Codo22:
ride on sir.,.

Thank you

tijehi:
This here is a confirmed masterpiece.

Thank you

Sensitivity1254:
You are doing a good job.

Thank you

Sokodobo.... U r really trying... But... U do nid to improve in ur Punctuationsa and spacing.
Its always hard to tell wen its a dialogue or narration

gennysq:
Sokodobo.... U r really trying... But... U do nid to improve in ur Punctuationsa and spacing.
Its always hard to tell wen its a dialogue or narration

Thank you

1999

On that Saturday morning, Fateemah came to a standstill in trepidation, her heart racing and her bile rose. It was too late to turn back, and the lonely path seemed so empty shouting for help may not extricate her. It was a reprisal for her obstinacy. Her mom had cautioned her to stop using that lonely route, but she would not hear of it.

Here she was with the devil himself. He had promised to deal with her, and his pugnacious and grim face set in a macabre expression that made her skipped heartbeats.

He smiled dangerously.

Dan dan dan! Ameer smirked, alighting his bicycle, look who I have got to myself today. The one who made me get slapped and she even had the effrontery to laugh at me, telling her friends she made them slap me.

I am not scared of you! Fateemah made a bold face, unaware that her fear was palpably splashed on her face and her teeth chattered.

Seriously? Ameer was now walking towards her slowly but with a deadly expression.

I dont want to hurt you. Stay away from me.

Please hurt me. What is that word for it, I heard Uncle Muazu use it. Yes, voluntary euthanasia. I want to die, Teetee.

She took a step back. I am warning you, she said.

Okay, why did you tell your friends that you made my mom slap me, and you were even laughing at me, saying you would have done it yourself?

Did I laugh at you? Cant I laugh with my friends again?

Ameer made a move like he was going to smack her and she docked, now at the verge of crying. He laughed, enjoying every bit of the action.

Okay, let us be rational or democratic. I love fair play. Ameer clenched his hands and pushed them forward, almost touching her.

You will touch one of the two. The right fist stands for peace, the left stands for fight. If you touch the right one, then we dont fight, but if you touch the left, then we fight.

Are you not ashamed to fight a woman?

Who is a woman? Small girl. But you said you dont want to hurt me, so..choose.

She looked at both fists.

You know I am a Muslim, she touched the right fist, and Islam means peace.

Ameer burst into laughter.

Thank God for Islam. I am saved from your powerful hands. Peace.

Peace.

You can go then.

She heaved a deep sigh then quickly walked passed him and walked briskly. When she was sure there was a long distance between them, she turned, who is scared of you? I would crush you!

Ameer turned.

Me?

She stuck out her tongue, waggled it, then spread her fingers at him, in a gesticulation meaning Uwarka (Your mama). This was an African insult.

Ameer climbed his bicycle but she had since scampered. That was how fourteen year old Ameer and twelve year old Fateemah related. This was just one of many of such encounters. There was a day he said he would one day marry her, saying he loved her.
She cried her life out. How could a boy say he loved her. She said she would never get married. She was a very prim and prudish girl. And she hated Ameer the more.

All of a sudden, he stopped seeing her and when he learnt they had moved out of town, he was happy. Good riddance.

2004

Ameer walking through an ambulatory part with maize plants on both sides when he bumped into a young boy, obviously younger than he was. The boy wore combat baggy trousers and boots. His anorak was red and he pierced his ears, fixing an earring, his neck had bling-bling.

Watcha doing here? the boy demanded roughly.

Ameer did an ocular assessment. He could crush this boy within seconds .

Who the hell are you? Guy, I chop craze o!

Really? Come here, I like your wristwatch, bring it, pronto!

Ameer nearly laughed.

You want to snatch my watch? Ten of you cannot do that and if you make such a statement again, I swear you will eat raw grass here.

I think your father is a bitch.

That was not funny. Now Ameer was going doolally. He just crossed a line and he had to express his anger vehemently.

I will teach you how to watch your stinking vocal cavity, you idiot!

Ameer made a mad rush for the boy who took some quick steps into the farm. Ameer chased him before coming to an abrupt stop.
There were about seven brutal looking guys sitting under a tree, smoking pot, sachets of drugs scattered all around, bottles of alcohol, while two were roasting a ram, probably stolen from the locals.
They all wore red berets, and the vicious eyes that pierced into him sent a chilling sensation crawling up his spine. One of the guy, wearing a goatee, with eyes almost closed from intoxication, red and thin, gave Ameer a dangerous glare.

