UNDER 168 HOURS [BOOK 1, 168 HOURS SERIES]

Chapter 34: Bondage

"No! It's not what I'm thinking." Khair said aloud.

Kelechi walked out of the toilet. She looked so tried. The water she sprinkled over her face was dripping on her cloth so, she wiped it away with a green, handy towel.

"Is everything alright?" Zayda asked, forming concern.

"Yes, I'm just tired." She replied her sincerely.

Instead of reading, she lied her back on the bed and started sleeping.

'Maybe nothing was wrong with the poor girl. But this gossipers are already more than ready to form and spread the news.

'Someone can not vomit in peace again.' Humaira thought, concentrating on the handout she was holding. Soon, it was time for Magrub. She went to pray and asked God to lead the way.

****

On the other hand, Zainab was doing well with the Bala's. Although Mr. Abdullahi introduced Zainab to his sons as their new sister, only Idris accept her as one.

It's been four days since Zainab had started living with them. They haven't had the opportunity to speak with her. Ibrahim and Isah were care-free. Even though they had to sacrifice their study room for Zainab, they paid I attention towards her.

Yes, the three of them usually sleep together in the same room. Before Zainab's arrival, the both of them had turned the guest room into their personal study room where they work their homeworks and do other things.
But Zainab's arrival ruined everything. And for some reasons, they felt it wasn't right for their father to bring a stranger into their house. So, they hoped she leaves soon, if possible.

Especially Ibrahim. He really needed his privacy right now because he was preparing to write his mock exam. Isah too was preparing for his junior WAEC that he's going to write early next year. While Idris was processing a transfer into secondary school next year but he still haven't written his common entrance exam.

Perhaps, Idris and Zainab recognize each other because they attended the same school. But they weren't in the same class - Zainab was in Basic 5 while Idris was in Basic 6. They weren't that close so they didn't talk to each other that much.

***

The Following Morning.

It was Sunday morning. Mrs. Bala knocked on Zainab's door with three slight strokes. She pulled it open because it wasn't locked.

"Good morning, ma." Zainab greeted as she saw her. She'd probably woken her up.

"Morning my dear, how was your night?"

"It was fine ma, Alhamdulillah."

"So, I came to check on you this morning. I wonder if you do any house chores?"

"Yes ma. I'm good at it. Anything at all." Zainab whooshed out a small smile. Delighted.

"Fine. It's good to know. At least, I'll have a helper as well." She join her in the smile.

"You'll have to join me in kitchen this evening. Immediately after school. And the laundry, you'll do the wash all the clothes in the backyard tomorrow after school. Okay?"

"Okay ma." Zainab replied. Wondering what kind of woman she truly is.

"So, I wanted to ask you something actually. I mean.. I overheard you and Humaira yesterday. And I was confused. Please tell me. Who's Alhaji Musa?"

The smile Zainab was wearing, faded. Reading the look on Amina's face made her understand how much she wanted to know about their issue. She wouldn't help them after all. All she wanted was to get the full story, and Zainab wouldn't expose her sister.

"So tell me. Who is he? Your uncle?"

"Yes. He's an uncle." Zainab nodded in agreement.

"So what did he do? How did he hurt your sister?"

"He's done a lot ma. He didn't take responsibility after our parent's death. He insulted Humaira severally ma, it's just a long story." She let out a deep, sad sigh.

"Okay, I understand. Maybe he would accept you guys again, right. Every family has it's down side. You just have to be patient and push on. Don't worry, I pray he would come around."
Zainab just wore a fake smile as if she agreed.

"Good thing, you and Idris would be schooling together."

"Yes ma. I'm excited as well." Zainab replied.

"Don't be too excited." She said, looking at her differently. "You're just opportune to live in the same house that's why. Always put in mind that Idris is better than you in every aspect. So, don't paint any mental picture of you being so close. Just be close to him, not too close." She made clear.

"Okay ma." Zainab replied her. Trying to digest what she just heard, even if she didn't understand Mrs. Bala's words properly.

"Hope your school uniform is still looking good?"

"Yes ma. It's kind of old but it's still manageable."

"Then you should manage it then. I'll sew you new uniforms next term. Okay?"

"Okay ma."

"So, that would be all for now."

"But ma..." Zainab called her back with confused eyes.

"Yes, what's it?"

"Emmm... I need to plait my hair or change the hairstyle at least. It's been a while."

"Oh that. Who usually plaits for you?"

"Doctor Azeezah takes me along to the saloon every weekend."

"Hmmm.. you've been fortunate, indeed. What about before you start living with her?"

"My elder sister use to help me." She remembered with a smile.

"I can't stress myself to do all that work. Plaiting hair these days isn't easy. Especially as a student. I guess you'll have to cut it off."

***

Words and Translations

- Magrub: Prayer offered after sunset. Between 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm.

- WAEC - West African Examination Council.

***

Please note...

Ibrahim is 15 years old and he's in S.S 2. Isah, 13 years and he's in J.S 3 while Idris is 11 and he's in Basic 6.

So, as promised. Here comes another chapter for today.

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Enjoy reading and please, don't forget to press the tiny orange star ★ at the end of each chapter to notify me you've actually read it... So! What are we waiting for! Continue reading this story of family, adventure, mystery and plot twists and also, don't forget to comment.