoping to have a female child just to please him. When she told him that he had responded in a pessimistic manner.
"And if it's a boy? We can't choose gender. I have made peace with that, I thought you did too"
But the fear of losing the love of his life had been behind his whole anger. The doctor had said they could have 3 or 4 children with CS. He had resolved in his mind to stop at two children, he wanted her to be on the safest side. There were many women that had died from that major surgery.
What more could they have asked Allah for anyway? He had blessed them with two boys while some were still begging to have just one.
It was the pleadings of his mother-in-law that settled the whole issue. His mother-in-law was a woman he respected and loved for the sake of Allah. She was religious and truthful, always calling to check up on him, praying for his success and she would also correct her daughter for her misdoings. He couldn't say no to whatever her requests were.
Abu Zaheer supported his wife through the remaining trimesters attending antenatal sessions with her.
On the day of her scheduled CS, it was on the second of February 2002. He waited at the reception with his two sons when the doctor came with the good news that his wife gave birth to a bouncing baby girl, the feelings that rushed through him was inexplicable. Zaheer who was nine and the eldest understood the great news, he embraced his father rejoicing with him.
Ummu Zaheer beamed excitedly when she showed her daughter to her husband. He gazed at the little pink girl, the perfection in her and he fell in love at once. He swore to protect her with everything in him. He prayed to Allah to make her his inshirah(comfort), the coolness in their eyes. He loved her so much and he wanted to give her everything.
Sixteen Years Later,
Zakiyah Jaleel was excited for the strike, the second semester was tedious and she had been sick for the most part of it. The indefinite strike would give her the luxury of time to study and aced all her exams when school resumed. They were just two weeks closer to their semester examination when the strike started. She was in her second year studying Business Management and Entrepreneurship at University of PortHarcourt. It was not like her course was very tough but she was also studying Cosmetology online in a foreign University. By the time she clock nineteen, she would have two degrees to her name. She was a very ambitious young girl and her father indulged her. Before she left high school, she wanted to learn a foreign language. Her father found her a French teacher, today she was fluent in the Language.
For a sixteen year old she was smart. She knew what she wanted from an early age and nothing was a challenge for her until she hit puberty at age thirteen. The big changes in her body and the feelings that accompanied them worried her. She used to be a carefree girl who sometimes forgot to wear the hijab, she was free to sit on her father's leg while watching TV or her brothers'. But since her breasts became bigger, wider hips all within a single year, she was all of a sudden being treated like the untouchable girl. Her father does not allow her near his legs anymore, he told her she was too old and weighty for that nor do her brother's allowed her to stay with them especially when their friends are around. Her father became stricter with her, he was always insisting she wore her hijabs and long dresses. She understood the whole purpose of hijab as a Muslim, but it was just the whole sudden change that wore her down. Although her father still hugged and kiss her on the forehead and cheeks but he stopped coming into her room without her permission neither do her brothers.
There was the sexual education her mother talked to her about which left her with too many questions and she asked her father about them, she saw how extremely uncomfortable he was answering them
Since then, she stopped burdening her parents and kept her thoughts to herself. When she started feeling funny, she would recite Suratul Nas for protection from evil eyes. It was months later she got to know from her peers in school that it was natural to have sexual feelings.
At home, her parents supervised the shows she watched but they were not aware Zakiyah was light years ahead of them. With the overwhelming presence of sex everywhere, she had read novels from her peers that contained sexual innuendos. She had heard gist from her friends who were engaged in Haram relationships termed boyfriend and girlfriend these days. They told her everything from masturbation to other sexual acts but the shame of engaging in those acts with Allah bearing witness to them wouldn't make her do it.
She invested the energy on other activities like sports. She loved playing volleyball and swimming but the thoughts are always still there.
Her brother Zaheer became a marine engineer, his education was fast as well and at twenty two he was already done with NYSC and was lucky to get a job in Port Harcourt. It was during his period at the University that he met a friend at MSSN camp, the two became very close and a regular visitor at each other's house. His friend, Caliph came to live with them. He was a medical student at UCH. She was a child when he began staying with them, she saw nothing to him except his kindness. As she grew older, she watched his affection towards Salma. She had been jealous and prayed to Allah she wanted to grow faster so she could be his wife. It had been a silly child fantasy, only if she knew it would become a reality.
Caliph loved Salma and every male who wasn't a Mahram of Salma wished she was theirs. Salma was light skinned, slim and very beautiful too. She had the physique of a royal queen, she spoke quietly like she was shy but her face was confident itself. The first time Caliph saw her, he was nineteen while she was eighteen. It was love at first sight for him, the first time he would feel a thing for the opposite sex. He regretted not lowering his gaze that day, if he had maybe her face would not be etched in his brain disturbing his sleep.
After two years of watching her from afar and wishing she was his, he approached Abu Zaheer and asked him if he could seek Salma's hand in marriage. He was already close to doing housemanship and would soon have a source of income to take care of his new family. Abu Zaheer was pleased and gave him his permission. He had known Caliph for all of four years, he was proud of his morals and religiousity. Caliph had a beauty that outshone many men's, he could be thought of as the Yusuf of their time. It made him glad that he wasn't promiscuous and took the advantage the many females that kept trooping into the home of Abu Zaheer all in the name of seeking treatment for an illness. Abu Zaheer was always quick to remind them that Caliph was only a student doctor not a medical doctor yet.
Caliph expressed his feelings for Salma and surprisingly enough, she was quick to say yes. He had been on top of the world, everything was set for him; a good career, a good life and a beautiful wife to match. The men at their communities were envious, he could see it in their eyes. But they had no choice than to wish them well and pray to Allah to grant them theirs.
It was when Salma went for NYSC that everything they built came crashing. She met a mixed version of Lebanon and Nigeria and she fell in love with him. His name was Majid, his mother was Lebanese and his father was a Nigerian from the Northern part of Nigeria. Majid looked like the Arabian men, he was too handsome, way better than Caliph was in her eyes. When he told her he would marry her, she had been excited and didn't feel a single guilt about breaking her promise to Caliph.
The whole situation hurt the Abu Zaheer's family. Everyone in Abu Zaheer's home was against Salma's decision and warned her about the strange man she just met. But she didn't listen to them. She eventually went to her parents' home, that singular act made Ummu Zaheer to be furious. She had raised Salma as her own but the girl tossed aside her bond with her uncle's family because she was in love and saw Ummu Zaheer and her uncle as the enemy that wanted to destroy her new found love. She got married to Majid with the blessings of her parents leaving behind shattered hearts in the home of Abu Zaheer.
One night when she was in bed with her husband. It's been two months Salma got married and left them, she missed the girl she had raised for twelve years.
"Why would she just hop and leave us like that? She hasn't returned any of my calls" Ummu Zaheer lamented
"That's the thing with raising other people's children. If she was ours, would she have been so disobedient? If she saw us as her parents, would she have stopped calling us because we are against her choice?" Abu Zaheer asked in return.
He was equally hurt by Salma's action. His heart bled especially for Caliph. The boy had been a shadow of himself. The whole thing made him had an extra year at the medical school, it would have been worse assuming he wasn't a believer. Abu Zaheer could imagine the many vices like alcohol, sex, gambling some people lost themselves in because of grief. Audhubillah!
That same night, thirteen year old Zakiyah tiptoed into Caliph's room. She had her provisions with her.
"Caliph" she called in the dark.
Her brothers would screamed at her if they saw her alone in Caliph's room.
The room suddenly became illuminated. She saw him on the bed looking sad. He had been sad since Salma left him and she almost despised her cousin for that. How could anyone leave a fine gentleman like Caliph? She hurt for him, she had even begged Salma not to leave him but Salma had told her in her haughty voice that she would only understand when she became a woman. But Zakiyah knew even if she was forty years old she would never understand why one would abandon a good man for a stranger.

