SHUGER DADY

Description

He lay stretched across his large bed, half-covered in a blanket, his eyes gently shut in deep sleep. The room was still, peaceful — the type of calm only found in early morning slumber.

Suddenly, the door swung open. A young girl burst in, her voice sharp and urgent:
“Uncle, uncle, uncle! Come quickly — Ghaisha says you’re needed in the parlour, Abba!”

She repeated herself, this time a little louder. Her voice reached him, even through the fog of sleep. Slowly, he opened his eyes — eyes sharp, striking, resembling those of a panther. He watched her approach the bedside.

She was young — no older than 14 — pale-skinned with a delicate build, but curvy for her age. Her features were already blooming: wide expressive eyes, a pointed nose, and the way she pushed out her small lips gave away her spoiled nature. She just stood there, pouting, waiting for a response.

Shaheed studied her quietly, then tossed the blanket aside and planted his firm feet on the cold floor. Without a word, he rose — tall, fair, broad-chested, every muscle chiseled like steel. His hair was thick and well-styled, a natural crown of elegance. Despite being close to 48, his youthful appearance betrayed his age. Wealth and ease had hidden time’s footprints.

He walked toward the bathroom, every step exuding calm dominance. She turned and stomped out, lips still pushed in frustration.

Downstairs at the dining table sat Abba, Ghaisha, several small children, two teenage girls, and three young boys — all gathered for breakfast.

“Eyy, why’s Madam Drama Queen pouting again?” one of the girls teased.

Jannat said nothing. She took her seat, her annoyance on full display.

A boy chuckled. “Jannat, what now? Daddy’s princess mad again?”

She sniffled and mumbled, “Uncle Shead shouted at me… even after Ghaisha said to call him.”

Another girl, Habibah, rolled her eyes. “Everyone knows Shaheed doesn’t mess around — stop picking fights with him.”

Zainab laughed. “So you dared argue with Daddy’s girl today? Bad idea, sweetie.”

Suddenly, a small child called out, “Aunty Jannat, where’s the chocolate I left on your bed?”

She glared at him in response, refusing to speak.

“She’s on edge today,” Ghaisha said with a smirk. “She’s not even in the mood for breakfast.”

Then they heard his steps — heavy, deliberate, royal.

Shaheed entered the room with a presence that turned heads. Everyone greeted him with admiration in their eyes.

“Good morning, Abba.”

“Morning, Shaheed. Did you sleep well?”

“Very well, alhamdulillah,” he replied, planting a gentle kiss on Ghaisha’s forehead.

“My prince,” she smiled, glowing. “Did you rest okay?”

“Perfectly.”

The children all rose in turn, greeting him with, “Morning, yah Shead… Morning, Daddy…”

He responded calmly, without sparing anyone much attention — except he noticed one voice missing: Jannat’s.

Ghaisha served him lamb stew and tea. He began to eat quietly, while the rest followed his lead — all except Jannat, who sulked at the table, fighting tears.

When he finished eating, he finally looked at her — deeply, intensely. She froze. Those eyes… they terrified her, excited her, confused her. He spoke gently, yet firmly:

“Eat.”

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she obeyed.

After the meal, he stood and turned to leave. Then, with quiet authority, said, “Come.”

Without protest, she rose and followed him.

Just as they reached the parlour door, Ghaisha called out, “My love, go see Baba Malam — he’s waiting to bless you.”

His chest tightened slightly at the name but he masked his discomfort.

“Alright, Ghaisha,” he replied.

He stepped out, with Jannat trailing behind — eyes full of tears, heart pounding with uncertainty.

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