Chapter 41: Chapter 41

" Kalthum! give it to me! " Basma yelled with her arms on her waist . She looks like a mother scolding her child.

" No I won't " kalthum replied with a wide grin " first, you need to tell me who you're chatting with. You've been doing that alot Lately "

Basma exhaled loudly " wallahi you're insufferable. I can't believe you're my sister " she sat down on the chair

Kalthum also went to join her on the two sitter " so tell me if not I'll read your chats "

She wiggled her brows.

Basma shook her head " why are you my sister for Allah's sake? "

Kalthum laughed " you still love me no matter what "

The two sisters have grown to love each other like never before. Truth to her words, Basma changed and she is now someone who is very understanding. She is now the type of sister Kalthum have always wished to have and their love for each other keeps on growing day by day.

Aunty Suwayba their mother went out to get something, in her own words. But the truth was, she went to meet up with Faisal. She didn't tell her daughters that because she doesn't want them to be worried.

" pretty please tell me. You know I've been noticing your changed behavior for the past few days. Anytime you're on your phone, it's either you're blushing at whatever message the guy you're chatting with sent and you always do that your long day dreaming sigh."

Basma was speechless " you saw that? "

Kalthum grinned "You thought I didn't noticed? Ofcourse I did. Now I want the full gist "

Basma gave up " fine "

" Now you're talking"

" It all started a week ago" she began then paused.

" Go on now,I'm so eager to know " Kalthum whined

Basma chuckled " My so not impatient sister"

" please now "

" OK fine. I was in the sitting room when I this particular new number sent me a message on whatsapp. I was confused cos I didn't know the owner of that number and the person was asking about my health"

" well I replied his messages and insisted on knowing who he was but he wouldn't say anything. All he kept on saying was, he is an admirer and he cares about me and all that. He told me his name was Alamin. He wanted our meeting to be a surprising one which was why he refused to send his picture to me. . Anyways ,it all started that way and we began to pal. "

Kalthum furrowed her brows " so what you're trying to say is that you don't know what he looks like ? What if he is dangerous and was sent to keep an eye on us?"

Basma chuckled  " of course not he isn't. I thought so too but he assured me that I have nothing to worry about and that we've met before . "

" and you feel comfortable chatting with a stranger? "

" wallahi Kalthum this man is different. I feel some kind of connection with him which really does surprise me. I've never have this kind of feelings for someone. He is just different . Anytime we chat, I've this feeling that he really does cares about me "

"Ya Basma don't you think this whole thing is strange? How can a stranger just call you and boom he knows everything about you and he refused to show you his pictures and then you're now having some kind of feelings for him? "

Basma sighed " I really don't know what is wrong with me. I really like him. The funniest of all is that he said he wants us to meet today "

Kalthum's ears perked up at this " what was your response? "

" I told him OK but what really is confusing is that he said he'll come to me. He knows where I'm leaving Kalthum "

" This is crazy ya Basma "

" I know but I really want to follow my heart. My heart tells me that he is a good person "

Kalthum couldn't believe her sister " are you trying to tell me that you're already inlove with him? "

She sighed dreamily " Maybe"

" just be careful ya Basma. Infact I want to be there when he comes here "

Basma nodded " of course I won't meet him alone. You'll be there with me "

" good "

" That reminds me, Zee's brother jamil has been calling non stop. He said you aren't picking his calls" Basma told her.

Kalthum rolled her eyes " I really don't know what to do to make him stop"

" Don't tell me he is still on about his undying love for you " she laughed.

Kalthum playfully glared " yes, don't mind him "

" abeg help the poor guy by reciprocating his love . He truly loves you "

Kalthum took the throw pillow on the chair she was sitting and then threw it at Basma who didn't expect it" is it by force "

Basma laughed out loud " is that why you hit me? I was only stating the fact. The poor guy has been calling my number and I'm already tired of his constant begging "

" Did I ask you to pick his calls? Next time you shouldn't pick his calls"

" That would  be rude " Basma told her then sat comfortable on the chair.