Ya Allah! Help me grow up quickly so I can be the coolness in his eyes. She said her routine prayer again. She no longer felt guilty for her prayers. Before when she fantasized about Caliph, she always felt bad for longing after a man that belonged to her cousin. She would pray to Allah to forgive and give her a man like Caliph.
But now Salma was gone, the prayer felt right. She would be Caliph's wife. Soon. She prayed.
"Zakiyah" he called, patting the space beside him. She sat down on his bed smiling at him.
She brought out her cornflakes and milk. She poured some in the cup and added plenty milk with cold water.
"You didn't eat lunch, you didn't eat dinner. I don't want you to be sick" she said to him with all the innocent love in her.
Caliph didn't feel like eating. He didn't feel anything. His life had a clear route until Salma ruined his peace. Now he was dealing with an extra year, he begged Allah to ease the exam for him. He stared at Zakiyah and smiled, she was among the many that were worried about him. He did not want to be the reason others were worried or sad but he couldn't snap out of his emptiness and live like he wanted to.
"Take" Zakiyah held the spoon to his mouth
He smiled at the baby's hand that was holding a spoon towards him. He couldn't help it but just let her fed him.
The routine continued for many months to a year and he went for his service. That night built an easy friendship for them.

Chapter Two
When Zakiyah chose a far away University from Ibadan, her parents wasn't pleased. It took her months of begging before they reluctantly allowed her to leave. They had wanted her to wait two years more before heading to a tertiary institution moreso a school so far away from home, a public school with zero religious value. But Zakiyah was determined to leave home, since Caliph went for his NYSC life seemed to be uninteresting. She missed their nighly visits, the gist, the sleepover that her parents would kill her for if they ever found out. She missed reading his medical textbooks with him. During his examination period, they would read together even though she didn't understand most of the medical jargons, she would crammed them, recited the words back to him while he would assume the role of a teacher explaining the topics to her. Caliph confessed to her that their studying together really helped him to stop thinking about his woes. Now he was gone and her parents wanted her to wait few more years before furthering her education. The earlier she graduated from school, the earlier she would get married, that was her thought. If she waited few years before entering the University, Caliph would be working by then. Could he wait four more years for her? Did he even want her? If she stayed at home she would still be seen as the little daughter of Jaleel. Going to a university showed a major development in life and everyone would stopped seeing her as a child.
When it was just few weeks to resumption and her parents were still adamant, she stayed in her room not bothering to join them for solat or breakfast. She refused to eat any food brought to her, when two whole days passed and Zakiyah didn't touch her meals, her parents decided to have a meeting with her.
They brought breakfast to her room, when she realized they had come for a visit, she turned her head in their direction keeping her eyes glued on their faces. Her father looked tired while her mother looked like she was ready for a fight.
"As salaam alaykum" she greeted them. They returned her greeting before her mother sighed and said.
"What's your plan Zakiyah? Starve yourself to death?"
"Just want to go to school" she replied
"You expect to win after two days of fasting?" Her father asked incredulously.
It was surprising that Zakiyah could lock herself up and refuse food. Abu Zaheer knew her to be sensible and she was never rebellious.
Was this about adolescent tantrums? God! He was tired, he couldn't deal with the many myriad of emotions that came with that age.
His boys almost exhausted him with their many acts. It was as if he were living with terrorists. From fighting them over their choice of clothings, to their choices of friends, their poor hygienes, to his cars that became another form of amusement to them. It took two arrests before they heed to his warning concerning driving cars when they had no license. Today, he was proud of the man they became.
Zakiyah was nearing fifteen and had been exhibiting matured attitudes for the most part. If Zakiyah wanted something from them and they refused her request, she would not throw tantrums or lock herself up. She would rather argue her case and if eventually she didn't win, she would accept defeat graciously. But the past weeks she never once told them why she wanted to start school so soon instead she became angry and distant toward them. She stopped playing volleyball or even go swimming with the estate kids. She just withdrew to herself. His intuition told him there was more to it.

"Zakiyah come" her father called
She stood up and sat beside him on the blue sofa. Her brothers' favorite color had robbed off on her. She grew up seeing blue things all around her hence she fell in love with it.
Her father sank into the sofa and sighed. Her mother had dropped the food leaving father and daughter to have it out. For a long time, her father didn't say a word only just regarded her in a way that made her feel guilty all of a sudden.
"Dad". "I am sorry" she whispered
"Zakiyah my dear, what exactly is all this about? You're changing and I don't exactly understand you anymore. We used to have nice conversations. You used to tell me everything, what has happened to our friendship?" Her father asked tiredly.
"Nothing dad. You're still my bestest friend" she said smiling at him.
"I doubt that. You've been treating me like an enemy since you got your admission" he argued
She held his hand "Dad, I'm lonely. Everyone has left home. Bro Zaheer is at Portharcourt working, Salma is married and Zach is at Zaria for his military training. Caliph is serving. And I'm here all alone. I want to start a new life. What will I be doing with myself for two whole years? I want to get married" she said softly.
Her father's heart skipped thrice when his fourteen year old daughter mentioned marriage. She was already thinking about a far away future. Was it wise to support her fast educational growth? He couldn't do otherwise. Zakiyah grades had always been good, there was no point putting a stop to it. She had excelled in everything, including her Qur'anic knowledge. This was really challenging for him.
Was there a boy already? He doubted it, he hadn't seen anyone around her. He had encouraged her to keep female friends only and lowered her gaze. His daughter was obedient to that.
"So when is this marriage? And who is the lucky boy?" He asked carefully
She chuckled. "No dad, I'm too young for marriage. I am only just saying I should prepare for my future. Probably in six and half years time, I would be married"
Or even lesser. She said in her mind.
"There's no boy dad. When it's time, I guess I will have many suitors to choose from like Salma" she said
"In shaa Allah dear. Every man will be proud to have a smart beautiful lady like you" her father said kissing her forehead.
She beamed happily. She had won.
"I will discuss this with your mother" her father told her.
She jumped on the sofa excitedly before she devoured her breakfast that consisted of boiled plantains and veggies just the way she loved them.
The following day, her parents consented to her request with their own rules. She was not allowed to leave within the school but with a Muslim family, the Musa's family. Alhaji Musa was Abu Zaheer's colleague at the University. He was a respectable conscious Muslim who would look after their daughter. There was Zaheer too, he was her Mahram in a strange land he would look out for her.
They gave her their blessings and she left for Portharcourt.
**********
Two years later,
Zakiyah was enjoying the strike holiday, it had been a productive holiday so far. Her father had added some money to her savings, she took the largest chunk of the money and invested it in her cosmetic productions. She felt it was time she put the few knowledge she gained into use. With plenty researches and questions from some foreign brands she started "Zajal" hair care products. She produced hair creams, shampoos, conditioners and beard oil. She started her advertisement in her neighborhood, she was quite popular among them afterall she was the jewel of the Jaleel family and most families looked up to her family. Her famiily was a good reminder of what a Muslim family should be like hence the admiration and respect they had for them.
Zakiyah's presence on social media was large with many followers of her page. Her days at the University gave her the freedom to explore her interest in traveling and culture. Money was never a problem, she received allowance from her parents and her eldest brother too. She was able to spend them on her desires, she would travel to tourist centers in town learning their history or the peculiar thing about the centre and then she would post a video about them on Nairaland and her Instagram account. It was met with many likes and comments.
Most of her followers were not aware the lady in Khimar was just a teenager. Her topics were mostly mature and older adults could relate to it.

