It was a cool afternoon. One of those days that early afternoons would grow enough to look like late evenings -The time when one could mistake Thursday to be a Saturday...
Madinah and Zayd decided to go for a simple stroll outside the hotel, under the warm sun, side by side, the way lovers usually do. The yellow sun hide under the thick clouds as if it was shy about their little romance. Of course, there's nothing as beautiful as roaming the streets of Lagos with someone you truly love so much... You'll end up rather impressed than disappointed.
Madinah wore a tight black leggings and a long, purple, indian-gown with a black pashmina that fits her well. She hanged her long-armed, purple purse and wore a shiny, black sneakers to match the outfit. Zayd on his own was wearing a casual, white polo shirt and a black jean. This outing was what Madinah needs at least, to Zayd. He stared at her from time to time, admiring how gorgeous she looked even withou
***They jerked to its vibration. Zayd's heart felt as if it suddenly dropped as he picked his phone. It was Zaytoon."Excuse me please," He told Madinah and picked the call, taking few steps away from her."It's almost dark, aren't you coming home?!" I started."I'll be on my way dummy! Hajia, You can't even salama!" He replied and hissed at the same time I did. "Don't bother making dinner for me, okay?""Whatever Mr. Lover-boy! As if I care!" I finally cut the call.After the call, an awkward silence remained between them. Zayd remembered what he was doing before the call.'How stupid could I be!' He smirked, nibbling his lower lip, anxiously."So you're no longer angry at me, are you?"Zayd broke the face-stuffing silence that was killing them both."Not at all..." A s
***"Okay. So, when I got there, she said she was tired of staying indoor all day. You know, deens has no one here and she's always busy on her phone so I suggested we take a stroll outside the hotel. That was when she started.""She started what?""She psyche up when I told her I can't hold hands with her in public. She thought I had someone else and got pissed up for no reason.""That your girl sef! Her own too much.""Yeah. So, I bought a rose with a ring in it. I wasn't sure if it would work but I tried and… Madinah rejected it.""Why?""She said that I was dating the shopkeeper and ran back to her room, breaking everything her hand could touch.""Uh! I wonder what is going on with that Madinah sef. I thought she said she was getting better…""Nothing is wrong with Madinah,
Hajiya Zainab Akorede, my mum was rushed to the hospital. I was by her side, making dua' (supplications), reciting silent prayers. Her poor heartbeat throbs slowly as she was breathing through oxygen. Mum hasn't gain consciousness since the incident happened. I don't want to talk about it right now because the last five days has been the worse days of my life...As it is, I was just discharged minutes ago from this same hospital. I was with mum in the "Emergency Room", waiting for the surgeon to remove the bullet from the right side of her forehead as it was bleeding.Mallam Shehu, Alfa Luqman and Imam Hussain Akorede, my dad was with the doctor."Stay away from mum, crazy witch!"Ibrahim, my brother came in to the ward and dragged me away from mum.
Hajia Zainab's surgery was successful and she was recovering smoothly. Imam saw the need to inform the elders and other members of his mosque about Aisha's pregnancy. Therefore, he called a meeting. All the members and executives of the mosque were gathered. After a short prayer, Imam Hussain started."Assalam 'Alaikum to you all. First, I must say Jazzakallahu khayr (May God reward you abundantly) to everyone for responding to this call. It has been a very critical time for me. As you all know, my dear wife just had a major surgery due to the gunshot by the armed robbers. Insha Allah (by God's grace), she is getting better. Thanks to you all for your love and support, prayers, visitation and care. You have been such a wonderful family and I'm so proud to have you all... Attakbir!""Allahu Akbar!" They chorused. "Alhamdulillah!!"
"I'm surprised at you dad! What has gone wrong with the integrity and faith you once held? The standards you set up... Dad!" I uttered in regret and dismay as hot tears streamed down my face, as if I was been hitten by a rock. It's unbelievable."How can you allow them play with your spiritual intellect? Where is your faith dad? This is Ash-Shaytan whispering in your heart... Imagine an Imam's daughter going for an abortion. Do not give in dad, please." I begged in tears."I'm tired of this already!" Ibro hissed and goes upstairs, into his room."Then let them go, dad! he who stands with million of people without Allah is standing alone! I know you're the imam of the central mosque, it means nothing... Not even your tears will change my mind, dad! I'm keeping this baby!!"
