SokoDobo:
Thank you all for your prayers and concerns. Am doing very good now.

Enough updates comes later today.

Thats good to hear

Thanks For The Update Bruh..


Speedy Recovery Ey
Jah Bless your Hussle

Born2Breed:
SokoDobo, Updates are getting shorter.... don't let me get angry, and use my PDA to hack into your brain and read all the stories.

trouble maker...

TEN


The environment was a seethed cauldron of exhilaration, fulfilments, hope, and celebration. The official ceremony was over, and parents rejoiced as the day they dreamt of was around: Graduation day.
The graduates wore smiles, bliss conspicuously splashed on their faces, as they hugged each other, taking snapshots.
They deserved to be happy. Years of stress, academic vicissitudes, some gut-wrenching lecturers who loved suffering students, sleepless nights, money spending, marriage postponements by some parents, and fear had come to end.
They were graduates.

A group of girls were taking shots, amid jokes and persiflage, after some shots, one of them walked silently, sequestered herself, sat on a culvert and buried her face in her palms. It has been three years since Adnan left her. Three years of unimaginable pains. She had tried to move on but she could not get him out of her mind.
Her mother had helped to organize a search party, and the riverside were searched, asking the locals if they saw any dead body or survivor. No one saw anything. The search went on for long until they gave up.

She now understood why Adnan was keeping details from her. A group of people came and interrogated her, with the consent of her father, and used a lie detector machine, along with some experts.
If Adnan had told her the details, she would not have been able to hide the truth. They wanted to know what she knew about the waves, and the source, and micro-chip era.

Life was never the same since then. She only pretended to move on but she could not spend ten minutes without thinking of him.
She remembered his words,” I have no one to pray for me except you. Please do pray for me.”
And she never performed salat without doing that.
Today was her graduation day. He had promised to be there. But our lives were not in our hands. She wished he was here. He had inspired her, changed her educational orientation. He amazed her. The guy only collected her hand-outs and textbooks and studied only to teach her in a manner she had never being taught.

She hated mathematics and some of her courses had mathematical applications, especially Economics related courses. He made her believe mathematics was simple, ignited mathematical love and interest in her, taught her basic foundations and took her through an intensive tutorials. A guy who stopped at primary three.
The few months they spent together changed her life forever. It was like they spent all their lives together and he left her with a vacuum which no one has been able to fill up. And she did not help matters too because she never gave anyone chance to come close to her.
She was twenty one and not thinking about marriage. That was something Adnan made her want three years ago and the zeal died down after he left.

Her friends talked to her several times, even her mother told her to move on and accept qadr. She accepted qadr but deep inside of her , she felt he was still alive.
She was still waiting for him. She did not know where he was, and not even sure he was alive, but she felt as if his heartbeat was close by, or far but so powerful she could feel it. She was not sure if she was only being delusional, or living on false hopes but she was ready to take the risk.

She was not sure if she could love another man the way she loved him. She was not even ready to fall in love again.

“ Naairah.” Nadia called softly. “ You are crying.” She moved and sat close to her and held her hand.

“ I am not crying.’

“You are darling. Today is not a day for crying. We should suspend all pains and rejoice.”

“ I have been doing that. I just wish he was here. He was instrumental to my success. He was a driving force behind me.”

“ You did this for four years and he was just there for a few months. You can’t ruin yourself.”

“ Those few months changed everything. They made the remaining years more productive. I don’t expect you to understand how I feel.”

“I do but you must move on. Why can’t you give Sadiq a chance?” She said. “He has all a woman needs.”

“Only Adnan has all I need and please do not go there. No one ever sparked up that light in me like he did. I want to give myself more time. I will wait.”

“ I wish you would think about it. It has been three years. If he is alive, he would have come to look for you and if he is alive and refuses to look for you, then he does not deserve the wait and loyalty.”

“ I am not sure if he is alive or dead but my heart keeps telling my Adnan is alive and there must be a sort of explanation for his absence.”

Nadia shrugged. Naairah was obstinate. Sadiq was her fiancé’s friend and he had been dying to have her. Naairah now had a phobia for men. She could be friendly but once the issue of a relationship came in, she cringed.

“ Nadia!” She called suddenly, her heart beating rapidly. “ Nadia!”

“What? I am here.”

She pointed a finger.

“Is that not Adnan?”

“Adnan?”

“Look, he is wearing a suit. He promised to wear a suit on my graduation day. Look!”

She pointed at a young man who was walking towards a block.

“ I don’t think that could be him.”

“It is!” She said and sprang up. “Give me a moment.”

She said and went after him.

pls update o.

Naairah walked briskly, seeing nothing except the guy who walked confidently ahead of her. She was almost running. She felt her heart pulsating rapidly, fighting the urge to scream his name. The gap between them reduced, then she called out, “ Hayati (My life)”
The guy turned swiftly with a reaction that showed that he knew the name. He saw her and paused abruptly.
He raised his eye brows.
She stopped abruptly.

No! It was not him. But why did she feel like that? Why did she feel his presence? Why was her heart dancing to a tune of love?
Adnan had brown eyes but this guy had black eyes. He was fairer in complexion than Adnan. He was brawny, broad shouldered with an aggressive jaw. His eye brow was thicker and he seemed to be taller than Adnan.
His face was bearded and his hair was more curly than Adnan’s.
She saw a guy with class and cuteness, dressed in suit.

His Emporio Armani satin-lapel textured dinner jacket was white, worn corporately over black Loro Piana straight, slim chinos. His black bow tie was Lanvin double-layered satin which gave him a swaggering, gentlemanly appearance.
His shoes was Guiseppe Zanotti shoes which should have cost about five hundred thousand Naira. The black manly eyes were behind plane Versace VE3218 eyeglasses which matched his Gucci Dive XL watch.

Naairah recognized the fragrance of the very expensive Dolce and Gabbana Velvet desert uod cologne. This guy was in his own class of handsomeness and uniqueness and she was not only disappointed that it was not Adnan, but she was embarrassed, and angry for letting his gorgeousness take a toll on her. She almost melted at his sight but she was quick to compose herself.

“ Hayat.” A girl called and walked towards them. The girl was a pretty slim damsel who was also expensively dressed but Naairah had enough of the guy to pay more attention to her.

Hayat? And she called him Hayati. Was that reason for his swift turn?

“ Have we met somewhere, Miss pretty?” He said and she noticed the difference in voice with Adnan’s. His voice was lighter than Adnan’s and he had a more polished accent.

Naairah shook her head in embarrassment.

“ I am sorry, I mistook you for someone else.”

He smiled and the smile was like been blown with cool air after running out of an oven. That smile you want to keep seeing, and knowing it was meant for you. A smile that reminded of her Adnan. Who the hell was this guy, that raised her blood and temperature?

“ Oh,,but you called my name…the possessive version though.”

“ I did not call your name"

“ Now I guess it was a title and I feel honoured that my name was used.” He said and the girl came and joined them. Naairah felt uncomfortable, hoping the girl was not going to act all stupid.

“This is my sister, Aaliyah." He introduced. “ Aaliyah, meet, meet…. Miss…oh she is so bright…Miss Sunshine.”

Naairah did not know when she gave him a sharp glance. What did he just call her?

“Excuse me?”

“I am sorry, I don’t know your name but that name suits you. You are an epitome of brightness.” He smiled.

Aaliyah smiled and moved forward. It seemed her brother was making a move and she knew when to give space.

Naairah suddenly felt stuffy, as if the oxygen was been drained out of the air.

“That is not my name and please don’t ever call me that again.”

He noticed that the name meant something to her. Did he trigger a memory?

“I am sorry, I am Hayat Anas. May I know the princess’s name?”

She shook her head.

“I came after you because I mistook you for someone and that’s it. I do not tell strangers my name.”

“I was a stranger a few minutes ago. Now you know my name and my sister’s. Okay, I am based here in Abuja, though still living with my parents and work somewhere as an Admin officer. Now you know me better…..Oh I guess someone came in search of you.” He said as he caught sight of Nadia. “ I don’t have vampire fangs, just tell her you are safe. ”Naairah turned and saw Nadia behind them.

“ I still insist, you don’t need to know my name. Have a good day….”

“Okay, that is my sister, please tell her your name and give her your phone number. I want you to be friends with her. She needs inspiration. Please I want you to be admonishing her. She takes too much chocolates and it is not good for her. Just do it for her…”

Naairah chuckled.

“The graduation gown I am wearing is not a transition gown to from nursery class to primary one.”

“ Who said you can trick nursery kids these days? Even a nursery student would know that my trick is so lame.” He said. “ Okay, no tricks. Can I have your number, please. I do send duas (prayers) to loved ones on Fridays.”

“ May Allah reward you for your intentions but no.”

“ I guess you are really angry I am not your Hayati. But since I am not Hayati, manage me please. It is just the i that is missing.”