" DanAllah ya Basma, I never asked him to love me that much. I've tried explaining to him that I'm not the one for him but he wouldn't listen. You of all people should know that I'm still recovering from what happened between Faisal and I. I really need time for myself. I just want to be free from any relationship "

Basma nodded in understanding " I've heard you "

" I wish he can also understand that too. Jamil needs to stop all this because it's starting to irritate me and I don't like feeling that way"

" You need to make him understand more better. I'll advice you to meet up with him before it gets out of hand " Basma advised

Kalthum nodded in agreement " I think that's what I should do. Zainab also said the same thing too. He has also been disturbing her "

" then you need to be fast about it "

" ye--

Knock knock knock

They were cut off by a knock on the door.

" I'm very sure it's not mom. Are you expecting someone? "

Basma shook her head " No" realisation dawned on her " what if it's the mysterious guy? "

Kalthum grinned widely " let me go and check then " she winked at Basma.

Basma watched as Kalthum went to the door . She almost died of suspense as Kalthum took her time to open the door.

Finally Kalthum opened the door and her eyes couldn't believe who she just saw.

" You? "

Hajiya Basira and her darling husband, alhaji Dantata.

" yes it's us " replied hajiya Basira with a tight smile.

" i-i-i what are you doing here? " she stuttered.

" Who is by the door kalthum? " Basma asked

" Can we come in? " hajiya Basira asked

Kalthum couldn't say anything, so she just nodded her head.

" Thank you "

Basma almost loose her balance as she saw their unexpected visitors. She opened and closed her mouth like a fish, words refuses to come out because of how shock she was.

" Have your sit Sir, Ma" Kalthum said to them. She already promised her self that she will never pay evil with evil. This is why the world have no peace. She has totally forgiven hajiya Basira but the reason why she and her husband are here is what is baffling her.

" Good afternoon ma, sir " Basma greeted after she regained herself.

" afternoon dear " hajiya Basira replied while her husband nodded " I'm very sure you two are surprised to see us here "

" of course we are" kalthum answered

The older couples nodded in understanding " I know you'll be. But before I go on, are your parents around? "

" No ma, our father is late but our mom went out" Basma answered.

" Subhanallah, Allah ya jikan shi"

" Amin"

"I'd have loved it if your mom was around "

Kalthum furrowed her brows confused " I hope all is well? "

" yes dear. I just want to have a word with you "

Basma's eyes were twice their size as Hajiya Basira refer her sister as dear. This is new.

" I'm all ears ma"

" I know we've wronged you most especially I and here we are seeking for your forgiveness. As a mother, I shouldn't have done all those terrible things to you and I know it's too late now. My sins have been eating me up since Faisal left the house.  All my kids are now against me ".

" Faisal left the house? " a surprise Kalthum asked

" yes he did. It's almost two weeks now since he left. Please Kalthum forgive me for all I've done to you. It's the work of the devil.

" Ma, wallahi I've totally forgotten what had happened in the past. I hold zero grudges against you. I'm over it "

" No dear. You're still angry with us "

" why did you say that? " Kalthum asked quizzically

Alhaji Dantata cleared his throat " if truly you've forgiven my wife and I then you'll be back with Faisal. Dear, I know what my wife did is very wrong and I've also scolded her about it. Please dear find it in your heart to forgive my son, that boy might have made some mistakes but Faisal truly loves you. "

Basma decided to interfere " I'm sorry for interrupting but I don't like the idea of you people trying to force my sister to do something she doesn't want "

Kalthum made eye contact with her sister, signaling her to stop.

