Abuja, Nigeria
The alarm clock loudly screeched earning a groan and a smack from the body lying on the bed. Na'eemah groaned and slowly opened her eyes adjusting to the lights of the room before looking over to the alarm clock now on the floor. She heaved a sigh and sat on the bed for few minutes before finally hopping off and walking to the bathroom.
Five minutes later the bathroom door opened and she stepped out before heading to the drawer to grab a hijab. She wasn't the -wake up and get dressed early- type of person. Slowly opening the door, she gazed out at the silent house and made her way to the kitchen.
They lived in a flat house built by Humaira. The house compound has two flats as Maami refused to live in a mansion saying she prefers a simple life so Humaira built her an apartment and one more like it in the same compound which serves as a guest chalet with the maids side although Maami only hired two. The apartment contains the main parlour then a smaller one, four bedrooms each containing a toilet and then the kitchen and store which was pretty much large. Not extraordinary huge but moderately large.
She was going to prepare breakfast for herself, her aunt Maami and cousin sister Zainab. Maami will be leaving to the office and will take Zainab to drop her off. Both starts at 8am and it is only 7am she knew they will be ready by 7:30 since it's basically a 10-15 minutes ride.
She quickly took a yam and peeled it before washing it and transferring everything to a pot. She reduced the heat to a medium and worked on making a the sauce.
Minutes later the yam and sauce are done and she set everything on the dining and then the flask containing the hot water she boiled.
Zainab came out first walking with a skip to her steps and flashed Na'eemah a bright smile
"Good morning addah Na'eemah" She greeted in fulani. They mostly talk in fulani and sometimes Chirp in English
"Good morning Zainab. Why are you happy" Na'eemah asked taking a seat on the dining table
"Maami said--" Zainab started saying excitedly but was cut of by Maami who looked at her and grinned as she casually walked up to the dining table keeping her bag on it and taking a seat
"Calm down Zainab. I'll tell Na'eemah myself" She said shaking her head. She has no idea why Zainab loved going to Humaira's house maybe because Humaira spoils her rotten.
"I said I might not come early today so Zainab will be taken to Humaira's house by the driver when he picks her up. You get ready and he'll drop you when he goes to pick her up
"Okay Maami" Na'eemah nodded feeling equally excited. She too loves going to her cousin's house. Sometimes it annoys her how her cousin doesn't want her to believe in the life of books when clearly she's living one herself.
"What are we making for lunch? Na'eemah asked as they all dived into the breakfast
"Anything really. Just for the gatekeeper, driver and maids since we all won't be around" Maami replied her
Na'eemah nodded and they continued eating in silence. When they were done,Maami and Zainab bid Na'eemah goodbye and left while Na'eemah planned to watch a movie or help the maids before quickly cooking lunch and leave to her cousin's house. Zainab will be picked up by 12, Na'eemah still have almost five hours to get ready.
Luckily she wasn't the lazy type.
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The car stopped to a halt. Na'eemah thanked the driver and made her way to the hefty gates of her cousin's home. She knocked on the small door and the gateman opened before giving her a heartfelt smile and ushered her in.
"Welcome welcome madam Na'eemah" He greeted in Hausa
"Thank you mallam Auwal. How are you doing? She asked already walking towards the house
"I'm pretty much good" He replied
"That's good to hear" She shouted over her shoulder as she walked to the front porch.
She knocked lightly and the door opened to reveal a maid who greeted her and walked away. She went in with a Salam her footsteps echoing round the house as an elderly woman came out of the kitchen.
They called her Aunty, she is the elderly figure in the house and the head of workers. Everyone respected her, Humaira and her husband included. Na'eemah liked the woman, she was stern yet motherly and caring.
"I take it you're here to help in the kitchen" Aunty smiled as she walked over to Na'eemah who engulfed her in a quick hug
"No. I had my share at home, I'm here to rest" Na'eemah replied smiling
"Lazy girl. I wonder what you'll do in your own house" Aunty commented shaking her head
"Well I could always have helpers like Humaira" Na'eemah snapped, her tone coming out harsh.
Aunty looked taken aback and so did Na'eemah. She didn't want to sound harsh or rude but it's simply getting on her nerves when people think she can't have what her cousin has. It's not jealousy or envy, Na'eemah liked to simply pin it on want. She wants to have what Humaira has. The family, the friends, loving husband, nice inlaws, wealth, fame.
Even before Humaira became an entrepreneur, she was popular due to her write ups. She write poems, quotes and articles. Through her articles, she helped raise awareness of alot of people who needed help.
Surround yourself with someone like Humaira when you're nowhere like her and feel what Na'eemah is feeling
"Humaira worked for what she has" Aunty reminded Na'eemah narrowing her gaze at the young girl.
Aunty understood how Na'eemah felt having looking at what Humaira has. But Na'eemah has family, Humaira's family treated her like their own. Even Humaira's friends include her in things, if Na'eemah wants different friends all she had to do was go out of her way to find them. And the wealth and fame Humaira has, she worked for her wealth and fame and love found her.
Anyone could have what Humaira has and beyond. All Na'eemah had to do is believe in her own self and stop thinking about fantasy and worldly things
"I know and I'm sorry for the outburst" Na'eemah said feeling embarrassed
"It's okay dear. You are an unstoppable Force too, all you have to do is stop waiting on someone or something to make you happy. Create your own happiness, work for your own goals and other things will find you"
Na'eemah simply nodded looking ahead deep in thought. Aunty heaved a sigh before walking back to the kitchen giving the young girl minutes to clear her head before approaching her again
Na'eemah wanted to believe what aunty said to her but it's simply hard. How could she start doing things, how can she work on her Happiness when it lies in her dreams.
She still believes there's a life out there, a life she always wanted with someone
She still has those dreams and hopes
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First chapter down. Next we meet our darling Humaira.
I really like Na'eemah, she's low-key a reflect of most of our girls. Just that many snap out of that delusion while some don't.
Anyways, we wait and see how everything unfold.