“Did I say I was planning to change him?”

“ I just observed that you were using a lot of past tense. I used to call him Hayati and only I called him so. Hayat was not his real name.”

She felt a sharp pain going through her heart. No one could replace Adnan. No one!

“ Yes, I may have used past tense but he will never be a past thing in my heart.”

“Ohhhh, now I get it, He was your ……..I don’t want to say it. I am already jealous. Okay, let me have your number and I will fix things up. Did I tell you that my mum calls me Mr fix it, and dad calls me, Mr mend it?”

“Congratulations! I have to leave.”

“ You graduated today. I am really proud of you, miss .”

Again, the way he said that made her jolt out of complacency. There was a feeling of satisfaction and assertiveness as he said it which sent her heart pit-a-pat. She looked into his eyes and carried off hers. The black eyes pierced into her and she felt it deep into her soul.

“Thank you.” She said, finding the weakness in her voice and she turned, walking away from him.

Nadia gave her a smile.

“ What a guy! And he was all on you, did you see the chemistry between you two?”
Naaairah.

“No. I only saw Geography between us.”

They were walking away.

“Don’t tell me you will let this guy go.”

“I don’t even know him. I thought it was Adnan.”

“ Adnan looks nothing like this guy, I just did not want to discourage you but I think Allah just pushed you to him. Hope you gave him your number?”

“No name no number.”

“What? Why?”

Naairah turned and saw the guy standing and watching her. He wove at her then joined his sister and they walked away.

“ I am waiting for Adnan.” Naairah said. “ I don’t want to give him a false hope. What if Adnan shows up?”

“I can see the this is the closest to Adnan. Do not miss it.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have never seen you close to succumbing like this since he left.”

“ I think you are wrong. He is handsome and attractive, masha Allah but Adnan is still in his position.”

Nadia shrugged.

“I hope we won’t build castle in air.”

“Insha Allah.”

“Has it crossed your mind that you may never see him again. You don’t even know who he came for, no contact, nothing. You could have giving him your number, that is not tantamount to collecting bride price.”

Something hit her heart at that moment. What was wrong? Why did he make her feel something…something she had not felt for a long time. He made her felt she was cheating on Adnan and that got her into a fit of pique.

Damn him!

The Cadillac came to a halt amid exotic cars in juxtaposition. Mason, Maya, the huge man with a pony tail who was called Roberto, and the driver alighted.
Mason looked round the country house with admiration. The garden was bedecked with varieties of flowers and flamboyant trees, with an Olympic sized swimming pool which sat in front of magnificent box type duplex with modern Asian exterior design.
Palm trees surrounded it, with luxury water works displaying a scintillating sight. There were about six girls in bikini swimming in the pool, champagne and fruits arranged by the pool side.

On an expensive poolside bed lay a fat man with rattle snake eyes and Saddam Hussein Moustache. He wore boxers, exposing his pot belly, with a Cuban cigar between his fat fingers. A tray was by his side, stashed with expensive wines, devil's powder, cigar, fruits and bubble gum.
A golden necklace adorned his thick neck, with a water-proved Rolex wristwatch round his wrist.

The forty year old man was the current head of the Vasitto family which was a large family and there were whispers that it was a mafia family. But Don had portrayed himself to be a gregarious, patriotic and benevolent man. He had a foundation which awarded scholarships for the less privileged, vocational training and relief provision projects.

He had protégés in the government circles, both local and international. He was married to Adriana Sergio, a former Olympic star and model who bore him two children to add up to his eight children before marriage.
He was known to organize lavish parties, with lots of girls, and top men. He said this was important to ease tension, and concentrate on helping people.

" Mason Ford ." He said in his falsetto voice and thick Spanish accent. " Here you are in Bolivia. What a pleasant visit."

Mason shook the thick hands and sat on the chairs provided.

" Good to see you Don." Mason said as he settled his butt on the chair.

" Señorita Maya, bienvenido a Bolivia (Miss Maya, welcome to Bolivia)." Don said to stern faced Maya who took the second chair.

Don Flicked his finger and the two girls massaging him left. Mason starred after one of them from the corner of his eyes.

"Thank you, Mr Don." Maya replied.

" I don't know, you two, are you girlfriend and boyfriend, bed mates, partners, which one?" Don said and laughed but it seems he was the only one who took it for a joke.

" Traer mas Champan ( bring more champagne)" Don said with a loud voice and a personal waiter nodded at once.

The drinks were served and they began to drink." So what happened?" Mason began. " How did it go?"

Don inhaled smoked, coughed then puffed out, took a deep sip of wine then flicked ash off his cigar.

" Abbas was obstinate and refused to capitulate. He threatened to opt out and would not let us have his son." Don said, " and we all agreed that he and Aadila should go. My engineer set the engine to a timer to make it fail after fifteen minutes of flying, Haz was the pilot and he was ordered to snatch the child and fly out."

"I know all of these." Mason said. "What I am saying is he is alive and that is very dangerous. The matter of his disappearance has been upstairs and there are words that a team were here to investigate what happened to him."

"That is why I made it look like an accident." Don said proudly. " But they did not question me."

"They won't. They will go behind doors. They are masters of stealth. They give the impression that they feel he absconded but those old men could be foxy. We have come a long way to allow this goof from you slide us down..."

"Mason, my father was part of the original Bastions and the first to realize that their ideas were a result of delusion, and aftermath of war trauma. They were mostly lassitude soldiers who could not stand the test of time. He was the first to see the light and make part for a new world so do not tell me about sliding us down."

" What has that got to do with you not been able to kill Abbas and Aadila?" Mason said, " Mind you, my father was part of the originals, including Abbas's father. And my father did not see things the same way with your father but I did. I think I deserve more respect for standing against my father, and for the records, I am the leader of this new movement after the first generation. You were here, probably chilling with your damsels when the decision was made in Roundhouse. The elders made it and set the blueprint. Abbas did not argue, and he feigned to have obliged. I was the one who initiated the divergence because I know who Abbas is. He is like his father.
I could not let that happen. If Abbas had such a chance, he was going to stand against the new world plan and we could not afford that. I made Tiger 606 a double, and he was not known to the house. Now the House thinks Abbas has obliged and the plan is in motion.
I feel they are not fully convinced. The Grandpappe's assistant brought up a suggestion that got me on edge. He demanded for yearly sample of the child's blood for DNA scrutiny and same goes to Abbas. I was privileged to be there so I manoeuvred my way and was made in charge of collection. So, I got that place fixed.

I made the house understand that Abbas is still on board but has decided to quit himself. This will go on well once Abbas is not alive. I was shocked when Gwen discovered the beeping of the EBM. Abbas went with the code and the secrecy of his attitudes made the elders believe he had quit but it seems they are more concerned about the kid.
I had to silence her and come over at once. Abbas being alive is our greatest problem and it was your fault that it could not be perfectly executed. Now we are not here for credits and blames. I must remind you that your father could not get the list before he died and we don't know if Captain is dead or alive.
That is a topic for another day. Now, we must get it from the scratch. Where is the debris of the plane?"

Don sipped wine, feeling some of his carelessness hitting him on the face.

" I don't know." He said. " Haz was sure it crashed and he got the child."

Mason ran his dry palm over his face.

" We must find it, fast. That is our starting point." Mason said. " How do we do that? We don't have much time."

" Did you say the plane was set to crash after fifteen minutes of flight?" Maya asked.

" Yes, senorita." Don replied.

" We must find the coordinates, then calculate the possible distance travelled...."

"Okay. I think simple physics can do that ."

" We must get Haz." Mason said. " He will make it easier for us."

" I will get him." Don said.

" Remember we are not only making a new world, there is a lot of money involved."

" I know." Don said, fixed the cigar between his teeth and grinded absentmindedly. " I fu*ked up!"

"We will find him." Mason said. "And we would kill him!"

Walter waited inside the cab before Angela came out of the building and joined him. She uttered no word as the cabby drove them to her residence.
They arrived a few minutes later, went in and she locked the door.

" So?"

" You had booked a plane for Nigeria." She said. " And the name was Dr Abbas H Babangida. An American, at least your papers show that."

Nigeria? Dr Abbas H Babangida!
The name Nigeria rang a bell but he could not get pictures.
Nigeria!
Words!
No pictures !
But he could see pictures when America was mentioned. He could picture a younger man, a teenager in a school, a college coming out a class and he saw her.......she had the darkest hair he ever saw, with very dark eyes. The lips formed a thin line, pink and full. The face was round and squashy.
A little below average height, and slightly chubby, he smiled at her. She smiled back and he walked up to her.

" Fresher?" He asked.

She nodded, noticing her shyness.

" Yes."

" Welcome to Cantoham." He said. " I am Abbas Babangida."