" I just want my conscience to be clear. I always have sleepless night every time I remember what I did. I just want to make things right. Please help me beg Kalthum, Basma "

" Ma please don't do this. You're making me feel bad. This isn't about Faisal or you. It's about me. I'm still a young lady and I've other things in life to learn. I want to grow myself and I want you two to understand that. I'm doing this for my own benefit "

Hajiya nodded in understanding " I understand dear. I won't force you to do what's not good for you. You own yourself and you also know what's good for you. I'll still want you to always remember that faisal truly loves and adores you. I will love it if you two are back together "

" That's not my decision to make ma. Let's leave all to the future, we all don't what the future holds"

" you're right dear " alhaji Dantata said

" I guess we'll be taking our leave now " Hajiya Basira said as she and her husband stood up.

" I'm so sorry we didn't offer you anything to drink. Forgive our manners " Basma apologize

" you don't need to worry yourself." replied hajiya Basira.

" I'll see you to the door " said Kalthum.

Kalthum walked them to the door. She opened the door and escorted them out.

***

Habib smiled like a love sick puppy. His attention wasn't on what Faisal was saying as he was busy chatting with God knows who.

" Habib I'm talking to you " Faisal tried getting his attention.

Habib raise his head up " yes? "

" are you telling me you didn't hear all I've been saying? "

Habib shrugged " what did you say? "

"Ya rasul, I can't believe this. Infact who are you chatting with? "Faisal closed the file in his hand as he asked. He has been explaining non stop about his business plan to habib who wasn't even listening.

" Someone"

Faisal raised a brow " who is she ?"

" I never said it was a she "

" you don't need to say that before I know " Faisal shrugged

" Whatever "

" So who's she? "

Habib rubbed his face " someone "

" yes I heard you, you said someone before. What is this someone's name? "

Habib groaned " can we just forget this "

" so you won't tell me? "

" Maybe another time "

***

Aunty Suwayba finally got back from where she went to.

" Mom you took so long. I'm sure you went to a friend's house " kalthum whined as she helped her mom to carry some of the stuffs she bought to the kitchen.

Hajiya Basira chuckles at her so not impatient daughter " why must you know where else I went to? "

" I need to know mom because I care, we all care about your safety "

" where is your sister? " they both walked out of the kitchen.

" she is taking her bath"

" okay. I hope I didn't miss anything?"

Kalthum's eyes sparkles at the question " you won't believe who came over!"

" who? " aunty Suwayba asked

" Hajiya Basira and her husband "

Aunty Suwayba furrowed her brows confused " you mean Faisal's parents?"

Kalthum nodded " yes " they both sat on the three sitting

" what did they want? "

" well according to his mother, she said they came to apologize and insisted that I get back with her son"

" What was your response? "

" I told her I don't want any string attachment with any man as of now. I also need time for myself "

" and how do you feel about it? "

" Mom why all the questions? Hope all is well? "

Aunty Suwayba smiled " All is well dear. I just want to know how you feel about all that's been going on "

Kalthum shrugged

" and there is another thing "

" what is that? " kalthum asked

" you were right , I didn't just go to the market , I also went to meet a particular person "

Kalthum's eyes were wide agape " mom please don't tell me you have a lover and you're about to get married "

Aunty Suwayba swats her hand " keep shut and let me finish "

" then where did you go to?"

" I went to see Faisal "

" You did what??"

" you heard me right dear. "

Kalthum couldn't believe her ears " but I thought you said you won't meet up with him again "

" I don't want you to worry which was why I said that "

Kalthum sighed " What did you two talk about ?"

" That's for me to know and for you to find out"

" Haba mama" Kalthum groaned " This isn't fair at all. You won't tell me? "

" of course I won't." Aunty Suwayba stood up " let's go and start preparing for lunch "

" is this your way of saying end of discussion "

Aunty Suwayba giggles " whatever you call it dear"

***

Assalamualaikum ,

Just want to let you know that I'm outside your house.

After reading the text, Kalthum squealed out loud " I can't believe he is serious about meeting you "

Basma blushed " I'm surprise too. What should I do? "

" we'll go and meet him of course " Kalthum sang out .

Basma became worried " but what are we going to tell mom? "

Kalthum became serious " I hate to do this  but  I think we need to lie. We'll tell her that we want to get something from the other street"

" Do you think she'd believe us? " Basma asked while biting her nails.