Are you sitting on the fence or sitting by the fence? he asked, inhaled pot and puffed out a thick cloud of smoke.

I was not even close to the fence.

They laughed.

This one na jolo! Okponu! One of them said.

What is your name?

Ameer Adam.

I know you got an ID on you. If you lie to me.

Oyooh! Exclaimed one, arrangement into ashes.

And spread out for the air to disperse, another said, into vanishing

Into forgotten specie, another torn blanket.

You wan try?

Enyi boys, said the one with the goatee, into hush. He then turned back at Ameer.

Ameer was now jittery, all his guts drenched, his anger vanished and the sight of the guns two of them put on their laps scared the hell out of him.

That is my name, sir. Ameer said again.

Level?

Two hundred.

Department?

Chemical.

God punish your papa, say amen!

Amen. Ameer said without hesitation.

God punish your mama.

Amen.

Good. Now what do you have for the boys?

I was just going to school?

Make we smoke this guy now. One of them suggested. Into roasting him with that ram.

They laughed.

Why did you chase Smalls? Goatee asked.

No, I was only playing with him, he misunderstood me. His face looks very familiar, he looks someone I used to know in KD.

What do you have for the boys?

I have just Two huns on me.

Bring it for blessing.

Ameer quickly gave it to them.

Your wristwatch.

He gave it to them.

What is that blinking light?

Its its my phone.

Eyoooh! Arrange it into Taliban setting.

Damn!

He reluctantly gave it to them.

Please can I have the SIM?

Your Papa! Bring it!

He gave it to them.

Nnamen! This is Samsung Blueface. Chai! I love this phone. One of them said, into arrangement into breast pocket and the girls will see it blinking.

They collected all the valuable items on him then the last thing done to him was to make Smalls slap him six times before he was asked to run away which he did.

His first encounter with the cult boys.
Fifteen minutes later, he was inside the school, where he met some of his friends.

Where have you been? We tried your number to no avail? Said Ibrahim, his close friend.

I was busy at home so I took the farm route.

What? That road is dangerous. The Pirates hang there fa.

So what? Ameer frowned, me, I am buccaneers, Viking, Roundtable, Ake put together. Maza, bawani shege fa!

Hmmhmm Ameer. Banda bakifa(no boasting). Just avoid that place.

Listen to me banza (mumu). I saw them. One called me, I glared at him and showed him my middle finger. So, he got up and came to me. I swore that if he touched me enhh! He looked into my eyes and something told him that I am dangerous. My guy, the guy chill one time. Me I don see devils in black, blue, red, Eyoooh!

Then one of his friends winked at him.

See this one winking. Do you think I am joking?

He winked again and pointed his mouth to the left. Ameer glanced and saw a jumbo block sitting alone with a red beret. His sight alone was enough to make one pee in pants. He may not have been among those who extorted him but he was part of them.

Ameer felt something moving in his bloodstream.

Well, but I think those guys are misunderstood sha. He went on, I was just joking. I did not meet them.
The jumbo got up and walked away without looking at them.
The friend burst into laughter.
Ameer the Capone! Ibrahim mocked.


Then he saw her. She was still slim but with more prominent female features. She had grown more matured and beautiful. It then dawned on him that he had not forgotten her, he kept wondering where she was and what she looked like now. Seeing her now made him understood what he had been feeling all these while.

Excuse me guys, He said and walked towards her. She was standing with two of her friends.

If she bounce you, we go laugh tire. Ibrahin said but Ameer was out of their place. All he could see was her, an excitement exploding inside of him.

Teetee. He called softly.

She turned swiftly and gaped at him.

Subahanallah (Glory be to God)! Ameer?

He clenched his hands and pushed them forward.

Choose one.

You know I am a Muslim, and Islam means peace. She did not touch the right hand like she did when they were kids, she just pointed.

They laughed.

Look at you, you have grown big, har da gemu (you have grown beards). She said and chuckled. He did not miss the brightness of her eyes, the hallow white teeth, the long black silky hair, and the dimple that formed as she smiled.

You haven't lost your mouth. He giggled, I love you and will marry you.

If I start crying here enhh.

They laughed recalling what happened then.

