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Episode Fifteen
Worry! I felt that way since I walked out of Technair building. I’ve been on tenterhooks, wondering what would be the fate of our relationship.

I spent my days staring at my phone with niggling gropes...

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Episode Fourteen

The examination period was filled with incessant and frantic activities. I had spent the last two weeks, reading effortlessly and writing my exams with the determination to get the best grades.

Okay. Confession time: I couldn’t do without listening to Najib’s voice.

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Sophie Kinsella’s “I’ve got your number” is a thrilling and captivating book that kept me glued to my screen (yes, I read the e-book). Believe me, I couldn’t do any other thing until I completed the 800+ paged novel.
This is an unusual review because of my love for this book…one of the best books I’ve read in 2018!!!

#Spoiler Alert
Why did I find it attractive? What’s so unique about the storyline?
I’ve got your number is an autobiographical fiction about a woman, Poppy Wyatt, who lost her engagement ring which had been in her fiancé’s family for three generations.
On the very day that her fiancé (Magnus)’s parents were to arrive from the US, she lost her engagement ring and in the same panic, also ended up losing her phone.
She found an abandoned phone in a bin and decided to keep the phone so that the hotel, where her ring was lost, could phone her when they find it.
The owner of the phone, Sam Roxton wanted his phone back, and Poppy and Sam found their lives becoming increasingly entangled.

What is intriguing about the characters?
Poppy Wyatt- Poppy is a charming and jovial lady who had eccentric ways to handle her unpredictable situation.

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Episode Thirteen

It was three months into our relationship and Najib would be meeting my mother for the first time. Shouldn’t I be elated?

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It was Eid…the long-awaited Eid, where we ate meat till our teeth ached and our stomach churned. Yes, it was finally Eid and I was really excited. I wasn’t just excited about the sumptuous meals and abundant meat, I was excited that I had two days (24hours x 2) to celebrate, sleep, watch movies, eat and spend time with my family members. I had sewn a new outfit and even decorated my hands with henna.

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The Precious Figure (Episode Twelve)

Najib was standing by the doorway with a bouquet of flowers, looking fixedly on my face. Most of my course mates had riveted stares on him.

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Waiyyakum. Thanks for reading

Thanks for reading!!!

The Precious Figure (Episode Eleven)

Moyo looked up distractedly and a shocked expression engulfed her face. She stared at Najib and then goggled resentfully at me with utter disbelief. She leered at me in a repugnant way from head to toe.

My mortified face was sweat-filled and I could feel the dripping of sweat...

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Thank you.

Thanks for reading.

Episode Ten

I twirled in front of the standing mirror as I scrutinized the lovely gown that Raqibah had insisted I wear to the outing with Najib. It was a red and black gown with lace at the hem and beads forming the love shape. I likened myself to the models that walk stylishly on the walk-way.

For once in my life, I wished that Raqibah would appear in my room that instant, so that I’d embrace her tightly. The gown was the loveliest I’d ever worn in my life.

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Chapter Nine

Every morning, I wake up with a deep smile on my face. I smiled, knowing that I was in love with Najib as much as he was with me. I smiled, knowing that I’d have received a message from him, confessing how incomplete his life is without me and how I am the air that he breathes. I smiled knowing that every single morning I wake up is a day gone by, reducing the days left for Najib to return.


https://www.maryamnittywall.com/2018/11/the-precious-figure-episode-nine.html

Everywhere Katie Brenner looks, someone else is living the life she longs for, particularly her boss, Demeter Farlowe. Demeter is brilliant and creative, lives with her perfect family in a posh townhouse, and wears the coolest clothes. Katie’s life, meanwhile, is a daily struggle - from her dismal rental to her oddball flatmates to the tense office politics she’s trying to negotiate. No wonder Katie takes refuge in not-quite-true Instagram posts, especially as she's desperate to make her dad proud. Then, just as she’s finding her feet - not to mention a possible new romance - the worst happens. Demeter fires Katie. Shattered but determined to stay positive, Katie retreats to her family’s farm in Somerset to help them set up a vacation business. London has never seemed so far away...

