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EPISODE THIRTEEN.

    DERIN sat down and admired the house. Hakeem walked out of the living room to check on Hastrup in his room. He hadn't seen him that morning and felt it was an opportunity to check on him, since the desperate lady was around.

    He knocked softly before he walked in. "Hastrup." He called as he pulled out a chair from Hastrup's study. "What's up?" He asked smiling.

    "See Hakeem, I'm not good at all." He replied and sat up. He put the two pillows together and rested on them before he continued. "I don't know what's wrong with my Dad and that of Aminat."

    Hakeem beamed. "See, that's why you're still in bed right? Oh boy, you shouldn't be like this, cheer up jurh!" He smiled and picked up a book from the table he sat beside. "You seem not to understand me, Hakeem this isn't funny now. Both failed to tell us what the problem is, I really don't know.. I don't!" He exhaled.

    "All is well, insha Allah. You will keep asking them until they tell you what it is and everything will be ended." He dropped the book he was holding.

    "Amin. Thanks Hakeem, but who just came in?" He asked.

    "Derin." Hakeem grinned and stood up.

*****

    AZEEZAT leaned on the arc in the living room as her father spoke to her. Hassan was seated laughing under his breath as Azeezat faced her father properly for their discussion on marriage. The man had been shouting, asking her when she'd be ready for marriage but Azeezat had been mute, she'd speak sometimes and keep quiet again. "Dad it isn't my fault, I won't force him into marriage, he said he's not ready. He's really not.." she defended herself.

    "He's not ready? For how long? Tell me, for how long? Now listen, it doesn't matter If he's ready, just bring him home today. At least, there's a public holiday, he should also be at home like you are." He said.

    "You want to see him? Don't worry, I'll bring him today." She replied and turned around, heading inside the room.

    Hassan couldn't stop laughing. As usual, he stood up and followed her to the room, he had to discuss with her. "Sis.." he called and smiled.

    He walked in with Azeezat and shut the door. "What is it again? What?" She yelled.

    "What's my own business in this matter, it's none of my concern. I just came to give an advise." He frowned.

    "I just hope it's not concerning Tesleem." She glimpsed at him.

    "No, but yes. Why don't you bring him home today?" He looked serious.

    "I knew it, just walk out now or I'm going to break your head." She growled.

    "But wait, who will you bring home?" He asked curiously.

    "When he comes, you'll see him." She replied as she picked up her phone.

    "Na you sabi, let me go and call my Hassant.." he grinned and turned around, heading out.

    Azeezat chuckled as she clapped her hands together mocking Hassan. "At your age, you also have a girlfriend?" She started laughing.

    Hassant halted and turned around again. He was grinning when he replied. "I know what I'm doing, it's gonna be easy for me to get married unlike delaying myself like you." He mocked and walked out.

    Azeezat felt insulted and dropped her phone angrily.

****

Hakeem picked up his phone and called Aishat. "You should get prepared for you interview tomorrow and you are going to start your work on Monday." He informed.

"Thanks so much Hakeem, but how have you... been?" She asked drawling the sentence.

Hakeem felt sad instantly, he felt as if he should start crying but he controlled himself. She still loves me, I know. She has changed... I just have to act for a while more.. He thought.

"Fine, thanks." He replied and ended the call.

Hakeem couldn't hold his tears as he rolled on the mattress. He didn't like being like that to her, he felt as if he should also ask after her well being, from all indications, Aishat had changed. He wanted all the actings to end soon, he was already tired of them.

Acting as if he loved Azeezat, still acting as if he didn't like Aishat any longer. "Allah, help me.." he muttered as he wept.

Aishat on the other hand had started weeping. He sounded casual, doesn't he love me anymore? When will Hakeem forgive me? she felt bad as she wept.

She remembered her mother as she continued crying, she had missed her already, she remembered her last words and wept more. She went to her wardrobe and brougt out her mother's photograph. She was crying as she stared at it, until Tomi came in and petted her.

*****

Hakeem wiped his tears as he heard that Uthman call him. He rushed into the bathroom and washed his face into the wash-hand basin. He wiped the face and dried it with the soft towel, he viewed himself before the mirror before he went out to meet Uthman.

He prayed he wouldn't be suspected as he walked out. "Wetin dey?" He asked Uthman.

