Approximately, it was a six hours drive, from Bauchi to Katsina by road. They set out by 7am and were already at Katsina when the clock showed 1:34pm. All through the long journey, Aisha hadn't uttered a word, and it troubled Nasir. He felt as if there was something that was eating her up. And there really was, Abba. She shuddered at the conversation they had just before she walked out of the kitchen after they had their early morning breakfast.

She was about to walk out of the kitchen when he entered, hushing an almost inaudible “Good morning,” she tried walking out of the kitchen when he called her name.

“Aisha, right?” And she turned to his sleepy face, nodding her head while fidgeting with her fingers.

“Do you know what? I don't like you a bit.” She shoot her head up and their eyes met, and there stood a face full of disgust.

If it was the old Aisha, she would've said, “And I'm not waiting for your likeness to live. For you to like me or not, that's on you. But for me to like myself and live the way I want, it's on me. Because this conversation here is all about me.” But she had learnt her lesson from Jaafar, especially after she found out Abba was a lecturer too. She knew she was never going to Taraba state for study, but still. She didn't want to feel the pain she felt before. Not long ago.

“I'm sorry if I did something wrong, I'll take my leave now.” And she was out of the kitchen before he could even utter a word, and Abba bit his lower lip. He didn't know what made him said those words to her, but surely he didn't like her. Not because she did something wrong or she had a fault in her, no, the problem is him. Himself, his heart, and his lustful desires.

She was brought out of her reverie by a tap on her shoulders, she turned and smiled fleetingly at Mama. “Have we arrived already, Mama?” She asked. And that was when her attention got back to the car, it was parked in front of a house and Firdausi; whom Nasir fondly called Nana had already walked out to welcome them.

“Mama!” Firdausi squealed and hugged Mama tightly before she broke their hug and side hugged Baba. She was beyond happy. Ecstatic.

Nasir took Sudais in his hands and they shook hands with Firdausi, their faces full of smiles and laugh. And Aisha wished she had this family love from the scratch. “Where's that boy? Haven't been home yet, right?” Firdausi asked no one in particular and Nasir answered her.

“He has a test to conduct tomorrow, he couldn't make it here.” She nodded her head in understanding. If it's Abba, he might act all introverted but he would be the one to have this six hours journey to come to Katsina, just because he wanted to see 'The City' in his words.

Firdausi looked at Mama and said, “Mama, I haven't seen my new found sister. Aisha.”

Mama looked around and found Aisha standing by the trunk of the car, her eyes fixed on them while she admired the love  affection and family bond they shared. Mama motioned for her to come forward and she did, with a single glance, Firdausi fell in love with Aisha.

She hugged her to her chest and fondled her back, “Welcome to Katsina, Aisha. How was the journey?” She asked, as she guided them to the living room. Nasir and Baba had already left for the mosque only a few feet away from Firdausi's house.

Firdausi guided them to her room, and Aisha and Mama prayed before they walked out to the dining table. How Firdausi was eagerly telling Mama everything that had happened that some words stumbled upon another. How fast she was in talking, afraid to miss a single information, reminded her of Mommy. But they had this conversation with Nasir, and she had cried or the pain of Mommy yesterday night. She was a new lady to her, whom would only wish Allah's forgiveness on her mother, rather than cry over her misdeeds.

Baba and Nasir walked in, and Sudais was still clinging onto Nasir's body. “Baba I couldn't thank you enough, oh my Allah. Thank you so much.” Firdausi thanked him and laughed. A sincere appreciative laughter.

“We should do fast and eat, Maryama we're going to Mashi now.” Baba informed, his face looking sad. Mashi is a local government under katsina state that stood less than hour from the main city of Katsina state.

“What happened, Alhaji?” Mama asked, looking confused. It was now that she noticed the glum look he had on his face.

“A friend of mine lost his mother some hours ago. The janazah is going to take place by 4pm. I want to go for the condolences.” He informed, as Firdausi served them their lunch.

“May Allah forgive her and all those that died before her. And when our time comes, may Allah be pleased with us.” Mama prayed, and they all chorused an “Ameen.”