Before she knew it, she started earning by helping to advertise tourist centres and other products that was in line with her belief. So when her products Zajal hit the internet it sold well.
It was during that period Caliph came home, he just got a job with a Non governmental organization that dealt with child psychiatric problems. Since it was his plan to do his residency in psychiatry, it was a place befiting for him to work. It would give him all the knowledge he needed in mental health. His own parents had retired to their village at Oshogbo. When he was done with NYSC he moved in with them and was working with a private hospital, eighteen hours days. After some months, he got bored. He felt something was missing from him. He was happy to be back in Ibadan and the Jaleel's were receptive of him as always. He moved into Zaheer's wing that had three rooms. The Jaleel's sons were far away from home and their room was empty. Abu Zaheer was glad Caliph chose to stay with them. He had been mourning the absence of his children for a while. He suddenly felt like having more children, but his wife's reproductive years had dwindled. They are both waiting for the arrival of their grandchildren which they pray would be soon. Zaheer was still dragging his feet about marriage and he didn't want to pressurize him.
Zakiyah noticed Caliph was distanced towards her and she wondered if he had forgotten about her so soon? Had he forgotten their friendship? The two years since they last saw each other only amplified her own feelings for him but it seemed the two years had dwindled his own friendship for her.
Not like he wasn't talking to her but it was with a tone that was meant for strangers. He wouldn't even look her in the face whenever he was addressing her. She began to worried he was in love with another lady and wanted to get married soon. She stylishly asked her mother if she had met Caliph's fiancee.
"He has one!" Her mother exclaimed in excitement
"No mama, I thought you know if he has one" she answered
"No. I pray he moves on from Salma it's been almost three years"
The reply had excited her, she decided she would befriend him all over again. So she went to his wing with her products. She gave him the beard oil and sought his permission to make a video of him applying the oil on his beard.
"This oil does what?" Caliph asked her after they were done with the video she intended to put on Instagram.
Caliph was not a fan of Instagram. It was where the show offs happened the most. Many Muslims have been lured unknowingly to join the race of showing off wealth and good deeds which nullified the reward. Hence Caliph reduced his presence to Twitter and WhatsApp only.
"The oil soften the beard hair and keep the skin beneath the beard moisturized" she told with her dimpled smile that enthralled his senses.
Caliph did not remember the little girl that was his friend few years back. What was in his presence was a beautiful lady. He wondered when she grew up that fast. He wasn't one to be attracted by physical features. Since Salma's episode he had learned to look beyond the physical beauty. It was more of the character for him these days, during his service year he'd met many beautiful ladies that wanted to be closer to you but he lost interest. He wanted a sensible smart lady with a good heart. And it seemed his friend's not-so-little sister possessed them all. For many reasons she was wrong for him. She was Salma's cousin, she was Zaheer's sister and he knew his friend would not be happy with the union. Nor did Caliph wanted a reminder of Salma. He did not even trust any female these days. He was contented with focusing on his dream to climb up quickly. So he shoved his feelings aside, Zakiyah was his sister and he would treat her as such.
"How much is it?" He asked her, bringing them back to the conversation.
"Two thousand naira" she answered
He dipped his hand in his purse and gave her everything that was in there. Zakiyah counted the money, it was close to fifteen thousand naira. Her eyes widened like a baseball
"This is too much for that small bottle of beard oil"
"Consider that a gift. You have been very industrious, hardworking, smart and intelligent" he spoke the truth.
And very beautiful. His silly mind added. She was everything he mentioned, determined to be successful. That singular thought he had of Zakiyah became a regular thought his mind replayed to him almost everyday. With conscious effort, he reduced the time he spent in her presence, she was always seeking him out when he was not at the office working. She brought him goodies, peanuts she made herself and was always making sure his wing was well taken care of. Her acts to him was all innocent, that was the way he saw it. He felt stupid for entertaining thoughts about a young lady that cared about him.
Zakiyah was tired of Caliph's treatment of het as a stranger. She was torn between telling him about her feelings for him but she was too shy to say them. She knew in her mind she would make a good wife for him and then he was just a reminder of her father. Caliph was religious, caring and calm like her own father.
One night she decided to go to him and talked to him. She tiptoed silently out of her room and slipped into his wing. The whole wing was in darkness, Caliph obviously loved sleeping in the dark.
She stepped into his room and whispered his name many times, when he didn't respond she switched on the bed light and saw him praying. It was only past one. She sat down on the sofa and tucked her legs inside of her. She was wearing her army green color khimar.
When he was done with his prayers, he turned in her direction and asked what she was doing in his room.
"Shhhh....you don't want my daddy to hear you" she shushed him
Caliph breathed deeply, having the object of his mind in his room at this hour was too much.
"You shouldn't be here Zakiyah" he told her folding his mat
"Why not? I was here for many months Caliph. This is where our friendship was forged. Why are you hurting our friendship? We talked about everything, I thought you are my friend" she said sadly.
Caliph sighed and sat on the sofa facing hers. "Zakiyah, that was then. Now you're a woman. You shouldn't be alone with someone who isn't your Mahram. You know this" he told her
"I miss us Caliph. I miss us eating together, I miss us reading together, I miss the sleepovers. I used to sleep right there beside you" Zakiyah said pointing towards the bed.
The memories came flooding his mind. In his grief he didn't realized the consequence of his actions. He should never have relied on her comfort. Maybe she was infatuated with him now.
"Astaghafirillah! What have I done? I should never have allowed that" he said in his mind.
He didn't know how to handle this new revelation. But he was certain he didn't want her in his room, it was all shades of wrong.
"Zakiyah, please stand up and leave" he said to her.
"Caliph but___"
"Leave" he interrupted
"I'm not. We should t___"
"Zakiyah, get out of my room" he raised his voice at her, his eyes also reflected his anger.
Zakiyah rushed out of his room crying.
Caliph hated her. She thought.

Zeinymira:
Chapter Two
When Zakiyah chose a far away University from Ibadan, her parents wasn't pleased. It took her months of begging before they reluctantly allowed her to leave. They had wanted her to wait two years more before heading to a tertiary institution moreso a school so far away from home, a public school with zero religious value. But Zakiyah was determined to leave home, since Caliph went for his NYSC life seemed to be uninteresting. She missed their nighly visits, the gist, the sleepover that her parents would kill her for if they ever found out. She missed reading his medical textbooks with him. During his examination period, they would read together even though she didn't understand most of the medical jargons, she would crammed them, recited the words back to him while he would assume the role of a teacher explaining the topics to her. Caliph confessed to her that their studying together really helped him to stop thinking about his woes. Now he was gone and her parents wanted her to wait few more years before furthering her education. The earlier she graduated from school, the earlier she would get married, that was her thought. If she waited few years before entering the University, Caliph would be working by then. Could he wait four more years for her? Did he even want her? If she stayed at home she would still be seen as the little daughter of Jaleel. Going to a university showed a major development in life and everyone would stopped seeing her as a child.
When it was just few weeks to resumption and her parents were still adamant, she stayed in her room not bothering to join them for solat or breakfast. She refused to eat any food brought to her, when two whole days passed and Zakiyah didn't touch her meals, her parents decided to have a meeting with her.
They brought breakfast to her room, when she realized they had come for a visit, she turned her head in their direction keeping her eyes glued on their faces. Her father looked tired while her mother looked like she was ready for a fight.
"As salaam alaykum" she greeted them. They returned her greeting before her mother sighed and said.
"What's your plan Zakiyah? Starve yourself to death?"
"Just want to go to school" she replied
"You expect to win after two days of fasting?" Her father asked incredulously.
It was surprising that Zakiyah could lock herself up and refuse food. Abu Zaheer knew her to be sensible and she was never rebellious.
Was this about adolescent tantrums? God! He was tired, he couldn't deal with the many myriad of emotions that came with that age.
His boys almost exhausted him with their many acts. It was as if he were living with terrorists. From fighting them over their choice of clothings, to their choices of friends, their poor hygienes, to his cars that became another form of amusement to them. It took two arrests before they heed to his warning concerning driving cars when they had no license. Today, he was proud of the man they became.
Zakiyah was nearing fifteen and had been exhibiting matured attitudes for the most part. If Zakiyah wanted something from them and they refused her request, she would not throw tantrums or lock herself up. She would rather argue her case and if eventually she didn't win, she would accept defeat graciously. But the past weeks she never once told them why she wanted to start school so soon instead she became angry and distant toward them. She stopped playing volleyball or even go swimming with the estate kids. She just withdrew to herself. His intuition told him there was more to it.

