Chapter Two

Happiness reverberated throughout the small house as Zarah's exuberant spirit filled every corner. She roamed energetically, leaping up and down with unrestrained excitement, all in anticipation of her forthcoming birthday party the following day.

As the evening approached, Zarah, brimming with determination to be a "big girl," informed her mother of her intent to sleep in her room for the night. Lawisa couldn't help but beam with pride at her daughter's newfound bravery and independence. After tenderly tucking Zarah into her bed, Lawisa recited Surat Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas, Ayatul Kursi, and the first five verses of Surat Al-Baqara. She knew that these verses not only protected her child but also shielded their entire home from all forms of evil throughout the night.

With a contented heart, Lawisa retired to her bedroom and sank into the comforting embrace of her bed. Exhausted from a long day at the office and the meticulous preparations for her daughter's birthday, she welcomed the embrace of slumber, grateful for the responsibilities she bore, even if they weren't always easy to handle alone.

Nearly an hour later, Zarah's eyes fluttered open to the gentle chime of her alarm. She had meticulously set it after an inquisitive session with her teacher and their pregnant neighbor, seeking to ensure she wouldn't miss the special day.

"Wow, it's my birthday!" Zarah exclaimed with unbridled delight, casting her light comforter aside and making her way to her mother's room, clad in baby pink pajamas. She bounded onto her mother's bed with enough gusto to rouse the still-sleepy Lawisa, who momentarily believed the earth itself was shaking beneath her. Blinking sleep from her eyes, she quickly realized it was her beloved bundle of joy, incapable of causing any harm. Zarah beamed at her mother, offering a cheeky, heartwarming smile.

"Oh no, don't tell me, it's already morning?" Lawisa inquired, her words forming more like a question than a statement.

"Yes, Momma, it's already morning," Zarah replied, her mother now fully awake. She perched herself on the bed, leaning against the headboard, and switched on the bedside lamp.

Lawisa's disbelief was evident in her next words. "I just lay down not more than an hour ago, Zarah. How can it be morning already?"

Zarah's eyes sparkled with excitement as she explained, "Oh, Mommy, it's midnight, and it's my birthday!"

"Alhamdulillah!" Lawisa exclaimed with relief.

"Naughty girl, is that why you're not letting Mommy sleep?" Zarah nodded, her dimpled smile confirming the mischievous intent behind her late-night awakening.

Lawisa embraced her child, whispering, "Happy birthday, my love. May Allah continue to bless you in His mercy."

"Amin, Momma. Zarah loves Mommy too much."

"Mommy loves Zarah even more."

"My Mommy is the best Momma in the whole wide world," Zarah giggled, relishing the moment.

"That's because your Mommy has the most beautiful and lovely angel in the whole wide world," Lawisa added as she began to tickle the little girl. They both dissolved into laughter, playfully throwing pillows at each other.

"Mommy, I'm going to sleep here," Zarah declared, gazing into her Mom's beautiful, big brown eyes, which were the same shade as hers, except hers were black.

"And who said I'm going to let you go? You're sleeping right here in Mommy's arms," Lawisa replied, holding Zarah close to her heart as they lay down.

"Mommy."

"Yes?"

"Why are your eyes so light brown, not like everyone else's here?" Lawisa smiled at her daughter's curiosity, gently caressing her cheeks.

"Allah created them that way so I cannot look the same as someone else," she murmured. Zarah heard every word.

"Um, Mommy, who is that?"

"Love, let's just sleep. It's getting late. Now close your eyes and recite your dua." Lawisa ended by switching off the bedside lamp and kissing Zarah's forehead. Zarah softly uttered, "Love you, Momma."

Lawisa rose at around 4:55 a.m. to perform her Fajr prayer. She sat on her prayer mat, her voice filled with devotion, reciting her heartfelt supplications.

"Ya Arrahman, ya Allah, forgive my sins, those I committed knowingly and unknowingly. Forgive me for leaving my parents behind. You are the light that guides my life; without You, my life would be complete darkness. Ya, Ar-Rahim, don't let me go astray from You. Ya Allah, keep my child safe even after my life, in Your mercy and guidance. Because from You, I came, and to You, I shall return."

Afterward, she opened the Qur'an in front of her and began reciting it until 6 a.m. Then, she returned to bed for a well-deserved rest.

At 8 a.m., Lawisa stirred awake, picking up where she had left off in her preparations for Zarah's birthday party. The living room had transformed into a festive wonderland, adorned with colorful balloons, artificial flowers, and a prominent banner that proclaimed, 'Happy Birthday, Zarah.' The modest space had been magically enlarged to accommodate Zarah's friends, setting the stage for a memorable celebration.

