*The Twins*
*Chapter 1*
As Mubarak Umar emerged from the PhD lectures hall, he was met with an unsettling conversation. A group of guys were discussing a girl in lewd terms, and Mubarak's heart sank as he realized they were talking about Zainab, his cousin sister. He felt a surge of protectiveness and anger, his eyes narrowing as he listened to their inappropriate comments.
Mubarak, a 30-year-old eligible bachelor renowned for his handsome looks, wealth, and intelligence, the CEO of zeal project company along side his family friend Lukman Ibrahim, Mubarak chose not to confront the group. Instead, he walked away, his mind racing with concern. How could Zainab be so reckless, surrounded by multiple men? If she were his sister, he would have ensured she was married and protected by now.
As he turned a corner, Mubarak spotted Zainab, radiant in a blue lace gown, her scarf perfectly tied, and her gele elegantly wrapped around one shoulder. Her striking features – big cat eyes, full brow, and luminous skin – made her the most beautiful girl in the Federal University of Excellence, Abuja. But Mubarak's admiration was overshadowed by frustration. Why was she laughing and chatting with these men, oblivious to the danger?
His fury intensified as he watched Zainab effortlessly charm the group. He couldn't bear the thought of her being taken advantage of.
Mubarak swiftly walked to his sleek black SUV, still fuming from the scene he witnessed at the university. He couldn't shake off the image of Zainab, laughing and chatting with those men, her stunning features and captivating smile now tainted by concern. With a deep breath, he started the engine and headed to Yusuf's house, determined to address the situation. The 20-minute drive passed quickly, Mubarak's mind racing with thoughts of Zainab's recklessness and the potential consequences. As he arrived at Yusuf's beautiful mansion, he steeled himself for the conversation ahead, knowing he had to ensure Zainab's safety and protect their family's honor.
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As Zara navigated the bustling school corridors, her worried eyes scanned the sea of faces, desperately searching for her twin sister, Zainab.
They had parted ways just minutes ago, exiting the exam hall, but now Zainab was nowhere to be found. Zara's anxiety grew with each passing second, her chest tightening with fear.
Her own beauty, renowned as the second most stunning in school, was eclipsed by concern for her sibling.
Sharing similar features with Zainab, yet distinct in their own ways, Zara's thoughts were consumed by her sister's safety. Clad in the same blue attire as Zainab, but with a larger gele modestly draped around her curvy figure, she is regarded as more thicker and curvaceous than zainab, while zainab face looks better than has, Zara quickened her pace.
Just as she reached for her phone to call Zainab, a sudden swipe of theft left her grasping air.
"Thief! Thief! Thief!" Zara's panicked voice echoed through the hallway, her heart racing as she chased after the fleeing culprit, her long gele fluttering wildly behind her. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, her breath catching in her throat.
Just as despair began to set in, a heroic figure emerged from the crowd, tackling the thief with swift precision. The stranger's firm fist connected with the culprit's jaw, and Zara's phone flew out of his grasp. The rescuer swiftly retrieved it, his eyes locking onto Zara's.
Relief washed over her as he approached, phone in hand. "Thank you," Zara exclaimed, her voice trembling with gratitude.
Zara's gaze lingered on the stranger's chiseled features, mesmerized by his handsome face, piercing eyes and strong jawline. His towering height and broad shoulders made her feel petite and protected.
"I am Lukman Ibrahim," he introduced himself, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine.
Zara's cheeks flushed scarlet as she hastily looked away, mortified by her own reaction. "Astagafullah," she silently prayed, seeking forgiveness for her unguarded thoughts. Never had she been so drawn to a man.
Lukman's warm smile and gentle demeanor only intensified her embarrassment. Zara's heart raced as she struggled to compose herself, her mind whirling with conflicting emotions.
Zara's eyes locked onto Lukman's, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm Zara Sulaiman." Her thoughts, however, were consumed by the nagging worry about her missing sister, Zainab.
"I have to go," Zara said abruptly, turning to leave. The concern for Zainab gnawed at her heart.
Lukman's face fell, but he swiftly regained his composure. "Please, can I get your number?" he asked, his voice infused with longing.
