AFTER 168 HOURS [BOOK 2,168 HOURS SERIES]

Chapter 28: Confused

It's been 5 days and Humaira haven't been herself. Unable to eat, think or sleep properly. Skipping work for Zainab and Hadee from time to time. She couldn't even travel to Ekiti to find her so as planned earlier. She dialed habeebah's contact over and over again but it was still saying the same thing... Not reachable.

She remembered Habeebah once sent her a friend request on instagram. So, she quickly searched her followers list and found Habeebah's account. Humaira decided to drop a message, 'Thank God, she's online.' Humaira muttered joyfully as she texted...

9:04 a.m: Assalam 'Alaikum dear.

9:04 a.m: Wa'alaikum Sallam Humaira!

9:05 a.m: Please, where are you? Why is your number always not reachable?

9:06 a.m: So sorry, I didn't tell you but I'm not in Nigeria. My dad came the other day and took me along with him to Wilmington, California. It was urgent though, he wants me to do my degree here.

9:08 a.m: What? So Zainab is not with you?

9:10 a.m: No... I haven't heard from her for a while now. I even sent her messages on WhatsApp but she's not replying. Hope all is well?

9:11 a.m: Something happened two weeks ago.

9:11 a.m: What happened?

9:11 a.m: Zainab and I got into an argument and... She angrily left home and I don't know where she went to.

9:12 a.m: What? How long has this been?

9:12 a.m: 5 days ago.

9:13 a.m: Subhanallah! I have no idea where she would be right now.

9:13 a.m: Do you know anyone that she could be residing with?

9:14 a.m: No, Humaira. Zainab don't have many friends. Have you talked to Idris.

9:14 a.m: No.. not yet. He wasn't at home the last time I visited.

9:15 a.m: Uh! That's sad. You should ask him... He might have an idea or a clue maybe.

9:16 a.m: Okay dearie. I'll check again today.

9:17 a.m: I hope you find her. I'll post her picture on all my social media sites; Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. At least with Zainab's pictures and description, I hope someone that knows her would be able to give a positive response.

9:18 a.m: Yes... I'll do that as well. Thanks a lot for the advise habeebah. I'm truly grateful.

9:20 a.m: You're welcome. I'll chat with you later then. Bye.

9:20 a.m: Okay, bye.

After the chat, Humaira prepared to visit Idris. She hope she'll meet him at home. Things weren't easy for her but she managed.

***

Getting to the Bala's compound, Ibrahim stopped her from entering through the gate.

"I'm sorry for coming uninvited but I really need to see Idris." She begged.

Humaira watched as intense anger and fury, fuel up in his eyes. She couldn't help but to swallow the lump of anxiety hanging in her throat as she moved closer, hoping he would be kind enough...

"Not after what you've done to our parents!" He glared at her. "Just leave already Humaira, you're not welcomed here!"

"I did what was expected of me Ibrahim." She tried to explain to him but he turned deaf ears. "You of all people should understand that fact. You're the eldest aren't you."