ABOUT THIS BOOK
Description
The Town Awaits a Hero
Excitement rippled across town as young boys eagerly decorated streets with posters celebrating the long-awaited return of their football star — Ashraf, famously known as Champion 1. From tailors to fans, everyone was preparing in their own way. Haris, a spirited 17-year-old boy, came rushing home, calling for his mother. Full of joy, he shared the news that Khamis had bought him new clothes to attend Ashraf’s welcome at the airport.
But his older sister Ashna wasn’t impressed. She saw all the fuss as pointless noise. Despite her undeniable beauty, intelligence, and charm, Ashna disliked football — and she hated the idea of celebrating someone she believed was simply overrated. This sparked another round of their usual sibling arguments.
The next day, Ashna missed an important exam due to the town’s distraction around Ashraf’s return. Enraged and humiliated, she blamed everything on Ashraf and swore she hated him. “I don’t ever want to see him,” she cried, frustrated that even Haris had gotten injured trying to see Ashraf.
Ashraf Returns in Style
At the airport, the energy was electric. Fans, press, and admirers flooded the scene. Then, the man himself appeared — tall, elegant, fair-skinned with sleek black hair and stylish glasses. Ashraf walked with grace, dressed in a green suit and polished maroon shoes, escorted by his team.
Camera flashes went wild. Fans screamed his name. Ashraf simply smiled and waved. He barely stayed in Nigeria, yet his fame stretched far and wide. His charm was natural — calm, soft-spoken, and dignified.
He was picked up by his close friends Khamis and Omar. As they drove through the cheering crowds, Khamis praised Ashraf’s humility and wondered how he had gathered so many loyal fans without even living in the country. Ashraf only said, “All thanks to Allah.”
At home, his mother received him with tears and hugs. It had been five years since they last met. But not everyone welcomed him warmly — his stepmother, Hajiya Salma, felt threatened. Ashraf stood as the legitimate heir, and she hated it. Her own daughter, Jidda, was nothing like her; she admired Ashraf deeply and respected him fully.
Ashna’s Hatred Deepens
Meanwhile, back at home, Ashna’s frustration grew worse. Her younger brother Haris had been hit by a motorcycle while rushing to see Ashraf. Luckily, the injury wasn’t severe, but it only added to Ashna’s resentment. “He nearly killed you, and you’re still praising him?” she yelled.
She sat alone, crying bitterly. “I missed my exam… all because of that so-called Champion.” Her mother tried to calm her, but Ashna wasn’t ready to forgive or forget.
Ashraf had no idea the effect his presence was having — especially on a girl he hadn’t even met yet.
Family Tensions and Quiet Reflections
Though Ashraf was used to public praise, he preferred peace. After the celebration, he returned home and quietly joined his family. His stepmother continued pretending to care, while Ashraf kept a respectful distance. Jidda and her husband arrived too, showing nothing but love and support.
After dinner, Ashraf nearly fainted from exhaustion. Omar helped him back to his room, teasing him for being a “soft ajebutter” who couldn’t handle crowd noise. Ashraf smiled faintly, knowing well that public life drained him.
Meanwhile, Hajiya Salma plotted silently. She envied his success and feared her daughter’s future might be overshadowed. But Jidda stood firm, always defending Ashraf and treating him with kindness.
As Ashraf rested, Haris remembered how he first met Khamis. It was through an honest act: Haris and his father had returned a lost bag of money that belonged to Khamis. Since then, their friendship grew, and Haris’s life improved.
Two Worlds, One Destiny
Though they lived in the same town, Ashraf and Ashna were complete opposites. He was calm and adored, she was fiery and independent. He had never seen her, but she hated him. She didn’t know him, yet his fame had already affected her life.
The stage was set. Two different people from two different worlds — bound to cross paths. Whether through love or conflict, something was coming.
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