Episode 1 & 2

Introduction

• NAMEER HABIB
  A young man of about thirty-four years old. He is handsome, wealthy, and carries himself with immense class. An architect by profession and a business tycoon, he owns an independent construction firm: C.E.O. of PIXEL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY. He is about to face a massive storm in his marital and personal life.
• NADIYA BELAL
  A young woman of about twenty-nine years old. If you look at her, you would easily doubt her age because she looks remarkably petite and youthful. She possesses a beautiful, rich melanin complexion that proudly showcases her African roots. She enjoys a life of comfort and premium care. She is a professional model and the Founder of AFRICAN QUEEN(S) MODELING ROOM, an agency that scouts and manages professional models.
• ABDALLAH HAFIZ
  Known to many by his nickname, Young Sheikh. He is a highly talented, intelligent young Islamic scholar. Everyone is amazed by his vast knowledge and standing as a cleric at just twenty-six years of age. His success and diligence are due first to his Creator, and then to his loving mother (Mami) and father (Papa) who stood firmly by him. Abdallah is the talk of the town and a true source of admiration. He runs a major foundation that supports orphans and the less privileged, and he is also actively involved in successful business ventures.
• JAMAIMAH RAIS
  A young woman of about twenty-six years old. She is originally from Cameroon and is the only daughter of King Rais. Consequently, her father showered her with all the love in the world. She is the epitome of a pampered, spoiled princess who believes there is absolutely nothing she can ask for that she cannot get. A stubborn princess of the Dilah Kingdom, she looks down on ordinary citizens. People often say her middle name is "Arrogance," yet she has fallen into a deep, agonizing love that is beginning to take a heavy toll on her.
• EVAN HANS
  A thirty-four-year-old young man of mixed heritage—half-Ghanaian and half-Nigerian. His father is from Ghana, while his mother is an Igbo woman originally from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. He is a Christian, a professional model, and a talented actor. He has found himself firmly caught in the tight grip of what his family deems a "forbidden love."
• HAFSAT BALARABE
  A nineteen-year-old student at the College of Science and Technology in Jibia, Katsina State, where she is studying Computer Science. Her parents are originally from Katsina. She is an orphan currently living under the care of a harsh stepmother. She has no one to lean on except Allah, especially since her father has become completely subservient and paralyzed by his wife's whims. She has faced immense hardships in life, yet her father managed to secure her higher education despite his wife's fierce opposition, ultimately requiring the local village head to intervene so she could gain admission into the college.
• FAWZAN IMAM PAKI / FAWHA IMAM PAKI / FAWZA IMAM PAKI
  A set of triplets, twenty-three years old. They are currently first-year students at New York City (NYC) University in the United States of America.

• ANEESAH LUKMAN UBA
  ?? Who exactly is Aneesah Lukman Uba?

