CHAPTER 31

At Lagos Airport, a couple stood waiting not far from the passenger arrival area. Adekunle couldn't help but notice his wife's nervousness and gently inquired, "Why do you look so nervous?"

Hafsat met her husband's gaze and sighed before confessing, "What if they don't like us? I can't help but feel anxious."

"Don't worry too much about that for now. Let's meet them first, but I'm quite certain they will like us," Adekunle assured her, offering a comforting side hug.

Hafsat still had doubts, her eyes filled with questions. "How can you be so sure?"

"Just relax and trust me; everything will be fine," Adekunle said reassuringly. Hafsat nodded and hugged her husband tightly, a sign that her nerves were only slightly calmed.

Meanwhile, aboard the plane, Hamza and Zara had been in the air for about three hours. The pilot announced their impending landing, instructing passengers to fasten their seatbelts. Hamza sat rigidly, trying to contain his nervousness, closing his eyes and silently praying for a safe landing. The plane touched down smoothly, and Hamza heaved a sigh of relief. He glanced at his sister, who appeared to be asleep, and gently woke her. "We have landed, Zara. Wake up."

Zara stirred and obeyed her brother, disembarking with the other passengers. As they walked out of the plane and into the airport, Hamza took a deep breath, attempting to distinguish the new air from where they had come. His excitement and anticipation were palpable. Carrying their bags, Hamza held his sister's hand, scanning the crowd for the people who were supposed to pick them up.

Turning to the left, Hamza spotted a couple holding hands, waving at them. He recognized them from the pictures Major Abdullah had shown him.

Adekunle, in his early forties, carried himself with a certain maturity not reflected in his face. He had a pleasant, though not striking, handsomeness, solidly rated at seven out of ten. Hafsat, his wife, was a striking beauty. With her fair complexion and calm aura, she radiated elegance.

Adekunle looked at the handsome young man and cute girl walking towards them and murmured to his wife, "Here they come. Let's hope for the best."

As Hamza and Zara approached the couple, Hamza prostrated while Zara knelt, greeting, "Good afternoon, sir... Good afternoon, ma."

The couple was taken aback but immediately stopped them, saying there was no need for formalities. Adekunle introduced themselves, "Welcome to Lagos, Hamza and Zara. This is my wife, Hafsat."

Hafsat warmly added, "We are delighted to have you here." She smiled and nodded at her husband.

Hamza and Zara echoed, "Thanks for having us, Uncle and Aunt," which drew chuckles from the couple. "No need for formalities," Hafsat insisted, "we are family now."

Adekunle's bright smile reflected his joy as he suggested, "Alright, let's head home then."

The mention of "home" filled Hamza with a sense of belonging, and he exchanged a glance with his sister, sharing the same emotion. They proceeded to the parking lot, where a black Lexus awaited them. Adekunle took charge, loading their luggage into the car. He sat in the driver's seat, with Hafsat by his side, while Hamza and Zara settled in the back. The journey was an adventure in itself, with the bustling city of Lagos unfolding before them, filled with people going about their daily routines. Hamza took a deep breath and smiled; finally, he was in Lagos.