" Baba-what?" She said and he noticed a slight Arabian accent .

He smiled.

" Ba-ban-gi-da."

"Hmmm....what country are you from."

" I am a American. I was born here but....okay, an American born Nigerian. My father is a Nigerian and shamefully, I have never been to Nigeria. My mother is Asian. Korean but it seems my father's genes are so strong I am not even looking like a mulatto." " I am Aadila Ghadi, I am from the Republic of Yemen, came to United states five years ago, because my father works here now and we just moved to Illinois. We were living in Georgia. I like it there though."

" Kayfa halik (Arabic - how are you )?"

She chuckled.

" Alhamdulillah ( Praise be to Allah)."

" Ahlan wa sahlan (welcome)"

"Whoa! Shukran jazeelan (thanks a lot)" she smiled, feeling more at ease with him. "Where did you learn this?"

"I am a Muslim and I attend an Islamic school in my neighbourhood." He extended his hand. " I am glad to meet you."

She declined from shaking him.

"I am sorry, I don't shake hands with men."

" Ohh...I am sorry." He said feeling embarrassed. Then a young white guy came out of a class and smiled at Abbas.

"Meet my friend, Mason Ford....Mason, this is Aadila, my future wife."

" Future what?" Aadila said with a pout.

Then the images began to blur, and stopped making sense until the memory vanished.

He tried to remember further but he could not.

This face was a younger version of the lady that fell into the ocean.

" I was married." He said. " Aadila is my wife. We met in college but I don't know how we got married. I can't even remember my discipline or hers. Why did they want my son? And they also wanted her dead!"

Angela paced up and down, thinking, then decided.

" I have seen your surname somewhere." She said. " I remembered it because of the Baba. Come with me but.....never let this out. I think I am beginning to know why my father was in hiding. Come.'

He followed into her room, she opened another door then pressed a secret button and a door opened. There was a basement. They went down and she put on the lights.
Walter who now knew he was Abbas was amazed to see how big the basement was. No one could have suspected that the small bungalow had such a big basement under.

" This was my father's hiding place." She said. Abbas saw pictures hung on the wall, mostly military pictures, with soldiers. There was a part with piles of books on a long book shelf. There was a chess board on a cupboard, a wheelchair close by it, and a set of old sofa. The TV had a Video player beneath it, with piles of video cassettes neatly arranged. From the posters, there were a lot of war films there.

" I told you I knew some secrets." She said, walked to a wall and opened a secret safe. She brought an old diary . " I think my father died keeping this book from some people and I think David Vasitto was one of them. He called it The List and your father's name is there."

The list!
Abbas frowned.

" We must find The List." Abbas remembered he once heard. " Diego Sancho has the list and he is vanished...."

Angela opened her eyes.

"I knew it. That was my father!"

But that was all Abbas could remember.

" Let me see the list."

She handed him a the diary and he opened it. It was written in 1945. It was a list of names and they numbered about fifty. Abbas saw some of the names with asterisks. Haliru Babangida was numbered 27. That was his father. David Vasitto was number 36. Diego Sancho was number 15.

Below the list, the man wrote: We had good intentions but not all of us are good. The world should be a better place.

" My father's name is part of those with asterisks." She said. Just like your father's. These are the names of the men who formed BOE and someone wants the list to wipe some out some of them and their descendants because there is a new plan on ground. The members are incognito for checks and balance. Papa never revealed much. He did not want me involved. These men were war veterans and all fought world war two.

We must find out what really happened. And what happened to your father....and hope you get full recovery of your memory."

Abbas closed his eyes.

He had to find his son. What did they need him for? Why? He could not remember but he knew he was against it. He knew Mason had other plans.

Mason!

He felt a bang in his head.

" Mason Ford!" Abbas said. " Oh no! I must get my son and find Aadila."

"She fell into the ocean, remember?"

"Yes, but she was alive." He said. " I need to confirm.'

Did Abbas just recover his memory completely?

I love love love dis story

Hmmmm

OP tanks a lot for the update

wow such an amazing story I don't know how a person can be able to put together comedy,love,crime,advanced technology,survival, struggles, deceit,greed ,companionship in one master piece wow the story got me to be glue with my phone the first few chapter made my day I laugh so hard that my room mate had to read the story with me wow the author has made my day pls update indeed a great master piece

Just negodu.. Nice story

Story lovers visit www.donsimonii.com now for your interesting stories

azeezat22:
wow such an amazing story I don't know how a person can be able to put together comedy,love,crime,advanced technology,survival, struggles, deceit,greed ,companionship in one master piece wow the story got me to be glue with my phone the first few chapter made my day I laugh so hard that my room mate had to read the story with me wow the author has made my day pls update indeed a great master piece

As in eh... wonderful

wow, thanks for the lengthy update.

ELEVEN

"That is what I want to explain." Dr Abbas said. " I was working in a laboratory when Adnan was born. Two weeks after, a psychologist noticed the child. She said he could recognize his mother and no one believed and a test was made.
Ten women were brought and each would be placed in front of him. Each time his mother was brought, he would cry, and he began to show some level of intelligence that got scientist curious. We were all working in the lab.

His IQ was tested. Stephen Hawking is among the men with the greatest IQ. A professor and renowned theoretical physicist. He has an IQ of 160. Albert Einstein had about 160-190. A Nigerian known as Philip Emeagwali recorded 190. Christopher Hirata had 225 and Williams James Sidis had 250-300. At age 5, he could use the typewriter, speak Latin,Greek,Russian.French and Hebrew. At age 6, he was denied admission into Harvard because he was too young and they felt he was emotionally immature.He got into Harvard University at the age of eleven. Adnan recorded 350."

"What?"

" And he was brought to the attention of an organisation called BOE. He was to be specially trained and set for a great task ahead. He was marked a world figure and subjected to monthly allowance of one million dollars until he is twenty five when he will start the job he is trained for. There are a lot of secrets behind that. He was to be trained in sixteen countries from all the continents. He was given the mark.
Some people were against this because they foresaw a problem in the future. Sir Mason was one of them and the main opposition. He set up another plan, and tricked the whole organization. I won't go into details but you were exchanged for Adnan and given a fake mark.
I am supposed to keep the boy since his identity is to be kept a secret. He was to be taken far away from America. Nigeria was chosen. He was made to look like a child who was picked from the trash site. We changed him for you......you are my real son and his father was Dr Abbas. I am not a doctor and I only changed my name to Abbas.

I was a cleaner in the lab. His father was the real doctor. He had a PhD in theoretical physics and a Masters degree in Mathematics. He was a genius like his wife, Aadila. They were killed in Bolivia and I impersonated him.
The money we have belongs to Adnan. You make billions which are his. That is why we used to send his DNA as yours while you were a kid. Now you see why you were so stupid to have killed him? You don't have his brain. If you are asked to become the Global Technical Head today, how would you do it?

We have been looking for him since he ran away. We had a plan to use him for an operation. Sir Mason had sponsored a successful research which has made it possible to use his DNA to enhance your IQ. We could have used him to make you fit. Now we are in trouble. But Sir Mason has a plan. He is looking for the list. We must wipe out the Core Bastions so he could take over or else.....we are in deep shit. You are my real son. Now you know your real parents. I never chose you over my son. I chose my son over him."




The air had a low temperature and relative humidity, making the morning frosty, with a chilly howling wind, which sent shivers into livers, and the sky above was tumultuous, having ominous black cloud which was prone to releasing a sudden shower.
Naairah was forced out of her thick, fluffy blanket, grimacing to herself, and wondering if it was the alarm from her phone that pissed her off or herself who had set the alarm. She wished she could remain culled up under that warmth, and enjoy a morning sleep after fajr, while the sound of the rains hit the roof, and mixed with her sweet dreams to give a synchronised sweet sensation.

“Ya Allah!” She exclaimed. She was going to be late if she did not make it snappy and it was not good for a first day. She rushed into her bathroom, brushed her mouth, and then had a hot bath. She left the bathroom after drying her body and dressed up.
She wore a thick winter jacket over her gown, checked her makeup, satisfied, she carried her bag and car keys and dashed out of the room.
She went and greeted her parents .

“ Darling, drive slowly and carefully.” Hajiya Fatima cautioned as she noticed her daughter’s hurry. “ Won’t you have breakfast?”

“ No, Ummi. I’m going to be late.” She said as she walked out, her sweet voice receding. “I love you with all of my heart.”

Naairah was driving on the highway a few minutes later. She forgot what her mother told her and kept pressing her foot on the gas pedal. It took no time to get her car well parked and walked into the headquarters of Naanan Global Services.
She was led to the Administrative manager’s office. He was an impressive elderly man, calm and obviously avuncular.

“Good morning, sir.” She greeted.

“ Good morning, dear. Please sit down.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“I am Zailani Abubakar.” He said. “ I received your letter. I hope we are going to have a sound working relationship.”