  Adamawa, Lugard Crescent, Nigeria

  They were all seated in a massive, breathtaking living room that practically screamed wealth. An heavy, tense silence hung over the room as everyone sat in deep, somber thought. In a corner sat a young woman; her eyes were bloodshot and swollen from intense weeping, and she tightly held a newborn infant who could not have been more than a month old.
  Seated across from her was an elegant older woman whose face clearly registered deep anger and frustration. Despite her age, her striking beauty remained undeniable to any observer. She possessed a slender frame, making it hard to believe she had given birth to the six children currently gathered in the room. This was Doctor Umaimah Bulama Imam, a prominent medical doctor and daughter of a wealthy tycoon. She owned and managed five hospitals alongside her husband, Doctor Imam Mukhtar Paki.
  Staring intensely at the weeping young woman, Doctor Umaimah spoke again. "What did you say your name was again, young lady?"
  Through heavy, broken sobs, the girl replied, "Aneesah Lukman Uba. I am originally from Kano State. I used to live peacefully with my father and mother, but following what transpired between me and NAMEER, they disowned me and kicked me out of the house. By Allah, Hajiya, just as I told you, he violated me, and this baby is the proof. Allah decreed that a child would come from that encounter, which became the sole reason all my privileges and shelter were destroyed. I have accepted my destiny, Hajiya. But from everything I have heard about you being a just woman, I know you will fight for this innocent child's rights. I don't want anything else from him except to accept his son and give him his name, so the boy doesn't grow up carrying a shameful stigma."
  Nadiya, Nameer's immediate younger sister, burst into a sharp, sarcastic laugh. "Mami, I seriously hope you aren't actually buying this fairy tale! Because I can swear on anything that this girl is flat-out lying. I mean, absolutely everyone knows Hamma Nameer’s character. The absolute last thing I would ever believe him capable of is sexual assault. Come on, this doesn't even sound remotely plausible! Abdallah, please say something."
  Abdallah, who sat next to her, took a deep breath. "Mami, what Addy is saying is the truth. I don't believe this girl either."
  Fawzan, who was visibly bursting with anger, tried to speak up, but their mother instantly cut him off. "Are you all quite finished defending your elder brother?"
  "Is there anyone else who wants to add something?"
  "Fawzan, Fauza, Fawha—the microphone is turned over to you three now. What do you have to add to what your elder siblings just said?"
  "According to you all, your brother is a saint who is being falsely accused, the baby isn't his, and Aneesah just cooked up a wild, fabricated story to frame your brother? Is that it?"
  "All of you need to cut the bullshit."
  She turned her gaze back onto Nameer, who had done nothing but stare silently at Aneesah. "I know you're completely out of words, Nameer. So this is the real reason you constantly avoid me whenever I bring up the topic of marriage? You knew exactly what vile things you were doing behind the scenes! Is this how you choose to repay me?"
  "You want the entire world to mock and insult me?" Wiping a stray tear that threatened to fall from her eye, she looked at Fawha. "You, go show her to the guest room so she can settle in before we decide on the next course of action. Because trust me, I will get her the justice she deserves. You will have to marry this girl, Nameer. There is absolutely no way you are escaping your mistake and your responsibilities."
  Holding his face in deep distress, Nameer cried out, "Mami, by Allah, just as I told you, I do not know this girl! In fact, I have never laid eyes on her in my entire life. The exact same way you all saw her for the first time today is the exact same way I am seeing her. I am not a loose man, so how on earth could I assault a woman while in my right state of mind?"
  "Mami, please believe me! Are you really going to believe a complete stranger over your own son?"
  "You gave birth to me and you know exactly what I am capable of and what I would never do. Assault is absolutely not in my nature! By Allah, she is malicious; she is setting me up, and only Allah knows what she stands to gain from this!"
  The moment Nameer finished speaking, Aneesah burst into louder tears. "By Allah, Hajiya, I am not lying against him! Nameer, please don't do this to me, for Allah's sake! I don't want anything from you—just accept your child and I swear I will walk away."
  Enraged, Nameer stood up and advanced toward her. "Look, I have heard enough of your utter nonsense! Are you going to leave this place right now or do I have to throw you out myself?"
  Seeing him charging toward her, Abdallah quickly jumped up and restrained him.
  Their mother spoke from where she sat, her voice cold and commanding. "Lay a single finger on her, Nameer, and see what I will do to you. If this girl were lying, she wouldn't have spent a whole week persistently tracking me down just to see me. Something is highly fishy here, so don't try to play out an angry display to cover up your shame. If you dare push this, I will deal with you severely beyond your wildest imagination."
  Nameer turned to look at his mother. "I just hope Papa returns today, because I know he is the only one who will actually believe me."
  He stormed out of the living room, even as his mother’s voice followed him out: "Oh, your father is definitely returning today. And you should know that if you are guilty, you will have to man up and take full responsibility for your actions."
  Nadiya looked at her mother in disbelief. "Seriously, Mami?"
  Without saying another word, Doctor Umaimah stood up and left the living room, her heart heavy with an intense anger, wishing she could just beat a confession out of Aneesah.
  Following her mother's instructions, Fawha led Aneesah to the guest room. She didn't wait to hear a single word from Aneesah's mouth; she turned around and walked out, completely disgusted by her presence.
  With everyone gone, only Mami and Abdallah remained. Abdallah watched his mother closely.
  She looked back at him and said, "What? Are you going to analyze and lecture me too with the way you're staring? Since none of you can ever do any wrong... since you're all saints from a family of saints!"
  He didn't argue with her. He simply stood up and said, "I am heading over to Grandpa Bulama's house. He is waiting for me so we can attend a meeting at four o'clock. But when I return, I'll stop by Ummu's house to spend a couple of days. I haven't had the chance to visit her since I returned to Nigeria."
  She turned her face away. "May Allah protect you."
  Beyond that, she said nothing, but anyone could tell she was in a state of profound distress that words could not describe. Abdallah then headed toward Fawzan’s room to tell him to get ready so they could leave together.
  After entering the guest room, Aneesah laid her baby gently on the bed and walked into the large walk-in closet. A smug smile spread across her face as she began organizing her clothes inside.
  "Soon to be Mrs. Nameer Habib," she whispered to herself. "Young, handsome, and filthy rich."
  After unpacking, she walked back to the bed, stared at her baby, and gently stroked his face. "In a way, I almost regret having you because of the sheer stress of looking after you. But on the other hand, I am incredibly thrilled because through you, I will completely shatter every single person in this elite AHALIN family. Because of you, I will plant a poison in the hearts of everyone in this house that will never be erased."
  Wiping a tear that threatened to fall, she steeled herself. "This is no time for crying, Aneey baby. This is the time to play the game, and victory must be yours because you have never set your mind on a target and failed."
  Her phone began to ring. She picked it up and held it to her ear. "Hello, boss... I hope you have everything fully prepared exactly as we planned, because I don't want any fuck-ups."
  She smiled as she listened to the voice on the other end before replying, "You are truly ruthless, boss, and that is exactly what I admire most about you. I am always loyal to you. Talk to you soon."
  She hung up the phone. "Now, the real game begins." Hearing her baby begin to cry, she picked him up and began to breastfeed him, gently rubbing his head while already tasting the sweet scent of her upcoming victory.
  Upstairs, Nadiya lay on her bed, restlessly turning over the dramatic events that had just unfolded downstairs.
  Suddenly, her phone buzzed with an incoming text message. She pulled the phone closer and saw it was from the unknown number that had been constantly bombarding her with romantic messages. For a whole year, this specific number had been sending her various love notes. Initially, she had ignored them, but over time, they had actually begun to amuse and entertain her. She had tried calling the line multiple times, but it never connected.
  A smile crossed her lips as she read the new text:

