Alia’s P.O.V
My mother and I were hawking by the roadside as usual, balancing the tray carefully as people passed by without much notice.
That was when a car slowed down beside us.
A man leaned slightly out of the window, asking for directions. I wasn’t familiar with the area, so Ummu began to show him with her hands, pointing calmly down the road.
But I wasn’t listening anymore.
Something about him pulled at my chest.
I don’t know why, but my eyes stayed on him… longer than they should have.
At first, I thought it was just me.
But then I noticed it.
Ummu’s hands paused for a second too.
Just a second.
Like she felt it too… but chose to continue anyway.
The man’s eyes shifted from her hands… straight to me.
And everything stopped inside me.
Khalid: Thank you, ma… (his voice slows as his gaze locks on Alia) Uhmm sister… do I know you from somewhere? You’ve been staring at me for a while now.
Ummu: Alia! (she taps her sharply, snapping me back)
Alia: Ma?
Ummu: What are you thinking?
Before I could answer, something strange happened.
The man suddenly stepped out of his car like the ground beneath him had pulled him.
Khalid: (his voice shaking slightly) Uhmm… she called you Alia, right?
Alia: Yyyes… but I don’t know why…
My heart started beating too fast.
Alia: What’s your name?
Khalid: My name is—
His wife: Baby, who are they? We are late already, let’s go!
The urgency in her voice cut through the moment… but he didn’t move.
Khalid: I’m coming… (his eyes never left me) My name is Khalid.
The name hit something deep inside me.
Like a memory trying to wake up.
Alia: (stumbling back slightly) Brother… no… no… I must be mistaken. This must be coincidence. Ummu, let’s go.
But he stepped forward again.
Khalid: Wait! Please… just let me see your face. (his hands were shaking now)
Ummu: Do you two know each other?
Alia: (voice breaking under the niqob) Ummu… can I… can I open it for him?
Ummu: Are you related?
The air felt heavy.
Like even the wind had stopped to watch.
Khalid: Please… just open it. Please.
His wife: (storming out of the car) Babe! What exactly is going on here?!
Khalid: (snaps) Please stay out of this!
Then softer… broken.
Khalid: Alia… please… if you are not who I think you are, I will walk away. I promise. Just let me see your face… for Allah’s sake.
My hands were trembling.
Slowly… I lifted it.
The world went silent.
No birds.
No voices.
Nothing.
Just the moment.
(Khalid freezes completely)
His wife: (confused, stepping closer) Wait… she even looks like you…
Then she sees his face.
The tears.
The shock.
And everything changes.
His wife: Oh my God… don’t tell me…
Khalid: (covers his mouth, shaking) No… no… no way…
And then he moves.
Fast.
Like he was afraid I would disappear again.
He pulls me into his arms.
Khalid: I thought you were dead! Fifteen years… I thought I lost you forever!
My legs almost gave out.
Alia: Brother Khalid…
I held him like my life depended on it.
Like if I let go, I would lose him again.
His wife stood frozen… then slowly her expression softened.
His wife: She is really your sister?
Khalid: (without letting me go) Yes… she is.
Alia: (turning slowly to her, emotional) You… you are his wife?
She nodded.
And something in me softened too.
I stepped forward and hugged her gently.
Alia: You are the angel Allah sent to me… Egbon… I should have been gone a long time ago.
Khalid: (wiping his face quickly) Mama… please… please come with us. Let’s go talk properly. There’s so much to say… so much lost time.
He gently lifted the tray from our heads like it weighed nothing.
Like he was afraid we might break.
Khalid: Please… enter the car.
His wife: So… we are not going to the ceremony again?
Khalid: Not now.
She looked at him… then sighed.
His wife: If you are not going, I’m not going either.
Khalid: (half-smiles through tears) I knew it.
He opens the door wider.
And I step in… still trying to understand if this is real.
Alia: (quietly resting on Ummu’s shoulder)
Ummu: (soft smile, whispering) Subhanallah… the ties of blood… Allah never forgets.
(Curtain)
Abdulhakeem’s Office
The office was too quiet.