This is Safina and that is Jamila, ..and this is Ameer. I will gist you guys about him when we get back. He used to bully me.

Is that the choose a fist thing you guys just did? Safina asked.

Fateemah told them what happened that day, including how she moved far, insulted him and ran away. They all laughed. When she said he was a bully, he remembered what just happened to him. It was like her childhood prayers that was answered. He got real bullied today. Snatched all his valuables then asked a boy to slap him six times. Phew!

Are you here? she asked.

Yeah. Second year ,chemical eng.

Interesting. I just got admitted into hundred level, Pharmacy. Jamila is studying Law and Safina, Accounting.

You girls are welcome to UJ.

Thank you. How is Amaar, the cool one, Hajiya, the sweet mom who compensated me with that historic slap and dad?

That slap cost you a lot though, He chuckled, Amaar is here, Mechanical. Hajiya is good but we lost dad, three years ago.

Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun (From God we come, and to Him we will return). May Allah forgive him and grant him aljannah firdaus (Paradise).

Ameen. Ameer and her friends answered.

What happened, you guys just disappeared?

Yeah, you know dad was working with SSS and he got transferred so we had to move out. We moved to Ibadan but we are now based in Abuja.

Wao! I wondered for long. Oh, talk about the devil
Amaar appeared and Fateemahs friends were astonished. When She asked after Amaar, they never knew he was his twin. Damn! They were so identical.

After salutations, Ameer asked Amaar, do you recognise this girl? Amaar had looked at her again then his face split into a grin, Subahanallah! Fateemah, your best friend.

You got it, bro.

Its been a while. How are you? Amaar asked.

They had a chit-chat for a while and as usual, the new intakes complaint of the hectic registration process, accommodation and the old students were like, they know how it was but something can be done. They could assist and who was more willing than Ameer who just found a lost-but-found girl?

The girls visited Ameer the next day after he described their residence. They did not live in the Students village around Ring Road but rented a one-room apartment in Ungwan Rogo, behind Bauchi Park.
The room was large with a short corridor and toilet. There was not kitchenette. They had a big mattress which was laid on the floor. The floor was covered with thick blue carpet.

There was a bookshelf leaning on the wall, a cloth-closet, then a big wooden wardrobe like structure. A reading table and chair by another corner. On the wall was pictures of ODB, R-Kelly, Lil Kim and Jay-Z.

On a gadget stand was a 14-inch Sharp TV, a SONY VCD player which was connected to a CD audio player.
There was no sofa in the room so the girls sat on the carpet.

You are welcome to our palace. Ameer said, putting up his best gentlemanly act. Amaar was sitting on the edge of the mattress.

Thank you. This place is nice. Safina said.

Thank you. Ameer replied.

Who is the elder among you? Jamila asked.

I am. The twins said in unison.

What? Safina wondered.

Ba ka da kunya, Amaar (you are disrespectful). Mom made sure we had good upbringing but you seems to derail. Ameer said, what were we taught about respect for elders?

Its not your fault Ameer," said Amaar, I chose to condescend and play with you but it seems that gesture has become a causative factor for disrespect. When did we become age mates?

Ameer turned at the girls, dont mind him. I am the elder brother. I was born before him. Minutes fa, wasa ne?

Can you see why there is an Hausa aphorism that says what an old man sees lying down, a child would not see it even when at the peak of a tree. You think you are older because you came to the world a few minutes before me. We were in the womb, where we did not need to hustle to eat and drink, we had all the peace we wanted, enclosed but not claustrophobic, and suddenly we are told to move into the world. Being the elder and the wisest, I sent you, my younger brother to check, what was the world like. I should have gone myself if I knew it was going to turn out like this.

They watched movies while they drank soft drinks before food was served. A well cooked rice, sauce stashed with beef. The food was so delicious Safina was forced to ask, did you cook this?

Cook? Ameer replied quickly, I dont have time for cooking though. You know, the stress, time and all that.

How do you feed? Jamila asked.

Contract. We sealed a deal with a restaurant so they provide food twice a day, lunch and dinner. We handle breakfast.

Dont you think cooking is more economical? Fateemah said.

It is but you know its just the stress.

It is because you got the money though.

They were watching a movie when a small boy knocked and said, Brother, my mama say make collect her big pot?

Dapo, wait for me outside. Ameer reposted quickly.

My mama say make you give me her pot she wan cook. The pot wey you borrow say you get visitors so your small pot no go do.