"Zakiyah come" her father called
She stood up and sat beside him on the blue sofa. Her brothers' favorite color had robbed off on her. She grew up seeing blue things all around her hence she fell in love with it.
Her father sank into the sofa and sighed. Her mother had dropped the food leaving father and daughter to have it out. For a long time, her father didn't say a word only just regarded her in a way that made her feel guilty all of a sudden.
"Dad". "I am sorry" she whispered
"Zakiyah my dear, what exactly is all this about? You're changing and I don't exactly understand you anymore. We used to have nice conversations. You used to tell me everything, what has happened to our friendship?" Her father asked tiredly.
"Nothing dad. You're still my bestest friend" she said smiling at him.
"I doubt that. You've been treating me like an enemy since you got your admission" he argued
She held his hand "Dad, I'm lonely. Everyone has left home. Bro Zaheer is at Portharcourt working, Salma is married and Zach is at Zaria for his military training. Caliph is serving. And I'm here all alone. I want to start a new life. What will I be doing with myself for two whole years? I want to get married" she said softly.
Her father's heart skipped thrice when his fourteen year old daughter mentioned marriage. She was already thinking about a far away future. Was it wise to support her fast educational growth? He couldn't do otherwise. Zakiyah grades had always been good, there was no point putting a stop to it. She had excelled in everything, including her Qur'anic knowledge. This was really challenging for him.
Was there a boy already? He doubted it, he hadn't seen anyone around her. He had encouraged her to keep female friends only and lowered her gaze. His daughter was obedient to that.
"So when is this marriage? And who is the lucky boy?" He asked carefully
She chuckled. "No dad, I'm too young for marriage. I am only just saying I should prepare for my future. Probably in six and half years time, I would be married"
Or even lesser. She said in her mind.
"There's no boy dad. When it's time, I guess I will have many suitors to choose from like Salma" she said
"In shaa Allah dear. Every man will be proud to have a smart beautiful lady like you" her father said kissing her forehead.
She beamed happily. She had won.
"I will discuss this with your mother" her father told her.
She jumped on the sofa excitedly before she devoured her breakfast that consisted of boiled plantains and veggies just the way she loved them.
The following day, her parents consented to her request with their own rules. She was not allowed to leave within the school but with a Muslim family, the Musa's family. Alhaji Musa was Abu Zaheer's colleague at the University. He was a respectable conscious Muslim who would look after their daughter. There was Zaheer too, he was her Mahram in a strange land he would look out for her.
They gave her their blessings and she left for Portharcourt.
**********
Two years later,
Zakiyah was enjoying the strike holiday, it had been a productive holiday so far. Her father had added some money to her savings, she took the largest chunk of the money and invested it in her cosmetic productions. She felt it was time she put the few knowledge she gained into use. With plenty researches and questions from some foreign brands she started "Zajal" hair care products. She produced hair creams, shampoos, conditioners and beard oil. She started her advertisement in her neighborhood, she was quite popular among them afterall she was the jewel of the Jaleel family and most families looked up to her family. Her famiily was a good reminder of what a Muslim family should be like hence the admiration and respect they had for them.
Zakiyah's presence on social media was large with many followers of her page. Her days at the University gave her the freedom to explore her interest in traveling and culture. Money was never a problem, she received allowance from her parents and her eldest brother too. She was able to spend them on her desires, she would travel to tourist centers in town learning their history or the peculiar thing about the centre and then she would post a video about them on Nairaland and her Instagram account. It was met with many likes and comments.
Most of her followers were not aware the lady in Khimar was just a teenager. Her topics were mostly mature and older adults could relate to it.

Before she knew it, she started earning by helping to advertise tourist centres and other products that was in line with her belief. So when her products Zajal hit the internet it sold well.
It was during that period Caliph came home, he just got a job with a Non governmental organization that dealt with child psychiatric problems. Since it was his plan to do his residency in psychiatry, it was a place befiting for him to work. It would give him all the knowledge he needed in mental health. His own parents had retired to their village at Oshogbo. When he was done with NYSC he moved in with them and was working with a private hospital, eighteen hours days. After some months, he got bored. He felt something was missing from him. He was happy to be back in Ibadan and the Jaleel's were receptive of him as always. He moved into Zaheer's wing that had three rooms. The Jaleel's sons were far away from home and their room was empty. Abu Zaheer was glad Caliph chose to stay with them. He had been mourning the absence of his children for a while. He suddenly felt like having more children, but his wife's reproductive years had dwindled. They are both waiting for the arrival of their grandchildren which they pray would be soon. Zaheer was still dragging his feet about marriage and he didn't want to pressurize him.
Zakiyah noticed Caliph was distanced towards her and she wondered if he had forgotten about her so soon? Had he forgotten their friendship? The two years since they last saw each other only amplified her own feelings for him but it seemed the two years had dwindled his own friendship for her.
Not like he wasn't talking to her but it was with a tone that was meant for strangers. He wouldn't even look her in the face whenever he was addressing her. She began to worried he was in love with another lady and wanted to get married soon. She stylishly asked her mother if she had met Caliph's fiancee.
"He has one!" Her mother exclaimed in excitement
"No mama, I thought you know if he has one" she answered
"No. I pray he moves on from Salma it's been almost three years"
The reply had excited her, she decided she would befriend him all over again. So she went to his wing with her products. She gave him the beard oil and sought his permission to make a video of him applying the oil on his beard.
"This oil does what?" Caliph asked her after they were done with the video she intended to put on Instagram.
Caliph was not a fan of Instagram. It was where the show offs happened the most. Many Muslims have been lured unknowingly to join the race of showing off wealth and good deeds which nullified the reward. Hence Caliph reduced his presence to Twitter and WhatsApp only.
"The oil soften the beard hair and keep the skin beneath the beard moisturized" she told with her dimpled smile that enthralled his senses.
Caliph did not remember the little girl that was his friend few years back. What was in his presence was a beautiful lady. He wondered when she grew up that fast. He wasn't one to be attracted by physical features. Since Salma's episode he had learned to look beyond the physical beauty. It was more of the character for him these days, during his service year he'd met many beautiful ladies that wanted to be closer to you but he lost interest. He wanted a sensible smart lady with a good heart. And it seemed his friend's not-so-little sister possessed them all. For many reasons she was wrong for him. She was Salma's cousin, she was Zaheer's sister and he knew his friend would not be happy with the union. Nor did Caliph wanted a reminder of Salma. He did not even trust any female these days. He was contented with focusing on his dream to climb up quickly. So he shoved his feelings aside, Zakiyah was his sister and he would treat her as such.
"How much is it?" He asked her, bringing them back to the conversation.
"Two thousand naira" she answered
He dipped his hand in his purse and gave her everything that was in there. Zakiyah counted the money, it was close to fifteen thousand naira. Her eyes widened like a baseball
"This is too much for that small bottle of beard oil"
"Consider that a gift. You have been very industrious, hardworking, smart and intelligent" he spoke the truth.
And very beautiful. His silly mind added. She was everything he mentioned, determined to be successful. That singular thought he had of Zakiyah became a regular thought his mind replayed to him almost everyday. With conscious effort, he reduced the time he spent in her presence, she was always seeking him out when he was not at the office working. She brought him goodies, peanuts she made herself and was always making sure his wing was well taken care of. Her acts to him was all innocent, that was the way he saw it. He felt stupid for entertaining thoughts about a young lady that cared about him.
Zakiyah was tired of Caliph's treatment of het as a stranger. She was torn between telling him about her feelings for him but she was too shy to say them. She knew in her mind she would make a good wife for him and then he was just a reminder of her father. Caliph was religious, caring and calm like her own father.
One night she decided to go to him and talked to him. She tiptoed silently out of her room and slipped into his wing. The whole wing was in darkness, Caliph obviously loved sleeping in the dark.
She stepped into his room and whispered his name many times, when he didn't respond she switched on the bed light and saw him praying. It was only past one. She sat down on the sofa and tucked her legs inside of her. She was wearing her army green color khimar.
When he was done with his prayers, he turned in her direction and asked what she was doing in his room.
"Shhhh....you don't want my daddy to hear you" she shushed him
Caliph breathed deeply, having the object of his mind in his room at this hour was too much.
"You shouldn't be here Zakiyah" he told her folding his mat
"Why not? I was here for many months Caliph. This is where our friendship was forged. Why are you hurting our friendship? We talked about everything, I thought you are my friend" she said sadly.
Caliph sighed and sat on the sofa facing hers. "Zakiyah, that was then. Now you're a woman. You shouldn't be alone with someone who isn't your Mahram. You know this" he told her
"I miss us Caliph. I miss us eating together, I miss us reading together, I miss the sleepovers. I used to sleep right there beside you" Zakiyah said pointing towards the bed.
The memories came flooding his mind. In his grief he didn't realized the consequence of his actions. He should never have relied on her comfort. Maybe she was infatuated with him now.
"Astaghafirillah! What have I done? I should never have allowed that" he said in his mind.
He didn't know how to handle this new revelation. But he was certain he didn't want her in his room, it was all shades of wrong.
"Zakiyah, please stand up and leave" he said to her.
"Caliph but___"
"Leave" he interrupted
"I'm not. We should t___"
"Zakiyah, get out of my room" he raised his voice at her, his eyes also reflected his anger.
Zakiyah rushed out of his room crying.
Caliph hated her. She thought.