  "I'm in Nigeria right now, hope I will get to see you. I will give you a call later in the night!! xx EH ❤️"

  A wave of excitement washed over her, eager to finally find out the identity of this mysterious admirer who had spent a year showing her consistent affection.
  Then, thoughts of Nameer's predicament rushed back into her mind. Driven by an internal urge, she stood up and marched straight toward the guest room where Aneesah was staying. Without bothering to knock, she burst through the door.
  She found Aneesah sitting calmly, breastfeeding her baby.
  Nadiya walked over and sat near her, staring at the infant before speaking coldly. "Look at you—a fully capable, attractive woman who could easily walk outside right now and secure a high-quality husband of her choice. Yet you choose to come here and cast a vile slander on my brother."
  Shifting her posture, Nadiya pressed on, "State your price. Name any amount and I will pay it, because I know you're only doing this for money. Name your figures, I will give you an open check. In return, take your bastard son and get the hell out of this house."
  Aneesah let out a loud, mocking laugh. Then, shifting instantly like someone possessed, she burst into theatrical tears and grabbed Nadiya’s hand. Nadiya was startled by her sudden reaction.
  "Sister, it brings me both amusement and deep sorrow to look at you," Aneesah sobbed. "A woman trying to humiliate and expose her fellow woman just to protect her brother! But mark my words: I am not lying. This child belongs to Nameer, even if the heavens and the earth collide. And as for you, you stand as his mother too, since you are his aunt."
  Nadiya snapped her hand away and stood up furiously. "Go look for his aunt and his father somewhere else, but definitely not in this house! And since you think you're too proud to accept money and disappear quietly, let's see if you maintain that stance when you face the harsh reality of what's coming to you."
  Nadiya stormed out of the room, feeling an intense urge to choke the girl.
  Aneesah burst into a wicked chuckle. "Go ahead and do your worst, because what I have planned in my heart is far more powerful than any wealth or status you think you possess in this world."