Minutes Later...Standing by the side of the road, still puzzled about everything. A keke napep (tricycle) stopped in front of me as Adunni came out."OMG Aisha!" Dunni threw a hug on me."It's been a while. Are you traveling?""No, I'm not oo. You didn't even visit me in the hospital. Its not fair.. I actually waited for you"Really? Pardon me my friend. My mum sent to Agege to stay with her sister that just gave birth to a set of twins. Well, I spent only five days there and I wanted to visit you but... ""Hmmm, Dun-ni.... As in?" I joked as we laughed away."I heard about th
"You would have followed me home and you wouldn't have to leave like this. I guess this is a good bye for both of us..." Dunni muttered sadly."I'll miss you, Dunni." I held her hands tight and broke into tears again."God knows I'll miss you more. Try to call me, Aisha. Keep me posted and try to visit whenever you can, okay?""Okay, I sure will. Bye for now, sis.""Okay bye!!!"Adunni stopped a keke napep and zoomed off the empty road. I recited a prayer in my heart as we moved. It was the first time, leaving my family behind like this."Awunaka Yaa Hannan, Awunaka Yaa Sultaan : I solicit Your help, The most Compassionate, I solicit Y
Months Later...Hajia and I walked into the city's general hospital. We entered one doctor's office and as it is, Hajia Maryam regularly visits the general hospital."Assalam 'Alaikum." Hajia greeted as she knocked the door."Amin Alaikum Sallam. Please, Come in"A deep muscular voice replied from inside."You're welcome ma" He kindly greeted "Please, take a seat."I and hajia sat in from of him."Pleased to have you around ma, what shall I offer you?" He said, adjusting his glasses.He asked staring at me. I looked away, feeling shy and strangely awkward."No...Not
***"Okay. So, when I got there, she said she was tired of staying indoor all day. You know, deens has no one here and she's always busy on her phone so I suggested we take a stroll outside the hotel. That was when she started.""She started what?""She psyche up when I told her I can't hold hands with her in public. She thought I had someone else and got pissed up for no reason.""That your girl sef! Her own too much.""Yeah. So, I bought a rose with a ring in it. I wasn't sure if it would work but I tried and… Madinah rejected it.""Why?""She said that I was dating the shopkeeper and ran back to her room, breaking everything her hand could touch.""Uh! I wonder what is going on with that Madinah sef. I thought she said she was getting better…""Nothing is wrong with Madinah,
***They jerked to its vibration. Zayd's heart felt as if it suddenly dropped as he picked his phone. It was Zaytoon."Excuse me please," He told Madinah and picked the call, taking few steps away from her."It's almost dark, aren't you coming home?!" I started."I'll be on my way dummy! Hajia, You can't even salama!" He replied and hissed at the same time I did. "Don't bother making dinner for me, okay?""Whatever Mr. Lover-boy! As if I care!" I finally cut the call.After the call, an awkward silence remained between them. Zayd remembered what he was doing before the call.'How stupid could I be!' He smirked, nibbling his lower lip, anxiously."So you're no longer angry at me, are you?"Zayd broke the face-stuffing silence that was killing them both."Not at all..." A s
It was a cool afternoon. One of those days that early afternoons would grow enough to look like late evenings -The time when one could mistake Thursday to be a Saturday...Madinah and Zayd decided to go for a simple stroll outside the hotel, under the warm sun, side by side, the way lovers usually do. The yellow sun hide under the thick clouds as if it was shy about their little romance. Of course, there's nothing as beautiful as roaming the streets of Lagos with someone you truly love so much... You'll end up rather impressed than disappointed.Madinah wore a tight black leggings and a long, purple, indian-gown with a black pashmina that fits her well. She hanged her long-armed, purple purse and wore a shiny, black sneakers to match the outfit. Zayd on his own was wearing a casual, white polo shirt and a black jean. This outing was what Madinah needs at least, to Zayd. He stared at her from time to time, admiring how gorgeous she looked even withou