“Insha Allah.”

“Your father is so concerned about you. He wants you to serve here when your call up letter comes out.” He smiled. “ He said you are his only daughter and would only let you go when you will be leaving for your home.”

“Excuse me, sir? I live in my home.”

“You live in your father’s house, your mother’s home.”

“Ohhh….”She bowed in shame but a sharp pain in her head followed .

Home!
Would there be home?
Was Adnan coming back?

That was where home was and the only one she wanted to share a home with. Why the pain? Was he not coming back, was she going to get married to someone else? Then home had to wait. She was still going to wait.

“ You studied Business Administration and have an impressive result. If you prove to be good, we could retain you after your Service but that depends on where your home is going to be.”

“ I don’t think I am getting married anytime soon, sir.”

“That is not for you to decide. Allah makes things happen. Just pray for the best. Do you know you could get married before your service, you can’t tell.”

No!
No!
Except if Adnan shows up today, and then she would not mind getting married tomorrow morning. And what did she want more than getting married to the love of her life.

“It depends, sir.”

“Depends?”

“ Emmm, it’s nothing.”

“ Okay, my daughter. You have graduated so marriage should be on your mind.”

Damn!
She was sick of this topic. Her parents would not let her be, even her friends and now her new boss!

“Thank you, sir.”

“You are going to be in the marketing department. Your expertise is needed and I hope you will gain experience, bring new ideas so do not feel like a rookie. The marketing manager is on leave but there are marketing officers to put you through.”

“Thank you very much, sir.”

“You are welcome. When you get out, take the left ambulatory corridor to the end, you will find the marketing department there. You may ask someone in case you miss it.”

“ Thank you, sir.”

She got up, and left the office, closing the door gently behind her.
Immediately she stepped on the corridor, she saw him coming out of an office and her heart went pit-a-pat.
This time he was dressed in a white caftan and black cap. He wore brown glasses, and his legs were slipped inside a Batozzi sandals.
And his cologne diffused, and a battle of fragrance was lunched between his cologne and her expensive Baccarat Les Larmes perfume.
To her dismay, the battle turned out to be a fusion of two fragrances which merged to give a sweet smelling air. She found her heart beating rapidly and it dawned on her that she never forgot this guy. That thought was painful; she felt she was betraying Adnan. How could she think of another man when he was not confirmed dead?
But thinking of him did not mean she was in love with him. She only thought of him because he reminded her of Adnan even though they looked different physically.

He produced a smile, and that smile pierced into her heart. She quickly checked his teeth. Okay, he had different teeth with Adnan. His teeth were larger than Adnan’s.

“ Miss Sunshine! What a pleasant surprise. What brings you to MY company?” Hayat said.

She frowned.

“ First, I told you not ever call me that again. And what do you mean your company?”

“ I own this place.” He said with a serious expression, then smiled. “ Just kidding. I work here.”

“Oh my God! That is my bad.”

“Why?”

“ I have just been employed, not permanently though.”

“ Whoa! You mean I am going to be seeing more of you? Time for introduction; I am Lucky. Goodluck Lucky and you are……”

“Don’t even think about it. I am here to work.”

“But I wished we had met in another fashion.”

“Meaning?”

“ Like bumping into each other and you spill cappuccino on my clothes, or flinging off my papers on the floor, and you are like’ oh. I am so sorry!” He chuckled. “ You know that movie and novel cliché right?”

“ How is your sister?”

The smile on his face vanished at once, a serious expression took place, he looked left to right, as if he was going to tell her the greatest secret of his life.

“ Worse.” He said in a lower tone. “ She reduced taking so much chocolates. Now, she is addicted to ballakwabo. Do you know it? I don’t know the English word for it. Peanut sweetened cookies? It is too sweet and she has a box for it. She loads it, has a special customer in Kuje, then she lies in her bed, reading a novel which she holds with the left hand, and the right hand does the flipping of pages and transfer of ballakwabo from the tray to her mouth. She needs a therapy.”

“ Ballakwabo is peanut and sugar.” She said.

“But she takes it in excess.” He said. “Well, I know you will do something. When are you coming to see her?”

“ Now I know you are crazy. I am going to resume. I was on my way to Sales Department. That is my place.”

“ Oh no, why? You should have been brought to my zone. I am in the admin department. I am an admin manager….oh…I guess you saw him. Okay, I am an admin officer….wait! You are the new girl? Miss Naairah Mukhtar? Your papers came to my desk. Now, you need to thank me.
There was a serious debate about your appointment. Most of them were of the opinion that you would not get employed. There was a board meeting so I was there. So, it was agreed upon to make a vote. It was a 50-50 count and I was the last person. So, I cast my vote in your favour and you got the job.”

“Hmmmmm…that was so nice of you, Prince Charming.” She said sarcastically. “ The part I don’t get is when administrative officers became part of the Board of Directors. Find another way of impressing me. Have a nice day and tell your sister to be careful with ballakwabo. Apart from the sugary content, oil is there to give her face pimples.”

She left him and walked away.

He walked back into his office which he shared with his colleagues with an ear to ear smile.

“What is wrong with you, Hayat?” Nneka asked .

“ I am in love.” He said. “ Like I have never been.”

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“Who is more okay than the one who found a soul mate who does not seem to like him? But I will not relent. I am going to pass a circular round this company. The new girl is my target so she is off the list of single ladies. That goes to all these fine boys we have in this company.”

“Don’t you have confidence?” Aisha asked with a smirk.” Why are you so scared of competition?”

“I am scared, yes.” He confessed. “ If you guys don’t want a national strike action, then warn all these guys to stay off her.”

“Strike action?”

“ Don't mind me.” He giggled. “But seriously, I am in love. I just found her. For those of you who have been asking me to get married, very soon, insha Allah.”

Ramat who was sitting quietly behind her computer smugly grimaced. Hayat looked serious even though he said it like a joke. Who was that girl who wanted to take what she had been nursing? Hayat was for her and there was no shegiya (bastard) that was going to have him.

Naairah did not have breakfast that morning and she felt the need for something to eat. She saw a restaurant just close to the skyscraper in which they were located but chose to go for something lighter. She came out of the building, looked round and not sure of where to find a snack bar.
She thought of using her car but hesitated then changed her mind. She would take a stroll, and find any grocery where she could get some soft drinks and snacks.
She walked along the highway, hearing the whipping sounds of cars that passed her, she shifted on the sidewalk, feeling the warmer. She was astonished the rain had not started falling but the sky was still warning. She increased her pace.
She was lucky to find a caravan where light food was sold. She went there and saw a young girl with an apron.

“Good morning, you are welcome. We have noodles, omelette, tea, toasted bread, oats…..”

“ Oats and milk.” She said.

“Do you want potato chips to go with it?”

Naairah shook her head.

“No, thanks.”

There were about three other customers having breakfast or brunch rather. It was a few minutes after ten o’clock in the morning.
She was served in a ceramic bowl, and given some cubes of sugar, and milk. She has barely started when Hayat walked in with an umbrella and small bag.
What the hell was he doing here?
He saw her, smiled then walked to her.

“ May I?” He asked as he sat down.

“ But you should have waited for my response.”

“ I am so sorry. I am famished and usually come here for my brunch.” He said and leaned the umbrella on the table and then dropped his bag.

The girl came to him.

“ Good morning, what do you want sir, we have oats, omelette and noodles, potato…..”

“Why don’t you just drop a menu?” he interrupted.

“ It is on it’s way…..potato chips, plantain chips, noodles, tea, bread and cornflakes.”

“ Let me have oats but with chips.” He said. “ That would add more weight to the food.”

The girl smiled and left.

“ Why are you carrying this big umbrella? The weather has been like this since morning.”

“It is going to rain before we leave here insha Allah.” He said assertively.

“ Now you have become a weather forecaster. How do you know that?”

“ I saw a red sky some minutes ago, I took a deep breath and smelt earth and compost, the flowers at the office smelt stronger, the sky is void of birds, and I saw goats running.”

She smirked.

“Crap! Why do you have to take note of all of these.”

“I fear rain more than goats.” He said. “ I am allergic to water.”

“What?”

“That is why I don’t take bath.”

Her face narrowed,

“Just kidding.” He smiled. That smile. “ I have problems with rain water falling on me so I am very proactive and I got skills at forecasting rain.”

“ Just a random guess.”

His meal was brought. Naairah loved the chips at sight and regretted not ordering. They began to eat and she remembered Adnan. She always did and would always do.

It began to rain.
She gave him a sharp glance.

“ Now I guess you are so proud of yourself.”

He smiled.

“ It is nothing.” He said. “ I do it a lot.”

“ Now boasting.”

“Trying to impress you.”

“ I am not impressed .”

“ Then take back the looks you gave me.”

