*The Twins*
*Chapter 2*
As the twins entered their majestic mansion, they were met with an unexpected surprise. Their brother, Yaya Yusuf, sat in the parlour, his usually calm face etched with worry and fury. Mubarak, their cousin brother, sat opposite him, his eyes fixed on the floor.
Hafsa, yusuf's wife, busied herself in the kitchen, the aroma of dinner wafting through the air. Zara and Zainab exchanged curious glances but they managed to wave hafsat before going to the parlour.
Yusuf, a successful medical doctor and owner of a thriving clinic, was known for his gentle nature. But today, his eyes flashed with anger.
"Assalamu alaikum," Zara and Zainab chimed in unison, greeting their brother.
Yaya Yusuf's response was curt, his voice strained. "Wa alaikum salam, Zara." He ignored Zainab's greeting.
Zainab's eyes widened, taken aback by her brother's cold demeanor. She rose to leave, but Yaya Yusuf's sharp tone stopped her.
They greeted Mubarak also and her answered them.
"Sit down, Zainab " Yusuf yelled.
Zainab hesitated, her anxiety palpable. She had never seen her brother so upset. With trembling hands, she sat beside Zara on the floor.
Yaya Yusuf's gaze lingered on Zainab, his expression unreadable. The air was thick with tension.
What had triggered Yaya Yusuf's anger?
Yaya Yusuf's question caught the twins off guard. "So, when do you finish your exams?"
Zara's response was laced with anxiety. "In two days, Yaya."
Yusuf's gaze narrowed. "On Friday, right?"
Zainab nodded, her eyes widening as a sense of foreboding settled in.
Yusuf's expression turned resolute. "After that, I'll get you both married in less than a week."
The room fell silent. Zara and Zainab exchanged stunned glances. Marriage? They had no suitors, no engagements. This was unthinkable.
Mubarak, seated opposite Yusuf, looked equally surprised. He had fueled Yusuf's anger with tales of Zainab's interactions with men at school, but he hadn't anticipated this drastic measure.
"Marriage?" Zara whispered, her voice trembling.
Yusuf's jaw clenched. "Yes. It's time you both settled."
Zainab's eyes welled up with tears. "But, Yaya, I—"
Yusuf's stern gaze silenced her. "No arguments. The arrangements will be made."
"Yaya, I'm not ready for marriage," Zainab pleaded. "I'm still in school, and I don't have anyone."
Yusuf's gaze swept over her, his expression disapproving. "Coming from you, Zainab, who sits among men without hesitation, dressed like...that." He gestured to her outfit, his eyes lingering on the small veil that barely covered her body.
Zainab tried to protest, but Yusuf cut her off. "Spare me, Zainab. You forget your family's values, upbringing, and faith when you do things. This isn't the first time I've heard rumors, but Mubarak's words confirmed my worst fears. You're only 17; I want you to focus on your studies."
Zainab's eyes widened, shock and anger mingling. Mubarak, seated nearby, looked apologetic, but she knew he was the one who had reported her to Yusuf.
"Brother, we're sorry," Zara intervened.
Yusuf's expression hardened. "Not this time. Marriage will ensure your security, and that's my priority. I'm not doing this out of love, but necessity."
Zainab's desperation grew. "Please, Yaya, don't do this."
Yusuf's voice was resolute. "My decision is final. By next week Friday, you'll be 18, and you won't spend another day in this house."
The room fell silent, the weight of Yusuf's words hanging heavy.
Mubarak's guilt-ridden eyes met Zainab's accusatory stare. He hadn't intended for things to escalate this far.
Zainab tried to speak, but Yusuf silenced her with a raised hand. She stood, her eyes flashing anger at Mubarak, before storming out of the parlour. Zara followed, her silence deafening.
Mubarak rose. "I'll take my leave now."
"Sit down, Mubarak," Yusuf ordered. "I need to talk to you."
After a tense pause, Yusuf asked, "Are you with anyone right now?"
