Chapter 6

Aliya had asked Zafira to come visit a week after their graduation. When Zafira got to the house, the security guard opened the gate. They exchanged pleasantries as he had grown familiar with her. She knew her way around the house since she visited very often. As she entered the living room saying salam, someone returned the salam. Sitting in the sofa some steps away from the TV was a handsome young man.

"Alee hadn't said anything about being home with anyone."

Zafira muttered rather surprisedly.

"That girl's got some explaining to do."

She added.

" Good afternoon, I'm here to see Alee."

She said trying to place who she was talking to.

"Hello. She's in her room."

He said shooting her a cold glance.

"Oh okay. Tha... Thanks. I'll just head to her room."

She said looking rather stunned.

As she walked to Alee's room, she thought to herself.

"How could someone be so unfriendly on your first meeting? Maybe he had a bad day."

She said shrugging off what just happened.

Getting to Alee's room she put on a smile. She was just about to open the door when Aliya came out.

"Come in Zafee. I was getting ready to come welcome you myself."

Aliya said.

"Well it took you long enough."

Zafira returned.

"I just got the most unfriendly welcome. Thanks to you, Your Laziness!"

Zafira added.

"What happened?"

Aliya asked.

"Your boyfriend isn't so welcoming."

Zafira blurted.

"Since when did you keep things from me?"

Zafira asked jokingly.

"Okay! What are you talking about?"

Aliya asked looking surprised herself.

"The handsome guy in the living room. He doesn't seem friendly."

Zafira said.

"Oh no! I'm so sorry!"

Aliya exclaimed pulling her ears.

"Zubayr, my brother. That was him. He came home for my graduation. Too bad he missed his flight on the exact day."

Aliya added knowing what was coming.

"You crazy girl!"

Zafira exclaimed throwing a pillow at Aliya.

"How could you not tell me? Let me guess, no airtime or data... Silly."

Zafira said laughingly.

"I'm so sorry. Am I forgiven?"

Aliya asked making a puppy face.

"I'll think about it."

Zafira answered and they both laughed.

"You always said he was friendly and jovial. He didn't seem that way to me. He looks bothered and reserved."

Zafira said looking rather disappointed.

"Well he's friendly. He's probably tired and trying to adjust to the new environment. He's an Engineer. A Civil Engineer." Aliya said.

Even Aliya thought her brother was different. Not the happy Zubayr she welcomed at the airport days ago. But she felt it was due to work so she let the thought be.

But Zafira found it strange. Mahmud had Engineers as friends and they were friendly. Aliya's brother, Zubayr was rather different. She heard about him but hadn't met him because he was based in England. Aliya would have studied abroad but she was Mummy's Bestie and didn't want to be away from her.

She thought it was work and maybe his stay at home would relieve him of the stress before he headed back. Why was he different? She thought before snapping herself out of it.

She and Alee watched the movies she had downloaded on her PC when they were done with chores. Zubayr was in his room most of the time. If he wasn't out with his friend Muhammad Sa'ed, who lived near by, then he'd be watching TV.

Zafira and Aliya decided to watch a new movie in the living room. Zafira had seen an advert of a movie at home and saved the date. She picked up the TV remote to check if the movie would be shown.

"Alee! Alee! They'll be showing the movie today."

She said excitedly.

"Oh great! What's the name of the movie?"

Alee asked.

"The boy who would be king. It's a new movie."

Zafira answered.

"Was it on your movie list?"

Alee asked giving Zafira a bowl of popcorn

"Yes it was. Come sit."

Zafira added.

Zubayr came out of his room just in time for the movie. He wore a blue shirt and black trousers. The girls didn't notice his presence until he sat on one of the armchairs. He never really sat to chat or watch TV with them. Zafira felt he finally realized being locked up in his room wasn't a good idea. She smiled at Alee.

"Would you like some popcorn?"

Alee asked Zubayr.

"Yes, thank you."

He answered.

"Okay. I'll be right back."

She added.

Alee came back with a bowl of popcorn and handed it to Zubayr. He did find the movie interesting after all. When they were done watching the movie, he picked up his phone to receive a call. It was one of his friends from England, Alan Parker.

On the phone:

Zubayr: Hello Alan, how do you do?

Alan: My man, very well thank you. How's Nigeria?

Zubayr: Nigeria's good, still the same old same old.

Alan: Hahha! How's your little sister? She's graduate now, yeah?

Zubayr: She sure is. Didn't make it in time for her graduation party.

Alan: I see. Hope you got her a gift?

Zubayr: Of course I did. Haven't given it to her yet though.

Alan: Alright, I'll hang up. Had a rough day at work today. Hope to hear form you soon.

Zubayr: Alright, take care.

Alee and Zafira were having their usual banters when they heard a knock on the door. It was Zubayr, he had a parcel in his hand. He would have forgotten had Alan not reminded him.

"I'm sorry it's coming late. I hope you like it."

Zubayr said uncertainly.

"Aww! How sweet of you big brother. I love it. Thank you so much."

Alee said giving him a tight hug.

He smiled and gave Zafira a gift as well.

"Congratulations. I almost forgot I bought gifts."

Zubayr added.

"Thank you so much."

Zafira returned with a smile.

"I'll leave you girls to your girly stuff then."

He said walking towards the door.

For a moment, Zafira wondered if she was dreaming or imagining things. But it was really happening. Zubayr actually bought them gifts.

"He wasn't a party pooper after all."

She simpered.

They both opened their gifts and to their astonishment, matching bracelets with their names engraved on each. Alee also had in her parcel a wristwatch and Zafira, a necklace. The two best friends went on with their banter and laughed at funny things they remembered.

•••••••••••

"Zubayr was a gentle man. What made his mood swing, only time would tell."

- Author.