---

Meenal was lying down, tossing and turning. Her body felt weak, her stomach ached, and she didn’t know what was wrong with her. She sat up, dizzy, reached for the door handle, and opened it. In her hand was a smartphone, and she was smiling at it.

When she saw her, she stood up brightly.

“Welcome, my pleasure, so you’re awake?” she said, smiling at her.

Meenal frowned and replied,

“Aunty Sapna, I’m really hungry, and my stomach hurts.”

Sapna looked closely at her.

“Where exactly does it hurt?” she asked.

Meenal placed her hand on her stomach. Sapna laughed softly, an enchanting laugh, and said,

“Meenal, are you sure you’re not expecting a baby?”

Meenal shook her head and tried to sit down. Sapna held her tight and said,

“Oh, Meenal, how many times have I told you—stop thinking about Najilil. Take me as though I’m Najilil.”

Meenal’s eyes widened.

“No, Aunty Sapna, my husband takes care of everything for me,” she insisted.

Sapna pouted.

“Your husband is just a man, but I should come first.”

She lifted her hand, running it gently through Meenal’s hair. Her eyes glistened, filled with a strange kind of feeling. Meenal quickly looked away.

“Meenal, your hair… it mesmerizes me,” Sapna whispered.

Meenal laughed nervously.

“Oh, Aunty Sapna, then I’ll braid it for you.”

Sapna pulled her by the hand into the toilet, locked the door, and pressed her body against hers.

“My God…” Sapna whispered, breathing heavily. “I love you, Meenal.”

Meenal raised her head just as her chest became visible through her thin clothing. Sapna froze and exclaimed,

“Wow, Meenal! Why don’t you like wearing fitted clothes? This dress is far too big on you.”

Meenal lowered her eyes.

“Aunty Sapna, if I wear tight clothes, my chest aches.”

Sapna leaned closer, her voice low.

“I’ll teach you how to wear them properly. And tell me… when will you let me take you to your husband?”

Meenal frowned.

“But my husband—”

Sapna cut her off with a smile.

“Forget him. He’s left everything about you to me. I’ll take care of you, give you everything you want. I’ll pamper you like a baby, even carry you if I have to. You’re mine, Meenal.”

---

The next morning, Sapna prepared hurriedly for the office. She sneaked into Meenal’s room. Meenal was still fast asleep, looking peaceful. Sapna bent down, caressed her stomach, kissed her lips softly, then closed the door and left. The driver picked her up and they drove off.

At the office, Sapna dropped her bag in a corner and tried to concentrate on her work. But her mind kept drifting back to Meenal. She sighed, took a sip of water, and pressed on with her tasks.

---

Meanwhile, in Gombe, Yafeendo was busy husking millet when Mairoji entered, singing and swaying her hips, a calabash balanced on her waist. She stopped at the doorway.

Yafeendo frowned.

“Mairoji, you didn’t even greet me today? And let me warn you, I won’t accept this fura you’re carrying. I begged you to take me to see Meenal, but you refused. If you won’t, I’ll go to Baffajo myself!”

Yafeendo narrowed her eyes.

“Since when did Meenal ever refuse me anything—not even fura?!”

Mairoji simply walked out with her calabash.

---

Back at the office, Sapna couldn’t focus. On her way home, Najilil called her.

“Hello, my sister! I’ve missed you so much,” she answered warmly.

Najilil laughed.

“Where have you hidden my bride?”

Sapna smiled slyly.

“Your bride is safe with me, in her room. I’m looking after her well.”

Najilil chuckled.

“Good. I’ll send you some money—buy her whatever she needs.”

She replied,

“No need. When I get home, I’ll give her the phone so you can talk to her.”

Najilil agreed.

---

When Sapna arrived home, she rushed into Meenal’s room. Meenal was lying there lost in thought. Sapna kicked off her shoes, climbed onto the bed, and pulled her close.

“My pleasure,” she whispered, “why are you overthinking again?”

Meenal turned into her embrace, her chest brushing against Sapna’s. Sapna closed her eyes and murmured,

“I want to take you to Yafeendo, to improve you.”

Meenal giggled.

“You want to take me to see Yafeendo?”

“Yes,” Sapna answered. “But first… kiss me.”

Meenal blushed, but Sapna coaxed her until she pressed her lips against hers. Sapna deepened the kiss, her fingers tangled in Meenal’s hair. She lost herself completely until her breath ran out and she fainted slightly.

Meenal panicked, shaking her.

“Aunty, wake up, please!”

After a while, Sapna stirred and smiled faintly.

“Meenal… your lips taste so sweet.”

---