Dapo.

Brother you too dey forget. The time wey you send me go grind tomato for your customer place..

Okay, just wait. Ameer said. Amaar fought the urge to burst into laughter. Ramin qarya..

Ameer got up, went to the big cupboard and opened it where their cooking paraphernalia was stashed. Plates, pots, food stuff, stove, hot-plate, etcetera was there. He simply removed the pot and gave it to the boy.

See yaawa!

Yes, I know I said we dont cook, he said in a face saving attempt, I was just trying to be humble. If I had confessed to cooking the food, you girls might have started crushing on me and may be fight over me. Which girl does not like a good cook for a husband?

The girls chuckled.

Wash. Fateemah said and chuckled. But you sure do know how to cook.

I got my diploma from mum, then went for advanced studies with grand ma where you learn to cook with local seasoning, daddawa, and natural preservatives. He lied. He did not know how to cook. It was Amaar who knew how to cook.

The girls left in the evening and Ameer went to the hostel to check on Fateemah in the evening.

There was plans to look for a two room self-contained apartment for them so they could have their accommodation. Meanwhile, they squatted in hostels.


tbc

Wow, pls continue. This story seems heavy with intrigues yet to come.

Nice update. Please don't stop.

The next day, Ameer assisted her through her registration processes, making a lot easier and faster for her. They had lunch together and in the evening, he went to see her.
A chemistry was synthesising. And they could feel it. They had not said anything about it, but it was the first time Ameer was having this kind of feeling.

As they strolled slowly along Ring Road in the evening, Ameer felt so sure he was in need of this girl.

Did you know that after you guys left, I spent months passing through your house just to see if I would see you?

Hmm..hmm.

I used to deceive myself that I wanted to fight you but. I kept hoping I would see you again.

Awwwnn. Irony. She giggled. I never forgot you myself. I have a cousin called Ameer. I always remembered you and sometimes I would wonder what you looked like, where you were and just things in my head.

I always knew you were beautiful and was going to grow into a beautiful woman.

Even when you glared at me? I did not know love then but I knew you were cool.

And what if your girlfriend starts getting suspicious? We kind of spend a lot of time together and ..

And who told you that I have not been subconsciously waiting for you?

You dont have a girlfriend?

I hope I am about to have now if she would accept me. I had a thing with one or two girls but it's just.. do I say not a serious relationship?

Trying to see you with a girl and all that child stuff but talking about the real deal, like thinking of having her as a wife in just two hundred level, no.

Did you just say marry?

Why else would I have a girlfriend?

I hope this girl you are talking about is not me.

What if it happens to be you?

You are flirting with me.

I am in love with you.

That was heavy.

I am sure Teetee. I just need you in my life right now, later and forever.

Has it crossed your mind that I have a boyfriend?

It has and it comes with pain and fear but I am willing to fight for you. I lost you once, I would not like to lose you again. Take my heart, Teetee, it is in your care, do whatever you wish with it.

You know I wont hurt you. But I dont know if I can keep your heart safe.

Just the few days we have been together has given my life a new dimension. Your effect on me has that je ne sais quoi that distinguishes pure love from infatuation. From a scalar quantity to vector quantity, now I got specific direction.
You accentuate my fecundity potentials. Like a filter to the air I breath, you make me pure. You are that dream that I want to realise, you are that prize that is priceless and I want to win. I dont deserve you but I beg for privilege.
But if I dont ignite that sputtering love sparks in you, if you dont find me attached to your ruminative mood, or feel abhorrent when my image display, then pray for me because only divine help can make me stop loving you, Teetee.

I am helpless and scared. I hope you will not leave me in the middle of the ocean, where all water is salt and no land is seen. I hope you will have this fragile poor girl close to your heart .

I will not have you close to my heart I will have you deep inside my heart.

I will tell mom about you. She needs to know that I have found love. I want to tell the whole world about you and hand a placard over my neck: not available.

She chuckled.

I am happy.

He clenched his hands.

Peace or fight?

You know I am a Muslim. Islam means peace.

She pointed at the right fist.
.
.
.

In a black Mercedes Benz 190 sat a lady under the wheel. She chewed bubble gum, making blasting sound as she inflated and burst the gum. She raised her Siemens phone and dialed a number.

He has a twin brother. She said, and he is getting more intimate with the girl. Yahanas is cast and the mould fits in. Its a green. It is a go.