“ So, what is your discipline?”

“ Sociology.” He said. “ The truth is I am not very good academically. I know I am trying to impress you, be that perfect guy, and if I knew I was going to meet you today, I would have worn my sallah cloth, have some Umar Borkan swags in me, some Robert Pattinson personality, fix my Hritik Roshan façade, and give some Mario Cimarro impressive walk.”

She chuckled. She could not tell him that he was very impressive and gorgeous the way he was. She did not want him to have ideas.
The intensity of the rain increased.

“ I hate calculations, so I avoided anything to do with mathematics. But I know a few maths. I can find the LCM of 4 and 5 but I hate HCF.”

“I used to hate maths too but I developed love for it later and became good at the topics that were relevant to me though.Where did you school?”

“I had my primary school at Demonstration Comprehensive school, Port-Harcourt, then FGC Port-Harcourt then proceeded to Pennsylvania State University and managed to graduate. Thank God, they accepted me here.”

“ Do you have a younger brother?”

“No. Why? I am the only son with two elder sisters and one younger sister. You are interrogating me, isn’t that sweet?”

“ Do not get me wrong.” She said. “ You remind me of someone and I was just wondering…or curious but it seems I am just been hyper curious. One more thing did you ever have a missing brother…like missing at birth?”

Hayat raised his eye brow.

“No..my mother only gave birth four times and we are all alive and around. Strange. Do you want to share?”

“No.”

“ I guess you only talk to me because I remind you of someone and you want to know if I am related to the person or not. Now that you are sure I am not, it seems you are done with me.”

“ I don’t know what you want from me.”

“ Your friendship.” He said. “ I am not going to prevaricate. I felt something for you from the first day I saw you and I never forgot you for a second. I did not know where you live or have your contact I would have stormed your place…..”

“Thank God you did not.” She cut in. “It is imperative I let you know that I do not want anything personal to do with you. I am here to work and we should remain as colleagues. I think the rain is not reducing and I am already getting late.”

Hayat tried to hide his pain.

“ I know that. They don’t joke with time there and it would not be good for a first day worker to be found wanting.”

“But it is raining.”

“That was why they provided a restaurant close-by.” He said. “ But we would have to leave now.”

“That umbrella cannot stop us from getting wet. It may be extra-large but there is wind.”

“ I told you I am skilled when it came to rain-protection. I got my paraphernalia intact.”

He opened the bag and brought out two long rain-coats, with two rain boots.

“One for you-one for me” He said.

She frowned.

“You don’t come here with these. You were stalking me. You said you always have your brunch here which is a lie. This is your first time here. Now you bring out two raincoats and two boots….isn’t that sticky?”

“Yes, it is. I actually saw you coming here and I knew it was going to rain so I decided to make your first day void of negative memory.”

Their eyes met and she took it off. He wore his glasses back.
Without a word, she accepted the raincoat, removed her shoes and he picked it and put it in the bag.
She was not liking this. This guy was doing something to her.
She wore the raincoat and boots and covered her head with the hood. He did the same, carried the bag and called the girl.

“Our bill?”

“No….”She wanted to protest .

“ A bowl of oat is five hundred naira then the chips is also five hundred. One thousand five hundred naira ”

He paid her.

“Get a menu.”

“Okay, sir. Thank you for your patronage. I hope you enjoyed our meals?”

“Yes, We did.”He replied.

She eyed him.

“You don’t know how I feel.”

“ There you fail.”

“What?”

“Come on, we are going to be late.” He spread the umbrella. “Here we go.”

Ramat was standing by the window upstairs watching them come back with identical raincoats, under the same umbrella even though there was no body contact. There was something she noticed between these two that shot a pain through her systems.
Was Hayat serious? He was very jovial and friendly but there was something strange about him and the new girl.
Ramat could not see her properly but her face looked pretty. Damn her! She was also pretty. More pretty than the girl.

“Is that her?” A voice said from behind her. It was Aisha.

Ramat nodded, her eyes boring into them.

“ We can handle her.” Aisha said. “ She is playing with fire.”

Ramat smirked.

“ She can’t just come and take him from me.”

“ No, she can’t. Let us see if Hayat is serious. We must not jump into conclusion.”

“Tooh (Okay).”

Hayat and Naairah got into the building after she they pulled off the raincoats and boots. He dropped them with a security man then got into the lift with her.
Naairah felt so uncomfortable. She had never felt anything like this since Adnan left but she was not going to let the feelings deceive her. She had to put an end to this now. She did not want to make a great mistake.
They came out at the fourth floor.

“ Thank you.” She said and walked away without turning back.

“ You are welcome.” He replied after her, smiled then went towards his office.

“Hayat.” Someone called. It was Kamal, his friend and colleague.

“Maza.” Hayat said.

“I saw you with the new chic.”

“I know what chic means but it sounds too unfitting for her. I am not saying it is an insult.”

“Damn! What do you want me to call her?”

“ Girl or lady … I am in love.”

“What? Do you want Ramat to roast you.”

“ I said I am in love. I want to marry this girl.”

“Go ahead then.”

“Is it that easy?”

“How?”

“ She is not responding positively. I think there is something in her mind…..or someone else who seems not to be there now.”

“You just met her today, so you can’t conclude.”

He shook his head.

“No. She is the girl I told you I met at Ummi’s graduation.” He said. “And I think about her every minute of my life. Now fates brings her close….I am going to fight for her….and win her heart, and get married to her.”






















Mason Studied the debris, and the close environment. Don, Maya, Roberto, the pilot, and three other henchmen were there.

“ Abbas did not die.” Mason said. “ He is alive. We will pick it from here.”

Maya moved forward. She had an idea as she always does. What could Mason do without this smart lady?

“ When did the crash happen?” She asked.

Thanks for d update��

Who also has the feeling that HAYAT is ADNAN

Eshe ooooo

BOSSkesh:
Who also has the feeling that HAYAT is ADNAN

Adnan did nt go to any university and he is very good academically but Hayat is just opposite.
When he called her sunshine, fear catch me sha..

It has been three months since Naairah started working with Naanan Global services and she was contemplating leaving the place. Why? Hayat would not give her breathing space.
He was crazy over her and her love for Adnan kept growing even in his absence. To make matters worse, Hayat reminded her a lot about him and it hurts her the more.

At a point, she had to investigate him. She found out that he lived with his parents as he claimed and had two elder sisters who were all married. The eldest, Hafsat was living in Saudi Arabia with her husband, while Habibat lived in Jalingo with her husband too.
Hayat was twenty six years old from his certificates. His blood group and genotype was different from that of Adnan. They were not related, their similarities was sheer coincidence.

Another drama erupted when Ramat began to threaten her, calling her all sort of names. She even threatened to get Hayat sacked because her father was the chairman, board of directors. It sounded funny to Naairah.

“What is the blizzard in a teacup all about?” Naairah had said angrily one day. “ What is wrong with you? I am not dating him and he is not dating you so where does the problem lie? How do you fight over a man that says he is not into you? And you are fighting a woman who is not into the man you hope will date you? Can’t you see that something is wrong with you? You better come to your senses before they think you are going barmy.”

Those words hurt Ramat but she sat down to think about it. Hayat never really gave her a chance, he said they could not be lovers and she still hoped something will come up. Now she felt more relieved that Naairah was not interested in him. This pacified her and she relaxed.

Now she sat in the little garden at the backyard, her face resting on her knuckles. She was still trying to assure herself she was not dreaming.
She was summoned by her father that morning, and he asked her to sit down. She sat on the edge of the sofa while he dropped the daily newspaper he was reading.

“ May Allah bless you.” He began.

“ Ameen.”

“ I am so proud of you.” He went on. “ And time as shown that you have grown more matured. I used to tell your mum that.”

“Thanks to Adnan,” she thought.

“ You are my only daughter and you know how much I love you. There was a point in time when you must have thought I was thwarting your joy. The time I tried to stop your relationship with that boy. Now you see the wisdom of the elders. We did not know him, or anything about him. He even jeopardized your life and ours. We nearly got killed. You were too young to understand then…..”

“ I will never grow then because I will never understand.” She said in her mind.

“ Now you are a fully grown woman, and a graduate.” He continued. “ Every patent’s dream is to see their daughter in her marital home. I really want to see you get married before I die. I want to see your wedding day and you seem not to be thinking about it.
Zayyad showed a lot of interest and his father spoke to me about it but I made him understand that you seem not to be interested. Zayyad was present when I said it. I told the father how I tried, what happened and Zayyad confirmed it. I even allowed you to go and work with him just to give that chance but…you were adamant. I would not force you into marriage if you don’t give me a reason to do that.”

“….if you don’t give me a reason to that?” she marked those words. So there was still a possibility of doing that.