"Derin said she wants to see you." Uthman told him.

"That red devil? What for? I don't have time for all that oh." He spoke quietly.

"Just come and see her, at least she'll leave me and both of you will continue from where I'm going to stop." He whispered too smiling.

Hakeem hissed. "Please tell her I'm in the toilet, remember I'm Tope before her." He said and slammed the door of his room.

He laid on the bed again and met his phone vibrating. He wondered how his phone profile changed to vibration mode before he picked up the call, It was Azeezat. "Azeezat, how now?"

"Hakeem, I'm not good oh, really not." She replied him framing up the voice.

...even if you're not, what's my own concern now?.. Hakeem thought. "What's the problem?" He asked as he framed up his voice too as if he was shocked.

"My Dad said he wants to see you." Azeezat replied him.

This time, Azeezat was before Hassan in his room to show off to him that she was calling her love. She had placed the phone on loudspeaker as she spoke so that Hassan could hear their discussions out properly.

"Your Dad? Does he know me?" He asked as he scratched his head gently.

Just then Uthman opened the door to Hakeem's room and whispered. "She said she's going to wait."

Azeezat smiled as she replied. "Maybe, he just he wants to see the person I'm in a relationship with."

"Relate what? Don't... wait Azeezat, tell me you're joking." He looked serious and stood up from the bed.

"What are you saying? Hakeem where can we meet?" Azeezat asked.

"See Azeezat, I've been joking oh, there's... I mean there's nothing serious now." He said.

"Hakeem you better stop the joke, Alhaji really wants to see you." She repeated.

"See Azeezat, we really need to meet. All that I've been performing is just a game, just a game.."

Hassan started laughing while the phone slipped away from Azeezat's hand. She was shocked as she heard that.


.....

samsondavid: Hmmm! Boss Tee Dan.
Take it easy o. D suspense. Is killinq Moi


Abeg help us update BreakfasT. Important meal of the DaY


MorE Ink to ya Pen.

Thanks boss... but dz tin don turn to dinner oh...

hassan85: hmn I wish hastrup Does not ve to go tru all ds hardship alone... really a petty.

u dey support Hastrup... Hakeem nko? and sister Derin...

dammygoody: Well done boss...
More strength..

Thank u Oga Dammy.

Ziziola: Phew! Finally here. Nice job T. Dan. I 've been busy. I just got to know about this. More power to ur elbow. When is d nxt update coming up?

Tonight. av missed u gaan... Aw una dey?

FunkySilver: Yeah! I'm finally here... Nice work dearie keep it up. #thumbsup

Dah best!! Thanks oh, welcome bak.

Essyydiamond: TemiD! Hw far? Can u please write ur English well because sometimes it chokes me,please mind d verb forms its making this ur nice story look like a child's play. Love ur story

Point out all the verbs and co that u want me to change
thanks for the correction BTW.

Second to comment. .. FOLLOWING

Nancydearie: T-Dan,well done, but plz come and update nah abi u want make hunger kill ur fans. Its not fair oooooo.

Ntwk too bad for dz side... 've been trying to update over 35 mins now... I'm sorry... I told u to add me up on Whatsapp... 08038100629

EPISODE TWELVE.

    THE NEXT EVENING.

    HASTRUP walked into his father's house. It was long he visited his place, if not for the issue he had to sort, he wouldn't visit him that day. He had been calling his father for weeks but his father kept postponing their visit because he wasn't in Nigeria then.

    As he got dressed for work in the morning, he got the call that his father had arrived. Since he got the call, he felt like seeing him instantly. Aminat's parents had started troubling her about her future partner because to them, Hastrup wasn't a better one.

    As he walked in, he wondered if his brother- Quadri would be around. Quadri was his elder brother who was in charge of one of Alhaji T.Bello's Companies in Nigeria.

    He got to the door and knocked softly, resting his back on the brown-painted wall and waiting for someone to get the door. He smiled as he heard Quadri's voice. "Bro.." he shook him and both hugged after the door was opened.

    "You don't ask after me.." Quadri said as he pulled his cheeks. Hakeem smiled and pulled the curtain together after he locked the door. "As an elder brother, shouldn't you be the one asking after me."

