An Unplanned Reunion: Embracing Family Moments

Family reunions are always filled with emotions and unexpected moments. This story highlights a day of learning, laughter, and bonding with step-siblings after a long-awaited reunion.

An Unplanned Reunion: Embracing Family Moments

Continuation of the Lesson

The lesson continued, and we adjourned for the Zuhr prayer before resuming. I wanted to rest, but Jamil objected. I wondered why he was so strict, as he wasn’t the one preparing for exams.

Arrival of Step-Siblings

While the lesson was ongoing, my step-siblings arrived. I got up and ran to embrace them. Hassan, 10, and Hussein, 8, were not twins but had visited Lagos a few times before.

Warm Welcome

I embraced them warmly. “Oh my darling boys, you’re most welcome. How was school today?” I asked, pulling their cheeks playfully. “School was fine,” they chorused with a smile. “We’re glad to see you,” they added. “I’m also excited to see you, my darlings,” I replied with a grin.

Family Bonding

As we exchanged pleasantries, Jamil came over from the balcony, and Haneefah walked in from the room simultaneously. Both Hassan and Hussein ran to embrace them. Jamil playfully whirled Hassan around, making him laugh heartily. He did the same with Hussein until he shouted, “Please put me down, my eyes are turning.” We all burst into laughter.

Curious Questions

“Where’s mum?” Hassan asked. “She took daddy to the airport,” we all chorused. “Daddy has traveled again?!” Hussein was amazed. “Yes, weren’t you informed?” Hassan asked his brother. “No, I wasn’t,” Hussein replied and burst into tears. Jamil embraced him warmly. “Don’t cry, my boy! Why do you have to cry?” “Because I’ll miss daddy,” the boy replied amidst tears.

Addressing Emotions

“Awwwww!” I remarked. “Daddy’s boy. Don’t worry, he’ll be back soon. He’s spending only two days in Abuja.” “Two days are what you call ‘just?” the boy cried out. “Oya sorry!” I pacified him, but he continued to cry. He cried so much that we were all confused.

Harsh Words

When his tears became too much, Haneefah snapped at him. “Stop crying like that! Is daddy going to Abuja to die?” “Haneefah!” Jamil and I chorused. “That’s not something nice to say to a child!” Jamil added.

Sibling Support

“Let him stop crying. Why does he continue even after being told that dad will spend only two days in Abuja? What should I, who had an absent father while growing up, do?” Haneefah uttered carelessly. “Haneefah!” Jamil cautioned. “You don’t talk like that to a child! Besides, the decision for us to remain with Grandma after mum’s demise wasn’t dad’s decision but that of grandmother. She begged daddy to allow us to remain with her. Since she lost a beloved daughter, her grandchildren would be her consolation. Why do you have to take that out on a poor child?” He scolded Haneefah and turned to Hussein. “Hussein darling, don’t worry, I’m here for you. Ask me anything you want, and I’ll do it for you,” Jamil urged the boy.

A Small Treat

“Okay,” the boy said excitedly, drying his tears. “I want some ice-cream and chicken pies!” “Okay! And your wish shall be granted. Go and change your uniform, and let’s go grab some ice-cream,” Jamil urged him. Hassan and Hussein jumped up, jubilating, and went to change their uniforms. Haneefah hissed and walked inside the room. Jamil signaled to me to go meet her.

Comforting Haneefah

I entered the room and met her sulking. I breathed heavily and climbed the bunk to talk to her. “Are you jealous of your own brothers?” I teased her, and she burst into tears. “Please don’t cry! I’m sorry. I was just trying to make your mood lighter,” I pacified her. “I miss my mum. I miss my grandmother!” she cried out. “Eyaaaa!” I expressed sympathy while scooping her into my embrace. “I didn’t know you’re such a cry-baby. Please stop crying. I know how you feel, trust me, I do. I also felt empty when I lost my grandmother. Please stop crying.”