Hmmm A thick voice said from the other end. He will do it, you think?

With the plans on ground, he will have no choice. Trust your babe, its Jezebel.

I trust you. I want results.

You will have results.

The call ended, she lit a cigarette and blew smoke inside the car while she stared at Ameer and his new found young love. They looked so happy. She loved it that way. Destroying it at happy time. It is called schadenfreude.
She put on the car engine and set the car on the road, driving past them while they were completely oblivious of the devil in the car.

FIVE

The love affair between Ameer and Fateemah became profoundly sizzling, genuine and esoteric. They were best of friends, and never missed the opportunity of been together. The only reason they were not campus husband and wife (live-in lovers) was religion.
They went to library together, or found a quiet class as they tried to avoid Ameers room as much as possible after the incidence. Incidence? It happened when they would close from school, go to his room and read, or watch movies, eat or just hang out.
They had been in the room watching movies, and Amaar was away with his friends. When Ameer decided to make noodles and omelette, she offered to help. While she was doing that, and they were alone in the room, Shaytan (satan) began to whisper, making him imagine her as his wife, and his eyes traveled round her feminine features.

After the meal, it began to rain, and electric power was seized. So, they put on the rechargeable lantern-cum-radio. The sound of the rain, the quiet and her beauty got him ideas and he touched her hand.
She had reclined but he held it and drew his mouth close to her ears.
I love you, Teetee. You are irresistible and I am helplessly mesmerized and prone to bloop.

His deep voice had sent a sensational wave through her body, and his breath did something to her nervous system. She had never been this close to him or any man. When she felt his hand on hers again, with light movement that sent fire into her, her eyes closed and she melted.
By the time they came to their senses, breathing hard while he kept muttering the dua (prayer) of refuge from the devil, he thanked God he did not go far. It stopped at dalliance but the event scared them. It was extremely dangerous for a man and woman to be in seclusion, no matter how pious they were, because Shaytan (satan) will always be with them.
That incidence made them stop going to his room except when Amaar was around or her friends. It was their second semester and she was almost done with one hundred level.

As they sat on a pew in the coldness of Jos, he felt the need to draw her close and give her warmth. She also needed it but that line was just there. They both resorted to the comfort of their sweaters.

Teetee. He called her softly.

Naam.

Will you marry me?

That was totally unexpected and straight. The question had sent her into an instant reverie, fantasy and dreamland. She covered her face with her palms and felt so ashamed of him. Why? They had been talking love and so used to each other for almost a year.

Yes, my noor, I will marry you.

....A few seconds of silence.

I dont mean after we graduate.

What? You are just at the end of your second year.

I know but I am crazily in love. Got like three more years if ASUU permits, and if strikes come in, maybe five or four, God forbid. I want to break the barrier between us, and make it halal (lawful). I want to wake up in the morning with you by my side, your head on my chest, and we pray, have bath and go to school together.
You are my greatest exigency, the one thing I need to make me complete. I want to have you in my life for ever. You will only go home for visit and when you go, they will be like, when did you come? and not when did you come back.

That is my home, dude.

That is your temporary home. Your real home lies with me, insha Allah. Graduation is a life-time from now. I want it as soon as possible.

I dont now if Abba (dad) will agree to that. She said thoughtfully, but you dont have a job. Dont you think they will use that against us?

“I know. When we lost our dad, our inheritance was shared. We are five, I, Amaar, and three girls. I inherited three houses and rented them out. That is part of what I use to fund my education. Same with Amaar and my siblings. The amount can take care of our primary needs and that includes your education.

My dad takes care of my education.

Have you ever witnessed the solemnisation of a marriage?

She shook her head.

Yeah, most women have not especially in our tradition. Its either in the mosque or in front of the house and women are usually not there. What I am trying to say is most responsibilities are transferred from your dad to me. Feeding, shelter, health, education, clothing, morality, all rest on my big head. If your dad decides to do that, he is doing it for me but I think I can handle that except if he insists.

I pray he agrees. That is most important.

Agree in what terms? Agree to let me get married to you or do it before graduation?

Before graduation.

Do you like the idea?

She turned her face from him, looking away.

That question is an insult to our love.

I am sorry then.

