She was lying face down, clearly troubled. Fortunately, no one else was around because she had dismissed them. He threw me aside and approached her, helping her to sit up. The look she gave him was filled with surprise, desire, and countless questions. He knelt before her and said, "Fareda, please forgive this girl. She was frightened by your anger. Forgive her for the love we share." With just one look at her, you could tell she was starting to lose her composure. She quickly glanced at me and said, "I forgive you, Humaira. You did nothing wrong to me." Tears were streaming down my face, but a small smile escaped me. She turned her gaze back to him, who was still kneeling and smiling at her, saying, "I am sorry too, my bride and queen...". I didn't wait for her response and hurried out, thanking them and wiping my tears. Everyone was watching me as we passed by, but I didn't see Rabi, so I went to their room to tidy up as it was almost time. 

Before I finished, he entered the room, glaring at me. "You know what? Today I'll report you to Inna. I'm tired of your antics," he said. I brushed off his words, and with a bit of jest, I replied, "Your complaints can't match mine. I'll report you first, In Shaa Allah." He retorted, "Is that so? Let's see who gets there first." He left, chuckling. Later, I met Amira on the way, and we exchanged greetings hurriedly as I was running late. At the entrance to our alley, I saw a large, fancy car, and it struck me that he was serious about getting there before me. 

From the west side, he was sitting under a shade with five large bags. Inna was there too, her eyes red, clearly from crying. A sense of dread washed over me as I approached her, placing my hand on her knee. "Inna, are you okay? What did he do to you? Your eyes are red." She started crying again and said, "These are our clothes; each of us has a suitcase full, and your makeup has a separate one." Fear and anxiety gripped me as his words echoed, reminding us not to be ungrateful for God's mercy, as he, too, was not wealthy. Tears started flowing again, especially as Aisha began opening the suitcases in front of me. "Please, Inna, calm down. Look, you're making her cry too," I said, as waterworks were now on full display. He stood up, saying, "I'll leave you all now, Inna. Please take care. I'll come by again," and left.

We spent a long time wiping our tears before taking the bags inside. Aisha and the others had already started trying on the five pairs of shoes each. Inna looked at me and said, "Humaira, I wanted to question that boy about my suspicions, but I couldn't find a way. As they say, if you can't catch a thief, they'll catch you. My silence paid off, as his advice showed me that it's just a blood bond and the sympathy God has placed in his heart for us. My only fear is that wearing these clothes in public might lead to accusations. What do you think?"

Before I could respond, we heard Baba Alhaji Sheetu's greeting. Inna answered and hurriedly came out, already wearing a hijab. We all came out, and he looked at Inna and said, "What do you mean by not giving us Humaira's salary? Or do you think you can keep it all for yourself until her wedding day? Do you plan to leave us to buy the household items?" Shaking his head, he continued, "You'll be giving us half every month, and you'll use the other half. That's the most fair thing we can do for you. If you're okay with it, then you can arrange her wedding. Inna bowed her head, "No, brother, I didn't know that was the plan. I've already sent some; let me bring it to you." She went inside without even looking at us, and he said, "Bring it quickly. You want to teach your daughter love for material things, which is why you're keeping her salary to start a business." Inna didn't say anything, just handed him 10,000 Naira. He took it without hesitation, nodding, "It's complete."