Mubarak's confusion grew. "No."
Yusuf's next question startled him. "Are you interested on any of my sisters?"
Mubarak's face flushed. "I think you should let them focus on their studies. And perhaps warn Zainab—"
Yusuf cut him off. "That's not what I asked. I need a straight answer."
Mubarak hesitated, sensing Yusuf's intentions.
Yusuf thought Mubarak would be an ideal husband for one of his sisters – kind, religious, and easy-going.
"But..." Mubarak trailed off.
"Wouldn't you do the same if it is your sister?" Yusuf pressed.
Mubarak remained silent, thinking he hadn't done Zara and Zainab justice, especially Zara who get dragged into this.
"Regardless," Yusuf continued, "I'll marry them off by next week Friday. You may leave now."
Yusuf stood, but Mubarak's parting words stopped him.
Mubarak's heart skipped a beat. "Zainab."
Yusuf's face lit up. "Then, Insha'Allah, Zainab will be your wife."
_____
Zainab stormed into her room, fury boiling within her. "How dare Yaya try to force us into marriage?" she thought, her mind racing.
Zara entered the room, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to Zainab's agitation. Without a word, Zara headed to the bathroom, performed her ablutions, and emerged with a serene expression.
Zara's eyes met Zainab's. "Maybe you should pray to Allah for guidance and the best outcome," she suggested gently.
Zainab's anger flared. "Yaya was never like this. It's all because of that deceitful Mubarak!" she spat, her voice venomous. "I'll never forgive him."
Zara's expression remained peaceful. "Prayer brings peace and clarity, Zainab. Let's trust in Allah's plan."
Zainab's scowl deepened. "You don't understand, Zara. Mubarak manipulated Yaya, and now our lives are ruined."
Zara's gentle voice persisted. "Allah knows best, Zainab. Let's seek His guidance."
Zainab's anger slowly gave way to desperation. "What can we do, Zara? Yaya's made up his mind."
Zara's eyes locked onto Zainab's. "We'll face this together, dear. And we'll pray for Allah's intervention."
"Okay," Zainab said, still visibly unsettled.
As night descended, Zainab and Zara knelt side by side on their prayer mats, seeking solace in the familiar rhythms of their evening prayers.
_____
The next morning, Zara sat at her desk, engrossed in her studies. Yusuf entered, beaming with a bright smile.
"Zara," he said, settling onto the bed facing her.
"Yes?" Zara replied, setting aside her books.
"Lukman Ibrahim, your cousin, came today," Yusuf announced.
Zara's brow furrowed. "Lukman? My cousin?"
Yusuf nodded. "Anty Farida's son, our mother's younger sister."
Zara's eyes widened as memories clicked into place. "Oh, Lukman is Anty Farida's son!"
Yusuf continued, "He's here to ask for your hand in marriage."
Zara's face went pale, stunned. She recalled Lukman's words yesterday: "I want to greet your parents." She hadn't taken him seriously then, but now...
Yusuf asked, "Did you accept the proposal?"
Zara's silence stretched, her gaze fixed on the floor. Yusuf interpreted her quiet contemplation as acceptance.
Of course, I accepts Zara thought
Zara's thoughts swirled: Lukman's unexpected proposal, their instant connection, and her prayers – "Allah, ease my affairs and grant me the best spouse." Was Lukman the answer?
"Okay, Zara, continue your studies," Yusuf said, smiling as he left.
Zara's heart swelled with joy, her connection with Lukman deepening.
Just then, Zainab entered with a plate of snacks. Noticing Zara's radiant smile, she asked, "What's making you so happy?"
Zara shared everything: meeting Lukman, their instant bond, and the unexpected proposal. Zainab's expression transformed from curiosity to surprise.
"Masha Allah!" Zainab exclaimed. "You're really lucky, Zara. You get to marry the one you want."
Zainab's thoughts turned bittersweet. She was happy for her sister but couldn't help feeling jealous. Zara knew her fate, while Zainab's remained uncertain.
