<p>Her phone ringing interrupted their conversation. Seeing Meenat’s name on the screen, she quickly sat up and answered with a smile.</p><p>“Oh, Meenat, are you still upset?”</p><p>“Even if I’m not angry, I still feel hurt.”</p><p>“I know. Please forgive me. Wallahi, I was preparing to come, but something came up. But you’re always in my thoughts. How is your father feeling?”</p><p>“He’s better now. But I still haven’t forgotten that you owe me a visit.”</p><p>Smiling, she glanced at Yaya Saif, who had left the room, which made her happy. “Don’t worry, in shaa Allah, I’ll come in two days.”</p><p>They chatted for a while before ending the call.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>WEDNESDAY EVENING</p><p>On their way back from the airport after seeing off Daddy, she instructed the driver to take her to Hayin Ma’azu.</p><p>When they arrived near Meenat’s house, she told them to park.</p><p>As she stepped out, her escort of about ten security guards followed closely behind her.</p><p>Al’amin was sitting with Lawal at the shop, chatting, when they saw five cars pull up.</p><p>Lawal immediately panicked when he saw who stepped out of the car, especially since she was heading toward them.</p><p>He suddenly felt dry-mouthed, his body trembling. In a shaky voice, he said, “Al’amin, we’re doomed. Your temper has brought us trouble. Just look at that girl—she’s here with military men! Oh my God, we’re finished. They’re going to kill us!”</p><p>He even started peeing himself in fear, his legs shaking uncontrollably.</p><p>But the man of the hour remained unbothered, simply watching her. His face was expressionless, his mind calm. He was only waiting to see what she had come for.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>One glance at him, and she immediately looked away. She could never forget his face. A sudden wave of panic and a racing heart overwhelmed her. She completely forgot that she had come to buy supplies for Meenat’s sick father.</p><p>Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she turned to Lawal, who was drenched in sweat, and said, “Please, I’d like some drinks.”</p><p>Stammering, he asked, “W-w-what kind do you want?”</p><p>“Any type is fine.”</p><p>“Okay, how many cartons?”</p><p>“Four.”</p><p>“I only have two left.”</p><p>“Alright, that’s fine. Add some sweets and biscuits too.”</p><p>He quickly packed them for her, and after paying, she left, her heart still pounding.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>After she left, Lawal sighed in relief. “Oh my God, I thought we were dead. I even saw my own grave!”</p><p>Al’amin, who had been watching him, couldn’t hold back his laughter.</p><p>“You’re a coward. What exactly was so scary about those people?”</p><p>Lawal glared at him. “You’ll understand when it’s your turn. If they had come for you, you wouldn’t be laughing.”</p><p>Al’amin just chuckled, clearly amused.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>And so, the story continues…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
