Amaan said, “Honestly, at that moment I suddenly felt dizzy, and since Hamlat wasn’t nearby, I don’t even know when I fainted.”
Hamlat let out a long sigh, then forced a mocking smile and said, “Well, I actually warned him not to leave him alone because of things like this, but he refused.”
It was then Amaan realized that Hamlat had entered. He raised his head and looked at her; their eyes met, and she shot him a sharp glare.
Amaan smiled, but in his heart he said, “Allah, protect me from an evil person like Hamlat.”
Just then, the doctor came in with a discharge note.
After the discharge, they headed to Amaan’s house together with his parents.
When they arrived, his mother said, “Subhanallah! Is this what your house looks like?”
Hamlat immediately started acting embarrassed and said, “Um, Mom, since I was going back and forth to the hospital, I didn’t get time to clean the house.”
His mother replied, “Well, may Allah make it easy. From now on, try harder to clean. Amrin is here to help you.”
Amrin, however, thought to herself, “Mom, if only you knew how filthy Hamlat is in the house.”
Hamlat looked at Amrin as if she could read her thoughts and shot her a glare.
But Amrin wasn’t afraid of her at all—she never tolerated nonsense, and she was ready to respond, even twisting her mouth mockingly.
Their parents then returned home; their father had already left earlier.
Amrin began cleaning the house. After finishing Amaan’s room—which wasn’t very dirty—she came out to clean the living room.
Hamlat said, “You shameless girl, go and start cleaning my room.”
Amrin replied, “Huh! You’ve really crossed the line. Entering your room is worse than entering a prison—it’s filthier than anything. I’m not dirty like you.”
Hamlat snapped, “Who are you calling dirty?”
Amrin replied, “Who else if not you?”
Hamlat said, “You know my character very well. I’ll kick you out of this house for taking over my chores. Remember, it’s your brother I’m dealing with now.”
Amrin laughed heartily, even holding her stomach, and said, “By Allah, my brother is stronger than you. You’ll be shocked very soon.”
Hamlat hissed and said, “I don’t care,” then walked away muttering.
Amrin replied, “It’s because of Mom and because you’re my brother’s wife that I’m tolerating you—so move away from me.”
---
On Ahlam’s Side
That day was Monday, and Ahlam was to go to school. Her father struggled with her because she refused to hurry; she said she wouldn’t go early because it was Uncle Salim’s duty day.
Her mother said, “Whether he’s an uncle or not, whoever he is, you must go. It’s better you know that.”
Ahlam started rolling on the floor, shouting, “If you don’t let me go later, then when I make money I won’t buy you a house or a car—I’ll only buy Uncle one!”
Her mother said, “If only we could rest from your constant trouble, Ahlam. I don’t think anyone can tolerate your character—except someone special.”
Ahlam screamed and said, “Dad, Mom, did you hear her?”
Her mother replied, “I heard you, my dear. Please be patient—we won’t buy her chocolate.”
Ahlam said, “Alright, Mom. I’ll buy Dad a car, but I won’t buy you anything—you with the chubby cheeks. Only Uncle.”
Her mother said, “Just listen to her.”
Her father said, “Alright, blessed child, get up. I’ll buy you chocolate after dropping you at school.”
Ahlam replied happily, “Yes, my sweet dad,” then turned to her mother and said, “As for you, Mom, I’ll buy you biscuits.”
Both parents laughed heartily.
Seeing them laugh, Ahlam got annoyed and said, “Fine, I won’t go anymore.”
Her father said, “No, let’s go, blessed child.”
Ahlam smiled, grabbed her mother’s cheeks, and said, “My chubby-cheeked mom, I forgive you—and I’ll buy you a house too.”
She pouted and added, “Pray for me, Mom.”
(This had always been Ahlam’s habit since childhood—whenever she was about to go out, her parents prayed for her. She held no grudges; she’d cause trouble now, then later return to you as if nothing happened.)
Her mother smiled and said, “Alright, my blessed daughter. May Allah protect you on the road and help you do what you’re going for—and try to reduce this teasing.”
Ahlam jumped up and ran out. At the gate she shouted, “Ameen, my chubby-cheeked mom!”
Her parents smiled as they watched her go.
They soon found a vehicle without delay.
At exactly 7:30 they arrived, and when Ahlam realized she wasn’t late, she rejoiced—she would catch latecomers today with Uncle.
Her father escorted her in, gave her 20 naira for break, and she thanked him warmly before going inside.
She spotted Uncle Salim and ran to him shouting, “Oyo yo, Uncle!”
He replied, “Welcome, sweetie.”
