•Bilal

And to think she wouldn't find out.

"Bilal when did you send her chocolate?" He questioned while vigorously typing on his phone.

"And you even left a note for her." He added.

"Oh Yeah. I visited her some days ago and gave her a bag filled with her favourite type of chocolates and candy then I said it was you who sent it. I'm sorry I forgot to tell you sef."

"It's ok. Thanks by the way. I was just confused and didn't know what she was taliking about."

"You're welcome. I did it to get you out of your veil of helplessness. Sha now that I've put in a few good words she'll probably loosen up a bit."

"She knows Bilal!" He showed me the last message Aaliyah sent and then I knew we were both doomed.

Definitely I feel bad for lying to Aaliyah but I had to help my lost friend. Hamza is like a brother so I'd do anything within my power to make him happy.

The little act I managed to pull without messing up had me feeling victorious unknown to me that she'd caught on. The game no doubt has changed alot of things for Hamza for the better but what I was scared of was her reacting in a bad way.

Thankfully, she called me and cleared my doubts. I let her run her mouth till she was done pouring her heart out then I gave her a little advice and we had a little laugh, insulting each other as usual. Our only way of showing each other love.

In the midst of our little chit-chat, I notice my step-father approaching us. From afar I could see him smiling so I knew he wasn't here to give us any lecture. He stretched his arm to shake my hand and Hamza's then he smiled before walking away to his office.

The day ended in a blur. I actually assumed that maybe working there would be easy but after seeing the stacks of paper work I was given I knew there was alot to learn. I was tired by the time I left the office and very hungry too.

My initial plan today was to visit Ruqayyah after work since her parents had approved of our relationship then maybe take her out but I was extremely exhausted so I just went home and ordered some food to avoid dying of hunger upon finding the house void of people after my return.

I can't believe I was so excited to go to work today. Working there was quite enjoyable but then my colleagues were snobs and they liked to gossip alot which was something I wasn't interested in doing. I believed it was something girls loved to do alot not men but they both engaged in commiting the sin and it was definitely not worth doing.

I saw the way the women looked at Hamza as if he was a snack. I knew they would definitely start making passes or trying to get his attention and the funniest part was that all their efforts would go in vain but that wasn't for them to know now anyways.

So now back to Ruqayyah. I needed to call her before I lost my mind too. She is and will always be the only girl I have eyes for. Our initial encounter was at an auction at New Hampshire with a friend who supposedly knew her so he introduced me to her. We became friends and decided to wait till graduation before a solid relationship would be formed.

Ruqayyah was shy and quiet at first till we talked a bit and realised we had alot in common. She was beautiful in her own way and dressed simple but elegantly.

It wasn't till after a few months that she told me she was of mixed nationalities. Turns out, her father was from Somalia and her mother was a Nigerian from Katsina. I knew she had to be part something because her complexion was rather unique. I got the greatest scare when I saw her at my house during one of my holidays but realised later on that she was my younger sisters' friend.

The sound of the doorbell ends my reverie and I rush to collect my food from the delivery guy then I pay him.

I dialled Ruqayyah's number as I sat to eat my Pounded yam and egusi soup with a chilled bottle of Fanta by the side to wash down the food.

She picked it after I tried calling the second time and I knew she was just trying to punish me for not making an appearance at her house.

"Salamu Alaykum Gimbiyata (my princess)."

"Wa Alaykumusalam Bilal."

That definitely hit a nerve. She never calls me by my actual name unless she was angry at me.

"Kiyi hakuri mana (I'm sorry). Aiki ne ya rike ni kuma (I was held up at work and) when I got back I was just so tired. Gobe (tomorrow) we can go out and then you can see me. Kin ji ko? (Have you heard?)"

"Whatever! You were supposed to come today."

"I'm sorry. Please don't be angry. You know I can't live with you being angry."

"Ok I've heard but you'll have to bribe me with Ice-cream first." She laughed.

"Toh Shikenan babu damuwa (alright, no problem)."

"So how is umma (mother) and baba (father)?"

"They're alright. How are your parents too?"

"Alhamdulillah they're ok too. Habibi akwai matsala fa (my love there's a problem)."

"What is it?"

"Kamila still doesn't approve of our relationship. Dan Allah (please) talk to her. She's been acting differently to me and doesn't hide the fact that she doesn't like us being together. She always tells me to my face that she doesn't trust me. Yes I know that she thinks I'm not serious with our relationship but I want to make it work and she doesn't understand."

"I'll talk to her don't worry."

"So what are you doing now?"

"I'm trying to send out applications to a few companies that I saw were looking for people with my level of qualification."

"Masha Allah that's good. Insha Allah they'll accept you. Let's all pray for the best."

"Thank you my love. How about you what are you doing?"

"I'm eating. Gaskiya (tbh) I'm tired of eating take-outs. I can't wait to be eating your food."

She kept quiet and I was already imagining her smiling as if she had just made it to heaven "Keep quiet joor! I won't cook for you if you keep acting like this."

"Ok toh I'm sorry." I laughed.

"I was just kidding dama. I need go now, I just remembered that I left some cookies in the oven. Bye my love!"

"Is that how you'll-" she hung up before I could complete my sentence.
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~Aisha Safiyanu🥀