CHAPTER XXXIV

As Sakeena got home from the traumatising  drama that just unfolded thirty minutes ago, she pace round her room confused. She doesn't even know what to think anymore. She had tried calling badiyya and rahama but they weren't picking her calls.

All she needs right now is time to think of how to relieve these two ladies from the hatred they were having. She kept thinking that it might be because Badiyya doesn't want Rahama to get married to her brother, Mansir . But why?.

She rested her hands on her waist as she was deep in thought. Although, she had already heard one side of the story and now it was remaining the other side which is badiyya's. She took her phone from her bed and tried Badiyya's number again.

The phone rang and rang but wasn't answered. Sakeena wasn't giving up so she kept trying her best.

" hey" badiyya chirped in

Sakeena release a breath

" thank God you finally decided to pick my call"

" I wasn't close to the phone that's why "

" I don't even want to know the reason why you didn't pick the call earlier ,at least you picked it now" said a stern sakeena

" OK I'm so sorry. I know you're absolutely mad at me right now. I wasn't ready for any confrontation that's why? "

" Who said anything about a confrontation?  I just don't understand what is going on! "

" it's best you just let it be"

" I can't. I can't just sit and watch the two besties I have,having a clash with one another , no I can't!. You two need to settle whatever clash you have"

" I don't think i can right now "

" why?"

Badiyya heaved a sigh " it's just, it's just that I don't know what came over me. I'm not usually like that and the funniest part is that the person I'm fighting for already told me to stop causing trouble but I can't. "

Now, the whole thing got sakeena confused " I don't understand? Don't tell me you weren't making rahama an enemy for yourself, you're doing it on behalf of someone? "

" I know you're confuse , that is why I told you to forget it happened? "

" I can't. Just tell me the whole truth, please"

Badiyya thought of it for a while " fine. Hope you have alot of  digit in your phone because you're in for a long story?"

" you should trust me by now, I'm in for any long story you are about to say. I have got lots of digit"

Badiyya chuckles " alright, you asked for it. "

" You remember my brother right, the one we saw off at the airport ?"

" yes"

" he has a thing for rahama and I'm definitely sure she also feels something for him"

" ermm, OK pause. I'm completely confuse, can you please explain "

" OK. Let me brief a little story for you. I have two brothers, one is sadiq the airport guy and the other Mansir, rahama's fiance. The two don't get along at all. But anyways, I prefer yaya Sadiq because he is the best brother one can ask for. The two met rahama under different circumstances but she met Mansir first and that was how their love story began "

" yeah, I know about that already. In fact the whole town knew about that, that was like the topic of discussion as at the time. What I don't get is why you're angry at rahama ?"

" because she chooses Mansir "

" of course why wouldn't she? She met the guy first and fell in love with him! "

" yes yes I know. It's just.....i don't like how yaya sadiq is heartbroken because of that. He truly loves her"

" duh, and she truly loves Mansir. Common badiyya, you can't decide who rahama should end up with. It her life and please let her decide"

" you don't understand. I've seen the chemistry between yaya sadiq and rahama. There is a spark between these two you just won't understand, until you see them together. With yaya Mansir, she is always glum and in another world of hers. This might sound stupid but I know what I'm saying. "

" I don't even know what to think  anymore. In general, all you're trying to say is that you're angry with her just because she chooses Mansir over Sadiq?"

" something like that "

" eh, so that was why you behaved rudely  at the restaurant? "

" Hm, "

" Goodness, you're something else wallahi "

" Don't blame me "

" then who should I blame? Ehn?"

" I know what I'm saying "

" can we just end the talk once and for all? "

" OK fine"

" promise me you'll apologize to her when next you met"

"but....

" No but, just promise me"

" OK fine, promise "

" Good. We will talk later"

" OK bye"

" Think about my brother instead"

Sakeena hung up with a sly smile before badiyya could reply.

Wo! Thank God all is settled

***

UNITED KINGDOM, 2019.

" There will be a competition or should I say an examination . This exam which you're about to undertake is arranged by higher managements of this organization and whosoever comes top of the class will be compensated . All I can say is that you all should read and practice hard. The exam might come in different ways. It might be written, practical or even oral. Just make sure you're well prepared for it. "announced the chairman

" There is something else I want you all to take note. I'm sure you've heard about what will happened after your last exam? " he asked

Several ' yes' went round

" Good. This exam will decide your future. It will decide whether you came here to play or for business. I'm not allow to say this but for your own good I will. We will pick the ten best out of you all. The  four best student will be selected to work at the Basit enterprise &son while remaining six will be posted in another company. If you really want to be among this best ten you should tighten your belts and work hard in the exam. This is all for now, good day"

As usual he was escorted by his body guards while living the hall in chaos.

" Well, that was something " Jafar broke the silence as he look at khalil

" hm"

" Don't 'Hm'anything. do you have a hand in this? What the chairman just said ?"