  To my beloved readers, I hope you are all doing well. How are you enjoying the journey of my new novel AHALINA so far? I look forward to your wonderful comments and reactions! Yours always, CHUCHUJAY ✍🏽

  Episode 3 & 4

  "Hafsat! Hafsat! Where on earth do you think you are going?"
  "I swear, it seems your late mother, Laraba, is about to rise from her grave today based on your behavior! Because no daughter born in this house is stepping out today without taking my leftover fura to the market to sell first!"
  Hafsat stopped in her tracks, looking at her stepmother helplessly. "Mama Laure, for Allah's sake, please have patience with me just for today. By Allah, the lecturer taking us today is extremely strict. If I miss his attendance, it will ruin my grades."
  "Why don't we let Hasiya go in my place? The moment I return from classes, I will take over from her."
  "The only way Hasiya is going anywhere is if her mother, Laure, goes to sell fura for you instead!" Hasiya, Laure's biological daughter, sneered as she walked out of the room.
  "Hafsat, ignore them and go on to your school right now so you don't end up late," her father spoke up from where he sat, forcing a firm tone.
  "Alright, Baba."
  Hafsat quickly hurried out of the house, still hearing Mama Laure's loud grumbling behind her until she cleared the gates.
  By the time she arrived at the college, her close friend Hauwa had already saved a seat for her. Hafsat sat down, and after exchanging warm greetings, she smiled. "So, Lecturer Kabiru hasn't arrived yet?"
  Hauwa, whose eyes were completely glued to her phone screen, replied, "No, he hasn't arrived yet. Come and look at this—I'm watching a new video of Abdallah Hafiz! My friend, I swear this guy completely drives me crazy. I strongly feel in my heart that he is destined to be my husband, so all of you should just take your eyes off him!"
  Hafsat smiled softly, but a strange, unexplainable feeling stirred deep within her heart at Hauwa's words.
  In reality, Hafsat had never allowed herself to actively harbor romantic dreams about him. It was a natural human crush, but in her thoughts, she had never dared believe he could ever be hers. Where did she stand compared to him? She was merely the daughter of a poor man, struggling daily just to survive, whereas he, besides his own massive fame, came from an immensely prominent, highly celebrated family. His grandfather was a world-renowned figure.
  She felt that she might live her entire life without ever stepping into the social circles he walked in, let alone meeting him face-to-face. She simply admired him immensely. Whenever she listened to his Islamic lectures, a profound sense of peace and tranquility would wash over her.
  As she remained buried in her thoughts, their lecturer walked into the classroom to begin the lesson.
  The following day, Nameer's father (Papa) returned home and was completely shaken by the allegations brought forward by Aneesah. However, he refrained from making a hasty judgment because he deeply trusted Nameer. Furthermore, he could always sense the ring of truth in Nameer’s voice, which contrasted sharply with what his wife had told him regarding Aneesah.
  His instincts kept screaming that there was a hidden agenda behind Aneesah, even though they hadn't spoken face-to-face yet.
  As was their usual family custom whenever everyone was home, the entire family gathered at the dining table for breakfast—except for Nameer.
  Papa looked at Abdallah, who was about to take his seat. "Abdallah, go check on your elder brother and find out what is keeping him. Skipping breakfast early in the morning is highly detrimental to one's health."
  Just as Abdallah turned to leave, Nameer’s voice echoed through the space as he walked in. "Good morning, family."
  Looking at his father, a warm smile returned to his face. "Papa, thank God you are back."
  He sat down, greeted everyone respectfully, and added, "Papa, I missed you, by Allah."
  Papa smiled warmly. "As if! That's probably why I saw everyone else yesterday except you." Nameer quickly began defending himself, though he knew his father understood the real underlying reason for his absence.
  After breakfast concluded, Mami looked at Nadiya. "Nadiya, take some breakfast over to Aneesah in the guest room."
  Nadiya looked at her mother, her face contorting as if she were about to burst into tears. Seeing this, Papa intervened. "My queen, Fawha and Fauza are right there. Why don't one of them take it to her instead of Nadiya?"
  Nadiya pouted. "Thank you, Papa! At least you understand. Mami, ever since that girl stepped into this house, she has been looking for trouble with everyone. Mark my words, that girl is a snake. Whatever her mission is in this house, it is definitely not good—it's pure malice."
  Fawha, who was sitting next to Abdallah, chimed in, "Papa, let Fauza go instead, please! I was the one who showed her to the room yesterday, and I absolutely hate her guts."
  Mami stood up. "Fine, I will take it to her myself since none of you can extend a simple courtesy."