Understanding Pain

“You can’t understand how I feel. I didn’t even know my mum. I was told she passed on when I was nine months old. My dad too wasn’t there physically.” “Your brother said that your grandmother begged him to allow you to remain with her in order to have you as consolation,” I interrupted her. “Besides, a man cannot single-handedly take care of a nine-month-old baby. I’m sorry you missed a mother and father’s love while growing up. I’m sure your grandmother must have been there for you.”

Embracing the Present

“Yes, she was really there. But nothing beats the love of one’s biological parents.” “I understand. Please forget about the past so you can enjoy the present. Now you’re here in your father’s house, enjoy the bond before you gain admission to a higher institution of learning,” I said to her sweetly. “Thank you so much. I didn’t know that you’re this sensible.”

Lightening the Mood

“What do you mean?” I stared at her with a smile. “Of course, I’m sensible. Please cheer up! Jamil wants to take us out to get some ice-cream and chicken pies.” “I’m not interested in going,” she said, lying on the bed. “Get up, please!” I pulled her up. She pushed me away slightly. “Please leave me …” she was talking when a knock was heard on the door.

A Pleasant Surprise

The person knocking didn’t wait for a response before entering. It was my 15-year-old sister. She screamed when she saw me and jumped on my neck. “What a pleasant surprise. Mum didn’t tell me you were coming!” Radiyya screamed. I hugged her tightly. “She might want to surprise you!” I replied, snuggling her tightly.

Reconnecting

“And I am really surprised. It’s good to see you. How’s daddy and stepmum? How are our siblings too?” Radiyya asked excitedly. “They’re all fine. They sent their greetings.” I was responding to Radiyya when Haneefah coughed. Radiyya left me and went to embrace her. “I thought you’d not greet me since I’m not your sister.” “Oh Haneefah, don’t be petty!” I scolded her.

Playful Banter

“Don’t mind her,” Radiyya replied. “She’s a troublemaker!” Radiyya playfully pushed her head. “Me? Troublemaker?” Haneefah touched her chest. “Yes, you’re a troublemaker. I was going to do the greetings one after the other but you’re too impatient. My naughty little sister!” Radiyya teased her. “You’re not well,” Haneefah charged at her. “Who’s your little sister? I’m two years older than you!” “Story, story, story,” Radiyya continued to tease her.

Sibling Laughter

I laughed hard at their drama. “You girls should leave yourselves alone. I thought Haneefah and I were the naughty ones, I didn’t know Radiyya too would join us in the naughtiness,” I said amidst laughter and turned to Radiyya. “Radiyya, I thought you’d be back by 5 pm?” “Yes, I should. But one of our teachers didn’t come. That’s why I came home early.”

A Small Treat

“We journeyed in a chit-chat to a nearby restaurant. We got down noisily and trooped into the restaurant. “Should we eat here or take it home?” Jamil asked. “Let’s eat here. I want some rice and chicken too,” Hussein replied sharply. “Greedy boy!” Radiyya teased him. “Thanks,” Hussein replied with a pout.

Ordering Food

We sat at a round table while Jamil went to get the stuff. He bought rice and chicken plus ice cream for everybody. “Thank you,” we all chorused. “You’re welcome,” he replied. “You didn’t buy chicken pie!” Hussein reminded him. “Awe, manage that one. I’m a student,” he cut him short. Hussein grumbled. “But you told me to ask you for anything that you’d do it for me since dad is not around ….” “Come on, Hussein,” Haneefah cut in. “Don’t be ungrateful. You’re only a child but you’re too greedy for your age …” “That word is too big!” Hassan said to Haneefah. “He’s not greedy. He’s only trying to enjoy his brother. What’s your own headache?” “I’ll slap you ……” Haneefah charged at him. “Shush!” Jamil cautioned them. “You’re outside. Exercise some good conduct. Enough of the banter. Let’s not talk while eating …..”

An Unexpected Encounter

Jamil was talking when a lady shouted his name. “Jamil, yes, it’s Jamil! Is this really you, Jamil Ariyo?” The lady screamed, trying to jump on him, but he stopped her with his hand. “Raliat?” He asked, scanning her face. “Yes, I’m Raliat. Raliat Eyiwumi. How have you been, Jamil?” The lady asked, trying to embrace him again,