“He was very understanding.” He continued. “And we forgot about Zayyad’s proposal. A few weeks ago, some people came to seek permission from me, to allow their son seek for your hand in marriage. I did not mention it to you until I made my investigations.
They are good people and the boy is very responsible. I got back to them that I have given him permission. The rest remains between you two. I will not force him on you but he has my consent.”

Naairah felt her head banging. He was trying to sound calm, like he was given her liberty but she feared his final decision. She was confused. She did not know why she felt Adnan was alive. She felt his heart beats, his breath even though it is from afar. She felt he could pop up soon or later and she wanted him to be the first, and the last, if wishes were horses.

“ I asked him to come and see you today, I guess he would be around later so please wait for him.”

She nodded. She dared not tell him she was not interested and it would be worse if she told him she was waiting for Adnan.

She nodded.

“Thank you Abba. May Allah chose what is best for us.”

He did not say Ameen on time. He could not ask why she said that, it was a prayer but…..he sensed something.

“Ameen.” He said.

As she got up to go out, he said, “ you will chose between him and Zayyad. I think whoever you chose or I choose will be the answer to your prayers. We don’t know what is good for us. Allah does.
Thank God my daughter understands tauheed.”

She said nothing but walked out. She had gotten the message. She felt like bursting into tears.

“ Naairah.” She heard her mother’s cool voice. She turned to see her standing behind her. “ Come to my room now.”She followed her mother to her room. Immediately she entered, she burst into tears and embraced her mother. It took a few minutes to calm her.

“ Stop crying and be strong.” She said. “I know what your father told you. I need you to listen to me. Whatever we do, prayers should be our guide. I understand your plights, and fears. I know how you feel and what you have been going through.
I am a woman and I was once a girl. You never opened up to me, thinking I will not understand with you, but a mother knows her daughter. Remember I was with you when you fell in love with that boy. Allah knows there is no boy I love to have as your husband like him.
That is your wish and mine. What is it is not what Allah destined? What if we are all wrong? We don’t know if he is dead or alive. Even if he is alive, he is nowhere to be found or seen. Remember I spent a lot of money for his search. You know I cried a lot before and after he was shot. The boy is full of mysteries.
We have every reason to be skeptical but my heart felt love and compassion for him. It is over three years now. I want to see you get married. I am not going to force you, but give the boy that is coming a chance. I did my investigations. If I am to advice you, get married to him because I know you don’t have anyone else in your mind.”

She remembered Hayat. No! Hayat would have only made things worst. He reminded her of Adnan and she could never let Adnan out of her life.
She wiped tears off her eyes.

“I trust your judgement Ummi (mum).” She said. “ I have made up my mind. Let him come, I will marry him, whoever he is.”

“Do not talk like that.” She said. “You are making it look or sound as if you are being forced and capitulating to intimidation. I feel you will come to like him.”

“Okay, ma.” She said. “ I will go and wait for him.”

She got up and left the room. She went into her room and cried for almost an hour. She lay there, thinking of her days with Adnan, the best moment of her life, and one she would never forget.
After a while, she made up her mind on what to do.

Now she sat in the garden waiting. She could see the gardener doing his job happily. She wore a simple gown and veil.
A few minutes later, the message came: he was around.
Her heart sank. She wondered who he was, or what he looked like. Did she even care? Would that change anything?

She got up and walked out of the garden, down to the back door and entered the living room where she found him sitting.
Naairah was stuck for a while, then moved and the salam mumbled from her mouth.

He replied.

“ Hayat, you?”

She said and sat down.
He smiled, looking so elegant in his sky blue brocade. This guy had taste when it came to dressing and he knew it.

“ Surprised?”

“ How dare you?”

“ Relax, I am not here to…..”

“Wait.” She wove him stopping. “ Sahura.”she called.

“Na’am.” Sahura answered. She was their teenage house help.

“Come with us.”she said to the girl and to Hayat, she said , "come with me."

She led him back to the garden and asked Sahura to sit afar from them.

“Nice garden.” He commended .” I love gardens.”

“ It was you all this while?”

He nodded.

“ I am sorry if I took you by surprise but Naairah, I am so much in love with you it drives me crazy. And if what I have done is crazy, please forgive me because it is the effect of my feelings for you. It has never been like this with me……”

“Excuse me, Hayat. I appreciate your feelings for me and do not think that I despise you. You are a good man and deserve something good.”

“And I found not something good…I found the best.”

“I am not the best……for you. I may be the best for someone else but definitely not you. I like you and feel you don’t deserve me.”

He paused, as if short of words.

“ Naairah, from the day we met, I noticed your taciturnity. I saw the glitter of pains in your eyes; I noticed the curiosity, doubt, and inquisitiveness. I felt I could help. I wanted to be part of your life and hoped you will give me the chance. Please tell me what wrong you see in me that do not make me deserve a chance.”

She shook her head.

“I am sorry I did not offer you a drink.”

“I am okay.” He said.

“ I will tell you, Hayat.” She said. “ Remember the first day we met, I called you Hayati?”

“I remember.”

“ About four years ago, I met someone. I am going to be straight with you, do you promise to keep this with you?”

“I promise.”

“ I met this guy who was just a year older than I. Our point of meeting was not too good and I despised him from the start….”

“Point of meeting?”

“That part needs no details.”

“Okay.”

“ And fate brought us together and gradually, we fell in love. Our relationship lasted just a few months, but shaped my life forever. He was the best thing to ever happen to me. He was the one who taught me mathematics, and improved my educational orientation, my etiquette, and love life.
He was a guy misunderstood by the world, a star in disguise and a guy with the heart of gold. I was caught up with him in his room for two days and he did not molest me. He was a victim of circumstance, a guy with sense of humour, and slaphappy approach to life a rare genius and someone who deserved love.
I was the only one he trusted….”

“Wait…did he not have a family?”

“No details about that.” She said. “ But I was the one he trusted and opened up to. You said I was using past tense when talking about him. Yes, he promised not to leave me. He promised to be with me on my graduation day. He said he was going to wear a suit but he left.
They took him away. They shot him and he fell into water…..”she was now in tears, “they are so wicked. He did not deserve that. He was not the type to be treated like that. He was a light to the world.

They crashed my life. I never saw him again. We searched for him. My mum spent a lot, searching for him or his dead body, we never found it. He is believed to be dead but…I feel he is alive. I feel his heartbeat, his breath…he told me that our hearts met on a star and I believe it.
Our love was made from above and sent to earth. We had something, something beyond words. I was crying over him when I saw you. I thought it was him, and ran after you but no. Why do you think I hate it when you call me Miss Sunshine? That was what he used to call me and only he deserves to call me that.
I called him Hayati. I hate calling your name because it sounds like his. I was so curious because you remind me a lot about him and it hurts. I can never forget him, or stop loving him or give his love to someone else. I can never!”

He handed a brand new hanky to her, she wiped off tears.

“ I was waiting for him. I was willing to wait for more years but my parents are onto me……”

“Shhhh..” Hayat was now emotional. “ I understand how you feel.” He said with a tears accumulating in his eyes. “From what you just explained, he loved you so much he would not be able to stay away from you. You said he was shot, and no details but he trusted you. He would have found a way to reach out to you….if he was alive.”

“I know but I just feel him. You can’t understand it.”

“ I do.”

“No, you don’t. I feel it…... Adnan lies beneath my heart. The deepest part and most secured part. He cannot be uprooted. Nobody understand what we feel for each other…not even us. I have no reason to say that but I feel him being alive deep down my heart.”

“ Please give me a chance.”

She shook her head.

“ I better marry someone else other than you…..”

“ I will give you what you want.”

“You can’t.”

“Try me.”

“ I have two conditions…….if you can, then I will marry you.”

He paused, fear on his handsome face.

“ Name them.”

She wiped off tears again, took in a deep breath then looked at him.

“ One: when………….”

Pls,don't stop...

TWELVE


“ Let it go, dearie.” Nadia said excitedly. “ This is a welcome development. I know you will get over it. That guy is sweet, lovely and will definitely make you forget and move on. I am not expecting you to believe me now, but I am glad to hear this.”

Naairah did not argue. She was tired of doing that. She owned her heart and understood her feelings better than they did.

“ The guy took me by surprise.” Naairah said. “ I never expected it.”

“ I pray and feel it is for the best.” Nadia said. “ Now, we don’t know who is getting married first between you and I.”

“ I pray it should be you. Maybe Adnan will come back before then.”

“Tab! This friend of mine is hell bent on sticking to the guns. Have you thought of it that even Adnan was around, Abba would still not accept him? You deserve to be emotionally free my dear. Let it go, let it go and fly like a bird, swim like a fish and your enjoy your short life…..life is too short to spend in a moody state. How have you guys been relating at work?”

“ We keep a distance but act normal. Not the lovey dovey stuff you expect.” Naairah said. “ I don’t hate him. It’s just that Hayati had taken the space.”