  Fauza quickly jumped up and hurried into the kitchen. "Don't worry, Mami, let me take it to her. May Allah bring a swift resolution now that Papa is back so we can get rid of her permanently."
  Before Papa could add anything, Mami spoke firmly. "Whatever the case may be, your elder brother is the one who brought this mess upon us. If he created a mess, your father isn't the one who should go around cleaning up after him; the person who made the mess must clean it up."
  Papa gently took her hand. "My queen, that is enough. Please, sit back down and don't stress yourself over this." She sat back down, a small smile returning to her lips.
  Papa cleared his throat and looked toward Nameer. "Look here, Nameer. Everyone makes mistakes in life, especially when it comes to relationships and social life. I myself have made numerous mistakes in the past. But your mother has always stayed by my side, helping me correct them. So, my son, talk to me. Whatever mistake you might have made in your life, we are standing firmly with you and we will fix it together, because no human being is above errors."
  Nameer felt a deep wave of gratitude toward his father. Even though this man was not his biological father, he had never shown an ounce of discrimination between him and the triplets (Fawha, Fauza, and Fawzan). Nameer knew that the depth of understanding Papa showed him was something his own biological father could never offer. Nameer still occasionally saw his biological father, but at this point, he couldn't even remember the last time they met. He harbored deep resentment toward his biological father, especially when he recalled the pain the man had inflicted on his mother during his childhood, which had planted a deep-seated bitterness in his heart. To avoid showing open hostility, Nameer had purposely limited his visits to him.
  Nameer looked at Papa with tired, strained eyes. "Papa, by Allah, I have been telling Mami since yesterday that I do not know this girl and I have never seen her before. I admit I have made several mistakes in my past, both consciously and unconsciously. But I give you my word: assault is absolutely not one of them. By Allah, I do not know her, and I have never violated any woman in my life, whether consciously or otherwise. Only Allah knows what her true motives are."
  Papa remained silent for a long moment before speaking. "Well, the issue can easily be resolved now because we have modern technology. In the old days, a mother was the sole authority on who fathered her child, but not anymore. Therefore, let her get ready; later today, we are all going to the hospital to conduct a comprehensive DNA test."
  Nadiya clapped her hands in sheer delight. "Papa, you are always the absolute best! None of us—not even Doctor Mami—thought about a DNA test!"
  Everyone burst into laughter except for Mami. A strange, foreboding feeling settled deep in her gut; she had a nagging intuition that even if the DNA test were conducted, the results would somehow prove the child belonged to Nameer.
  Following their final decision, after breakfast concluded, Aneesah, Mami, Papa, and Nameer all drove to the hospital to have the infant's blood sample drawn for the test.
  After they left, Nadiya went back upstairs to her bedroom. Her mysterious admirer had promised to finally reveal his identity to her today, and her heart was racing with anticipation. She prayed fervently that he would turn out to be her ideal dream man, because despite her long list of suitors, none had ever truly captured her heart.
  She retouched her makeup and dressed elegantly in a pair of high-waisted maroon silk trousers paired with an off-white long-sleeved shirt. She draped a cotton maroon veil over her head and layered a chic kimono over her outfit. Slipping into a pair of beautiful flat white Dolce shoes, she grabbed her small purse and car keys. She walked out of her room feeling incredibly happy because two major things were happening today: first, she was finally going to meet EH, and second, the DNA test would finally kick Aneesah and her baby out of their lives forever.
  As she reached the stairs to head out, she heard Abdallah’s voice call out to her, "Addy, are you seriously going out dressed like that?"
  She paused and looked down at her outfit for a moment. "What exactly is wrong with my outfit? Fauza, check me out."
  Fauza, who was sitting in the lounge, gestured playfully with her hands. "My favorite supermodel! You look absolutely stunning, you've completely slain this look. By Allah, you are incredibly beautiful. You look so gorgeous it's dangerous!"
  Abdallah playfully threw a small cushion at Fauza, making her bolt out of the room laughing.
  Nadiya walked over and sat down near him. "My dear Malam Abdallah, I have told you time and time again that my intentions are pure and clean. From the very beginning, you have opposed my modeling career, but trust me, I am not doing anything that goes against my religion. I give you my word on that. Besides, true modesty is carried in the heart."
  She stood up and looked at her reflection once more. "Look at me—I am not indecently exposed. My trousers are very baggy, I am wearing a full kimono, and I have my veil on."