Lawisa set to work in the kitchen, creating a spread of her daughter's favorite breakfast: banana pancakes, custard, and fresh fruits. She even whipped up a batch of kunun gyada (peanut pudding) to complement the pancakes. Afterward, she gently roused Zarah from her slumber and assisted her with her morning bath.

"Mommy, are my friends here already?" Zarah asked with eagerness.

"Silly girl, none of them are here yet. Some are still sleeping," Lawisa replied with a loving smile.

"Then, is my cake here?"

"No, Zarah and the shops aren't open at this hour." Zarah exhaled, her initial worry fading into a gloomy expression.

"Then my birthday won't be celebrated, Momma."

"No, lala, your birthday will be celebrated later in the evening. It's just morning and the weekend, my love."

"And my dress?"

"That's going to be a surprise."

"Is it like Princess Elena's?" Lawisa smiled warmly.

"Yours is even prettier, princess," she assured. Zarah pouted and said, "I love you, Mommy."

"I love you more, sunshine." Lawisa dressed Zarah in a matching Ankara gown, and they set out for a special breakfast.

"Now, let's go enjoy our breakfast."

"Mommy, what did you cook?"

"Well, let's go and see."

By 4 p.m., Zarah's friends had arrived at the party, including her beloved teacher, Elsa. Zarah was dressed in a beautiful baby pink gown adorned with a floral design, along with a black bandana and black shoes that complemented her caramel skin.

"Mommy, I look like you, right?" Zarah beamed as she examined herself in the full-length mirror, though Lawisa secretly thought she resembled her father more.

"Yes, Zarah, a lot like me."

"My hair looks cool but not as long as yours."

"Masha Allah, you look so beautiful, and your hair will grow long as you keep growing up." They shared a fit of laughter, reveling in their reflection in the mirror. Lawisa, in her purple abaya and black hijab, bore a resemblance to an Arab princess. The smiles on their faces portrayed the deep affection they held for each other.

They rejoined their guests in the living room, where cold drinks and snacks awaited. The children admired Zarah's dress and repeatedly commented on her resemblance to a Disney princess. Noorie, who lived in the same compound as Zarah, insisted that she resembled Princess Elena, their favorite cartoon character, further heightening their excitement.

After some playtime, Zarah was called upon to cut the cake, and her mother encouraged her to make a wish, to which she silently wished to meet her father soon. The festivities continued in the apartment compound, with two clowns dressed as Mickey Mouse captivating the children, while a photographer documented the joyful occasion. Their teacher, Miss Lisa, silently thanked her lucky stars that the next day was Sunday, as discussing the wonderful party with her students could wait.

On Monday morning, Lawisa didn't feel as energetic as usual. Arriving early at work had become a habit, as she diligently maintained her role as the supervisor at Design the Future, a construction company. She was known for her diligence and kindness toward her coworkers, even if she kept her interactions minimal.

"Good morning, sir!" Lawisa greeted as she stood in front of her boss's desk.

"Good morning, Miss Aliyu," Mr. Raji responded in his thick native accent, which Lawisa found somewhat annoying.

"Sir, these are the files you asked for," she said, placing them on his desk. He began perusing the files, all the while sipping his coffee and adjusting his spectacles on his pointed nose every few seconds, seemingly more interested in looking at Lawisa than the documents. It was clear to Lawisa that the files were merely an excuse to bring her to his office, a situation she had grown uncomfortably familiar with.

"I hope you're doing well after the party you threw at home and forgot about us," she quipped, imagining Mr. Raji trying to fit in among children with his large belly as if he were expecting to bear a child himself. The mere thought of it made her want to gag.

"Yes, sir. It wasn't a party you could have been invited to; it was a birthday party for my little girl."

"You should have invited my boy, back when you used to bring her to work as a baby. He was a baby too, back then," Mr. Raji commented. His words reminded Lawisa of a time when she had felt utterly alone, unsure if she could carry on and provide for her new baby. But she knew those days were long behind her.

"Well, I can't speak to that," she added, her tone somewhat dry after regaining her composure.

"Zarah, isn't that her name? She's lucky to have you as her mother. You're a wonderful mother," Mr. Raji praised, seemingly wanting to say more but holding back, especially after their previous encounter.

That very morning, after dropping Zarah off at school, Lawisa had an unexpected run-in with Mrs. Raji. Lawisa paid her no mind, having heard enough about her from her colleagues and being less than thrilled with her attitude.