Zara's instincts screamed to flee, but Lukman's piercing gaze held her captive. "No, please. I'm in a hurry," she insisted, her tone firm but her eyes betraying her turmoil.
Lukman's expression turned pleading, his eyes melting her resolve. "Please, Zara," he begged, his voice cracking with emotion.
Zara's defenses crumbled. "070.....5," she relented, her voice barely audible.
As she turned to leave again, "Please, can I come to your house to greet your parents?"Lukman asked, his eyes burning with sincerity.
Zara's heart skipped a beat. No one had ever shown such interest in meeting her family. Her thoughts swirled, torn between caution and curiosity. "Hmm," she murmured, her voice lost in thought.
Lukman's face lit up with hope, his smile warming her soul. Zara's emotions teetered on the edge, unsure if she should trust this stranger who had awakened feelings she couldn't ignore.
"Thank you so much," Zara said, her voice barely above a whisper, as Lukman waved goodbye. She stood frozen, her mind reeling from their encounter.
Just as she began to process her feelings, a gentle touch on her back broke the spell. "Zara?"
She turned to find Zainab standing before her, a sheepish grin spreading across her face.
"Zainab! Where have you been?" Zara's concern poured out in a rush, her eyes scanning her sister's face for any sign of distress.
Zainab shrugged nonchalantly. "Nothing, just met a new friend."
Zara's worry transformed into frustration. "You should have told me! I've been searching for you everywhere. I was so scared."
Zainab's expression softened, her eyes filling with remorse. "I'm sorry, dear Zara. I didn't mean to worry you."
Zara's anger melted away, replaced by relief and love for her twin. "Just don't do it again, okay?"
Zainab nodded vigorously, her smile radiant. "I promise. Thank you for understanding, sis."
As they hugged, Zara felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. She was thankful for Zainab's safety, for their unbreakable bond.
"What now?" Zainab asked, pulling back.
Zara smiled. "We're going home. The driver's waiting."
As they walked towards the car, Zara's thoughts drifted back to Lukman. His kindness She couldn't shake off the feeling that their encounter was only the beginning.
Lukman watched from the shadows as Zara walked away with her twin, Zainab. A knowing smile spread across his face. He knew Zara's roots better than she knew herself. They shared a family bond, one that went beyond mere acquaintances. Lukman was her cousin brother, connected through her mother's side.
Memories flooded his mind. Zara's mother had passed away during childbirth, leaving the twins father to care for them alone. Tragedy struck again when the twins' father and Lukman's parents and thier Mubarak's parents perished in a house fire during a family gathering. Lukman was only 18 then. The pain had lingered, but time had healed the wounds.
"Lukman, sir," a voice interrupted his reverie.
He turned to face Khalid, the young man he had hired to steal Zara's phone. Lukman handed him a wad of cash. "Take it."
Khalid's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, sir."
Lukman's expression turned serious. "Remember, stay away from me from now on."
Khalid nodded hastily. "Yes, sir."
As Khalid turned to leave, curiosity got the better of him. "Sir, why didn't you just ask Zara for her number? Why this charade?"
Lukman's eyes narrowed. "I've been observing her. She's wary of men. I needed to create a situation where she'd trust me."
"But sir, you know you are not like any..." Khalid's voice trailed off, his eyes locked on Lukman's intense gaze.
Lukman's expression darkened, his jaw clenched. "Enough, Khalid. Your job is done. Leave."
Khalid's eyes widened, and he beat a hasty retreat. "Sorry, sir."
Lukman watched him disappear into the crowd, his thoughts refocusing on Zara. The game had begun.
Lukman's eyes blazed with anger as he stalked away from the school. Zara's innocent smile still lingered in his mind, but his thoughts were consumed by vengeance.
"Zara would pay for Alamin's crimes," he muttered to himself, his voice low and menacing.
The memory of Afra, his younger sister.
"Now, it's Zara's turn," he vowed, his jaw clenched.
Lukman's plan was set in motion. He would manipulate Zara, using her trust against her. The thought sent a pang of guilt through him, but he silenced it.
"Justice demands sacrifice," he justified.
As he disappeared into the crowd, Lukman's resolve hardened. Alamin would soon learn the true meaning of pain.
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