<p>Inteesar was picking up an abaya when Meemah approached her, a sarcastic sneer on her face. She said, “Sis, don’t take that one. It doesn’t suit us, the children of nobles. It’s more fitting for the daughters of Malam Shehu, who poverty has overwhelmed.”</p><p>Inteesar’s mood immediately soured. She was at a loss for words, unable to muster a response. Even insults from a village gossip couldn’t have stung as much as Meemah’s words. She dropped her hand from the abaya and refused to continue shopping, anger clouding her judgment. Rahama tried to coax her into continuing, but she ran out in tears instead.</p><p>Frustrated, Rahama turned to Meemah and said, “Sis, that wasn’t fair. You shouldn’t have said that to Aunty. It must have hurt her feelings.”</p><p>Angrily, Meemah replied, “What did I say that was so bad? Don’t come at me with your fake morality.”</p><p>Rahama sighed and followed Inteesar, while Meemah trailed behind, glaring.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>They found Abdallah relaxed, operating his phone. As soon as Rahama saw him, she said, “Yah Abdallah, your precious charge refused to take anything. She ran out crying.”</p><p>Startled, Abdallah asked, “What? Did anyone do anything to her?”</p><p>Rahama quickly exchanged glances with Meemah and replied, “Not at all, except if Meemah might have said something.”</p><p>Abdallah shifted his sharp, piercing gaze to Meemah. She became flustered and stammered, “I didn’t do anything to her!”</p><p>Abdallah exhaled deeply, running a hand over his forehead. “Ya Allah, what is wrong with Baby today? She’s been in a mood since morning. Anyway, have you two finished shopping?”</p><p>Meemah, annoyed by his words, forced a smile and replied, “No, not yet.”</p><p>“Go and finish up. I’ll go find her.”</p><p>“Okay.”</p><p>Abdallah smirked subtly, knowing he had pushed Meemah to her limit. As he left, the sisters headed back to their shopping, both silently resenting him.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>He found Inteesar standing outside, her back turned, wiping away tears. Without a word, he grabbed her hand. Startled, she quickly wiped her face as he led her to a section filled with luxurious abayas. In his deep, husky voice, he said, “Madam, pick what you want. I don’t like wasting time.”</p><p>Inteesar stayed silent, tears streaming down her face. Seeing she wasn’t responding, Abdallah began grabbing items himself—abayas, scarves, innerwear—piling everything up like a man on a mission. He handed over his ATM card for payment and loaded everything into the car.</p><p>When Meemah approached the front passenger door to enter, Abdallah shot her a glare so sharp it made her stomach churn. She stepped back, allowing him to open the door for Inteesar. Once she was seated, he closed the door and returned to the driver’s seat, leaving Meemah no choice but to sit in the back.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>The next morning, before dawn, Inteesar woke up for the Fajr prayer. After praying, she spent time reciting the Qur’an, completing two sections before making heartfelt supplications. When she finished, she gently tapped Rahama’s pillow and said, “Sis, wake up and pray. It’s time.”</p><p>Rahama opened her eyes and mumbled, “Okay, I’m getting up. Did you already pray?”</p><p>“Yes, I did.”</p><p>Shocked, Rahama quickly got out of bed. “Let me hurry and pray too. Wait for me in the kitchen.”</p><p>“Alright, I’ll go ahead. I want us to let Aunt Haire rest today. We’ll handle the cooking ourselves.”</p><p>Rahama nodded and headed to the bathroom while Inteesar went to the kitchen.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>Inteesar grabbed yams from the store, peeled and washed them, then boiled them with salt. She cracked eggs into a bowl, added spices and onions, and whisked them. Once the yams were ready, she fried them and placed everything in elegant golden warmers.</p><p>As she was finishing, Rahama entered, apologizing. “Sorry, Aunty. I had to take a quick shower because my period started. That’s why I took so long.”</p><p>Inteesar smiled. “It’s okay. I’m almost done. Just help me set the table.”</p><p>Together, they set the dining table with an assortment of dishes. After ensuring everything was perfect, they went to get ready for the day.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>By 10:30 AM, Abdallah, his face as composed as ever, walked into the dining area of his father’s quarters. He knocked politely, and upon receiving permission, entered with a quiet greeting. “Assalamu alaikum.”</p><p>His father, sitting at the dining table, responded, “Wa alaikum salam, Son. How are you feeling?”</p><p>“I’m better now, Alhamdulillah.”</p><p>“Good. Sit down and eat with me.”</p><p>Abdallah served himself and took a bite of the meal, savoring the taste of the kunun gyada (peanut porridge). He closed his eyes momentarily, enjoying the flavor before continuing to eat. Once he was done, he wiped his mouth with a tissue and said, “Abbih, I wanted to inform you that in two days, I’ll be traveling to Spain with Ahmad and his wives.”</p><p>His father frowned slightly. “And who will you leave your wife with?”</p><p>Abdallah smirked inwardly, thinking, "We’ve reached the critical point. You’ll see what happens next, Baby." Outwardly, he scratched his head modestly. “I thought she’d prefer staying here with Ammih. I don’t want to inconvenience her.”</p><p>His father sighed in relief, thinking Abdallah might have been neglecting Inteesar. “No, no, no. You can’t leave her here. Take her with you. Remember, treating her well means respecting me. Don’t make me regret this marriage, and may Allah bless you both with righteous children.”</p><p>Smiling, Abdallah replied, “Thank you, Abbih. I’ll make sure to take care of her.”</p><p>“Good. Tomorrow, take her to visit her family before you travel.”</p><p>“Insha’Allah, Abbih.”</p><p>With that, Abdallah left, feeling triumphant. He headed straight to his quarters, already anticipating the next step in his plans.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