"Why can't I be as lucky?" Zainab mused, a pang of sadness in her heart.
Unbeknownst to Zainab, Yusuf had already sealed her fate. In a quiet conversation yesterday, he had promised Mubarak that Zainab would be his bride.
"Mubarak, I assure you, Zainab will make a wonderful wife," Yusuf had said, his words binding.
Mubarak's smile grew wider, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Thank you, I promise to take care of her."
Zainab, oblivious to her brother's decision, continued to ponder her uncertain future.
As Zara and Zainab shared snacks and conversation, a contrasting reality loomed.
____
Later that day, at night, Zara was engrossed in her book when her phone rang. The number was unfamiliar, but she answered anyway.
"Zara, please come out," a deep voice said.
"Why should I? Who are you?" Zara asked, cautious.
"I'm Lukman," he replied.
Zara's demeanor changed instantly. "Oh, Lukman! Okay I'll be there."
"Okay, I'll wait," Lukman said.
Zainab, seated on her bed, scrolling through her phone, looked up. "Where are you going?"
"Lukman wants to see me," Zara said, hastily wrapping her gele.
Zainab raised an eyebrow. "Zara, slow down. Play hard to get. Why rush?"
Zara chuckled. "Can't keep him waiting."
Zainab called out as Zara hurried out the door, "Zara, Zara, Zara!"
But Zara was already gone.
Zainab shook her head, smiling. "My sister is truly smitten. She's like Juliet, head over heels for Lukman after just one day."
Zainab wondered, "How much more will she love him when they spend more time together?"
As Zainab pondered, she heard the door close behind Zara. Her thoughts turned to her own uncertain fate.
As Zara stepped out, she spotted Lukman leaning against his car, scrolling through his phone. Clad in all-black attire, his flawless skin gleamed in the sunlight. Zara's gaze darted down, mindful of her faith's modesty guidelines.
"Assalamualaikum," she said, announcing her presence.
Lukman looked up, his eyes locking onto hers. "Wa alaikum salam, my dear, beautiful future wife."
Zara's cheeks flushed as Lukman's gaze swept over her. Her purple and pink patterned outfit and elegantly wrapped gele accentuated her beauty.
Lukman's thoughts, however, weren't on her appearance. "You're here already," he said, his tone hinting at surprise.
Zara felt a pang of embarrassment, recalling Zainab's advice to play hard to get. "You didn't tell me you're my cousin, Anty Farida's son," she said, shifting the focus.
Lukman's expression turned apologetic. "I'm sorry about that."
"And you didn't mention visiting my brother today," Zara added.
Lukman's eyes sought forgiveness. "I'm sorry again. Are you angry with me?"
Zara's gaze dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "Not at all."
"Does that mean you've fully accepted me as your life partner?" Lukman asked, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Zara's silence and blush were all the answer he needed. He beamed with joy, interpreting her response as a yes.
"Thank you, Zara. That's all I needed to know," Lukman said, turning to leave.
But Zara stopped him. "You're leaving already?"
Lukman faced her. "Did you need something?"
Zara shook her head. "No."
Lukman teased, "Should I stay?"
To his surprise, Zara nodded. Even she was taken aback by her own boldness.
A pang of guilt struck Lukman's chest. This girl was genuinely smitten. His plan would be easier to execute, but at what cost?
He returned to Zara's side, and they chatted through the night. Time flew as they laughed and shared stories. Zara didn't realize it was past 11 pm until Lukman glanced at his watch.
As they parted ways, Lukman handed her a package. "I almost forgot. It's chicken, but it's cold. You can warm it up."
Zara's eyes lit up. "Thank you!"
Back in her room, Zainab's curiosity was piqued. "What's that?"
Zara revealed the package, she knew her sister Zainab's love for chicken was unwavering, even in times of trouble, she never missed an opportunity to indulge in her favorite food.
They devoured the chicken together, savoring the delicious treat.
Please don't forget to vote and comment on my story if you like it.