Aya

Chapter 31- You're A What?

Asad's frantic, desperate sobs were the only sound slicing through the quiet tension of the room. Every adult watched in paralyzed silence, save for Aya, who moved with swift maternal purpose

She sank to the boy's level, the polished marble cool against her knees, and cupped his small, tear-streaked face in her hands.

"Who told you you're going home today, Asad?" she asked, her voice a low, soothing melody as she gently wiped the wetness from his cheeks with her thumb.

The boy could only shake his head, gulping, his wide eyes still swimming in tears.

"No one is going to take you away from me, kaji? You're going to be right here with your mama," she promised fiercely, pulling his trembling body into a tight hug. The scent of his innocent grief filled her.

A collective, gentle smile warmed the faces of the watching family, a silent acknowledgment of her unconditional love—except for Zahid.

His gaze, fixed on the embrace, was devoid of warmth. His jaw had hardened into a rigid line the moment Asad had started crying. He resumed his path, his feet clicking deliberately on the floor, before scooping Aden up effortlessly and taking Humairah's small hand in his firm grip.

He knelt before Baba, the two children anchors beside him. "Baba, inna wuni," he greeted, his tone respectful but efficient. He then turned to Dada, sitting regally beside her son "Dada, Jambandu," he said, his head bowing slightly.

"Su Zahid! So you greeted your father-in-law first before coming to me, the old woman?" Dada teased, her smile reaching her eyes, though she noted the underlying tension in Zahid's posture.

Zahid forced a quick, dry chuckle. "Ba haka bane, Dada," he denied.
Baba intervened, his eyes twinkling.

"Leave my son-in-law alone, Dada! Yakake Zahid? Ya iyali?" he asked, his voice filled with gentle, authentic concern.

Zahid's professional composure returned, and he offered a respectful smile. "They're good, alhamdulillah. Muna godiya da wahalan da ake da mu," he replied, bowing his head in thanks for their hospitality.

Baba waved a dismissive hand. "Which wahala? Aren't they also my children?" he said, a small, genuine smile on his face.

"Thank you," Zahid acknowledged.

"Bakomai, Zahid. You're all leaving tomorrow, right?"

"Yes, sir, by 12 p.m., Insha'Allah," Zahid confirmed

"Allah ya kaimu. Are you taking the children with you?" Baba's question hung in the air, weighted with the family's hopes

Zahid hesitated, a flicker of indecision crossing his face. "I'm not sure yet, sir I am still deciding. But I will come get Aya tomorrow, Insha'Allah."

Baba nodded, his plan already forming. "No problem. You can all leave for the airport together. I will let the pilot know to get the private plane ready by 12 p.m. for su Dada, then you can all go together."

"Okay, sir. I will get going now," Zahid said, standing up

Baba smiled warmly. "Toh, Zahid. Allah ya tsare. I will see you tomorrow"

"Ameen," Zahid whispered, offering a brief handshake to Hammah, whose face remained a carefully composed mask of neutrality, a silence that felt heavy and intentional.

Aya immediately stood to escort him out. As she followed, she realized she was trailed only by Humairah and Aden. Asad remained rooted to his spot, a small, stubborn protest in his posture, as if staying still could physically prevent his father from claiming him again.