The Untainted
– Shadows of the Past
Morning sunlight spilled gently across the university courtyard.
Students moved through the walkways with their usual chatter and laughter, unaware that the lives of a few among them were slowly shifting in ways none of them yet understood.
Rihannat walked beside Rayyan quietly.
Rayyan was unusually silent today.
Finally, she sighed.
"I still don't like that Segun is involved in any of this."
Rihannat adjusted her hijab slightly.
"Neither do I."
"But you're acting calm again," Rayyan said. "Too calm."
Rihannat gave a small smile.
"If I start worrying about everything people might do, I'll never have peace."
Rayyan shook her head.
"You and your patience."
But even Rihannat knew something had changed.
The night at Qazeem's house had opened a door.
And she didn't know what would walk through it next.
Elsewhere – Qazeem's Family Home
Qazeem sat across from his father in the study.
The older man leaned back in his chair, his fingers folded thoughtfully.
"The dinner was meant to welcome her and also allow the families to observe," he said calmly.
Qazeem nodded.
"I know."
"But after what happened, the situation is no longer simple."
Qazeem remained quiet.
His father studied him carefully.
"You still intend to move forward?"
Qazeem did not hesitate.
"Yes."
His father raised an eyebrow.
"Even after last night's complications?"
"Yes."
There was firmness in his voice now.
"Because the complications revealed something important."
"What is that?"
"That there are people watching her," Qazeem said.
"And that means I must protect her even more carefully."
His father remained silent for a long moment.
Then finally nodded.
"Then perhaps it is time for something more formal."
University – Afternoon
Basit arrived on campus unexpectedly.
Ridwan followed behind him.
"You're really going to talk to her here?" Ridwan asked quietly.
Basit scanned the courtyard.
"I just need clarity."
Ridwan sighed.
"You're walking into emotional danger, my friend."
Basit didn't respond.
Because at that moment—
He saw her.
Rihannat stood beneath a tree speaking with Rayyan.
The sunlight caught the soft green of her hijab.
For a moment, Basit simply watched.
Ridwan noticed immediately.
"Still love her, huh?"
Basit exhaled slowly.
"More than is wise."
Near the Fountain
Rihannat noticed Basit approaching before Rayyan did.
Her heart skipped.
Rayyan followed her gaze.
"Oh."
She immediately stepped back.
"I'll… go get something from the café."
And just like that, Rihannat and Basit stood alone.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Basit said quietly,
"I didn't plan to come here today."
Rihannat gave a small nod.
"Yet you did."
"Yes."
Silence stretched.
Finally he asked,
"Are you alright?"
She considered the question carefully.
"I will be."
Basit's eyes softened.
"I'm sorry about the chaos that night."
"It wasn't your fault."
"I still feel responsible."
Rihannat studied him quietly.
Then said softly,
"You carry responsibility for things that aren't yours."
Basit gave a faint smile.
"Maybe."
Another pause followed.
Then Basit spoke again.
"Is Qazeem going to propose?"
The question hung heavily between them.
Rihannat lowered her gaze slightly.
"I don't know."
Basit nodded slowly.
His chest felt tight again.
But he forced calm into his voice.
"Whatever happens… I pray it brings you peace."
Her heart ached hearing that.
Because she could hear the sincerity in his words.
Across the Courtyard
Someone watched them.
Segun leaned casually against a pillar, his sunglasses hiding his expression.
Bayo stood beside him.
"Well," Bayo murmured.
"That looks like a complicated conversation."
Segun's lips curved slightly.
"Yes."
Bayo glanced sideways.
"So which one interests you more? The girl… or the drama around her?"
Segun watched Rihannat thoughtfully.
"Sometimes," he said quietly, "they're the same thing."
Later That Evening
At Rihannat's house, her parents sat together in the living room.
Her father looked thoughtful.
"We may receive a formal visit soon."
Her mother nodded slowly.
"You mean from Qazeem's family?"
"Yes."
Her mother glanced toward the hallway where Rihannat's room was.
"She is not aware yet."
Her father sighed gently.
"Then we must prepare her."
But neither of them noticed the small photograph sitting quietly on the shelf nearby.
An old photo.
Taken many years ago.
A baby wrapped in soft cloth.
And a man standing beside the woman holding the child.
A man who was not Rihannat's father.
A truth long buried.
A secret tied to the elegance and beauty everyone admired in her.
A secret about her unknown bloodline.
One that, if revealed…
could change everything.
@OlukoyaZainab