    Quadri chortled. "What a brother, if I fail to put a call accross, you should have called, or better still visit my office." He sat down.

"Anyways, we're both wrong. By the way, where's Dad?" He enquired as he sat down beside Quadri.

"He is in his room, he said you've been troubling him for weeks. He's been in England." He informed.

"I know he's been out of the country, I came because of this lady I wish to.. you know now.." he winked at Quadri and beamed.

"What's up with her, you want to tell him about her?" Quadri asked.

"No, the girl took me to her parents' place just to greet them amd they sent me away like an animal when they heard I'm Alhaji T. Bello's son. I was humilated, I wish to know what Alhaji has done to that family." He explained.

"Alright, only God knows. Let me get him." Quadri walked in to get Alhaji T. Bello.

******

Uthman was turning his head, looking around Derin's living room as he sat on a couch that evening. She had called him and told him that night would be the last time she would call him to come to her place so she could settle the dispute between him and Shukurat.

Uthman had always known that Derin wasn't real, she must have called him to confess her love to him again. Over days, Uthman had been calling Shukurat but she never picked up his calls. "And where's Shukurat?" Uthman asked Derin.

Derin laughed out and stood from her seat, she walked to Uthman and kept laughing. "When are you going to hear me out? You know, don't you?" She clapped her hands together, still laughing.

"What is it that I know?" Uthman questioned.

"The day you met us in the eatery, wasn't I the one who showed concern towards you? Shukurat was quiet, she behaved as if she was reserved and yet you still showed her love, you demanded for her mobile number and didn't even ask me of mine, if I didn't tell you I'd give you." She explained.

"So? I liked her because she was reserved. She looked like the real lady, she had a cloth that covered her unclothedness and even covered her head. She was more beautiful than you, and even still more beautiful than you are." He sputtered.

Derinsola chuckled and clapped her hands together again. "Why do you now sound like this? Are you angry with me?" She hissed and continued. "That's not the point, you know I love you, that Shukurat doesn't have time for you, she doesn't!" She snortted.

"She does, my mind keeps telling me you're the one behind this issue, you planned those ladies aren't you?" He questioned.

Derin smiled. "I have plans for you if you fail to heed to what I want. For your information, this is just the beginning if you fail to hearken." She growled.

"I've never seen your type, I'm not surprised, when you aren't a muslim. I don't know why Christians act this way!" He hissed and stood up.

"That's your business. But Uthman, you don't know the feelings I'm going through, to hell with ladies that can speak to guys about love. We all have equal rights, if I don't feel for you, I won't be doing all this."

"Fool, I'm going to tell your friend all what you've said." He began walking out.

"Who's the greater fool? How do you expect her to believe you? Anyways, I'll visit your place tomorrow." She told him.

Uthman halted and turned around. "What for?"

"Never mind, I pray I meet your friends this time around so that they can speak sense into yoursm thick skull." She mocked.

Uthman hissed again and walked out.

****

Alhaji T. Bello walked out of the room in his brown kaftan. "Hastrup." He smiled as he called his name.

"Dad, good evening." He prostrated smiling too.

"How are you?" The man asked him as he took of his spectacle and sat down.

"I'm not good oh." He sat as well, staring at his father.

"What is it again? Are you finding your friends difficult? I've told you earlier to head one of my companies but you wouldn't listen, you've always preferred your friend." He grinned.

"I have no difficulty with them, do you know Alhaji Taofeeq?" He asked.

The name rang a bell as Hastrup's father heard it. His eyes popped more open as he stared at Hastrup. "What about him?" His countenance changed.

"What do you both have against each other? He's against the relationship between his daughter and I." He stated calmly.

"Relationship between you and his daughter? That's not possible now... Taofeeq? It isn't possible, it can't work out between you two." Alhaji snapped.

"You're also getting angry Dad, this isn't fair. What's between you guys, I want to know." He insisted.

"See, you should start going home. It's late already and I don't want you to drive at night." He told him and stood up.

"Dad, you haven't told me..."

"Good night Hastrup." T. Bello walked in.

*******

THE NEXT DAY.

It was the first day in the month of October, there was a public holiday, Hakeem had also declared holiday in his company so everyone would be able to celebrate the independence day. Hastrup was still in bed, thinking on what to do concerning the dispute between his father and that of Aminat. He was becoming tired because none of the fathers spoke out what happened.