I will talk to mom first. She said, aware of a new sensation building up inside her. Marriage! She prayed Abba will agree. Ya Allah! Getting married to Ameer would be the best thing to happen to her. She loved him and wanted to spend her entire life with him.
That evening, she called her mother and as they spoke, she found it difficult to tell her.

Tell me what you want and save my Credit. Her mom said.

How did you know there is something on my mind?

When you carried someone for nine months, with such a connection, and raise him up, there would be little you dont know.

Awwwwn mom, I love you. And I appreciate you.

I love you too. Now speak up. Dont tell me you need money, Abba said said he sent you money just of recent and it is end of semester already.

It is not about money.

What?

I - I have, I mean I have or let me say I found, no, I have someone.

The mom chuckled, making the air more conducive, giving that avuncular mood to make her relax and spill whatever it was.

Tell me more about it kawata (my friend).

Fateemah giggled.

Kawa kuma (your friend) ?

E mana (yes of course). You are my only daughter, the one who shares hijab (veil) and shoes with me. Bani labari nasha (tell me the story) .
Now she felt more at ease.

I found someone who wants to marry me and..

The boy who has been helping you?

Yes but there is something I never told you.

Tell me now then.

It is Ameer.

I saw the sign.

It is not that Ameer.

Toh, which Ameer kuma?

Hajiyas son. The twin .

Subahanallah! The boy that you used to fight with?

Yes.

It has been him all these while?

Yes, ma.

Zurfin ciki gun yar nan (this girl can keep secrets). So your enemy has turned into your lover.

I dont have a lover. She said ashamed of the use of the word.

Does that mean you dont love him?

Naam?

Do you love him?

She did not reply directly but chuckled.

Remember when I used to tease you about him and you would cry?

Again she chuckled.

My daughter is in love. You said he is one year ahead of you, right?

Yes.

Allah zaba mana mafi alkhairi (May Allah choose what is best for us). The way time flies, before you know it, you will all graduate.

(Not on phone. Telling her Ameer wanted it now? No!)

Insha Allah.

Never do anything outside the teachings of Islam.

(The incidence! Thank God it did not happen.)

Insha Allah.

When are you coming back?

In a fortnight insha Allah.

Ya (how is) exams?

Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God).

Hey, I have to go. My credit balance is gone.


Ameer had told Hajiya about Fateemah before then. She had also mocked Ameer for falling in love with a girl he used to bully. But he never told her about getting married.
.
.
.
tbc

This story is dope!!

This storys dope!!

Over dope is worrying this story.

Well done Solo, you are one fantastic writer.

I really enjoy reading this story, Thump up.

rayvelez:
I really enjoy reading this story, Thump up.

Thank you

excelmerry:
This story is dope!!

Thank you

tijehi:
Over dope is worrying this story.

Well done Solo, you are one fantastic writer.

Thank you

After the examinations, they all went home. Fateemah went to Abuja while Ameer returned to Kaduna. They communicated through phone everyday and the rate at which they missed each other was alarming.
When it became unbearable, Ameer went to Abuja. He stayed at his uncle’s house at Zone 4 while he traced Fateemah’s house which was at Area 6.

It was the first time her mother saw him after they left Kaduna. She saw that he had grown, with beards and very handsome. She liked him at once. When she saw the intensity of their love for each other, and the fact that they were both in the same school, it was not difficult to convince her to allow them get married ASAP.

But it was very difficult to convince her husband. He wanted her to graduate, and feared that the boy was a student himself. But she made him understood that he had a source of income which was most important.

And marriage would not stop her from completing her education. Besides, they were both students. He obliged after weeks of pleading, sermons, and explanations but he insisted on sponsoring her even when she got married.

He said they should meet Alhaji Ahmadu, his elder brother who was the eldest in the family. The decision lay with him.
When Ameer told Hajiya about his decision, she had been skeptical. She also wanted Ameer and Amaar to get married on the same day. Amaar reminded her that they were twins but everyone has his destiny. He was not ready to get married then and his decision should not affect his brother’s. They convinced her.

Arrangements were made to meet Alhaji Ahmadu, who was residing in Dutse. Alhaji Magaji, Ameer’s late father’s close friend and two of his uncles went for the formal seeking for permission and introduction.
Alhaji Ahmadu gave them a grand reception and they were overwhelmed and anticipated a rosy relationship ahead. Fattemah was so happy that day, finding it had that the process had begun. A process to make her Ameer’s.