Too heavy.
Like even the air was tired.
Abdulhakeem sat back in his chair, rubbing his neck hard.
His eyes were strained from work.
Abdulhakeem: Ahh… my neck is killing me. I need coffee.
Before he could move…
The door swung open.
Shade walked in like she owned the place.
Shade: Hey big B… you look like you’re about to die.
She dropped into the chair without asking.
Abdulhakeem: I am dying… slowly.
Shade: Need a massage?
Abdulhakeem: Please. I beg you.
She moved behind him and began pressing his neck slowly.
Instant relief.
He closed his eyes.
Abdulhakeem: Ahhh… don’t stop… right there.
Shade: Your dad is really working you hard.
Abdulhakeem: Yeah… and I’m not even breathing properly.
Shade: (smirks) Then buy me that bag I want.
Abdulhakeem: Of course.
Shade: Good.
A pause.
Only the sound of her hands and his tired breathing.
Then suddenly—
Shade: You should marry. Your wife should be doing this, not me.
His eyes opened slightly… but he said nothing.
Shade: I have a friend actually… she’s beautiful, classy, successful… very fine girl.
Abdulhakeem: Not interested.
Shade: (pauses mid-massage) You rejected her like that?
Abdulhakeem: I said I’m not interested.
Shade: Are you seeing someone?
Abdulhakeem: Just continue the massage please.
Shade: You’re avoiding the question.
He sighs.
Abdulhakeem: Fine… I just want to ask something.
Shade: Hmm?
Abdulhakeem: About women… when they’re on their period… are they all like you?
Shade: (laughs immediately) Excuse you?
Abdulhakeem: I mean… you get angry, emotional, everything mixed up. Is it all women?
Shade: Are you planning marriage?
Abdulhakeem: No! Just answer.
She shakes her head, still smiling.
Shade: It depends. Some women feel pain, some don’t. Some become emotional, some just want care. It’s different for everyone.
Abdulhakeem: So it’s not intentional?
Shade: Of course not. Nobody enjoys it. It’s just how the body works.
A small silence.
Then she laughs softly.
Shade: But bro… I pity your future wife.
Abdulhakeem: I reject it.
Shade: (laughing harder) You will suffer.
Abdulhakeem: I said I reject it!
(Curtain)
Khalid: (to his wife) Please get them something to eat and drink… in fact, prepare a proper meal for them.
Ummu: We are fine… thank you.
Khalid: No ma… this is your home now.
(He turns toward Alia and notices how unusually quiet she is)
Khalid: Alia… (he sits beside her gently) what is it? You’ve been quiet since. I’ve already called our other two siblings, they are on their way.
Alia: Please… who owns this house you are living in?
Khalid: It’s mine. I built it two years ago.
Alia: When did you get the money… and how did you survive all this time? And… none of you came looking for me?
Khalid: (quickly) No, no, it’s not like that. Please don’t think that way. We searched everywhere for you… we reported to the police, they investigated for years. No trace. After so many years… we had no choice but to give up. I’m sorry.
Alia: What about the woman I was sent to stay with?
Khalid: Her husband died three years ago… in an accident, some years after he was released from prison. And our aunt… I don’t even know how she lives now. She later confessed everything… everything she did to you.
(He leans forward slightly)
Khalid: So tell me… what really happened to you?
Alia: (takes a shaky breath… and begins to narrate everything)
(Khalid listens in shock, his face slowly changing with every word)
Khalid: (stunned) Why was every man after you…? (he pauses, shaken) Sorry… I shouldn’t have said that. Look at you… you’re so beautiful… just like our mother.
Alia: And that beauty almost destroyed me. I would have been dead long ago… that’s why I wear niqob now. Thanks to this woman here… (she holds Ummu’s hand tightly) she is my life. My everything.
Just then—
The door bursts open.
Her siblings rush in.
Ganiyah: (crying out) My sister!
Maryam: After all these years… Aburo mi! (wiping tears) We missed you so much!
Alia: (laughing and crying at the same time) Look at you both… so big now… so different… this is not how I left you.