"How is he doctor?!" Madinah rushed to the doctor in charge of Zayd."Calm down young lady, he's alright now. Thank God the wound wasn't beyond his tissues and didn't lot slot of blood. Well, You can now see him.""Thank you doctor. I'm so grateful Zayd is alive!" She smiled."Thank God. We'll be discharging him later in the evening because he needs a lot of rest." He said and left for his office while Madinah went to Zayd's word.Zayd was sleeping when she entered and bandaged at the side of his back. A short nurse that was giving him a drip signalled her to sit and quietly left.Madinah sat on a red plastic chair facing where Zayd was lying. She stared at his weak face and held his hands tenderly.Tears gathered her eyes at she watched him breath slowly. It's all my fault. It's my fault you have you go through these. She weep silently.***
A Month later...I was watching an interview of the president Muhammadu Buhari on National Television Authority (NTA). It was an interesting Saturday program that I really loved. Grandmother was in her room having her usual afternoon nap when Zayd ran out of his room. I came rushing out after him with great enthusiasm."Zayd! What happened?! Any problem?!""No o, not at all." He said sweating pefusely.Tears gathered in his eyes and he was rubbing his head confusedly. It's so strange of him, I couldn't figure it out."But why are you acting this way?""I had a nightmare! I'm scared, Zay! Dynah was going to die. I felt her breath slowly leaving her body, it was so real...""Calm down Zayd. Why are you acting like a baby. It's just a dream, nothing more, please come inside." I pleaded."No... I can't. How would I
"Excuse me, please." She smiled at his face and answered the call."Assalam Alaikum, Jazid!""Yes, I got here minutes ago... It's just so hot here like hell.I miss you too. Don't worry... I'll be back in three months time. I just had to visit Nigeria, At least once before I die.I'm with one of my friend... Just family friends you know?"Okay bye, I'll chat with you later."She smiled and tapped the end call space on her phone.***Zayd's P. O. VWait... Who was that? Jazid. Was he her boyfriend? Why would she refer me as just one of her family friends? How long have she known him? How close are they?"Zayd!" Madinah called."Zayd! Zayd!!" She gently tapped his hand. He went silent as if he was off minded. She must have noticed since his bright smile
3 Days Later..."So you're going to meet Madinah today?""Yes..." His eyes immediately turns to me, looking kind of teary. "I can't help but to feel nervous.""Huh-huh... My twin brother is in love." I joked.He replied with a silly look."So, have you called her yet?""No, just email.""So how would you two meet? I mean how would you understand each other?...""Don't worry, Zay. I'll call her when she gets here."I couldn't help but to smile... Since our parents passed away, it's been so difficult to see so much joy and happiness in Zayd's smile. He looks so cute with it. I stared at him lovingly. He seemed so happy."You seem so happy, bro?""Yes, of course... I'm so happy, I'll finally meet the love of my life today. It also seems she has friends in Nigeria."
3 Days Later..."So you're going to meet Madinah today?""Yes..." His eyes immediately turns to me, looking kind of teary. "I can't help but to feel nervous.""Huh-huh... My twin brother is in love." I joked.He replied with a silly look."So, have you called her yet?""No, just email.""So how would you two meet? I mean how would you understand each other?...""Don't worry, Zay. I'll call her when she gets here."I couldn't help but to smile... Since our parents passed away, it's been so difficult to see so much joy and happiness in Zayd's smile. He looks so cute with it. I stared at him lovingly. He seemed so happy."You seem so happy, bro?""Yes, of course... I'm so happy, I'll finally meet the love of my life today. It also seems she has friends in Nigeria."
"May I have your order, please?" The waiter ordered."Shall we order?" Zayd asked her staring at her beautiful pearl-like face and doe-like eyes. It was as if he was having dinner with the moon."Yes, sure." She let out a soft smile, exposing her cute dimpled cheek.She collected the food menu from the waiter and ordered what she would like.Zayd couldn't help but to keep staring at her mesmerising beauty."What should I ask you first?" He smirked, still staring into her eyes. There is so much I'm curious about."Me too... It's nice seeing you, I was only 5 then... about 15 years now, right?""Yes... It is. What about studies? What did you study?"Studies is fine... I'm through with my degree. I studied business administration and I'll be taking over dad's company after him. What about you?"