Nice one. Barakallahu fik.

Chapter Three
She was hurt deeply, she could not leave her room the following morning. Caliph hated her, that was all her mind could think of. Just like most teenagers, she was at that stage she only saw things from her own perspective. She didn't considered how wrong it was of her to appear in a man's room so late at night. She hardly even saw him as a man, just the boy she was obsessed with and wanted to marry. Everything to her was as simple as ABC, she never thought there was a possibility of Caliph's feelings to have evolved to a more basic needs or sophisticated desires. In her head, she was a good girl who stood by him, she was the good girl who loved him, the good girl who befriended him and he had no right to treat her like a non-existent memory.
Zakiyah was angry and heartbroken at the same time. She swore she would never talk to him again. She would never talk to any boy again, they are all foolish like Caliph.
In the afternoon, her father visited her in her room inquiring why she didn't show up for breakfast. She lied that she had fever in the morning but she was fine now. Her father said some prayers for her and told her if her health didn't improve by evening, she should seek her mother out so they could go to the hospital together.
The coming days she did everything to avoid Caliph, if she saw him coming she would take another direction. Caliph noticed too and let her be. He was too harsh with his words, he should have handled it differently. Sometimes when she wasn't looking, he would watch her. She was different from Salma in many ways. Salma carried herself like a queen, her posture and composure was regal, but Zakiyah appeared to be all queenish with no efforts at all. She didn't have the shining beauty of her cousin but she was beautiful enough.
When she left his room he had wanted to go after her but decided against it. It was wise to severe all ties with her. He remembered how she would be on her stomach flipping through the medical textbooks. How she would rolled on her side listening to him. In his eyes, she was his friend's little sister or maybe it was grief that blinded him and he couldn't see the wrong in their friendship. He didn't mind her sleeping beside him, he remembered even holding her close until she fell her sleep. But now being alone with her was tantamount to being close to his nightmare. It was something that scared him. She was the temptation he had to flee from.
******
Zachariah was done with his military school in Zaria. The Jaleel's family were excited to see their son in the beautiful military uniform. They made different dishes to welcome him back home. His military friends that were posted to Ibadan with him showed at the little welcome party. Zakiyah was happy to have her brother home. He was jovial and would take her mind off Caliph.
After her anger had subsided, she realized she could not stay mad at Caliph forever. She had known and liked him since she was a little girl and it seemed his rejection of her wouldn't change that. Maybe prayer would change the strong feelings she had for him.
"The Most Merciful please forgive me and take away this sadness in my heart" she prayed.
She threw herself into the planning assisting her mother with cooking and designs. It was a small gathering of twenty, it was within their capacity. Abu Zaheer had assisted with providing all the cooking items and decorations. The stress of going to the market was out of it.
The gathering went well, the boys from the estate helped served the different dishes and drinks since it was mostly men's party. Zakiyah excused herself quiet early when she saw Caliph made his entrance..
She went to her room and performed solatul Ishai, in sujood she prayed to Allah to remove sadness from her heart. After the prayer, she felt better. She brought out her phone reading the numerous messages on her Instagram page. Some where from amorous men texting her their numbers. She deleted and blocked them all. She must have been engrossed with her phone that she did not noticed the presence of another human in her space.
When Caliph cleared his throat, she was startled almost out of her skin. She was still dressed in her khimar.
"It's just me" He said
She all of a sudden felt too conscious of her room. It was still stuffed with her teddy bears. The ones she hadn't gotten rid off the past six years because they held beautiful memories of her childhood.
"Zakiyah, I am sorry. I remembered our closeness. I remembered how it helped me get over my sadness. I am sorry for being rude" he apologized.
He hadn't felt bad all this while but seeing her removed herself from the party because of him was something he couldn't stomach. That was the reason why he decided to apologize to her.
"This is your home Zakiyah. I am only a guest, please do not run away from me again" he added.
"It's nothing" Zakiyah said flipping her hand.
But they both knew it was something. Something that affected them differently. Caliph sighed and sank down on the floor, he was tired of fighting his emotions for her. He decided to be honest with her. She might be younger than him but she was smart.
"Lady Zajal" he started with her nickname. He could remembered the night they formed her sobriquet. She had wanted to go with the popular "Umm whatever". He teased her that she was too young for the mother's title and they formed Zajal from her name and surname. When he saw it on her products, he was pleasantly surprised she could still remember.
Zakiyah saw the change him like he was defeated, she wondered what he was about to say. Would he tell her he loved her? If he did, it would be the best thing that has ever happened to her. She composed herself so that her excitement would not be so evidenced. She would act cool and tell him to talk to her father. They would be married once she was through with her final papers.
But his next words was like a methylated spirit on her wounds. It stung her.
"Quit whatever infatuation you have about me. Whatever it is we may feel for each other was because we were thrown together. It's natural. It's expected. But the reality is, it won't be wise to marry Salma's cousin. Her ghost will always hover in our lives"
"Do you still love her?" She asked, her heart was beating with pain.
The ghost of Salma would never leave them. Even her parents were still saddened about her absence. Their neighbors oftentimes made comparison between her and Salma. It was painful to live in the shadows of her cousin, only people saw her true identity the rest of them believed she was trying hard to be like Salma which was really annoying, they were not blood sisters just cousins.
"That's not the point. If I still love her or not is unimportant" was his reply.
Caliph was blinded by the humiliation and grief of losing Salma. He would still always be bound by the past no matter how much of a better person Zakiyah was.
"Ok, I don't want you too. Leave" Zakiyah said.
After a moment, he stood up and leave while she dissolved in tears
*******
Her business continued to boom but it gave her little joy. There was a permanent ache in heart, that every night she cried herself to sleep. It was even worsened with the news that Salma and her husband were blessed with a baby boy. It was her uncle who called her father to share the news. Salma never picked their calls nor does she returned them. Not even during Eids. To think Salma celebrated twelve Eids with the Jaleel's family and no longer remembered them, not even during the festive periods. Zakiyah remembered how her clothes were always similar in style to Salma, how they prayed together at the Eid ground. Her parents said prayers for Salma and her newborn but they still looked pain.
Caliph was the worst hit, he became quieter and stayed long at work. She got his father eyeing him with worries many time. He hardly joined them for breakfast, and Zakiyah didn't know what to do. Her brother Zachariah did his best to drag Caliph out of his mournful state but it had little changes.
Zakiyah glued herself to her brother Zachariah, wherever he went she followed him. She hated being alone because her thoughts was always tormenting her. It was of those outings she met Zachariah's friend, his name was Yunus. Yunus was a military man like her brother and the two were obviously close friends.
He made his interest known to her and her brother. Her brother Zachariah was excited about it.
"I'm glad Yunus likes you. He has told me this since my welcome party. He's responsible and a good Muslim" her brother praised.
Zakiyah saw him as a fine gentleman, he was really respectful but she hated the idea of marriage with him. She didn't want another except Caliph and she had concluded in her mind to wait for Caliph. Will more years he would be over her cousin, it wasn't like she needed marriage right now. She had more than enough time on her hands, she could even wait ten years. By then she would only be twenty six. In between ten years she was certain Caliph would marry and she would always be available.