After the formalities , Alhaji Ahmadu said, “on behalf of the family, I must say we appreciate your coming all the way from Kaduna. And anyone one sees good in your daughter, the family, and wishes to get married to her has honoured you. May Allah reward you bountifully.
I am aware that you are here to seek for formal permission, to allow your son, or our son, to seek the hands of our daughter in marriage. We are very happy about this and this step is very important.I know you are from a very far place and you plan to go back today, Insha Allah, so I would go straight to the point.

I never told Uthman this but I have chosen a husband for Nana. I don’t call her by her name because she was named after our mother. We all know that two people cannot seek for the same girl's hand in marriage. But only Allah knows what lies ahead. I am very sorry to say this but telling the truth is the best for us all.”

This was the beginning of the saga …………

Fateemah sat in her mother's living-room, her face resting on her palms ,her legs folded on the sofa while she just stared vacuously at the rug.

" Why did you do that to me?" Ameer asked, sitting on the sofa next to her. " I thought you loved me, we were good, why did you decide to give another person your heart, why darling?"

Fateemah did not look at him, or seem to hear him.

" Where did I go wrong?"" You did not go wrong." She said at last. " But now you have all gone wrong. Did I ever tell you that your name reminds me of someone?" She went on.
"Yes. The boy you said used to bully you and I asked why you did not tell me back then."
" Yes. We met and fell in love. He is the one.”
"What!"
" I was never in love with you. You are my cousin, and I love you as a brother. I never liked this abokanan wasa of a thing. I had never fallen in love before now. I love Ameer, my Ameer. How could Baba chose a husband for me without my consent or that of my parents."

"He is also your father and he feels he has the right to do so."
" Nobody has the right to choose a husband for me and this is not the old days, knowledge is prevalent and the earlier you know that forced marriage is prohibited in Islam,the better ."
"Nobody is going to force you. You are only been naive."
"Naive at eighteen? Just finished my first year."

" I just finished three hundred level remember? And I would graduate this year. Don't talk like I know nothing about school."
" Do you think I care if you just got a PhD?"
" Fateema! You have never talked to me this way."
" I wish you know what I intend to say to you, what I feel for you at this very moment. I used to like you, one of my favourite cousins, and had a lot of respect for you. I never knew you were serious when you kept talking about marrying me. I never knew you and your father were in cahoots about forcing me on you.
You shattered my dreams, broke my heart, and embarrassed me. How else do you think I will talk to you? I see you as a barrier between me and my happiness. You are a cause to my greatest travail in my life. I was crying before you came, when I was told you are around, the tears vanished because crying could be a relief but your appearance is a curse, something beyond tears.
You are still my cousin and as a cousin, I am okay with you but you are not here as a cousin, but as a...." She paused, " please ,Ya Ameer. Let me go. I love Ameer with all my heart. Help me, tell your father you don't want me. Tell him you will get married to another girl...."

" You know I can't lie to him. I love you and I know you will love me too. It is first year adventure disturbing you. I know that feeling. In my first year....."
Her phone rang. She picked it.
"Teetee."
" My noor (light)."
"I hope you are not crying."
"No. What I feel now is worse than crying."
" I told you not to worry. Let Allah be in control. Let us commit it to prayers."
"I have been doing that. I just find it hard My-noor."
" What matters most is what we feel for each other. No one can stop our love for each other."
"Definitely."
" How is mom?"
"She is fine. I really miss you."
" I miss you more, Teetee."
" Where are you?"
" KD.'
" Where exactly?"
" Home. Just lying and thinking about you."
" I was doing the same before I got interrupted but you know no matter what I do, your thought is always by me, in me, on me, with me. As constant as K"

Ameer laughed.

" So, how is my rival and namesake?"
" He is here. Do you want to say hello to him?'
" What? What do you mean by here?"
" He is sitting right here."
" Damn! Do you mean you have been saying all these in his presence?"
" Why should I hide my feelings? Ba munafirci, ba cuta, ba cutarwa(no hypocrisy, no cheating, no getting cheated) . "
" Goodnight, Fateemah....'
"It is Teetee My noor and if you don't say the things I want, I will choose fight today."
Ameer chuckled.
" No, you are a Muslim and ........."
"Islam means peace." They said in unison then laughed.
" I love you Teetee."
" I love you My-noor."
" Goodnight."

She sighed.