The said guy scratch his head slightly " Something like that"

" well"

" my only prayer is that the two of you should be among the best four. I have tried many ways to help you but you two refused my help. I just pray this will do"

" how do you expect us to, we prefer to do everything the normal way. We prefer to be proud at the end without anybody's help. "   Jafar said thoughtfully

Sadiq wasn't even listening to what they were saying his mind was back in Nigeria. Just two weeks left before rahama's wedding. He couldn't get the idea that she was finally going to be someone else's.

His heart is aching so badly. All his life he has never fancy something or someone as he fancy rahama. Even he himself didn't expect it. At first he dislikes her but then this dislike turned to something else. No one can defeat fate. It was bound to happen.

This was a waking call for him.He needs to forget her and that is what he was going to do. But how can he, when all he sees when his eyes are closed is her?

" Sadiq.. Sadiq...sadiq "

He was brought out of his thoughts " hmm"

" are you alright ?"

" yes, why wouldn't I? I'm fine. "

" you sure man? You weren't even listening to what we were saying "

" guys can we just stop the interrogation! I'm not ready for it" he took his bag and left them behind

The two could only watch in shock as sadiq left

" I think something is bothering him" Jafar said

" yeah I think so too and I think it's about that rahama girl you once told me about. But we should give him time to think first, he needs it " khalil said thoughtfully

Jafar shrugged " you're right though "

They also pack all their things and went out of the hall.

***

Nigeria, 2019

" Soon to be Amarya " Sakeena teased

Rahama came to pay her a visit. Already,sakeena had apologize for what happened at the restaurant same with rahama.

Rahama only smile " hey stop "

" why should I? Aren't you a bride to be"

The word alone scares rahama " let's leave that aside "

" you don't seem too happy about it. Rahama? Are you sure you're ready for this marriage? "

Rahama looks at her as if she just asked a stupid question " of course I'm. Why would you say so? "

" your expression gave it. You look confused " sakeena pointed out

" I'm not "

" yes you are. Please don't lie to me "

Rahama heaved a sigh " I.. I don't even know anymore. It feels as if I'm doing the wrong thing. This wedding of a thing is scaring me "

" are you scared because of the wedding or because of the guy you're getting married to? There are two different things. So tell me which one "

" All, I'm scared of everything, Sakeena. I know I'm just having cold feet, it normal " she shrug

" Nope this one isn't normal. You are not having any cold feet. This is beyond cold feet, this is about what you feel. You don't feel the drill for this marriage so why are you getting married? "

Why does everyone always ask the same question? Rahama thought. Aunty yasira had asked her already.

Sakeena is beginning to think that what badiyya told her a week ago was actually right. Badiyya could be right after all.

"  I love him"

" that isn't a good reason enough. I have seen many cases where a lady loves a guy but still they aren't a suitable match. I'm sure their is something stopping you, rahama. Tell me what it is"

" it's nothing sakeena. Nothing is stopping me. I'm happy "

" no you aren't "

" I am"

They were interrupted by a ringing of a phone.

Sakeena pick the phone to see who was calling . Badiyya

"  hi, girly "

" how you doing? I'm outside your gate already "

" really!!!"

" yes"

" OK I'm coming right now" sakeena hung up immediately

Rahama look at her confused " who is that ?"

" it's badiyya "

" badiyya? I think I need to leave" rahama stood up . Sakeena drag her down the bed " common sit, you are not going anywhere " she ordered

" but.. But it's badiyya. I don't have time for any drama"

Sakeena watch her with a stern look " just sit. She is here to apologize ,that's it."

Rahama sat with folded hands " I just pray she doesn't start any fight cos I'm not in for any "

" just calm down. I am going down now to get her" sakeena said and left.

Rahama sat worriedly. She kept tapping her foot repeatedly . She wasn't ready for any fight because what was disturbing her is more than that. When she heard footsteps coming closer she sat upright .

Sakeena came in and then follows by badiyya " welcome to my room"

Badiyya chuckles " well, thanks."

" come, sit over here." said badiyya as she pointed at a couch. Badiyya went to take her seat.

" so" sakeena clasp her hands " I think a new introduction might suffice. Can you two please reintroduce yourselves"

Badiyya drop her hand bag and glance over at rahama who was busy picking on her nails.

" rahama? "

She raised her head up " Hm? "

" I'm sorry for what happened the last time" badiyya started " I know I behaved childishly "

" of course you did" murmured rahama

Badiyya smile " can you please forgive me? "

Rahama release a breath " I will if you tell me why you were so cold with me"

" it nothing serious. let's just say I was only being childish,alright?"

" fine. I just hope it won't repeat itself? "

" I promise,it won't. Am I forgiven? "

" of course you are" rahama said with a warm smile.

" awnn, I'm so happy right now." sakeena cooed softly " we actually need a group hug " she spread her arms wide open.

" group hug .. Group hug....group hug" she chanted

The other two ladies watch her ,surprised. They didn't have any choice so they comply to her wish.

***

I know this chapter is short but please manage it🙏🙏❤💕