Nasir had never wanted anything in his life like he wanted to talk to Aisha. She was so silent for his liking today. Yes, he knew she wasn't over her trauma and the grief of losing her parents, but this was so unlike Aisha. They had their lunch in silence; that's Baba, Nasir and Aisha. Because Mama and Firdausi kept talking that someone might think they took weeks without having a phone call. Which in reality, they spoke everyday.

After they were done, Mama looked at Aisha then Firdausi. “Nana, look after my daughter very well. She shouldn't be bored.”

Firdausi held Aisha's shoulder and chuckled, “Mama I wouldn't dare mess with your Aisha. She's in good hands, I promise.” And they all laughed.

“Nasir, we're leaving alone. You should stay and rest a bit. After we're back, we will lodge in Albustan hotels but we will be here to eat our dinner. So, until dinner time.” Baba stood up and Mama stood up afterwards.

Firdausi knew it already, whenever they came to Katsina, Mama and Baba always booked a hotel, it was only Nasir that stayed in her house. In the guest chalet. Before they drove out, Firdausi's husband Khalid drove into the house, and he rushed towards them and pleasantries were exchanged. Baba apologised that they were travelling to Mashi, they would've stayed and had a talk with him. He wished them safe journey before they were out of the house.

“Doctor Nasir, how have you been?” They shook hands with Nasir before Sudais shamelessly showed that he wanted his father and Nasir handed him the boy.

Aisha greeted him and he answered with a kind smile. From a look at her, he knew she was the Aisha Firdausi told them about. Even though it was only Mama, Baba and Nasir knew about the rape, they only knew her parents died and her uncles chased her out of the house. Mama felt it was so confidential to share that part of Aisha's story.

Firdausi excused herself from them and went after Khalid to his chamber. Nasir had never been relieved all his life like he was now. He moved to the sofa Aisha was sitting with her hands fidgeting at each other. He sat at the far end of the sofa and looked at her, she wasn't looking his way.

“Those fingers will soon break, and I won't be the doctor to amend them back.” He blurted out of no where, and Aisha looked at him, confused.

“What? I'm just playing with my hands, nothing will happen.” She pouted her lips and turned away from him. There was an accusation look on his face and she knew he ought to complain about how she shunned him for all yesterday and some parts of today. But he should understand, she's not the same lady she was weeks ago. This lady's life had been damaged beyond repair. And whenever she made the mistake of glancing over her broken walls, she ought to have not just a melancholic night, but with a souvenir of a glum day.

“Young lady. Oh sorry, Beautiful Aisha,” He called, and Aisha turned to look at him with a smile playing on her lips. She found it difficult not to smile whenever Nasir called her that. And what a day to change a bad day to good.

“Doctor,” She called silently as well, taking her eyes off him. She was not ready for a staring contest with Nasir, with no chance, she would be the loser.

He shifted on the sofa and was now looking a directly at her, “Look, Aisha. I'm sorry,” He apologised, not knowing what he did or why she was even sulking all day long.

“For what? You did nothing wrong, actually.” Aisha looked confused, and felt guilty as well. It now occured to her that Nasir might think he was the one that did something wrong that had her all gloomy since yesterday. Her bad.

“I don't know, I just want you to talk to me and stop sulking your face. It makes you look...yes cute, but not as beautiful as the smiling Aisha.” He confessed and glared at the chuckle that escaped Aisha's lips.

She turned and faced him too, smiling now. “Okay here it is. You did nothing wrong, Doctor. It was on me, all of it. I'm sorry.”

“You're sorry, apology accepted. Now, that billion dollar smile.” She laughed at shook her head.

“You can't tell someone to smile that brightly, even if the smile was coming, you'll make it not seem bright.” She was still laughing, because how he exaggerated the Billion Dollar smile was on another level.

“What if I tell you that I love that smile well enough to sacrifice everything for it?” He was being serious, but the Aisha he knew would never take his words as serious as she should.

“Awwwn, a cheesy Doctor. Okay, thank youuuu!” She drawled, and that billion dollar smile followed afterwards.

He giggled, “Now, this is the Aisha I got attached to.”