" I hate to say this but...."she made a voice and face like one about to cry, "goodnight, My-noor."

Ameer Ahmadu clenched his hands, his heart thumbing harder while his legs shook in anger. He heard what Ameer said. He had always thought she was in love with him. All those times she would call him, saying she missed him, asking when he was coming, staying together for long, so it was not love. It was just a favourite-cousin-thing.

But talking to him in his presence was tormenting. She had openly brought him to his place, a direct message that he meant nothing to her. Jeez! This was an insult to his personality. But Baba Uthman had his share in this set-up. Was he too blind to see that he was in love with his daughter? How could he permit Ameer's people to go seek for permission?
Definitely Aunty Sa'a was behind it. She had never been too kin on their relationship but hid it. Maybe this Ameer was rich, a business mogul with millions of naira.

" I am feeling sleepy." Fateemah said. This was one way of brush-off men hated. When a girl started telling you she was feeling sleepy immediately after Isha, then know that you are unwelcome.

" But I just came."
" The time you come does not affect my sleep."
"But we used to stay up late before, remember?"
" Really? I can't remember."

God!
He sat quiet for some minutes then she got up.

" Thank you Ya Ameer. I will be resuming school next week and want to start reading hard so I will appreciate it If you give me some space to read. You always told me to face my studies."
" Reading hard for a new session? Where are the materials?"
" Pro activity. Goodnight."

And she left him in the living-room. Immediately she left, he got up and walked out of the house without a word to anyone.
Her mother followed her into her room.

" What did you just do? How could you treat a man like that?"
"Wallahi mom, I did not intend to be rude. I just could not help it. Seeing him alone triggered repulsiveness and impatience."
"You are a small girl but you must learn how to control your feelings. That is a very bad way of brush-off. Namiji abin tsorone(men could be scary). Some men could be vindictive. You do it with caution. You were talking to another man in his presence!"
" I am sorry."
"It's not about me, Zinariya. It is about caution. The world is not as rosy as it looks. I just need you to be more careful and such a bloop must not repeat itself. Just find a way to play it cool with him, be more diplomatic and pray about it. He left without a word to anyone. He looked like an explosive about to burst."

Fateemah nodded.

" Lesson learnt."
" That is my girl. Has Abba said anything to you?"

She shook her head.

"No."
" Did he ask you to stop seeing Ameer Adam?"

"He never mentioned anything. He acts like he knows nothing about the whole thing. You know how it is with SS."
" Your mouth." Hajiya Sa'a giggled. " Have you eaten?'
" No."
" Let us go and eat, kawata."
"I am not famished."
" Haba ta Ameer (Ameer's girl) ..."
Fateemah wrinkled her face .
" Ameer Adam."
Fateemah blushed, smiled then covered her face with her hands.
" Now , I am hungry."

This is beautiful, I don sign in oo...

More data to your fone

SkodoDobo This story is in a class of its own. Not just any class, but on the upper echelon. Your plot is on point, your diction is intact, the story line is unique. In a nutshell, you are doing a great job. I've been following for a while now, and at this point i can't help but say "This is an AMAZING story"

bigbauer:
SkodoDobo This story is in a class of its own. Not just any class, but on the upper echelon. Your plot is on point, your diction is intact, the story line is unique. In a nutshell, you are doing a great job. I've been following for a while now, and at this point i can't help but say "This is an AMAZING story"

I totally agree.

Still awed by the plot.

Well done sokodobo.

bigbauer:
SkodoDobo This story is in a class of its own. Not just any class, but on the upper echelon. Your plot is on point, your diction is intact, the story line is unique. In a nutshell, you are doing a great job. I've been following for a while now, and at this point i can't help but say "This is an AMAZING story"

Totally on point the story is just too aww.

Don't even know what to write.

Tanks op

Wow

Good story

MrsEvakinqz:
This is beautiful, I don sign in oo...

More data to your fone

Thank you

bigbauer:
SkodoDobo This story is in a class of its own. Not just any class, but on the upper echelon. Your plot is on point, your diction is intact, the story line is unique. In a nutshell, you are doing a great job. I've been following for a while now, and at this point i can't help but say "This is an AMAZING story"

Thank you

tijehi:


I totally agree.

Still awed by the plot.

Well done sokodobo.

Thank you

rayvelez:


Totally on point the story is just too aww.

Don't even know what to write.

Thank you