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“I....” I tried to speak, floundering my words but what came out were breaths of air. I felt an agog exhilaration seeping away.

‘What is wrong with me? Why can’t I talk? Is this really true?’ I thought, imagining that it was night and my eyes had widened from my dreamy sleep, only to realize that it was all a dream.

Episode Eight

“Fareedah, I know this is all too fast and...” Najib prattled but I could hardly comprehend what he was saying.

My thoughts were clogged with his words, “Will you make me the happiest man?”

Yes! I’ll make you happier than the happiest man...but, isn’t this too fast?

...What more do you want, Fareedah? Isn’t this what you want? To be with Najib? To be the air that he breaths and the reason for the smile that lingers on his lips? What more do you want?

Najib stood up and placed his hands over his face. He was evidently shivering. “I’m sorry Fareedah. I shouldn’t have said this. I know you need time...” he was saying beseechingly.

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The Precious Figure (Episode Seven)

While walking to Tantalizers, I brushed my clothes and fantasized seeing Najib again. I had seen him just once but imagining his lovely pair of eyes and a sparkling set of teeth made me shudder.

‘Fareedah, how do you eat when you’re on a date?’ I muttered, unlocking my phone and trying to reach out to Google.

The flash of light on the phone from the sun rays almost blinded my vision. No one advised me to put my phone away that I returned it to my bag. I took a mint from my purse and started to chew, to keep my breath fresh.

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It was 11:30 PM. Diana laid beside her roommate and focused on her laptop. She had a wide smile plastered on her face and she chuckled intermittently as she clicked steadily on the keyboard.

…HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU, WITHOUT MEETING YOU?
- Felix Olawale

IT’S BECAUSE WE HAVE THIS DEEP CONNECTION BETWEEN US.
- Mhiz Diana Unique

*SMILES* OKAY, I WANT TO SEE MY PRINCESS
- Felix Olawale
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Episode Six


Raqibah’s eyes twinkled in amusement. I stared at her fat cheeks; big lumps of pimples surrounding them. Raqibah is a really pretty woman…if only she can take good care of her skin…and dress nicely.

“Why not? You haven’t read? You’ve been thinking about Najib?” she looked at me with arched eyebrows.

“Ah…well…” I stuttered.

“I’m right! Give me the full gist jare. Has he asked you out?” Raqibah placed her hands under her chin and stared at me.

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Episode Five

“What are you putting on” Mom glared at me with scrutinizing eyes.

It was then I remembered that my dressing was different…totally different from what I would wear on a normal day. The day Alia, my distant cousin, presented the gown to me as a gift, I had forced a smile and lied that I really love the dress…that I’d put it on every week because of how beautiful it is. When she left, I had complained to my mother that it is too tight and attractive.

“I’ll just leave it in the wardrobe. I can’t wear this out.” I had muttered to my mother immediately Alia stepped out of the house.

The bosom-length hijab I was putting on was one I used to wear while still in the secondary. The brown lipstick that shone on my lips was also shocking; the last time I used make-up was in 100level.

“Err…I just want to look different.” I tossed my phone nervously in my right hand.

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Episode Four

My hands froze. I stared blankly at the phone and read the text over and over again. Was I dreaming? Chocolate?

My sweaty hands trembled as I punched on the keyboard.

Chocolate?

I could see the ‘typing’ symbol and my eyes widened in anticipation. Minutes later, a message popped up.

Yes, chocolate.

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My lips twitched in a smile as I was typing,

Why chocolate?

You’re sweet, lovely and addicting just like chocolate. The colour of your skin also makes the name perfect for you.

I could feel the rush of blood to my veins. I flopped on my bed and rested on my fluffy pillow.

Hmm…

I typed and stared at the screen, awaiting a response from Najib. I didn’t see the ‘typing…’ symbol and I hesitantly waited for a response.

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Episode Three

I laughed unusually but what came out were breaths of air. “Oh…that. Someone dropped Raqibah and me off from school.” I replied silently, noting the expression on mom’s face.

She scrunched up her face in skepticism. “The red car that was parked outside a few minutes ago?”

I felt a shudder of nervousness. “Yes,…he’s a really nice man.”