Firdausi walked into the living room and found them chatting adorably with smiles and laughter here and there. She cleared her throat and Nasir turned to look at her. “Nana, are you done with your husband already? Because I can clearly see we're intruding. Right, Aisha?” He turned to look at Aisha, waiting for a backup. She only smiled and ducked her head down.

“Nasir, by Allah I'm going to break one of your legs someday. Aisha, I'm going to a friend's sister's wedding, will you join me?” Firdausi asked as she sat down on the handle of the sofa, beside Nasir.

“No! I'm taking her somewhere, with your car of course.” The next thing Nasir felt was a squeeze of his left ear, and she held it tight, squeezing it with all the strength she had.

“Nanaaa!” he whined, and Aisha couldn't helped but laughed.

“I asked Aisha, not Nasir. And where are you taking her? She's tired and sleepy, there's a room over there Aisha if you want to sleep.” Nasir had successfully pulled his ear out of Firdausi's hold, groaning.

He turned and looked at Firdausi, “You see, she haven't answered you, that means she wants to go out with me. Key please.” Nasir said and stood up, Aisha as well.

Firdausi smiled and went into her room, she walked out holding a her car key before she handed it to Nasir and looked at Nasir. “Nasir over me, right Aisha? I'll make sure I steal you back to Katsina soon.”

“How? Stop daydreaming, Nana. Mama won't even let it.” Nasir said and they began walking towards the exit.

“I'll get her married to one of Khalid's brother. And she'll live in Katsina with me.” Firdausi shouted for them to hear and Nasir stood in his tracks.

“Don't play that bad game on me, Nana!” he shouted back, and all Firdausi's lips were able to produce was a burst of laughter.

They hopped into the car and drove out of the house. Driving around the city of Katsina, the first thing that Aisha noticed was the warm and welcoming heat of the state. And it's beautiful architecture, even the roads were beautiful. She smiled when Nasir stopped in front of an ice cream parlour and bought two cones for themselves before they drove along a kiddies international school. The roundabout they saw there had a huge pencil with four books around it as a decor, and it wowed Aisha.

“Where are you taking me?” Aisha asked, looking at the city through her window. The smile on her face was nothing compared to Billion dollar smile, but it was exquisite nonetheless. Because Billion dollar smile could only be painted on her face by Nasir, and could only be seen by him.

“I'm abducting you, and I need a huge ransom to release you.”

“What's the ransom so I can see if Mama has it with her?” She asked, looking at him with a smile playing on her lips.

“You.” Confused, she looked at him, “You abducted me, how can my ransom be paid with me? You already have me, don't you?”

“Yes, I have you, but not all to myself. So if they want your freedom back to you, they should give me you as a ransom. The whole of you, to be mine. Baba should sign and seal the deal for me. That way, no more stolen glances, I can even kill us on the road if I wish.”

“And this is getting really scary, we're out of twon, Dr!” She nearly shrieked, looking at how they were driving fast and out of town.

“Are you really abducting me?” her eyes were wide and puppy, and she was truly scared.

He laughed, a soul filled laughter. The look on her face was everything. “Oh, no! C'mon. But believe me I want to do that. But I'm taking you to Ajiwa now. It has a beautiful dam there, and you know, water calms and soothes hearts.”

She made an O sign with her mouth a heaved a sigh out of relief, “I really thought you were abducting me. If this is the case, I'm excited!” Ajiwa is a local government too, not too far as well.

They arrived at the dam and Nasir parked the car. Before he could turn off the engine, Aisha was already out, running towards the dam as she laughed and smiled all at once. She had always loved water. Once, she begged Mommy to take her to Yankari game reserve, and she did. That was where Aisha's obsession for water had begun.

She filled her hands with the water and splashed it on her face, she sighed, a satisfaction filled sigh. It felt as if she was washing away her worries with this water. She didn't mind how the people around the dam were looking at her, because she could feel her pains, her heartaches and soul damages slowly seeping away into this dam as though the waves of it.

She turned around and saw Nasir holding up his phone to snap a picture of her, and she made a pose. With hands sprawled up in the air, lips smiling widely, and eyes filled with happiness; she uttered “Thank you, Dr!” Before he clicked the camera and had the best shot of Aisha.