A month later....
KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Hauwa couldn't believe her luck. It had been a month since Sa'eed proposed, and she still felt like she was floating on air. She had never felt this way about anyone before. Sa'eed was the best thing that had ever happened to her - her soulmate, her everything.

Every time she looked at him, her heart skipped a beat. His dark skin radiated a warm and gentle glow, making his bright smile and piercing eyes shine even brighter. His kind and compassionate nature only added to his allure, making her feel safe and cherished.

Hauwa couldn't help but be swept off her feet by Sa'eed's charming and thoughtful ways. He was every girl's dream - kind, caring, and chivalrous. He always made sure she was comfortable and happy, offering his jacket when she was cold or bringing her favourite snacks.

As they spent more time together, Hauwa realised that Sa'eed was not only handsome but also intelligent, witty, and thoughtful. He made her laugh like no one else could, and his words were always filled with wisdom and kindness.

Hauwa felt like the luckiest person alive to have found Sa'eed. She couldn't wait to spend the rest of her life with him, creating memories and making more moments to cherish.

As Hauwa packed her clothes, the smile on her face was unmistakable. She couldn't contain her excitement, knowing that she was about to embark on a new adventure in Abuja, the city where her heartthrob Sa'eed and his family resided. The thought of being closer to him, surrounded by the people she loved, filled her with joy.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program was a mandatory one-year service for Nigerian graduates, and Hauwa had been posted to Abuja. She knew that this was more than just a coincidence; it was fate bringing her closer to Sa'eed. She envisioned the memories they would create, the laughter they would share, and the moments they would cherish together.

Although she would miss her family dearly, Hauwa knew that she wouldn't be alone in Abuja. She would be staying with her elder sister Aisha, who had been like a mother to her since childhood. Aisha's guidance and support would provide comfort in times of homesickness.

As she carefully folded her clothes and placed them in her suitcase, Hauwa's mind wandered to Sa'eed. She imagined the surprise on his face when she arrived, and the whispered promises of forever. She knew that their bond would only grow stronger, nurtured by the proximity and shared experiences.

The thought of exploring Abuja with Sa'eed by her side thrilled her. She envisioned strolls through the National Arboretum, visits to the National Mosque, and lazy Sundays spent watching the sunset together. Hauwa's heart skipped a beat as she imagined the adventures awaiting her.

With each item she packed, Hauwa felt a sense of anticipation building inside her. She knew that this was just the beginning of an extraordinary journey, one that would bring her closer to Sa'eed, to herself, and to the life she had always dreamed of.

The next morning, Hauwa finished packing the last of her belongings, her suitcase now bulging with clothes, memories, and dreams. She was excited to embark on this new adventure with her best friend Rahma, who was also posted to Abuja for their NYSC. As they prepared to leave, Hauwa's family gathered to bid them farewell.

Her mother and father, trying to appear calm, advised her as if she had never left home before. "Hauwa, always remember to pray on time, eat well, and be careful with the company you keep." Her father added, "And don't forget to save some money, you never know when you might need it." Hauwa smiled, knowing they were just trying to protect her, but she couldn't help thinking that they were behaving as if she had never left home before. Hadn't she already spent four years studying in Jigawa, away from their watchful eyes?

Jannah, her 16-year-old sister, was a different story altogether. She had always looked up to Hauwa, and the thought of being separated from her was almost too much to bear. As they hugged each other tightly, Jannah burst into tears, her body shaking with sobs. "I'll miss you so much, Ya Mai-Jidda. Who will I talk to now?"

Hauwa comforted her, trying to reassure her that they would stay in touch through phone calls and messages. As they made their way to the train station, Rahma tried to lighten the mood, making jokes and teasing Hauwa about her "emotional" family.

At the train station, as they hugged each other one last time, Hauwa felt a mix of emotions. She was excited for the new adventure ahead, but also sad to leave her family behind. With a final wave, she and Rahma boarded the train, finding seats by the window. As the train pulled out of the station, Hauwa gazed out at her family, standing together, waving goodbye. She smiled, knowing that this was just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her life.

•
ABUJA, NIGERIA

As the train pulled into the Abuja station, Hauwa's excitement grew. She had already called her sister Aisha, telling her not to bother picking her up, as Sa'eed would be taking care of that. Rahma, on the other hand, was being picked up by her elder cousin, who was also her fiancé.

Hauwa had kept her arrival a secret from Sa'eed, only telling him that she had a package for him at the train station. She couldn't wait to see the look on his face when he saw her step off the train.

As they disembarked, Hauwa scanned the crowd for Sa'eed. Suddenly, she saw him, his eyes scanning the platform until they landed on her. A huge smile spread across his face as he ran towards her, sweeping her up in a tight hug and twirling her around.