Mom raked her roughly-packed hair and clacked the spoon in the mug. “I never knew you were in the car.”

“I was…and he’s a nice person,” I sang sweetly, swinging my arms and reaching for her hair. “Let me pack this neatly. Have you taken your bath? You’ve taken your medication?”

Mom’s eyes gleamed in happiness. She loved it when I take care of her like a child. “I haven’t taken my bath…I’m too tired. I’ll take my drugs after eating lunch,” she smiled slightly and I was glad that the topic of discussion had been changed.

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“Dad, my love for plantain chips ehn?! I can’t even explain it. If anyone wants to deceive me, the person should just lure me with chips.” I remarked, my eyes gleaming with pleasure.

I had just returned from work when my siblings snatched my bag, rummaging through it for small wraps of plantain chips.


While in the office, typing away, I would salivate, anticipating having a crunch of ripe plantain chips. The taste was always one to relish. It made my workflow my okro soup.

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One thing that I am clearly ashamed of, is buying food from bukas and road-side traders. Slap me in the face but I’m one of those that glance awkwardly at women that prefer outside meals to homemade ones.

I do not just think that buying food from a restaurant is not cost-friendly; I also believe that it is unsafe and healthy. Seen those movies where a scene portrays a restaurant re-selling the leftovers of their customers? Yeah, it’s really revolting. Imagine eating someone else’s leftover!

The fact is, no matter how well you try to imbibe the culture of eating only your homemade meals, there are times that you would just need a change of taste because you’re too accustomed to your own meal.

What happens when you have that feeling? How would you go to the same place you have dreaded visiting? How do you face the passersby without being shy?

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Episode Two

He gaped in shock and surprise. “Whoa! That’s a mighty course, Fareedah.”

I smiled shyly as blood gushed to my cheeks. ‘Yep, Medicine is truly a mighty course. I’d become a doctor…I mean, a cute doctor dressed in white.’ I thought, picturing myself flashing a smile and meeting Najib with a tight embrace as he comes to pick me from work.

“You there?” he waved his hand at me.

“Oh…yeah. What were you saying?” I tried to gain composure again.

Why was I always deep in thought, when with him?
“You must be very brainy and smart to study Medicine. How easy is it to even study Medicine in Nigeria? You’re a rare gem, Fareedah,” he flashed his teeth, giving me a thumbs-up.

I could see Raqibah eyeing me through my side view. I knew she’d have a lot to say…but gosh, I felt really special to be admired by a handsome man. No man that handsome had ever dared to speak with me. Moreover, Raqibah had had her doses of relationships but here I am, having no experience with what relationship is all about.

“Do you mind if I play music? I know you guys are very religious but Bruno Mars songs keeps me going.” He said, raking his hair.


“Oh…yes, of course. It’s your car, isn’t it? You have the right to listen to what you want.” My cheeks hurt deeply from over-smiling but I couldn’t help it. I had to please this overly-cute man!

“Ah well, it’s not just about the fact that it is my car. I need to make sure you guys are okay with it.” He remarked.

“Thank you, Najib. We’re okay,” I said, turning to Raqibah for a look of approval. What I got in return was a dark stare.

It was then I noticed that she was reading Professor Audu’s note. Oh well, I’ll read that when I get home.

“I’ll drop before the next street, sir,” Raqibah said in a brusque way. She packed her books into her bag and wore her shoes.

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Episode One

Dr. Oyebanji had spoken consistently for two hours and it had gotten to the stage that I could only see the movement of his lips and his brownish teeth showing from within. I studied the way he talked with so much enthusiasm; pacing back and forth and pausing to clean the beads of sweat that formed around his forehead. I stared at his gray-coloured-faded trousers and the blue shirt that he wore thrice every week. Was he really happy with his job? Had he ever imagined being in a place where he didn’t have to yell at the seas of people clearly uninterested in what he was saying?



“Now who can define arteriospasm?” he asked, darting his eyes to the thousands of eyes that peered at him.



Immediately, I lowered my head and avoided his gaze. Who would want to be disgraced in the midst of hundreds of people? It was then I realised that my black-thick veil was making me sweaty.