When she told Yunus she would consider his request once she was done with NYSC, he looked at her like he knew her secret, like he knew she was lying but she ignored him. No one was going to force her into a marriage she doesn't want anyway, her parents knew it was not in Islam to do such.
Yunus believed Zakiyah was trying to pushed him to other direction, she wasn't interested in him, so he thought he could convince her.
Yunus amplified his charm by visiting the Jaleel's family whenever he was less busy. He would visit and spend hours with them. He assisted Abu Zaheer with whatever he was engaged in. He came with gifts for Zakiyah. Although inexpensive, it was enough to soften her attitude toward him. But she kept wishing it was Caliph making all those efforts for her. When Caliph loved, he was all out showing it. Even Yunus's attempt paled in comparison to what Caliph did for Salma. He literally worshipped the ground she walked on. And Yunus didn't give her the butterflies effect Caliph had on her. Although he was nice to look at, very tall and slightly muscled but he had nothing on Caliph. Aside Caliph's complexion and facial beauty, he was well muscled, very tall and walked with Grace. If she waited for years and Caliph still chose someone else what would she do with herself? The thought made her want to cry, everything made her want to cry. She hated that he had the power to make her cry. She prayed to Allah to removed sadness from her heart.
Yunus presence reminded the other men in the Muslim communities that there was blossoming flower in the respectable home of Jaleel. Some were skeptical about approaching her for her hand in marriage, they feared they would received the same disappointment like Caliph who waited for years for Salma. The ones who looked beyond that little history went to Abu Zaheer asking for permission to marry his daughter once she was done with her school. He dissuaded them from approaching Zakiyah. He told them they could come back in the next two years.
Caliph did not understood what was up with Zachariah and his friend Yunus and also the constant presence of Yunus in the Jaleel's home. He had stayed hours at his job for sometime now because the news of Salma giving birth devastated him. He thought he had made progress from the whole hurt but the news brought him back to square one. He could recall discussing baby names with Salma. They were going to get married and have kids until she came back from service and broke their courtship.
Now that he was back after immersing himself in work just get it off his head, he heard another shattering news. It was Zachariah that broke the news to him that Yunus would likely be Zakiyah's future partner.
"He's such a decent man. He wouldn't hurt her. Zakiyah told him to wait till she was done with NYSC. We are going to have a marriage ceremony in three years time in shaa Allah. God knows this family needs one since Zaheer is still dragging his feet about marriage and you as well. Yunus and Zakiyah, Y and Z just like 5&6. Can you imagine how beautiful that sound?" Zachariah babbled on.
A new wave of insane fury raced through Caliph. They want to steal Zakiyah from him like they did with Salma? By Allah, it wouldn't happen again. He left Zachariah and went in search for Zakiyah. He didn't even pause to think it through, with Zakiyah he had thought he had time only for it to be shortened by another man. He didn't even see the gift Allah had given him after the episode with Salma. He wouldn't fold his arm and watched another strange man take the real Jewel in Jaleel's home.
He was going to have a talk with her. His search for her around the house yielded no result. She wasn't home. With him panting like he ran a marathon, he approached Abu Zaheer. His pulse was roaring and his heart beat was throbbing, it had nothing to do with physical exertion. He thought he should talk to Abu Zaheer about his new found intention towards his daughter but he felt it was best to see Zakiyah first.
"As salaam alaykum" he greeted
"Wa alaykum salaam. You look tensed" Abu Zaheer remarked
"Where's Zakiyah?" He asked
Abu Zaheer looked at him in an unsettling way. Caliph was usually composed. What could have been the problem? The boy even forgot to respond to his comment. He let it slide and told him she was with her estate friends.
Caliph was certain that she would either be at the swimming pool or volleyball court. He prayed she was at the court, at the court men are usually allowed unlike the pool.
He was almost at the pool when he saw her heading out with her friends. She was wearing a carton color khimar that did nothing to hide the stained sweat.
Seeing Caliph made her heart jolted in fear. It's been a long time since Caliph showed up at the court. Waving her friends off, she ran towards him.
"What's the problem?" she said as a way of greeting.
Caliph only gestured that she should follow him. They were almost close to the house when he turned toward the direction of the Usrah building. It was secluded from passersby view and it was past Maghreb. Almost dark.
"Is it true?" Caliph asked after they sat down in the bench
"What's that?" She asked back. He was really acting strange
"That you are marrying Yunus after school" he answered.
She was annoyed. "What does it matter to you? Is that why you made me leave my friend?"
"Answer me" he snarled at her
"Maybe" she said, Caliph was looking angry.
"And what about me? You plan to leave me in the lurch like Salma did?" He asked again
His tone or his mood was no longer important but the message behind his words. Caliph did cared for her, he wanted her to be his not someone else.
"I have always loved you" she whispered facing him.
"I heard that a long time ago and she left with another" he smiled sadly
They were alone in the shadow with him seated close to her. How would she expressed that she really loved him and it wasn't something she would outgrow like Salma did?
She didn't know the right words to say to convince him. Maybe she could give him one of her many firsts. She could kiss him on the cheek and tell him she loved him and would not be like Salma. She merely wished to just kissed him on the cheek. So she turned toward him, his face blended with darkness. She leaned forward and pressed her lips on what she thought was his cheek. Before she could withdraw from the shock of kissing his lips, his arms were around her, holding her tightly. He angled her head and kissed her softly at first, then with intensity that made her lips shook, sending tremors along her nerves, evoking from her sensations she had never known she was capable of feeling.
"If you want me to stop, tell me now" he whispered against her mouth. She didn't reply with words but started reciprocating what she leaned in seconds. She pulled him down to her, and the rest of his words were lost against her mouth. He kissed her gently, carefully, but it wasn’t gentleness she wanted. She kept tugging on his shirt.. He groaned softly, low in his throat, and then his arms circled her, gathering her against him. His arm moved beneath her khimar touching her chest and they rolled over on the bench, tangled together, still kissing.
It was there and then the generator light illuminated their position followed by a loud scream from the people around. It was after Ishai and the members of the Usrah came to the building to have a short meeting only to on the generator and saw two couples on top of each other.
Caliph came to his senses a little to late. He shielded Zakiyah from view, but she must have seen their faces because she started crying and ran away from the scene.
Caliph could not explained what came over him, he was ashamed of himself. He had dragged an innocent girl into his shame. They all watched Caliph with open mouth. They had always known him for his good virtues but he was now ruined in their faces.
"You've been living with the Jaleel for years now. Have you been sleeping with that child all this while in her father's house?" The man asked, he was still in shock
"You raped her?" Another male voice silently added.
And there were just too many questions he couldn't answer. The speculations were just too much. He didn't care about himself, he was more worried for Zakiyah. If words of what happened got out, they would look at her like she was tainted.
One of the brothers called Abu Zaheer who showed up with Zachariah hot on his tail.
"What's happened to Caliph?" He asked with worry
When they had called him he need to come to the Usrah building because of Caliph, he had been scared something bad happened. He left his dinner untouched while rushing down here. They explained what they saw to Abu Zaheer who stared at Caliph in his shocked state. But Zachariah was not sharing in his father's shock, he jumped on Caliph hitting him on the face. Caliph lips split into two he blocked the rest of Zachariah's blow else he would have been more wounded than just split lip.
It was a bad evening that day.

