The Untainted
– Shadows of the Past
Morning sunlight spilled gently across the university courtyard.
Students moved through the walkways with their usual chatter and laughter, unaware that the lives of a few among them were slowly shifting in ways none of them yet understood.
Rihannat walked beside Rayyan and folakemi quietly.
Rayyan was unusually silent today.
Finally, she sighed.
"I still don't like that Segun is involved in any of this."
Rihannat adjusted her hijab slightly.
"Neither do I."
"But you're acting calm again," Rayyan said. "Too calm."
Rihannat gave a small smile.
"If I start worrying about everything people might do, I'll never have peace."
Rayyan shook her head while folakemi had a neutral expression on her face.
"You and your patience."
But even Rihannat knew something had changed.
Folakemi looked at Rihannat, she wanted to say something but later stopped.
Rihannat saw her and smiled, she knows what they are thinking.
The night at Qazeem's house had opened a door.
And she didn't know what would walk through it next. The issue of bola is still at hand and now.... segun has joined without a doubt.
Elsewhere – Qazeem's Family Home
Qazeem sat across from his father in the study.
The older man leaned back in his chair, his fingers folded thoughtfully.
"The dinner was meant to welcome her and also allow the families to observe," he said calmly.
Qazeem nodded.
"I know."
"But after what happened, the situation is no longer simple."
Qazeem remained quiet.
His father studied him carefully.
"You still intend to move forward?"
Qazeem did not hesitate.
"Yes."
His father raised an eyebrow.
"Even after last night's complications?"
"Yes."
There was firmness in his voice now.
"Because the complications revealed something important."
"What is that?"
"That there are people watching her," Qazeem said.
"And that means I must protect her even more carefully."
His father remained silent for a long moment.
Then finally nodded.
"Then perhaps it is time for something more formal."
University – Afternoon
Basit arrived on campus unexpectedly.
Ridwan followed behind him.
"You're really going to talk to her here?" Ridwan asked quietly as he looked around the library building. They were standing outside.
Basit scanned the area until he saw Rihannat and her friends in the garden at the right side of the library. There was a shade, a tree sheltering them from the sun. An artificial fountain close by where the students take pictures.
"I just need clarity."
Ridwan sighed.
"You're walking into emotional danger, my friend."
Basit didn't respond.
Because at that moment—
He saw her standing up.
Rihannat stood up, looking at him. They were all sitting beneath the tree speaking Rayyan and their new friend, folakemi were surprised when they saw her suddenly standing up during studying. Balkis went home for something.
The sunlight caught the soft green of her hijab.
For a moment, Basit simply watched.
Ridwan noticed immediately.
"Still love her, huh?"
Basit exhaled slowly.
"More than its wise."
Near the Fountain
Rihannat noticed Basit approaching before anyone did.
Her heart skipped.
Rayyan and folakemi followed her gaze.
"Oh."
Rayyan immediately stepped back, pulling folakemi along.
"I'll… go get something from the café."
And just like that, Rihannat and Basit stood alone. They both walk back to the garden. They sit under the tree leaving some space in between them.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Basit said quietly,
"I didn't plan to come here today."
Rihannat gave a small nod.
"Yet you did."
"Yes."
Silence stretched.
Finally he asked,
"Are you alright?"
She considered the question carefully.
"I will be."
Basit's eyes softened.
"I'm sorry about the chaos that night."
"It wasn't your fault."
"I still feel responsible because I know she likes me." I might be one of the reason she did this but I don't like her in the least. I can give her what she wants." He said as a matter of fact.
Rihannat was shocked, he knew but always act as if he didn't. They all thought he did not know.
Rihannat studied him quietly.
Then said softly,
"You carry responsibility for things that aren't yours."
Basit gave a faint smile.
"Maybe."
Another pause followed.
Then Basit spoke again.
"Is Qazeem going to propose?"
The question hung heavily between them.
Rihannat lowered her gaze slightly.
"I don't know. It's a family dinner."
Basit nodded slowly. Who will believe that? Even she feels unsure.
His chest felt tight again.
But he forced calm into his voice.
"Whatever happens… I pray it brings you peace and what you truly want."
Her heart ached hearing that.
Because she could hear the sincerity in his words.
Across the school garden
Someone watched them.
Segun leaned casually against one of the pillars of the school building, his sunglasses hiding his expression.
Bayo stood beside him.
"Well," Bayo murmured.
"That looks like a complicated conversation."
Segun's lips curved slightly.
"Yes."
Bayo glanced sideways.
"So which one interests you more? The girl… or the drama around her?"
Segun watched Rihannat thoughtfully.
"Sometimes," he said quietly, "they're the same thing."
Later That Evening
At Rihannat's house, her parents sat together in the living room.
Her father looked thoughtful.
"We may receive a formal visit soon."
Her mother nodded slowly.
"You mean from Qazeem's family?"
"Yes."
Her mother glanced toward the hallway where Rihannat's room was.
"She is not aware yet."
Her father sighed gently.
"Then we must let her know. Her decision is final, I won't push her to what she doesnt want."
But neither of them noticed the small photograph sitting quietly on the shelf nearby.
An old photo.
Taken many years ago.
A baby wrapped in soft cloth.
And a man standing beside the woman holding the child.
A man who was not Rihannat's father.
A truth long buried.
A secret tied to the elegance and beauty everyone admired in her.
A secret about her unknown bloodline.
One that, if revealed…
could change everything.
@OlukoyaZainab