“Do you mean we cannot calm your mind? Or is it just because he is your blood brother?” Senate Lateef blurted out angrily.
Quickly, Baba Obie cleared his throat to stop them before they would start exchanging harsh insults—something he detested deeply.

All their attention returned to him. “That’s enough! Enough. I don’t want to hear another word from any of you.”
Silence fell, none of them dared utter another word.

“Baba, the food is getting cold. You should eat,” Hajiya Saratu spoke softly, her tone full of concern.

He glanced at Owais, and at once understood what he meant.
Owais reached into the plate of food Hajiya Saratu had served and began feeding him by hand.

That sight pierced her heart. She had served him with her own hands, but he refused to eat—only to accept it from Owais, the one he cherished most. Unable to bear watching them, she stood abruptly and said, “Baba, may Allah grant you good health. I’ll be going to my room.” She didn’t wait for his reply and hurried out.

Senate Lateef, too, felt anger boil within him. Despite Owais’ blatant disregard for Baba Obie’s dignity, he hadn’t been reprimanded. Instead, he was now being allowed to feed him directly, after Hajiya Saratu had been rejected. It wasn’t new—Obie had always shown favoritism toward Owais over the rest of his grandchildren. Even Hateem’s children received more affection than theirs. “What exactly does this mean?” Lateef thought bitterly.

(I said it before: we’re in trouble. Obinna’s family feud is about to erupt…)

As Chief Owais continued feeding Baba Obie, he gazed at him with a look of deep love, as though he could swallow him whole. He poured chilled juice into a cup and handed it to him. Obie accepted and drank. A wave of calm washed over him; whenever his spirit was troubled, Owais’ presence alone could soothe his heart.

In a respectful, low voice so no one else could hear, Chief Owais spoke:
“Only you can understand me. You raised me since I was small. Anytime I had a dream or ambition, it was you who encouraged me until I succeeded. Baba, please don’t let me fail this time. I need you to intervene. You know I would never bring anything that could harm you. It is my duty to protect you from every attack. These children are human beings like everyone else. They mean no harm. I investigated them thoroughly before bringing them here. I cannot part with them, nor can I undo the judgment of my forefathers. But you… you can stop them.”

He clasped Obie’s hands tightly within his own.
“Baba, these children have no one. They need people who will support their lives. I know I am not obliged to, but I’ve sworn to myself I will never abandon them. Today, I ask you to show me the love you’ve always shown, the support you’ve always given me. Please, Baba, don’t let them separate me from these children, don’t let them force me to drive them out of this house…”

The tenderness in Owais’ plea pierced Obie’s heart. His body softened, his eyes even shifted in color.

Only Obie could hear what Owais was saying; the rest only watched in silence. The Prime Minister had bowed his head, unable to lift it. He alone knew the storm raging in his chest. Even if I must leave this country, I will never stop watching over this boy. I will never allow him to be humiliated, he swore in his heart.

Slowly, Obie closed his eyes, then opened them to Owais’ face.
“I will think about it,” he said briefly.

Chief Owais let out a sigh of relief. He knew the love Obie held for him—he could never endure seeing him unhappy.

“May Allah grant you long life, my grandfather. Later tonight, before you sleep, I’ll give you the soothing massage I always give you whenever I come to Nigeria. I know it makes you happy.”

Obie chuckled, baring his teeth in a rare smile.
“Owais, you’re a flatterer. You always know how to please me. May Allah preserve you for me, my grandson.”
“Ameen,” Owais replied warmly.

After that, no more words were exchanged—only stolen glances between them. Senate Lateef and the others became mere onlookers, like statues watching silently.

Soon, the sound of motorcades filled the estate. Their hearts told them that His Excellency Sharafudeen had arrived. At the entry hall, his security detail stopped, per his orders, while he alone entered the house with regal poise. He wore an expensive emerald-green shadda. Everyone he passed bowed and greeted him in haste, almost as if to prostrate before him.

In the main sitting room, he found Sheikh Imam and Taj seated comfortably on royal sofas, chatting casually. They had waited long, wondering why the family members hadn’t emerged. When Pravin earlier walked out from Obie’s room without acknowledging them, their hearts had been stung. Even Hajiya Saratu had passed by without a word, and though the twins had greeted politely, their minds were unsettled.

Sharafudeen’s arrival brought joy. Before reaching them, he exclaimed, “Who do I see but my father Imam Malik!” He rose and embraced Sheikh Imam warmly.
“So life has met life again? Baba Imam, is today the first time I’ve seen you in ages? Truly, I am upset!” he teased.

Imam smiled, patting his shoulder. “MashaAllah, Sharafudeen. I’ve been away from the country, that’s why. But now that I’m here, I’ll be visiting the Villa more often, inshaAllah.”
Still smiling, Sharafudeen replied, “Even if you don’t come, I’ll find my way to you. Wallahi, I’m delighted to see you. When did you arrive?”
“This morning, I came early because your brother called me,” Imam answered.

They exchanged blessings. Then Imam introduced Tajudeen. With warm cheer, Sharafudeen embraced him as though they were old friends. Taj was amazed—never had he seen such humility in men of high rank like Hateem and Sharafudeen. He admired them greatly.

After exchanging greetings, Sharafudeen excused himself with Imam to meet Baba Obie.

Meanwhile, Taj sat smiling, his heart filled with gratitude. “Ya Allah, thank You for bringing righteous people into my life,” he whispered. He thought of calling his friend Big Guy to check on Unaisah and the others.

When Big Guy picked up, they exchanged updates. Taj mentioned how coldly the family had treated them earlier. Big Guy laughed it off, mocking some relatives. Then, with mischief, he joked about Unaisah’s fiery attitude. Taj burst out laughing too.

They ended the call with reassurance—the children were safe, Jazz had been discharged from the hospital, and security reinforcements would be provided for the kids.

Inside the house, the family gathered to welcome Sharafudeen and Sheikh Imam with deep respect, knowing their father Obie held them in high regard. Baba Obie was overjoyed at seeing Imam, despite his frailty, and with Owais’ help, he rose to embrace him. Their faces lit with happiness; they had missed each other dearly.

Sharafudeen then greeted all his brothers, hugging each one, and especially clinging tightly to Hateem, who wept in relief at his presence. Imam offered heartfelt prayers for them all, and their voices echoed with amens.

Finally, Imam suggested they delay discussions until after Maghrib and Isha prayers, so they could gather with clear minds. Everyone agreed. They performed ablution and headed together to the mosque, escorted by soldiers.

There, they met Sir Mubarak and Zaki. After prayer, Mubarak explained why he hadn’t visited earlier. He mentioned Jazz’s illness, which startled Obie greatly until he heard Jazz’s voice on the phone, joking as usual. This calmed everyone’s hearts.

Afterwards, they returned to their estate in convoy.