Maryam: And look at you too… so beautiful… all grown up.
Alia: (smiling through tears) Are you both married?
Maryam: I’m married with one child… and I’m pregnant again.
Ganiyah: And I’m getting married next month!
Alia: Wow… Alhamdulillah… I’m so happy for you both. Congratulations, sisters.
Ganiyah: Thank you! Finally, my best friend is back… no more “shakara” from anybody again!
Maryam: So Alia… what really happened? We searched everywhere for you. Where did you go?
Alia: Please… give all the thanks to this woman sitting beside me. She saved my life. She is my mother.
(The sisters immediately turn to Ummu, holding her hands, praying over her, thanking her emotionally)
Ummu: Thank you… thank you all. I only did what any mother would do for a child. Nothing more.
Khalid: And after all this… you didn’t go to school?
Alia: (half laugh, half pain) School? I was just trying to survive… you are talking about school.
Khalid: Make yourself at home.
(Alia’s phone suddenly rings)
Alia: Excuse me…
(She steps aside)
Alia: As-salamu alaykum.
Hustaz: Wa alaykum salam, my love. I’m at the market but I can’t find you and Ummu.
Alia: Oh… sorry. We didn’t come today.
Hustaz: But you said you were coming.
Alia: Yes… something came up. I’m sorry. We’ll see tomorrow insha Allah.
Hustaz: I’ve missed you. Please… can I speak to Ummu?
Alia: Is everything okay?
Hustaz: Yes… please just hand her the phone.
(She passes it to Ummu)
Ummu: Who is it?
Alia: You know who it is now…
Ummu: (smiles faintly) As-salamu alaykum.
Hustaz: Wa alaykum salam warahmatullah, ma. Good afternoon.
Ummu: Good afternoon. How are you and your family?
Hustaz: Alhamdulillah. I came to see you but you were not around. I hope nothing is wrong?
Ummu: No… nothing is wrong.
Hustaz: Insha Allah, I would like to come next week with my family. I want to formally express my intention for your daughter.
(Ummu pauses, then smiles softly)
Ummu: Masha Allah… but I am no longer in a position to decide. Let me speak to her brother.
(She hands the phone to Khalid)
Alia: (quick whisper) That’s my husband-to-be.
Khalid: (shocked) Your what?!
Alia: Just say hello.
Khalid: Uh… hello?
Hustaz: As-salamu alaykum sir.
Khalid: Wa alaykum salam.
Hustaz: Good afternoon sir. I am the one interested in your sister. I was hoping to come with my family next week.
Khalid: Next week?
Maryam: What’s going on?
Khalid: You know what? Come tomorrow instead. 12pm.
Hustaz: Alright sir. Jazakallahu khair.
Khalid: Ameen… (ends call)
(he turns sharply to Alia)
Khalid: You want to get married at this age? I was thinking you’d go back to school first…
Alia: (looks down at Ummu, confused and emotional)
Ummu: (gently taps her chest three times, calming her)
Ummu: Let’s wait till tomorrow. We will settle everything then.
(she stands)
I should be going now.
Alia: If she’s going, I’m going too.
Khalid: No, no, no… this is your home now. Please don’t leave.
(Curtain)
Closing Hour
Summayah had changed into mufti and was trying to rest, but hunger kept disturbing her peace.
She finally stepped out of the company gate.
Jamiu: Hey, wait now!
Summayah: What is it?
Jamiu: (catching up) What is wrong with you? You’ve been avoiding me lately.
Summayah: Nothing… I’m just busy.
Jamiu: Just busy?
Summayah: Yes.
Jamiu: Then let me drop you off.
Summayah: With what? I’m fine. Just go.
Jamiu: Why are you pushing me away like this?
Summayah: Please… I’m tired. I don’t even understand myself right now. Just leave me alone.
(Suddenly Shade appears)
Shade: Hello people.
Summayah: I should go. Good day till Monday.
Jamiu: (holds her hand) I said I’ll drop you.
Shade: Hello! I’m here too.