Hauwa felt her face grow hot with shyness as she tried to hide in his chest, her hands awkwardly patting his back. "Sa'eed, put me down!" she whispered, her voice muffled by his shirt. But Sa'eed just laughed and spun her around again, his eyes shining with joy.

Rahma, who was watching the scene unfold, couldn't help but smile at the romantic reunion. "Aww, you two are so cute!" she exclaimed, as Sa'eed finally set Hauwa down, still grinning from ear to ear.

"Hey, Rahma!" Sa'eed said, turning to Hauwa's best friend. "How was your journey?"

"It was good, thanks," Rahma replied. "I'm just glad to be here. And I'm sure Mai-Jidda is too," she added, nudging her friend playfully.

Hauwa rolled her eyes good-naturedly, still feeling a bit shy from Sa'eed's enthusiastic greeting.

Just then, Rahma's fiancé, Tahir arrived, and she bid Hauwa and Sa'eed farewell as she left with him. Sa'eed, still smiling, took Hauwa's hand and led her to his car.

As they drove to Aisha's house in Lokogoma, Hauwa couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. She had missed Sa'eed so much, and being with him again felt like home.

Sa'eed, sensing her gaze, turned to her and smiled. "I've missed you so much, Hauwa. I'm so glad you're here." Hauwa's heart skipped a beat as she smiled back at him, feeling like the luckiest person alive.

•

When Sa'eed dropped Hauwa off at her sister's house in Lokogoma, he insisted on entering the house to greet her sister, Aisha. Aisha welcomed him warmly, exchanging pleasantries and asking about his journey. Hauwa's nieces and nephews, Hanan, Muhammad, and Aliyu, were excited to see their aunt and rushed to hug her, except for Aliyu, who was almost one year old and stared at Hauwa with wide eyes, unsure of what to make of this new person.

Aisha's husband, Mubarak, however, was sceptical about Sa'eed and kept asking him about his intentions with Hauwa. "So, Sa'eed, what are your plans with our sister?" he asked, his tone firm but polite. Sa'eed, sensing the tension, replied, "I care deeply for Hauwa, and I want to spend the rest of my life making her happy."

Mubarak raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "I see. Well, we'll be keeping an eye on you." Sa'eed smiled and nodded, understanding Mubarak's concerns.

After Sa'eed left, Mubarak turned to Aisha and said, "I don't trust him. I've heard rumours about the company he keeps. He may not be involved in anything shady himself, but one can never be too sure." Aisha listened intently, her expression concerned.

Later that night, Aisha approached Hauwa, who was still unpacking her bags. "Mai-Jidda, I need to talk to you about Sa'eed," she said gently. "Mubarak has some concerns about him, and I think you should be careful."

Hauwa, feeling defensive, snapped at her sister. "What's wrong with Sa'eed? He's never done anything bad! Just because of the people he associates with, you want to jeopardise my relationship with him?"

Aisha tried to reason with her. "Mai-Jidda, we just want what's best for you. We don't want you to get hurt."

But Hauwa was too far gone, her love for Sa'eed clouding her judgement. "Leave me alone, ya Aisha! You don't understand anything!"

The argument ended with Aisha apologising and leaving a still-upset Hauwa to her thoughts. As she lay in bed, Hauwa couldn't shake off the feeling that her sister was trying to sabotage her relationship with Sa'eed. She felt like they didn't trust her to make her own decisions, and it hurt.

As she was about to drift off to sleep, Hauwa's iPhone 11 suddenly pinged, indicating a new message. She groggily reached for her phone and checked the screen. It was a message from Rahma.

"My headache🤕🤍: Hauwa kulu yakike? Yasu ya Aisha and my babies? I need to tell you something, but I don't know how to say it... Tahir knows Sa'eed and he's warning me that Sa'eed is a bad influence, he keeps bad company. Just be careful, okay?"
(Sent: 11:07)

Hauwa's eyes widened in annoyance as she read the message. She hissed in frustration and threw her phone somewhere on the bed, not even bothering to reply to Rahma. She closed her eyes, trying to shut out the doubts and warnings that seemed to be coming from all directions.

Why couldn't anyone just trust her judgement? Why did they all think she was so naive and helpless? Hauwa's mind raced with questions and anger, making it difficult for her to fall asleep. She tossed and turned, her thoughts consumed by Sa'eed and the constant warnings from her loved ones.

Finally, exhaustion took over, and Hauwa drifted off to sleep, her phone still lying somewhere on the bed, Rahma's message unanswered.

Hauwa listen to the voice of reasoning...... but sha we need our ship to sail so hauwa has to continue being ignorant and naive🤭.
Imagine being warned by your brother in-law, sister and best friend and still not listening 😒, Hauwa is far too gone. 

Anyways, do you like the story? It's like is not interesting I might just take it down with the way you guys are behaving 😫.

Pleashhhh🥹
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