“You will have to do something about that space he took because your halal, the real owner of the space is coming soon….”

“Okay dear. How is our ango?”

“Alhamdulillah. He wants it before October…we are still thinking about it.”

“ I feel mine will be around next year. I hope so. May Allah choose what is best for us.”

“Ameen,” Nadia said, “oops, he calls again. Let me hear what he has to say.”

“Just drop my call and answer him, I won’t complain.”

Nadia laughed and ended the call.

“ Assalamu alaikum.” Naairah heard immediately the call ended.

“ Ameen wa alaikum salalm.”

It was Ramat. She came and sat down at the table Naairah was sitting at in the restaurant.

“ So this was your plan, huh?” Ramat began.

“What plan?’

“The last time we talked, you assured me you were not into Hayat.” She said. “ You lied to me, bitch! You tricked me and made me relax.”

“Who said I am into him now?”

“I am not a fool. You keep claiming you are not into him but you let him meet your parents and now a date has been fixed for the wedding.”

Naairah smirked.

“How can a date be fixed for my wedding and I don’t know about it?”

“ You will try until you fall into your grave. Are you denying that you did not send him to your parents?”

“Why are you asking me this? Why not meet him. I have no truck with you. You have no right to be insulting me. I did not know when they planned and went to my house and if you can make them cancel it, and get married to him right now, you will be my greatest helper.”

“ I don’t know the point you are trying to make by acting like you are been forced. I am a woman and I see the impact he has on you. You pretend not to love him, trying to act like you don’t care yet the chemistry between you is vivid.
Both of you are ingrates. My father owns this company and employed you both, only for you to stab him behind him….”

“Did he employ him so he could get married to you? Was I employed so I would say no to him? What are you talking about? You talk as if it is only your father that has a company in the world. I let you say some things without replying back because he thought me to be calm not because you are the so-called heir to the company. I hope you do not cross the line. I got my kind of craziness too.
Why do I need to lie to you? You think I am scared of you? Okay, I love him and it was I who begged him to marry me, and asked him to go to my house and I even chose the date and we are getting married. Satisfied?”

Ramat looked round the restaurant. She did not want to make a scene there.

“You don’t know me.” She said. “ But you would do that very soon.”

“ Thank you very much.”

Ramat got up and left.

Naairah got up and left the place angrily. She got outside and dialled Hayat’s number.

“ I am in front of the restaurant. We need to talk now.”

“ What is ….”He began but she cut the line.

He came down about two minutes later.

“ Ramat just left.” She said .

Hayat sighed.

“That girl….”

“That girl, what? What does she know that I don’t? She said a date has been fixed.”

“What? You did not know?”

“Are you saying it is true? I know nothing about it and how come I am hearing it from her?”

“ Because her father told her. Her father knows my father.”

“ Who fixed the date?”

“ Your father of course. I only begged for a date and they agreed.”

“You begged for a date?”

“Do I have the right or power to choose a date? I made a suggestion, and my father agreed. He and his friends went to your father who sent them to your Uncle, Dr Abbas and the date was fixed.”

“What is the date?”

“10th of March. Just a month away. I see no reason for wasting time. We are all ready……”

What did he just say?

“ No, Miss Sunshine.” Adnan had said. “ I am just nineteen. We will get married on 10th of March, four years from now, insha Allah. Mark that.”

That was four years ago. Why the coincidence? She did not get it?

“Who are you?”

“I am confused now.” He muttered.

“How did you know that date?”

“Know what? Wallahi it was my idea. I never heard it from anyone and no one suggested it. What is wrong?”

She sighed.

“That is the exact day Hayati prayed that we would get married.”

“Well, I had this idea for long. I have a reason for the date. It means a lot to me.”

She did not bother to ask him what the day meant.

“I understand your feelings but please do remember that I am also human. I can never stop you from loving him but remember that I have a heart too. Can you please do me the favour of not calling him Hayati in my presence? Can you just pretend a little to have feelings for me? Just act like a friend at least.
If I had the power to leave you, I would have left because of the things you told me but I am imprisoned by my feelings, captured by your powers and not ready to face facts. I want to be your slave, not because I lack freedom; be your fool not because I am foolish; Be your servant not because I lack a job but for love.
All I ask of you is just that respect for my feelings. You have told me about him but I would appreciate it if you tell me no more about your feelings for him, or call him by his pet name. Can we even stop talking about him? I am not saying you should take him off your mind but keep it because it hurts me.”

She nodded.

“ I will try but I am not making a promise. Sometimes, I don’t know when I say them but I will try. I am sorry if I hurt you. I never intend to disrespect you.”

“ Thank you. I have to go back to work.”

“Same with me.” she said.

“Can I know your shoe size?”

“We don’t have to go through that. Just the nikkah is okay.”

“You talk as if we are in control. These things are inexorable so we better embrace it.”

“I will talk to Aaliyah then before you ask of the size of other things.”

“I will be so glad. Hope Ramat did not threaten you?”

“She said I did not know her but I was going to do that soon. Whatever that meant, I don’t know.”

“I will handle it insha Allah. Shall we?”

“You can go back. I want to get sweets.”

He grinned. He knew that was just an excuse to part with him. It was all about time. She would change. He left her there.

She walked to her car, opened the car door, slid in, bent her head and cried.
March 10!

It was 10th of March.
It was Naairah’s wedding day.
A grand wedding she had not hoped for.
Abuja Central mosque was filled with the crème la crème; powerful and rich men. Alhaji Mukhtar was an important figure in the society who spent years with the core of government circle. His elder brother, Dr Abbas was more powerful than him and Hayat’s father happened to be an international business man, and had people trooping from middle-east like a swarm of bees.

A place filled with men of various political parties, views and known sworn political enemies. But as they met in person, they embraced, cracked jokes and one would wonder what was going on, yet the poor man on the street who calls himself a supporter would be killing himself while the men at the top, their children rocked.

Alhaji Mukhtar’s house was filled with women and children and the bride was undergoing kunshi (a traditional rite, designing the brides body).
Aunty Faiza, Naairah’s aunty came into the large room and fixed her phone on speakers which was put close to a microphone which was connected to an amplifier.
Naairah was sitting in midst of the women, and her beauty was ethereal. The women who did her make-over and designs were experts from Borno State. Who could have believed that her flamboyant wedding dress which was a combination of expensive satin, tulle, and chiffon was made in Abuja by Eesha Styles owned by an Ibadan-based renowned designer?
It was said the dress cost two million naira.
Her jewellery was Chopard, one of the most expensive jewellery brands in the world. She looked so radiant, smooth, chic and breathtaking.

“Toh….”Aunty Faaiza said. “ I am connected to Abdul’s phone. They have finished prayers and about to solemnize the marriage. I want us to listen to this historic moment live.”

"Ayiriririririiiiiiiiiiiii!” Gwago Saude started and two more women echoed.
Naairah was calm, trying to imagine it was Adnan, and the thought sent her into a reverie, a fantasy world and she felt a soothing feeling, as she imagined him holding her hand, his cosmic smile on his face, and he says, “remember I told you it would be today insha Allah, a day when you and I realize our dreams, become a tag team and see a new world.”

She smiled absentmindedly and Nadia took it for acceptance of Hayat. With the thought of Adnan, she felt at ease, and began to feel the glamour and splendour of the day. The brightness and sophistication of things began to manifest, and she let her soul flow, like nothing mattered anymore.

“ Sunana Alhaji Hassan Malunfashi, nine wakilin Hayat Anas,( I am Alhaji Hassan Malumfashi representing Hayat Anas), Ya turo ni na nema masa auren Naairah Mukhtar (he asked me to seek for Naairah Mukhtar’s hand in marriage).”

They heard another voice.

“Nine Dr Abbas Babangida waliyin Naairah Mukhtar (I am Dr Abbas Babangida, standing for Naairah Mukhtar), Ya nema kuma anbashi ( He seeked and it is given).”

“ Na amsa kuma zan kai masa ( I collect it on his behalf)” Alhaji Hassan said.

Then a third voice came up. It was the voice of the imam.

“ Jama’a a sheda daurin aure tsakanin Hayat Anas da Naairah Mukhtar ( I want the gathering to witness the wedding solemnization between Hayat Anas and Naairah Mukhtar), bisa sunnan Manzon Allah salallahu allihim wasalam ( based on the tradition of the holy Prophet , may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), a bisa sadaqi naira dubu hamsin kuma Hayat ya biya naqadan ba ajalan ba ( the bride price is fifty thousand naira and Hayat paid in cash and not on credit).
From now onwards, the responsibilities of feeding, housing, clothing, knowledge and healthcare has been shifted from her father to Hayat. We pray to Allah to bless the union, void of satanic influence and grant them blessed children.
They must fear Allah in their actions and inactions, know that this is a sacred institution which can lead someone to aljanna (paradise) or hellfire. May Allah protect us all and make us end with faith…. Naairah Mukhtar is now Hayat Anas’ wife.”