(Summayah walks away immediately)
Summayah: Make nobody add to my pain…
She leaves the gate quickly, forcing herself to walk.
She stops at a shop.
Summayah: Ma, one pure water please.
Shop owner: Okay ma.
She drinks it desperately… unaware she is being watched.
Abdulhakeem: Summayah!
(She freezes)
Summayah: Sir… (she immediately turns away, embarrassed remembering the morning)
Abdulhakeem: (laughing softly) So you think you can disappear like that? Enter my car, let me drop you.
Summayah: I’m fine sir… my house is not far.
Abdulhakeem: I insist.
Summayah: I can’t face you after everything…
Abdulhakeem: You’ve never been comfortable around me anyway. But you’ll be fine. I won’t bite.
(after hesitation, she enters)
Inside the car
Abdulhakeem: So… are you okay now?
Summayah: Yes sir…
(she suddenly remembers)
Summayah: The pad you—
(she looks down immediately in embarrassment)
Abdulhakeem: (chuckles softly) You’re actually adorable when you do that.
Summayah: I’m sorry…
The rest of the ride is silent.
When they arrive at her house, Abdulhakeem’s expression changes.
The environment is poor… quiet… heavy.
He looks at her differently now.
Summayah: Thank you sir… bye.
(she waves and enters)
Abdulhakeem: Bye…
He watches her until she disappears inside.
Then whispers to himself:
Abdulhakeem: So this is where she lives…
Abdulhakeem stayed parked outside for a moment longer.
His hands rested lightly on the steering wheel, but his mind was far away.
The image of Summayah entering that small compound wouldn’t leave his head.
He exhaled slowly.
Abdulhakeem: (to himself) So this is where you go home to every day…
He shook his head slightly, like trying to erase the thought.
But it stayed.
Then he finally drove off.
Inside the compound
Summayah closed the door behind her gently, as if trying not to disturb the silence of the house.
But her chest was heavy.
She leaned against the wall for a moment, closing her eyes.
Summayah: (whispering) Why do I feel like this today…
Before she could think further, her mother’s voice came from inside.
Adewunmi: You’re back?
Summayah quickly wiped her face and stepped in.
Summayah: Yes, Mum…
Adewunmi looked at her carefully.
Noticing the change in her expression… the silence… the tired eyes.
Adewunmi: What happened?
Summayah: Nothing… just work stress.
Adewunmi didn’t press further, but her eyes said she didn’t fully believe her.
Adewunmi: Go and rest first. We will talk later.
Summayah nodded and walked into her room slowly.
But even inside her room… she couldn’t rest.
Her mind kept replaying everything.
The rain.
The car.
The blood stain.
The sweater.
And his face… smiling like nothing had happened.
Summayah: (softly) Why is he always like this…
She turned on her side, but sleep refused to come.
At Khalid’s house
The atmosphere was still emotional, but calmer now.
Maryam and Ganiyah were seated close to Alia like they were afraid she would disappear again.
Khalid sat opposite them, still struggling to process everything.
Maryam: So you really went through all that alone?
Alia: (nods slowly) I didn’t even know I would survive it myself.
Ganiyah: (teary) Allah is great… truly.
Khalid leaned forward slightly.
Khalid: And that man… the one you mentioned… the one who helped you escape…
Alia hesitated.
A small silence fell.
Alia: I don’t even know if I should talk about him…
Khalid noticed her discomfort and immediately softened.
Khalid: It’s okay… you don’t have to.
But Ummu spoke quietly from beside her.
Ummu: Sometimes healing starts when you say everything out.
Alia looked at her.
That gentle presence… always steady… always safe.
Alia took a deep breath.
Alia: He helped me once… but it didn’t end well. After that, I stopped trusting easily. That’s when I fully covered myself.
The room went quiet again.
Not awkward… just heavy with understanding.
Khalid clenched his jaw slightly.
Khalid: Whoever hurt you… I swear they will regret it if I ever find them.
Alia: (softly) Please… I don’t want revenge. I just want peace.
Khalid nodded slowly.
Khalid: You will get it. I promise you that.