Chapter 70. The Family Reunion

Katsina State, Nigeria.

It was a lovely Saturday Afternoon; the air was filled with jubilant chatter and mirth. Everyone was having a great time by the looks of it. Some chatted over business while some over family — another corner was another set of people talking about how much they haven’t seen each other and talk about the wholesome childhood days they shared together.

Bushra was with few of Mahir’s female cousins she had just gotten to know. They were lively and fun to be around — it calmed her. Every few minutes, her eyes wander around the open space, searching for Mahir. He was with his uncles and cousins, talking business and politics — as usual.

They haven’t spoken in nearly an hour since the family event started. Despite sharing looks and smiles from a distant, she wanted to talk to him. Or moreover, she just wanted to be wrapped around his arms — feeling his heart beat and how she felt safe in his arms.

“Food is ready,” a woman in her mid-40s annou