Hakeem and Uthman were in the living room, watching a movie when they heard knocks at the door. "I'll get it." Hakeem said and walked to the door. "Who's it?" He asked.

"Derinsola." The voice replied him.

Derin? Uthman repeated from his seat and stood up.

Hakeem opened the door and let her in. Derin couldn't take her eyes off Hakeem as she walked in. Why I'm I even after Uthman when there's a better choice here? God, see this guy... she stared at him, admiring Hakeem.

"I'm Derin." She grinned and stretched her hand forward for handshake.

Hakeem smiled. "You are welcome." He pretended as if he didn't know she wanted to know his name.

"Thank you, what's your own name?" She asked.

"Em.. I'm.. I'm Tope." He lied. Who didn't know who she was, a desperate lady.

"Nice name. You look handsome." She grinned.

"Thank you." Hakeem smiled and walked in.

.....

PrinceAdepoju: T.Dan, please help me tell Hakeem to tell Azeezat that na joke him dey joke ooooo.

Later, it would be more than a heart-break for her.

Abi na... Aw una dey My Prince?

KingzPen: Keep the flag flying Boss...

King, u bak?


Welcome Boss... make drinks dey flow... IZZY!!!!

samsondavid: Hmmm. This one is serious. Watching out for d heartbreaks and reconciliation in d story.


Thumbs Up Boss Tee Dan

Thanks oga Samson...

hassan85: I wish hakeem will stop ds game dt he's playing cos like seriously, I already like ds Azezat.. just like d way she carries herself

Hmmn... wish too..

Tipiflexy: Nice update Tdan,but u sti need to watch ur use of english n error like account instead of accountant.All d same u ar getting better n eventually u wil b d best.

Typing isn't easy... any other thing? THAT z modified...

EPISODE ELEVEN.

    HAKEEM had been cerebrating on the matter since his friends left his office. His friends were right, weren't they?  Aishat is rich and influential, she has the ability to have her own company built up as soon as possible, it seems she just came here for me to forgive her.. Hakeem couldn't take his mind off the issue, he believed her and at the same time he wasn't sure if Aishat was real.

    He made up his mind that he would keep thinking about it until he was sure Aishat was real. He picked up her credentials and went through them, she doesn't worth being the accountant, what should I do?

*****

    "How was it?" Tomi asked Aishat as she stepped in.

    Aishat wiped her sweat with the handkerchief she had with her and yawned as she walked in. "Tomi, I'm hungry." She smiled and sat on the couch.

    "That's neccessary, I've been cooking since you left, don't worry, the porridge will soon be ready." Tomi told her.

    "Thank you. Where I went to was.. I don't know the right word to use in it's qualification, Hakeem has really changed." She drawled.


    "Really? Did he say he wouldn't offer any help?" Tomi asked.

"That would be better if said, he told me to drop my papers and he'd get in touch with me. He also told me to write out my mobile phone number so he could call me." She replied, looking sad.

"That outrightly means he doesn't have your mobile number any longer, all the same just be patient, just work with him.." Tomi surmised.

"Sure, I will, if he employs me." She assured as she hit her. "The porridge!" She reminded her.

Tomi grinned and walked into the kitchen to check the porridge.

******

Azeezat hissed after receiving the Secretary's call that Tesleem was around. She wondered what he came to do, at least she had told him she wasn't interested in him. I can't marry an unbeliever, a sinner to Almighty Allah, he's just an unserious guy. Who's going to marry him? Besides, I now have Hakeem.. She thought after ending the call.

Few seconds after, she heard a knock at her door. "Come in," she then hissed silently.

"Azeezat..." Tesleem grinned in, he was looking good, no doubt but Azeezat still wouldn't like him.

See the teeth... She had thought as Tesleem moved closer. "What can I do for you?" She questioned out of anger.

"Azeezat, you should at least greet a gentleman." Tesleem smiled as he stood before her.

"I don't have time for all that, what is it that you want from me?" Azeezat asked.

"You know what I want, don't you?" Tesleem sat down.

"And who told you to sit? Tesleem be careful oh." She hissed aloud.
"Azeezat, do you even know the meaning of your name? Azeezat means- Esteemed, precious, cherished lady. You're precious and that's what I like about you.."