"Look who we have here, the golden woman, the beautiful Miss Aliyu," Mrs. Raji sneered sarcastically. Lawisa chose to ignore her and continued walking toward her parked car, wondering why this woman was attempting to create a scene.

"Now she's acting as if she's the queen of England," Mrs. Raji added, throwing her hands in the air in a threatening manner. Lawisa couldn't help but scan the area, confirming that it was just the two of them and a few cars around.

"Excuse me?" Lawisa replied incredulously.

"Yes, you heard me correctly."

"Why are you being so insulting early in the morning, madam?"

"Oh, don't act innocent with me. What can a single mother like you do other than entice other women's husbands? I pity your child."

"Never dare mention anything related to my child in your nonsense, and what husbands are you talking about?" Lawisa warned, all in one breath. What Mrs. Raji didn't realize was that messing with Lawisa might not be a wise choice, especially when it came to her daughter. Criticize her if you must, but her daughter was off-limits.

"I'm your boss's wife, you have to listen to me and do as I say. You should stay away from my husband and stop behaving like a temptress." She spat, pointing Lawisa with her forefinger. And she gladly grabbed it.

"Don't you dare mention that name to me again, woman? Listen carefully; not even your husband gets to boss me around. I suggest you start respecting yourself, and maybe then your foolish husband will follow suit. And the next time you involve my child in any of your foolishness, you'll regret it. Excuse me, I've wasted enough of my time already," Lawisa declared firmly, meaning every word as she let go of the woman's finger, which had turned red from her grip.

Deep down, Mrs. Raji knew that Lawisa was far from being a temptress, let alone someone interested in her husband. She was simply fed up with her husband constantly praising Miss Aliyu for her independence and beauty, even going so far as to tell their daughter to emulate her. What she couldn't fathom was what qualities Miss Aliyu possessed other than her beauty, which she lacked. Lawisa, on the other hand, would have preferred to be stuck in traffic than engage with this woman, as infuriating as her husband was. This encounter, however, was nothing compared to what her father had said to her.

"Here are the files, Miss Aliyu," he said, pushing the files toward Lawisa. Mr. Raji had intentionally not offered her a seat, preferring to keep her standing so he could appreciate her tall figure even more. He often wondered why an intelligent woman like her always wore such a serious expression. Her reluctance to smile puzzled him; he rarely saw her do so. Who was this woman, he often wondered.

In her office, Lawisa found the one person who came closest to being a friend. He wore his usual charming smile, which typically didn't affect her, but she managed a smile in return, albeit short-lived.

"Surprise!"

"I hate surprises, Bilal. What are you doing here?" She asked, taking a seat at her desk.

"Well, for starters, I wanted to surprise you, but that's ruined now. I'm sorry. Am I forgiven?"

"Yes, why not."

"You don't seem excited, you haven't seen me in a month," Bilal noted, searching for any signs of enthusiasm in her eyes, but finding none.

"Bilallllllllll!" She complained, emphasizing his name.

"Easy, don't strangle my name," he teased.

"How have you been, and how was your trip?" She asked, making an effort to be a bit more friendly, which eased Bilal's aching heart.

"It was fantastic up in the North. I'll tell you all about it later. How's Lala? Did she enjoy her birthday?" He inquired, using Zarah's previous pronunciation of her name.

"Of course, she did. She loves the gift you sent her. But Bilal, that tablet is too expensive. I've told you to stop giving her such expensive gifts."

"But you said she loved it, and that's what matters. By the way, Mama sends her regards to you and Lala."

"Please give her my regards as well."

"Shall we have lunch together, then?" Bilal suggested, hoping she would agree, though deep down, he knew the answer.

"No, Bilal. I think you should return to your office before that annoying man comes here and starts lecturing us."

"Okay, maybe another time. It's a good thing that Mr. Raji always gets a reaction out of you," Bilal said, smiling, before making his exit.

Back in his office, Bilal sat in his plush chair, rocking back and forth as he contemplated new methods to pursue Lawisa. He had tried every polite approach he could think of, but she only seemed to care about her daughter and nothing else. She was so incredibly cold. To everyone, it seemed she was a mystery, and Bilal couldn't help but wonder what had made her so distant and unapproachable.

Bilal was just like their colleagues, utterly fascinated by Lawisa's life and why she was so reserved. They had yet to uncover anything about her, as Lawisa rarely engaged in conversation with them. He did believe he was closer to her than anyone else, apart from Zarah. But she remained an enigma, preferring to keep to herself. She knew she had changed over the years, but she wasn't ready to change anything as long as Zarah was with her and happy with their life. That, to her, was the perfect definition of perfection.