<p>As they entered the hostel, Ayusha said, “Honestly, sister, I’m so hungry. I didn’t even have breakfast before leaving this morning.”</p><p>Aneeserh laughed and replied, “Well, you don’t usually eat much anyway. This time, it’s just because the hunger overwhelmed you. Breakfast isn’t really part of your routine.”</p><p>"You’re the one who knows me well. Now, get up and cook me some noodles as usual," Ayusha teased.</p><p>Aneeserh gave her a playful glare and said, “No way. If I’m the one cooking, you’re not eating noodles today.”</p><p>“Haba, my chef! You know I can’t eat noodles made by anyone else. Your cooking is different, and among all the girls, you’re the best.”</p><p>Laughing, Aneeserh stood up and said, “This Ayusha! Once you set your mind on something, even if someone didn’t plan to do it, you’d make them do it.”</p><p>Ayusha smiled and said, “My friend, if you don’t take care of me, someone else will.”</p><p>"Of course, you’d say that, you troublemaker. After I cook for you, you’ll start giving me a hard time," Aneeserh joked.</p><p>Amid laughter and banter, they prepared noodles together. After eating and resting, they performed the Zuhr prayer before heading to the library for study.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>Around 3:45 PM, they left the mosque after performing the Asr prayer and returned to the hostel. Aneeserh gathered everything she needed, and the two headed to the student parking lot, picked up a car, and drove home.</p><p>By 5:45 PM, they arrived home. Even before reaching the gate, Ayusha started honking repeatedly. Mallam Ayuba, the gatekeeper, rushed to open the gate, knowing Ayusha’s impatient nature. He understood that if he delayed, she would scold him, especially since she often came home tired from school. Despite her fiery temperament, Mallam Ayuba knew Ayusha was kind, generous, and approachable, unlike her calm and reserved friend, Aneeserh.</p><p>Upon seeing them together, he smiled widely and said, “Hajjaju Makkatu! So you’ve finally graced our home. Honestly, we’ve missed you. Earlier, I felt like telling Hajia Shatu (his nickname for Ayusha) to ask when you’d visit us again.”</p><p>"Poor Baba! I’ve missed you too. I’ve been so busy these past few days that I haven’t had the chance to visit," Ayusha replied.</p><p>“Ayyah, welcome back.”</p><p>“Thank you, Baba.”</p><p>Ayusha teased, “Baba and Aneeserh! Once you two start chatting, you don’t stop. For now, let’s go inside. Maghrib is approaching, and you can continue your gossip later.”</p><p>They all laughed and went inside.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>From the downstairs living room, they noticed the aroma of delicious cooking wafting through the air, confirming that Mummy was in the kitchen. Ayusha dashed upstairs and shouted, “I’m home, Mummy! I missed you so much today.”</p><p>Mummy quickly hugged her, saying, “I missed you more, darling. How’s school? I hope you’re not burdened by any challenges or worries.”</p><p>"Yeah, Mummy, I’m perfectly fine," Ayusha reassured her.</p><p>"Alhamdulillah. That’s what I love to hear, my daughter," Mummy replied.</p><p>Suddenly, Ayusha exclaimed, “Oh, I almost forgot! I brought you a surprise from downstairs. Give me two minutes, and I’ll be right back.”</p><p>She ran off, leaving Mummy wondering what kind of surprise it could be. Before she could ponder further, Ayusha returned, saying, “Mummy, close your eyes before I show you the surprise!”</p><p>Used to Ayusha’s antics, Mummy knew she wouldn’t reveal anything unless she complied. Reluctantly, she closed her eyes.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>When Ayusha said, "Mummy, open your eyes and see the surprise," Mummy opened her eyes to find them both standing there, laughing. Pretending to be upset, she said, “If I knew this was the surprise, I wouldn’t have closed my eyes.”</p><p>With pleading faces, they both said in unison, “Mummy, why?”</p><p>She glared at them playfully and, pointing at Aneeserh, said, “You finally decided to visit me today? Go back to where you came from. I’m upset with both of you.”</p><p>They both pouted and said, “We’re sorry, Mommah!”</p><p>Smiling, she replied, “Your apology is accepted.”</p><p>They jumped with joy, hugging her and saying, “Thanks for forgiving us, Mommah!”</p><p>"Next time—" Mummy started.</p><p>They quickly interrupted, saying, “We’ll do better!”</p><p>"Now, go freshen up and rest. I know you must be tired," Mummy said.</p><p>"Okay, Mum," they replied in unison as they headed to their rooms.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>As they entered their room, Ayusha went straight into the bathroom, while Aneeserh grabbed a towel to prepare for her turn. Seeing this, I (Rakiya) decided to give them some space and left, promising to bring you more updates later.</p>