“Aaaaaaayiririririiiiiiiiiiie!!!”

Naairah felt something settling down her heart. This was it. A transition that is big. She was no more a bachelorette, but now a married woman. She bowed her head as Nadia came to embrace her. Other girls were there to congratulate her, the elders doing theirs.
She was leaving that house that day, her things had been set. Leaving with hope of not coming back. Then the big question, what next?

Hayat walked into the room and Naairah was startled. She ran and grabbed a cloth and covered her body, her face was stern and she shivered.

“How dare you barge on me? Can’t you see that I am not covered?”

He marvelled. She was wearing a jeans and t-shirt.

“You are not naked, Naairah and I am your husband for crying out loud. We have been married for six months and I have never held your hand.”

“It was a consensus.”

“ And I held on to my part.”

“But you are not doing that now.”

“There is one part you never put into consideration….we did not talk about time limit. I agreed but in my heart, it was only for six months.”

“You can’t do that. I made it clear and the second condition has no time limit.”

“I agree but the first has and I am running out of patience. Get prepared for me tonight.” He said and went out angrily.

He went out of the mansion, got into his car and drove out. He dialled a number as he drove.

“I am getting tired of her.” He said. “she would not even let me get closer to her. Who the hell is this Adnan? What kind of love is this?”

“ I told you what to do,” a male voice said from the other end. “ Just do it.”

“Okay, don’t you think you should talk to her?”

“I will figure out something.”

“Okay, Addy. This cousin of yours is giving me a hell of a time and I love her.”

Addy chuckled.

“ I guess that is what you get for being so Islamically chronologically oriented.”

“Break it down.”

“I was on with Lori before we got married. How do you buy a good unseen? What if it turns out to be bad?”

“I don’t get you.”

“ You should have had her before the wedding.”

Hayat felt his palms grabbing the steering wheel tighter. Was this guy a Muslim? Okay, one may sin and knows it is wrong but accusing him of being foolish for following Islamic orders was off limit.

“ I don’t think she would have agreed.”

“Skills boy. But that is over now. Come see me. She will be yours tonight and you are going to thank me later on.”

“ Okay, dude.”

“Six fuckin* months? Crap! What kind of patience do you have? Wait, are you…..are you okay?”

“Come on Addy….I am a full man.”

“ Then come see me.”

“On my way.” Hayat said and pressed his foot on the accelerator.




Naairah was jittery. Hayat had never acted this way. Their six months stay had been dramatic. They went to work together, came back together and acted like a perfect couple but it all ended as a show.
Hayat tried to be friends with her but she would not give him the chance. She was scared of doing that.
She had told him that day in the garden, “ One: when we get married, you will never come close or touch me.”

“Why?”

“ If I refuse, the angels will curse me but if you agree to marry me and stay clear off my body, that will be an agreement until I am sure Adnan is dead.”

“What?”

“I am not forcing you. If you don’t agree, let me marry someone else.”

Hayat had thought for a while. He just wanted her and could not let her go. It was stupid but he said, “ Okay. I accept.”

“Are you sure?” She had not expected his reaction.

“ I am a gentleman.”

“Okay.”

“Hmmm? Rule number two?”

“If Adnan appears, you would divorce me at once.”

“What?

“Why else do you think I will not allow you touch me?”

“ Okay……but this won’t last forever right?”

“I will tell you when I feel he is no more.”

“ I know this is the stupidest thing I have ever obliged to but the love I have for you can make me do that. I am sure it will come to pass.”

“ Do not spend much money on the wedding. Just make it modest because it is not worth it.”

But Hayat went ahead to make it grand because his father was stupendously rich. Her family members also spent a lot. She was her father’s only daughter and he had to make it memorable. She did not expect the kind of lavish wedding she was given.
Now he seemed to be fed up. Was there an external factor? Was there anyone instigating him? She was confused. Was he planning to rape her?
Oh no! What would she do?

She went to his room. They slept in different rooms. It was not locked. She did not know what she was looking for. She began to carefully ransack the room, making sure she replaced the things she moved. She searched for a while and found nothing extraordinary.
He was a lover of perfumes, wristwatches and designer clothes. She saw his results and realized that it was true when he said he was not academically good. He only managed to graduate.

She also saw family pictures, since childhood. She was now sure he had nothing to do with Adnan. The similarities were just coincidences.
She was about to go out when she saw a picture in between a magazine. She checked it and got a shocker of her life. It was him and Addy standing in New-York.

What?

He never told her he knew her cousin.

Wait!

Adnan told her that he lived with Uncle Abbas. Why did they have the same mark? Why was Adnan scared of letting them know he was alive.
She thought for a while.
She remembered when she accused Bash and said, “so you killed him! You killed him!!”
“No ,we did not. ”Bash had said. “We need the PDA. You know better those who killed him. It is not our business. We had no reason to kill him.”

You know better those who killed him!

Was Uncle Abbas involved?

Was it Addy that told Hayat about Adnan and he used the information to act like him? Was Hayat involved with them? Why did he not tell her that he knew her cousin? A mysterious cousin at that!
She searched the room again and saw a small diary. She knew what she was doing was wrong but something did not just feel right. She began to flip through the pages. It was a normal diary of a young man. Hayat was not related to Adnan, she was now sure of this. Then she saw something he wrote which was of recent.

I asked Tony to find a guy named Adnan Abbas. He came out with my friend’s profile. I meant another Adnan Abbas.
In another part, he wrote: My wife won’t let me touch her. Who is this Adnan? Why do I feel My friend Addy knows him?
Then he wrote: I decided to give my wife one more month, if she does not see her Adnan, I will cancel the deal.

She returned the diary and left the room, making sure everything was back in place.

She went back to her room more confused. Hayat did not know about Adnan but he was curious. Addy did not tell him. Then it was just coincidence but they were not that similar. They had a lot of physical differences. It was just a few words and ideas that coincided and that feelings she had when she met him.

But she saw his pictures while growing up. Adnan could not have had such pictures. He was nineteen when he was shot and never met his parents.
Then the bitter idea that Adnan may be dead began to dawn on her. She felt her eyes becoming watery. No, it was almost four years. Adnan would not be alive and not look for her. Her love for him may have erupted those feelings she felt about him being alive.
But she was not ready to succumb to Hayat’s demands. Being married to him alone was heart breaking already not to talk of letting take her to bed. But what was his plan? Was he planning to rape her? Could Hayat do such a thing?

She was going to put up a fight. Should she run away? What would she say? He was her husband and she had noticed that Ummi was studying her the last time they met. When a girl got married, the next thing was she became a specimen.
She dared not say she had a headache. The slightest change in her would be interpreted to mean something else. The other day, she told Nadia who just got married that she felt weak, and she was like, ‘Very good. Use PT first before seeing the doctor’.

Very soon, Ummi might ask, hope there was no problem? So who would she tell that she had not lay on her husband’s bed because she was hoping her ex who was thought to have died may come back. That was something nobody would understand with her.
She would not run away. She would wait and be alert. She wore tight jeans with belt, and then wore another jeans on top before covering both jeans with a denim skirt.
Why? She was meant to be happy, enjoying her new marriage life but it was the other way round. Her parents should have let her be.

Then she heard the sound of the gate being opened by the gatekeeper.
She felt her heart sinking. She ran to the window and saw Hayat driving in. She watched him park the car, then alighted without even locking the doors. Was he tensed up? Did he have an hidden agenda? Hidden? He said it straight that he was coming for her tonight.
Oh no!
He was coming in when she heard her phone ringing. She was startled by the sudden buzz of the phone, maybe because she was already scared.

She went for the phone, aware of her shivering body.

“ Hello.”

“Thank God you have not changed your number…Miss Sunshine. Where are you?”

Boom!

The rumbling sound that swept through her head could not be described. Then she felt as if her heart jumped up to her mouth, then a confused state of mind, trying to assure herself that she was not dreaming.

“ Hayati?”

“ My love. I came back for you. It was hell. Just tell me where you are.”Adnan's voice was clear and unchanged.

She heard Hayat climbing up the stairs………..

Boom

Heart attack wan catch me oh
Op update fast

omo see gobe

oh my God, I think am gonna faint. I didn't just read that. oh sokodobo pls come and update cos am shaking and my hrt is beating so fast. thanks for the updates so far. you re a genius.

That boom burst my farome pass Naairah self.

Nice suspense OP.

Thanks SD

Thank you for the long update, may Allah reward you....


Now that Adna is back, I wonder what he would face again in the hand of those wicked people. Sigh.... And how would miss sunshine handle the love triangle bayi?