Today, Sunday morning, the students gathered for sanitation day, each assigned a portion to clean. They worked tirelessly until noon, tackling their tasks with diligence. Meanwhile, others were busy with chores or school assignments, while some wasted time engaging in meaningless activities. It was a chaotic day, typical of their lives.
Bosa, a senior student, called out to her juniors yesterday, instructing them to wear their uniforms for today's cleaning exercise. However, upon realizing that her uniform was missing, she sought help from her peers. Unfortunately, no one could offer assistance, and she felt embarrassed standing among her seniors. Despite the commotion, they all continued their duties, oblivious to her predicament.
Raj and Sadixy sat together in their room, discussing the events of the day. Aaj, their roommate, joined them, expressing her frustration at not completing her assignment on time. After finishing their meal of cornflakes and sardines, Rasheedo, a senior, summoned them to tidy up their room. As they tidied, they received a call from Asma'u, asking if they had seen Ruqayyah. Upon learning that she was with Raj, Asma'u requested her presence, but Bosa refused to let her go.
With haste, Sadixy and Raj left the room, leaving Aaj feeling overwhelmed. She turned to Sadixy, expressing her concern for Ruqayyah's well-being and reminding him of the importance of praying for their children's safety. Despite her pleas, Sadixy remained indifferent, leaving Aaj feeling dejected.
Later, the other students joined Bosa, sharing their frustrations about the day's events. Despite their challenges, Bosa encouraged them to remain steadfast and rely on Allah's guidance. She even reminded them to focus on their studies and prepare for upcoming interviews.
Meanwhile, Ruqayyah sat quietly in her room, lost in her thoughts. She was the daughter of Barrister Ahmad Y. Jega, a prominent lawyer from Sokoto. However, her life took a turn when she moved to Sokoto, where she met her husband and started a family. Despite the hardships they faced, Ruqayyah remained resilient, silently enduring each trial.
As the day progressed, Ruqayyah's family members continued their daily routines. Her older brother, Habeeb, returned to Jega from Sudan, where he had been studying. However, his return was marred by a tragic incident that left their parents devastated. Despite their loss, they found solace in their faith and family bonds.
Ruqayyah's sister, Hadeeza, was known for her kindness and grace. She was blessed with eight children, each a source of joy and pride for her family. Despite their hardships, their bond remained unbreakable, a testament to their resilience and love for one another.
Ruqayyah, on the other hand, was a quiet and reserved individual. She rarely spoke out, preferring to keep to herself. While she lacked confidence, her inner strength and beauty were evident to those who knew her. Despite her struggles, she remained steadfast in her faith, trusting in Allah's plan for her life.
As the day drew to a close, Ruqayyah's family continued their daily routines, each facing their own challenges and triumphs. Yet, through it all, they remained united, bound by love and faith.