P.S; Hormonal Nikkah is available on okadabooks for #300. Kindly buy

gomojam:
Nice one. Barakallahu fik.

Pls stop quoting the whole updates..

heemah:

Pls stop quoting the whole updates..

Ok sis.

Chapter Four
The whole atmosphere was tensed, after the brothers separated Zachariah from Caliph, Abu Zaheer inquiried about his daughter.
"She ran home" one of the brothers answered.
"Zachariah go home. Ensure your sister is fine" Abu Zaheer instructed his son who grumbled about not beating Caliph to pulp.
"For Allah's sake Abu Aminah, did you really saw them?" He asked the older man who was almost his age.
Abu Aminah nodded slowly. He could understand the pain he was going through.
"No Caliph you didn't do it" Abu Zaheer said disbelievingly.
Abu Zaheer found it difficult to believe it. Throughout Caliph's stay in his home he had never exhibited nothing below excellent manner. There were many qualities he admired in him. Even with the presence of five witnesses he still found it difficult to believe.
"You know Caliph, we all know Caliph, he's a boy with many good virtues. I can defend his honor anywhere. Anywhere" Abu Zaheer lamented, his voice shaking with emotions.
He finally turned to Caliph who was looking down at his feet.
"How long as this been going on?"
"It's never happened before. I swear by Allah, it has never happened before" he cried.
Tears threatened to burst forth from Abu Zaheer's eyes but he stilled himself from crying.
Abu Zaheer didn't know what to do with this trial. Why did Allah chose to humilate him this way over his daughter?
"Ya Allah! Why this humilation?" Abu Zaheer asked looking toward heaven.
Caliph embraced Abu Zaheer, sobbing on his shoulder. "I swear I didn't know how it happened. We were only going to talk, I was going to ask for her hand in marriage" he said amidst his sob.
Some of the brothers were moved emotionally, they felt sorry for Caliph and Zakiyah. But the rigid ones questioned why he was alone with her.
They discussed the possible punishment for Caliph and Zakiyah.
"Since the Zina wasn't committed with their private parts, there's no need for the punishment. Thank God we came in time. I will advise you to seek Allah's forgiveness"
*******
Emotions was running high in the household of Jaleel. After Zakiyah made her escape into the house, she ran past her mother and straight into her room locking it up. Her mother banged on the door but she didn't open up, all that was heard was her loud tears.
Ummu Zaheer was scared. She wondered if someone died. Was it Caliph? Her husband and son had ran out of the house because of the house because of the call they received.
Ya Allah, please I can't afford to lose another one dear to me. She begged Allah.
She was still in a praying mode when the door opened and Zachariah stepped in looking as if he had come straight from the battlefield.
"What happened?" She asked him, looking around for her husband
"Where's my husband? Where's Caliph?"
Zachariah explained everything that happened at the Usrah building to his mother who collapsed on the floor, wailing loudly. "Zakiyah has killed me"
Zachariah just stood there drowned in his own sadness. This whole event would change their lives. They thought they had it worse with Salma, but Zakiyah? They'll lost the respect of people. Can his father still preached the importance of being happy about the birth of a female child without being sneered at? This whole thing would only reflect badly on his sister, the woman would always be blamed in their society.
It was that scene Abu Zaheer and Caliph met. He helped his wife up, she clutched tightly on his jalamiah sobbing. Then her eyes zeroed on Caliph, accusation looming on her face.
"Toheebat" Abu Zaheer called his wife, his voice placating her but she was too angry to listen
She raised her arm and struck Caliph across the chest. Zachariah gasped because his mother had never hit anyone before. Abu Zaheer quickly grabbed his wife and pulled her against him because she was about to hit Caliph again probably in his face and that was forbidden in Islam.
Tears slid down Ummu Zaheer's face.
"I am sorry" Caliph said
"I treated you like my own son. Leave my house" Ummu Zaheer screamed at him.
Caliph straightened and gave a nod. He wasn't sure how he felt. But he was completely exhausted as he kept wandering down the street. It was very late, almost midnight and he hadn't prayed Ishai. He walked into the Masjid, performed ablution and stood before Allah in disgrace. Before now, his highest sin was cursing while driving, playing video games when he could be doing dhikr and being in Zakiyah's company. Living in the house for years had made him almost forgotten that he wasn't a Mahram to her. But this major sin? He didn't even know where to start asking forgiveness from.
***
Ummu Zaheer's tears had finally dried up, it's been close to an hour Caliph left their house. She, her husband and son sat in the living room waiting for Zakiyah to make her presence. Ummu Zaheer's was tired of waiting.
"Zachariah, go and break that door" she instructed her son
"There's no need. She'll come out" Abu Zaheer argued.
"When? Do we even know if she had hurt herself? She should come here and explain what she was doing alone with Caliph, how long they have been doing this behind us" Ummu Zaheer was angry.
"Let me handle this" Abu Zaheer said.
"I should let you handle this Harun? When you should have been strict with that girl, you will be using one annoying logical reasoning. Now see what it has brought us" she shouted
"Now you think my parenting is faulty? Have you ever caught her with an opposite sex before? Have you?" He asked
"Obviously she's smarter than us. They've been sneaking around this house doing all sort of nonsense" Ummu Zaheer said.
"I understand this is a difficult situation for us. But for Allah's sake, becareful of your words" Abu Zaheer warned.
Unmu Zaheer left the men and went in search of her daughter, she met her door opened. Zakiyah was curled up in a corner still in tears. She had changed from her previous khimar to just a flowing gown.
"Zakiyah, how long as this been going on for?" Her mother said in raised voice.
She jumped and the guilt that spread over her face when she met her mother's gaze was enough to confirm her suspicion that the two had been meeting in seclusion doing God knows what.
"Zakiyah" her mother said sadly
"It's not like that" she whispered
"No?" She held her cloth shaking her.
Her husband had always restrained her from hitting their children when they were young and she had gotten used to the act. She knew if she decended on her daughter right now she would inflict too many injuries on her.
"No___I I"
Angry beyond words, she dragged her daughter up. "Zakiyah, I am not stupid. You remember that sex talk we had? Remember pregnancy? Are you going to make me a grandma this early? And what about this sin you've committed? Did we not warn you about Zina, did I not tell you to tell me if anyone touched you?" Ummu Zaheer's voice was shaking with tears and her daughter could not even speak for her pitiful sobs.
****
Zachariah and his father discussed what they should do next. It was already morning, they weren't sleepy because of the event that happened.
Abu Zaheer called his eldest son and explained what Caliph and Zakiyah did. Zaheer was furious over the phone and promised to be home before evening.
"What will our neighbors say about us?" Zachariah said.
"It's not about our neighbors for me. Have I failed in my role as a father? Because your mother has refused to speak with me" Abu Zaheer was exasperated.
His wife blamed him for everything.
"Dad, you've been a good father to us all. You have corrected us many times, taught us Islamic values. I know if you had an inkling that Zakiyah and Caliph relationship had crossed the boundary of halal you would have put a stop to it"
Zakiyah had told them the many times she was alone with Caliph, she had reassured them that nothing happened. But Abu Zaheer was very angry with her and also blamed her for it.
He sighed. "Five men witnessed what happened last night. One or two of them will definitely gossip to their wives, and their wives would tell their friends and their friends would tell their neighbors and children. Everyone would know about it. They'll never forget that event. Who among these men would allow their children ask for her hand in marriage, knowing what they know? Caliph would leave our community, if he doesn't he will be treated with suspicion everywhere he goes. He had plans to go to Ogun State for his residency anyway. What will happen to my Zakiyah? Who will come for her hand in marriage? A stranger?" Abu Zaheer poured out his thoughts.