“No one? Let’s end the class here. I’ll ask you for the meaning in the next class,” Dr. Oyebanji said, sighing heavily as he held his pile of books.



My course mates squealed in delight as they watched him leave the hall. They had immediately started to walk out in groups, chatting and laughing excitedly.



I turned to Raqibah, who was revising yesterdays’ notes. I used to think that I was the most serious student in my department till I met Raqibah, a studious and bookish fellow who could do nothing but reading. She had joined us at our 300 level and at a first glance, I stared at her unusually. She was pudgy and her big size couldn’t be hidden under the big clothing. Her legs were as big as fat tubers of yam and her body flapped when she walked. Raqibah was as fair in complexion as the inside of a mango fruit and dark spots and pimples filled her face.



‘I do not have the time for beauty treatments. My focus now is to make good grades and become the best graduating student in Medicine,’ she would say, pouting her lips in a way that made her feel proud.



Raqibah was my only friend, and that was because she was also a bookworm. While some of our course mates went on dinner dates and watched movies, we spent our free time in the library; reading till our eyes hurt.

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Final Episode (Episode Seven)

Jemila, Ibrahim's cousin was getting married and he promised to grace his sister’s event. Ibrahim assured Halima that he would return to Nigeria for good. He would relocate back to Nigeria and run his father’s company in making it one of the most successful companies in the country.

"Mummy, I can't control my feelings anymore. I'm madly in love with Ibrahim." Halima told her mother as they prepared for the wedding.

Halima and Ibrahim had spoken every day, despite being apart, sharing their daily activities and the current events that had turned up in their lives. Never for once, had they brought up the issue of having an intimate relationship.

"Confess to him," her mother encouraged.

Halima adjusted her scarf and sat upright on her bed. It was a weekend and she hadn’t even changed from her pajamas. Hajia Hauwa had invited Halima for breakfast when she noticed her unusual solemn look. "Me to him? Isn't it absurd?" Halima placed her right hand to her chest, grimacing.
"It is not. There's nothing absurd in telling someone how much you love him."

"Do you think he would accept me with my child?"

"If he truly loves you, he wouldn't care about you having a child."

"I will confess to him next tomorrow, in the wedding," Halima said, hardly believing her words. How could that be possible?

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Susan yawned groggily on the swivel chair and stared at the wall. Her drowsy eyes made it difficult to for her to read the time. She yawned again and rubbed her eyes roughly.

“What? 12:20?” she sat upright and glared at the square-sized clock that ticked on the wall.

She heard someone chuckle beside her. It was no doubt, Olanma. “Lunch time is almost over and you’re here sleeping like you’re in your room.” Olanma’s face lightened in excitement as she stared at the mirror and applied powder on her face.

Olanma was Susan’s colleague and they sat beside each other. She was the centre of attraction in the office as the male colleague struggled, just to catch a glimpse of her new look. Yeah, she was hot, classy and very pretty. Her outfit were designer-made and a new model of car picked her every evening from work. She would call the man her ‘new catch’ and walk swiftly out of the main hall, her bottom curves forming the shape of a dancing ‘W’ as she cat-walked. It was rumoured that she was a ‘runs-girl’ but no one had caught her red-handed.

Susan straightened her rumpled gray-coloured shirt and flashed back to reality. “Wait, the media manager came here?”

Olanma added more lipstick to her thick-red-coloured bold lips. She laughed mockingly and her braces sparkled along with her white-coloured neatly arranged set of teeth. “Of course, Suzy, he came by and watched you snoring during working hours.”

Susan gasped for air. “You could have woken me up.”

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Lost Love (Episode Six)

“Perfect!” They laughed as they talked about other things. They ate the delicious spaghetti together and prepared to sleep. Ibrahim left Halima to sleep on the bamboo bed in the room while he slept on the raffia mat in the living room.

The next day, they performed their usual task and cooking was already a hobby for them. The third day, the place felt like their home that they were used to living that way. It was simple, loving and calm.

“Do you think they wouldn’t disown us when we get there?” Ibrahim’s father asked as they drove to the village. They were about to set their children free from the hostage.

“No, I think they will use abusive words on us.”

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