"I know you aren't going to listen, please leave." She shrieked.

"Wait, I came for something more important." Tesleem said as he breathed slowly.

"I'm not in the mood to hear anything from you, just leave." She insisted.

"Azeezat, I should leave?" Tesleem was slack jawed.

"I don't give a damn, you know I'm not into you. Please leave." She repeated, getting more serious.

Tesleem heaved a sigh and walked out.

*******

EVENING.

It was Hastrup that prepared the dinner, the guys were seated close to one another as they ate on the dinning table. Uthman was the first to bring up the issue again by asking Hakeem what he would do concerning Aishat.

"I'm still thinking on what to do." He informed without giving him a look, he faced the meal before him squarely.

"I thought you must have decided, all the same conclude this on a right track." Hastrup chimed in.

"There's nothing to be concluded, leave this girl alone! And, I've told you she just came to know your feelings." Uthman coaxed.

"Uthman!" Hakeem carried his plate of rice and walked to his room angrily. I don't know why you hate her this much, I don't know what she has done to deserve this hatred.. He was grumbling as he walked out of the dinning room.

*****

Hassan walked in, barging into his sister's room. "Sis.." he said as he came in.

"How many times have I warned you against barging into my room?" She blurted.

"Sorry, that's not the point now. Why did you chase Tesleem out of your office?" He asked.

"Hassan, this is so stupid of you. You came here to ask me this? Ooh... you guys have been chatting about me right? You were the one who told him to visit me weren't you? Hassan, take your time!" She sneered.

"See, just take it easy because I don't know why you hate a guy who's willing to do anything for you. This guy loves you sis, he said he came to your place to tell you he has changed but you sent him away again." Hassan explained.

"And what's my business? Tell him not to disturb me any longer, I'm already in a relationship, a serious one sef." She snapped.

"He loves you..." Hassan repeated stressing the sentence.

"Leave my room!" She barked.

....

Still typing please...

Please sirs and mas, bear with me tonight coz I was suddenly called upon that I'm gonna play keyboard for tonight's Youths' night. though, I've been informed before buh i forgot.. Tomorrow sef z praise night again... but I'll make sure I update tomorrow morning. I'm really sorry for disappointing u tonight again, this has to be done.

I promise, tomorrow by 6am, u gonna meet d update here... Deeply sorry again coz I hate disappointing ppl and hate it wen I don't keep to promise.

Tee'Dan.

For leaving the guest mode coz of me means a lot to me. I really appreciate everyone, this is a neccessary thing, I'm sure I'm gonna change and level up as fast as possible.


Thanks once again to all my lovers, Love u too!

Hameenat94: Im here bro.... My subscription finish ni oh... Kinda agree wit d criticism

Thanks Hameenat, I'm gonna ammend all my ways, u re appreciated!

crazo: kinda agree wit u tho

I don't like this boss... u 're a good follower and you've never ever raised something like this, it means u don't like me if u're waiting for someone to correct me before u do....

That's why I appreciate Hameenat, LogoDwhiz, PrinceAdepoju, Kingphilip and co....

Please, always get me informed if there's anything to be done.

BTW, Thanks so much for expressing your feelings, u 're loved!

Jiteshell: I agree and most times, its almost like you are trying to simplify everything to look like a secondary school composition. No doubt, you are good, very good but you can be better. Abeg make una no eat me raw o

Thanks Jiteshell, I appreciate this.

thepatroit: CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM PLEASE O!

Lovers of T. Dan, please no one shud beef me cos I came here to say my mind and point out sum tins 2d writer.
I left guest mode jst bcs of him.

T. Dan, no doubt ur stories r interesting and captivating and u r very talented in bringing stories to life bt ur grammar and composition aren't doing anything 4me.

Some tyms wen I read ur stories, I'm lyk WTF! I can't evn differentiate wen one of ur characters is having a thought or talking out loud. Pls make use of italics 4d thoughts or bold them or sumtin.

Then ur composition isn't working 4me. While I understand rushing to write 2 entertain ur readers, I'd prefer u take ur tym 2 edit ur story b4 posting. Sumtyms d names r mixed up. Sumtyms I dnt evn get wat u r writing until I read it again and re-compose it in my head. I min y serve bread and tea wen u can take ur tym 2 cuk and serve delicious fried rice and chicken?