" At least we'll try"

" let's put on our hijab then we can leave "

***

" you girls shouldn't take long fa. It's already getting dark." Aunty suwayba warned.

" We won't Mom" Basma answered

" Alright then goodbye"

They both left sharing a secret smile. After they were outside the gate, they searched for any strange car.

" isn't that Habib's car " Kalthum said out loud.

Basma followed her gaze and truth to her words, Habib's car was parked a little metres away from their house " what is he doing here?"

" let's go and find out "

They crossed the road to where Habib parked his car

" but what about the guy we came out to meet ?" Basma asked worried

" don't worry ya Basma after we're done with Habib then we can go check on the stranger "

Basma nodded

Upon reaching the car, Kalthum didn't even think twice before opening the passenger door. In the process, startling Habib who was pressing his phone.

" auzubillahi .....Kalthum? You scared me " he held his chest.

Basma waved from outside " Asalaamualaikum sir habib"

Habib smiled widely " waalaikumussalaam"

Kalthum grew suspicious with the way he responded her sister's greeting.

" what are you doing in our area? " kalthum asked

He scratched his head slightly "  I came to see someone. Where are you two heading by the way? "

" well, I'm just an escort. Ya Basma want to meet up with someone but we haven't seen him yet "

" Him? So you guys are out to meet a guy? "

Kalthum glared playfully while Basma blushed.

" he is just a friend " Basma answered in a small tone .

" just a friend you say? " he wiggled his brows at Basma who in return blushed deeply.

Kalthum grew more and more suspicious with the exchange between habib and Basma. Her subconscious is telling her something she was finding hard to believe.

" well then, you've still not answered our question. "

" Which is? "

" who is this person you came to see? Surprisingly opposite our house. You didn't even think of coming to greet us. "

He rubbed his neck again " well I was about to when I'm done here "

" but it seems the person didn't know you're here waiting. He or she is taking so long " Kalthum said with eyes full of mischief. She raised her brows at him waiting for his reply

" I...i... I

" kalthum leave him alone. Must you know who he is here to see? " Basma scolded

Kalthum pouted playfully " but I really want to know her "

" I never said it was an her " habib defended.

" whosoever he or she maybe I just want to meet them " kalthum joked

Basma kept face palming from where she stood outside " what kind of sister do I have " she muttered to herself

" I..i think I should get going " habib said all of a sudden.

" but I thought you're here to meet someone so why the haste?"

" I'll just meet them another day " he grew uncomfortable.

Kalthum shrugged " OK then, if you say so"

" Alright "

" You sound as if you are in haste to get rid of me " she said trying to pull his legs.

" Kalthum allow him please. Get out of the car " Basma whispered yelled at her sister .

Habib nodded in appreciation.

" it's not as if I'm not happy to meet you, uhm it's just that I've somewhere urgent to be right now "

" you're free to go sir habib" Basma told him with a smile .

Habib also returned the smile " thanks for understanding "

Kalthum was about to get down but then she freeze like someone who remembered something. She faced habib then smirked at him.

Habib's palm began to sweat because of how mischievous she looked " I know your little secret " she whispered so that only him could hear.

His eyes became twice their size.

" You're here to meet my sister " she whispered so quietly for only him to hear.

He almost choked on his saliva .

Kalthum winked then went out of the car " see you soon ya habib" Kalthum waved as they waited for him to zoom off.

After he was gone, Basma turned to Kalthum " what did you whispered to him that made him look as if he just saw a ghost "

Kalthum grinned " that's for me to know and for you to find out "

" it's not fair Kalthum "

" it's nothing you should worry about ya Basma. Anyways let's give your mysterious friend a call. This one that he hasn't called you yet " Kalthum changed the topic.

" yes that's true. Let me give him a call" Basma brought out her phone to call him but was surprised that the phone was switched off.

" what does it say? " Kalthum asked .

" Switched off"

" oh. Maybe we should just go home " Kalthum suggested and the former agreed.