She said sweetly, “Good morning, Uncle.”
He responded affectionately, “Morning, sweetie.”
She asked, “Uncle, you see—I’m not late today, right?”
He said, “Yes, sweetie. How did that happen? Have you started behaving?”
She laughed and said, “You know I’m always fine; it’s just that my parents didn’t let me hang around the bean-cake stand today.”
Uncle said, “They did the right thing. I need to see my sweetie around.”
She replied playfully, “Then today I’ll beat the latecomers.”
He held her hand and said, “Yes, sweetie, let’s go.”
---
Page 16
When they arrived, Uncle gave Ahlam his seat and said, “Sit here, sweetie.”
She smiled and replied, “Okay, Uncle.”
He checked his watch and said, “It’s 8:00 now. You know there’s no assembly today, but we’ll start catching latecomers.”
Ahlam smiled—she had gotten what she wanted.
Amrah and others arrived, and Uncle said, “Good. This is how we’ll start. Go to your class; your teacher is already there.”
Ahlam said sweetly, “Uncle, it’s Amrah, not me. Don’t beat them—or I’ll cry.”
As Amrah arrived, Uncle said, “Alright, sweetie, go to class.”
Ahlam walked off laughing, saying, “Okay, Uncle.”
Before entering class, she turned back, waved at him, and blew him a kiss.
Uncle felt extremely happy—though she often did that, today felt special. He drifted into deep thought.
Inside the class, Ahlam ran and accidentally tripped Zainab.
Zainab, known for trouble, grabbed Ahlam’s clothes immediately.
Ahlam said, “Madam, what’s wrong?”
Zainab replied, “You tripped me and you’re asking what’s wrong?”
Ahlam apologized, saying she didn’t notice.
She was patient when not provoked—but once provoked, things got serious.
Zainab said, “Today I’ll teach you a lesson since others fear you. I’m stronger than you.”
Ahlam replied, “Okay, so you want to be warmed up before going home today.”
Before Zainab could react, Ahlam struck her, dragged her aside, and continued beating her until she begged for mercy.
The teacher didn’t notice until Amrah informed him.
When the teacher realized it was Ahlam, he thought, “This girl—I don’t know what to do with her; she’s too much for me.”
He asked Amrah to call Uncle Salim.
When Uncle arrived, he said, “Sweetie, didn’t you remember our promise?”
Ahlam replied breathlessly, “I did apologize, but she refused.”
Uncle said, “Alright then.”
Ahlam gave Zainab another slap and insulted her, then let her go.
Uncle said, “I know it’s your fault, Zainab—you don’t behave.”
The class burst into laughter as Zainab sat swollen with anger.
---
Page 17
Ahlam went back to her seat. Amrah joined her, and Uncle returned to his office.
The teacher continued teaching, and the class became quiet.
---
Back to Amaan’s Side
Amrin finished cleaning the house until it looked brand new.
Even Hamlat admired it, acting as if she were the one who cleaned it.
Amrin went to Amaan’s room and asked, “Big bro, what should I cook?”
Amaan smiled and said, “I don’t feel like eating anything.”
She pouted and said, “You must eat something—or I’ll report you to Mom.”
Amaan laughed and said, “Alright, Auntie Bombolas, don’t get me into trouble.”
She asked, “So what will you eat?”
He replied playfully, “Just make custard; that’s enough.”
Amrin smiled and went to the kitchen. She quickly prepared custard with milk—no sugar, because she knew her brother didn’t like it.
She returned and said, “Big bro, get up and eat.”
Amaan smiled and said, “The day you get married, I’ll lose my big sister.”
Amrin felt deep pity for him, knowing what he endured from Hamlat. Her eyes filled with tears, but she smiled and said, “You must find me an aunt before I leave you.”
Amaan smiled; in his heart, Ahlam appeared in his thoughts.
As they chatted and laughed, Hamlat overheard them, her heart boiling with anger.
She stormed to Amaan’s door, banged it open, and entered.
Amaan and Amrin looked up in shock.
For over two minutes they stared at each other in silence.
Amrin realized Hamlat was serious and handed Amaan the custard.
Hamlat exploded again, shouting, “What kind of nonsense is this? You come and take over my house, and I’m waiting for you to bring me food!”
Amrin jumped up angrily and said, “What kind of animal are you? Who said I’m your housemaid?”
Hamlat snapped, “Shut up, you worthless girl!”
Amrin replied calmly, “I pity you. Your character will lead you to destruction—but go on.”
That was when Amaan spoke, “Amrin, bring me the keys—let’s go out.”
Amrin replied, “Okay, big bro.”
Hamlat screamed loudly.
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