Two Brothers, One Heart (Rewriting)

Chapter fifteen 15

The Rager

"Crazy tings are happening, crazy tings are happening!" The song "Crazy Tings" playing near their house added to the surreal atmosphere of the evening. As they drove home in the Hilux, dropping their bags, Islam felt a sense of renewal. The house sparkled, as if the servants had taken extra care to fix everything. The familiar smell of home filled her nose, making her eager to step inside. Following a tired Firdausi, Islam entered her unchanged room. The bed was perfectly made, but the overpowering scent of orange and tangerine air freshener was a bit toxic. Unwrapping her belongings, Islam eventually grew tired and dozed off on the bed.

*
The next morning was frigid, with an unusual cold that sent shivers down Islam's spine. She instinctively reached for her soft cashmere sweater, wrapping herself in its warmth as she went about her daily activities at home. The contrast between the chilly weather and the cozy comfort of her sweater created a sense of serenity in her surroundings.

As the day unfolded, they gathered around the table for an unconventional breakfast of crabs and pasta. Despite it being a Saturday, they felt compelled to work, driven by their relentless pursuit of success. Oblivious to the fact that money can never buy love, they left their children behind, hoping that material possessions would fill the void.

In the midst of their busy schedules, Mubarak paid them a surprise visit, bringing with him delectable shawarma from his mother's fast-food restaurant. They savored the flavors together, creating a moment of joy amidst the chaos of their lives. With their bellies full, they retreated to the comfort of their mom's parlour, embarking on a binge-watching session that allowed them to escape into the world of television.

Meanwhile, Islam gathered all her writing materials, both for her academic pursuits and her novel. Donning her glasses, she immersed herself in the world of scripts and books, seeking inspiration for her own work. The weight of her aspirations and the power of her imagination were evident as she delved into the depths of her creativity.

The recent visit to Los Angeles had stirred up a whirlwind of memories within Islam, prompting her to make a serious decision about her love life. The vibrant city had left an indelible mark on her heart, igniting a newfound clarity and determination to pursue what truly mattered to her.

                    **

Amidst the backdrop of these personal revelations, Zaynab arrived home with surprising news. She had impulsively booked a flight to Abuja, driven by an unexplainable desire to explore new horizons. Meanwhile, Khalid embarked on a journey to Kebbi to investigate the sabotage of his products, his determination unwavering despite the challenges he faced.

Before Zaynab left, she imparted a few words of caution to Islam, reminding her to tread carefully and avoid unnecessary trouble. Islam listened attentively, taking her mother's advice to heart, ensuring that her decisions were grounded in wisdom and discernment.

In the midst of her creative journey, Islam took a break to conduct thorough research. Inspired by her findings, she embarked on a mission to revamp her wardrobe, meticulously.

After that, she made brownies for them because the recipe was easy, then they had it in the kitchen.

Firdausi felt lonely because there was no one to talk to. She wanted to visit Afra, but Islam disagreed. So she laid on the couch and started binge-watching a TV series, which she found boring.

Just then, Islam descended the stairs in a sleek and floral gown she bought in California during their thrift shopping trip. She were also wearing a scarf and stilettos. Islam loved wearing stilettos because she was somewhat short, but not too short.