ABOUT THIS BOOK
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Startled, she suddenly raised her head, returning from the deep world of thoughts she had drifted into. She looked at the girl standing over her, trying hard to hide her emotions. With a heavy sigh, she picked up a tissue, wiped her tears, and shifted her attention back to the book in her hands.
The girl standing beside her smiled softly, searched for a place to sit, and settled beside her. Touching her gently, she said:
“Murjanah, I’m always wondering what keeps troubling you so much. Most of the time, you end up crying. I honestly don’t know what could possibly make you this unhappy. You have no lack in your life—you don’t struggle for food, shelter, or clothing. You drive whichever car you want. Above all, you are deeply loved by your parents, especially your dad. So what exactly is your problem? What in this world is stopping you from appreciating these blessings and thanking Allah?”
Murjanah let out a deep breath and stood up.
“Forget it, Surayyah. Janah is simply going through the trials of life. My problem is a huge one—something no one would ever wish upon another person. It is a pain… a torment to me and to anyone who hears about it. I’m trying my best to prevent this problem from happening, but negligence from both sides is making it difficult for me to achieve my goal. Anyway, no matter what happens, there is always a solution with Allah.”
Surry stood up too and followed Janah into the car. Janah drove them out of the restaurant before turning to her friend.
“There’s a favor I want to ask you.”
Surry looked at her while Janah kept her eyes on the road. She smiled mysteriously and said:
“Mom isn’t around—she traveled to London to see a doctor since the day before yesterday. And Dad just returned from China. You know the servants’ quarters are separate from the main house, and Dad hates eating food prepared by house workers. So I was thinking… since we already lied to Hajja that we were traveling to Lagos for your induction, why don’t you just stay back with me instead? Forget Lagos. I’ll pay you well—double even. We’ll stay together at home, and you’ll help keep me company. I’m sure Dad would be happy about it too. What do you think?”
Surry nodded slowly.
“But don’t you think Hajja will find out I never went to Lagos?”
Janah laughed softly.
“You little troublemaker… I know very well there’s no Lagos trip. It’s Hajiya Mandiya that’s looking for you so both of you can go around causing trouble together. That’s why I lied.”
Surry burst into laughter.
“No wallahi, not like that! I would never allow her to touch me there. At most, we just joke around. Besides, men these days already know the difference between a decent girl and a street girl.”
Janah released a long breath but said nothing more. She honked at the gate, and armed soldiers quickly came to open it for her. She parked the car.
Surry stepped out first, then Janah followed behind. But the moment she lifted her head, her heart skipped. She saw the very man who had made her dread returning home all day.
She lowered her head immediately and walked toward the steps leading into the sitting room. She answered Surry absentmindedly because her mind was no longer with her.
She sat down and held her head. Surry stared at her in surprise at how quickly her cheerful mood had vanished.
Suddenly, Janah lifted her head and bowed respectfully.
“Welcome, Dad.”
He smiled warmly, his eyes fixed lovingly on his only daughter, Janah.
“Welcome, my daughter. How are your studies? I hope my love is understanding well?”
he said as he sat beside her and pulled her gently into his arms. He slipped his hand beneath her hijab and rested it on her chest.
Janah quickly looked up at him in shock.
He raised an eyebrow, slowly withdrawing his hand, then said:
“I can feel that something is bothering you. Tell me… who dared upset General Habib Macchido’s daughter?”
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