"Caliph will have to marry her then. If I have to drag him to the masjid, I will" Zachariah said vehemently.
"That's the same thing i have been telling your mother, she kept disagreeing with me" Abu Zaheer said.
In the evening, Caliph appeared in the household of Jaleel with his father and uncle. It coincided with Zaheer's arrival. Zaheer didn't wait till they were inside before he landed blows on his friend who did all he could to avoid the impact. They eventually were separated and the two was kept apart throughout the conversation between the two families.
"Whatever price you want him to pay, he definitely will. Afterall he is your son too. I am in support of whatever decision you want to take" Caliph's father told Abu Zaheer.
He was an older version of Caliph, nearing seventy. But he spoke with good manners and the fear of Allah.
"I don't think I want any retribution. I'm just worried about what this means for my daughter. She has always been a good girl and so also is Caliph except being alone with my daughter. This humilation.." Abu Zaheer sighed.
"This is just a trial from Allah. He will test us with what we love the most. You love daughters, because of this misbehavior would you stop caring for female children? Will you stop seeing them as a gift but problems? Will you stop advocating for them?" Abu Aminah said to Abu Zaheer who sighed deeply.
He had been invited when Caliph's father informed the Jaleel's he was visiting.
"And it also is a reminder from Allah to never neglect boundaries. Caliph came into your house, you took him as your son but you've forgotten he's really not and you have a daughter and they are not mahrams. I understand anyway, when humans are in best relationship with each other they tend to forget rules. It was not intentional that you overlooked it, he was going to marry Salma. He was going to become your in-law. May Allah forgive us all"
They all choroused Amen.
"The only solution in sight is that Caliph should marry Zakiyah" Abu Zaheer said nodding towards Caliph who was seated between his uncle and father.
"Marry a sixteen year old? That's just giving me a bad label. Oh! Look he married a child. No I won't marry a child" Caliph said, he was regretting the whole of last night. It was stupid jealousy that made him sought her out. This morning at the masjid everyone was already looking at him like a paedophile. If he went ahead and marry Zakiyah then that's just him accepting the label. Even if they are married in few years to come like he originally thought, people would always mentioned that he abused her when she was just a child.
"You can't marry a child you say? But you can stick your tongue down her throat!" Abu Aminah huffed
"It was just stupid hormones. It should never have happened. Right in this house I was engaged to Salma, I never sought her out or dragged her to a secluded place. It was just a hormonal situation. I won't marry Zakiyah" Caliph said.

It was that moment Zakiyah was passing by and she heard his rejection.

"Caliph that is my sister you are talking about. Becareful with your choice of words" Zaheer warned

"He's going to marry her. You only care about your own image, what about that poor girl? Who's going to marry her if you don't?" Caliph's father said to his son. But Caliph expression was hardened. He wouldn't say no to his father, but the marriage would be a no marriage. He was certain of that.
They planned to have the Nikkah in the next two days before words about their shameful deed spread around the neighborhood. But it was too late. Everyone in the community knew about the fallen jewel.

At night, Abu Zaheer and his sons approached his daughter, she looked aged and he was worried about her.
"What have you eaten today?" He asked her.
She replied by pointing to the leftover coke she drank in the evening. She had lost appetite since that night. Her phone had been ringing, it was her friends. They most likely wanted to confirm the story. She switched off her phone and hadn't switched it on since.
How would she walk around her neighborhood? She was glad the ASUU strike was finally over. She would return to school and wouldn't come back till she graduated. Maybe everyone would have forgotten about the event.
"You have to eat" Zachariah said, he had gone to bring bread for her. She took it from him but didn't make attempt to eat it.
They sat down in her sofa and her father began.

"Caliph wants to marry you". He told her even though it wasn't the exact picture.

She shook her head. This would have excite her maybe last week, maybe months back, maybe years back but not anymore. It sounded like bad news to her. She didn't want to marry a man who only saw her as another hormonal being.
"I won't marry him" she told her father.
Abu Zaheer who was usually patient with his children finally lost it.
"You won't marry him?" He lashed out. Ok, so all you wanted was to commit Zina right? By the time you are my age, you want to have many zinas trailing you? Do you know it's a major sin in Islam? Zakiyah, you have made your bed and you will lie on it, ruffled bedsheet or not! All I want to hear from you right now is a yes" her father shouted.
"Yes" Zakiyah replied sobbing

https://okadabooks.com/book/about/hormonal_nikkah/37199

Thanks for the update

well-done Sister jazakillahu khyr. Next update

!!still seling

Zeinymira:
!!still seling

Pls I need to talk to you zeinymira, I see ur a northerner,

Zeinymira:
!!still seling

Pls I need to talk to you zeinymira, I see ur a northerner, I'm not asking u abt any relationship or things like that, I need to know about northerner's Literature! That's all

Heathrow44:



Pls I need to talk to you zeinymira, I see ur a northerner, call me @ 08162842870 I'm not asking u abt any relationship or things like that, I need to know about northerner's Literature! That's all

I'm not a Northerner. I'm a Muslim.

Zeinymira:


I'm not a Northerner. I'm a Muslim.

OK, but you are a northerner like u re from kano, Kaduna, Zaria and all those places right?

Please op try and update. am thirsty for more updates.

Heathrow44:



OK, but you are a northerner like u re from kano, Kaduna, Zaria and all those places right?

I'm not from those places.