CROSSED PATHS

|29|

---

Maiduguri, Nigeria.

"Assalamu Alaikum, Asma darling, how are you?" Ariana said warmly into the phone.

"Wa Alaikissalam, Ariana. I'm fine," Asma replied, her tone revealing her boredom.

"Subhanallah, Asma! What's wrong? Why do you sound so down? Or... don't you want to talk to me?" Ariana teased with a pout.

"Ya Allah, Ariana, why would you say that? It's just that I haven't been myself lately, and honestly, I'm mad at you."

Ariana laughed, but Asma was serious.

"This isn't funny, Ariana! I'm being serious."

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry. What happened? What did I do?"

"My sister died almost a month ago, and you didn't even call me! I thought you were my best friend," Asma said, her voice heavy with disappointment.

"Innalillahi! I'm so sorry, Asma. Wallahi, I didn't know. May her soul rest in Jannah. Please forgive me."

"It was all over the media, and you're telling me you didn't know? Really, Ariana? Great. Just great!" Asma huffed, rolling her eyes.

"Wait... was the Princess of Kano your sister?" Ariana asked, her heart sinking.

"Yes."

"Ya Allah, Asma, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. Wallahi, I had no idea. If I'd known she was your sister, you know I would've called immediately. May Allah bless the children she left behind and grant her Jannah. I'm deeply sorry."

"It's okay. Amin. Thank you. How are you, though?"

"I'm fine, Alhamdulillah. How are you all coping with the loss?"

"Amin, ya Rabb. We're managing, Alhamdulillah. But Ya Aryan... he's been a wreck since Ya Aira died."

Ariana's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Aryan. "Who is he?"

"Her husband."

"Oh, poor man. He must be going through a lot. May Allah make it easier for him, In Sha Allah."

"In Sha Allah."

They continued chatting for a while before ending the call. Ariana placed her phone down and was about to lay on her bed when she heard voices in the parlor. Curious, she stood up and walked over.

When she saw who it was, she let out a squeal. "Ya Khalil!" She ran towards him and jumped into his arms. He twirled her around before placing her back on her feet, laughter filling the room as Grandpa and Yakaka watched.

"I missed you so much!" she beamed.

"Let him settle down, Ariana! He just arrived," Grandpa said, amused by her excitement.

"But Ya Khalil, we spoke just yesterday, and you didn't even mention you were coming today," Ariana said with a playful pout.

"Well, it was supposed to be a surprise," he winked.

"Where are Safaa and Marwa?" he asked.

"Oh, they went to Halimah's house for the weekend," Yakaka replied with a smile.

"Ariana, go get some refreshments for him," Yakaka instructed, and Ariana nodded before leaving the room.

Yakaka turned to Khalil, her face growing serious. "What do you think Malik is planning?"

"I overheard him telling Mama he's planning to take you to court for custody of the kids," Khalil said with a sigh.

"No way! This is ridiculous! Who is this man, Khalil? I don't recognize him anymore!"