Please don't ask me 2 giv u examples cos it wud b 2 much 4me 2 write out. Bt one example is-
'He gave her a scary look'.

U r fond of using dis wen itsnt called 4 in d situation. There r many kind of looks dt wud fit perfectly in dose instances.

I cud go on and on bt I hv 2 stp here. I hpe what I call CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM wud b taken in gud faith. Some readers MIGHT nt get it bt being in the literary society, one jst can't help bt notice dese tins.

I luv ur talent and hw u input researches or personal experience into ur work. Kip it up!

Tanx

Learning never ends, I've learnt more today. Thanks so much ThePatriot, I really appreciate this. I'll ammend all ASAP. Btw, thanks for joining this family, u 're loved!!

Tee..

Fatalveli: T.Dan! U are a damn genius, this strory is full of suspense breathtaking!

Thanks boss.... This made me...

Gamesound: Wow!!!! I'm loving this,,, T.Dan carry go nd pls don't look cos I gat Ur bck always..... thumbs up

No problem boss! I trust you!

hayurmidey: yes.. M stil following.. Its jst fascinating

Thanks dear...

Nancydearie: Thanks,Yes!

Add me up na.... 08038100629

EPISODE TEN.

    A WEEK LATER.

    It was on Monday morning, Hakeem was about entering into the car when he remembered he hadn't checked his Facebook notification messages that morning.

    He smiled as he unlocked the car and threw the brown envelope that contained some documents he brought home to the passenger's seat beside him. He hopped in, leaving the door unlocked as he switched on his mobile data and went online.

    There had been more than thirty comments on the picture but he hadn't seen Aishat's.

    For the one week, he wasn't himself as he couldn't call Aishat and he didn't receive her call likewise. His friends had warned him against calling her because she might suspect that he was just playing her. They were sure if he neglected her, she'd be forced to beg him if she really had true love.

    "Not her again!" He opened his mouth slightly and let and breathed air out of it. "Does she still have my time? Does this girl have true love for me? It looks like she doesn't care.." he muttered and peeped outside.

    Hastrup and Uthman had already came downstairs and were about entering into their cars. "Guys we need a gate keeper here!" Uthman exclaimed as he saw that the gate was locked.

    "No qualms, we should get one soon." Hastrup replied him as both walked forward and got the gate opened. Hakeem drove out while each of the guys also drove out after and locked up the gate.

*****

    Hakeem dipped his mobile phone into his pocket and waved at the Secretary as he headed to his office. He sat and looked around the office, it had been tidied up. He opened the brown envelope to bring out the documents when the Secretary knocked at the door.

    He knew that would be the Secretary because she didn't call him that someone was asking after him. "Come in." He said and rested his back on the chair.

The Secretary walked in smiling. "Sir, someone came to ask after you." She walked closer.

"Who?" Hakeem enquired.

"Miss Aishat." She replied.

"Ais... She came?" He sat up.

"Yes sir, she said she'd been back in two hours' time to check on you again." She replied.

"Aishat came?" Hakeem kept wondering.

"Hope there's no problem? Should I not let her in whenever she comes back?" She enquired.

"Who told you that?" Hakeem sterned.

"Alright sir, I'll allow her." She beamed.

"Two hours right?" He asked again.

"Yes sir." She replied.

*****

Aishat was about leaving the house for Hakeem's place again when Tomisin called her and told her she'd like to discuss with her. They were both seated on the plastic chairs in the living room as Tomisin started the discussion with her. "You know this isn't an easy task, don't you?" She asked.

"I know Tomi, I pray Hakeem is going to concur. I'm really sure he has left me." she replied sadly.

"How sure are you? You can't tell, it might be a test." Tomi told her.

"I know how much Hakeem loved me. A day wouldn't pass without calling my mobile phone. It's more than a week already, and I also told you about the picture he uploaded on Facebook." She informed.

"Hmmn... But you said he overheard all what you discussed with Malik at Fidelity Palace, you never answered Malik now.." she was bothered.

"I know, I was right there when he was discussing with that Azeezat, both talked about love." She sighed.

"Wao! Hakeem.. I can't blame him though, you were at fault then.." Tomi said.

"I know, I've learnt from my mistakes and now changed. I'm quite sure he's now in a relationship with Azeezat." She was sad.

Tomi smiled and petted her. "This is the main reason you have to work with him, you have to be able to clear all your wrongs and let him know you've changed. Now, no string is attached to the work between both of you, that's if he's going to get you employed though." Tomi advised.

"That's true, just start acting like we don't know each other. But, I wouldn't have worked with him, it's simply because I want to ammend my pasts... I really want to end disputes with poeple that are annoyed with me."

"And Alhaji?" Tomi asked her.

"See, Tomisin, please oh." She stood and got set to leave.


******


That would be the seventh time Hakeem would be glimpsing at the wall clock, he had been expecting the arrival of Aishat. Though, his heart was beating fast, he had called Uthman and Hastrup for them to get him advised. The two friends had told him he shouldn't act as if he was happy with her, he should be frank and straight up with her. They all had been thinking she would come to apologize again or to cause trouble, whichever one, Hakeem was determined.

The phone rang and Hakeem's heart almost skipped a beat. "She should be around now." He muttered as he picked up the call.

"She's here sir." The Secretary got him informed.

"Let her in." Hakeem replied and wiped his face.

Aishat walked in slowly and approached Hakeem's table. "Good morning." She greeted.

"Good morning Aishat, have your seat." He replied frankly.

Aishat sat down. "I came for something important. I've looked around me and saw that no one else can do this but you.." she stopped intentionally and continued. "I need a post that I can be managing in this company. I mean, I need your help concerning employment oppurtunity." She told Hakeem.

"You need what?" Hakeem was slack jawed, watching her with surprise written all over him.

"Yes. I'm sure you must be surprised but that's not important right now." She replied.

"It is, Aishat, it is really important." He said as he continued staring at her. 'She's still as beautiful as usual... but what's up with her two eyes?' Hakeem wondered.

"Alright, Alhaji sacked me and I have nowhere to turn to." She replied.

'Isn't this another way devil will crawl in?' Hakeem sighed as he looked down.

'I have to be strict a little... Ah! Aishat, you caused all this... I shouldn't be behaving this way. When is this acting all gonna stop? Should I even employ her? Only God knows what she has done to Alhaji again..'

"What have you done to him?" Hakeem asked.

"Let's leave that for now, I just need your help."

"But Aishat, things aren't easy the way you think they are... em.. just drop your papers, I'll get back to you." He told her.

"Alright, but please do all you can. I'm really sorry if I've wronged you before, don't use that as an excuse to deal with me, please."

'It seems she's serious... Aishat, begging me? She has come in another dimension just to make me forgive her right... what's all this about? Uthman and Hastrup are going to be shocked like I am... Aishat, begging me?' He kept wondering.

"I can't guarantee my trust, I'll get back to you. Drop your mobile number also." He said.

'Hakeem doesn't have my mobile number again? He has really forgotten me then..' she exhaled.

'I just have to be pretending, if I dont have everyone's mobile number, it's not like you..' he also thought.

Aishat brought out her pen and wrote her mobile number too before she left.

******

"Guys! Aishat has changed!" Hakeem hit the table as he told him friends.

Immediately Aishat left, Hakeem called on his friends to meet him in the office to tell them about the latest development.

"Guy, don't be a fool! The Aishat we all know or which one?" Hastrup chuckled and clapped his hands together.

"She came for employment oppurtunity." He informed.

"Can you now see that she has come to know what's up? She came to know if you still love her, she came to know how far between both of you because Aishat, the director of one of the biggest companies in this state will come here for that?" Uthman laughed.

Hakeem coughed. "Hmmn... she said Alhaji sacked her. This is even her C.V." He brought out her papers.

"If Alhaji sacked her, don't you know how rich she is? She has friends that have companies too, she has the ability to travel to any country of her choice today, we all know!" Hastrup hit the table too.

"Yes! She can't suffer for years, if she's not working. Who doesn't know Aishat? Who? Do you now think someone like that would come here for such? Don't be fooled!" Uthman added.

"Don't turn my head, I'll keep pondering on it, don't even bother. You can leave for your various offices." He addressed.

"It's your business sef.." Hastrup said as he walked out with Uthman.


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Update drops soon... before 9pm