ABUJA, NIGERIA

"Bro you Dey fight with your wife since bikin Ko Amma kazo kana zaune a kujeran office Kamar Kayan wani kana ma workers din unnecessary fada; you have been fighting with your wife since your wedding but you're here sitting down like a log of wood scolding your workers about unnecessary things." Mahmoud said as he smacked the back of Sa'eed's making him flinch and glare at him.

"What do you want me to do when she isn't giving me a listening ear?" Sa'eed said with a dejected look.
"So you're giving up?" Mahmoud asked.

Mahmoud's words struck a chord, and Sa'eed's gaze drifted, his mind replaying the tumultuous weeks since his wedding. Besides the toxic influence of Bilal and his other so-called friends, Mahmoud had been a constant, a voice of reason in the chaos.

Sa'eed's thoughts flashed back to Mahmoud's countless attempts to steer him away from his destructive path, particularly his excessive drinking. At the time, Sa'eed had resented Mahmoud's interference, perceiving it as an attack on his freedom.

But after the fallout with Bilal's crew, Sa'eed realised Mahmoud's true intentions – to protect him, to guide him toward a better life.

Now, as he sat in his office, surrounded by the trappings of success, Sa'eed felt the weight of his mistakes. Mahmoud's question still lingered: "So you're giving up?"

Sa'eed's eyes refocused on Mahmoud, his expression resolute. "Of course not! Hauwa is my life."

Mahmoud nodded, his expression sympathetic. "Then what's the plan, bro?"

Sa'eed sighed heavily, his shoulders sagging. "I don't know. That's why I'm asking you."

Mahmoud leaned forward, his elbows on Sa'eed's desk. "Seat her down, talk to her. Really talk."

Sa'eed's instant reaction was skepticism. "You weren't listening, were you? She won't give me a listening ear."

Mahmoud rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "I'm just tryna help, man."

Sa'eed's gaze narrowed, his lips compressing.

Mahmoud switched to a fake American accent, "Listen, bro, you gotta step up. Tell her you guys need to talk it out. If she refuses, assert some dominance, show her you're serious."

Sa'eed's eyes widened, intrigued.

"Not force, bro," Mahmoud clarified. "But you need to be the man. Since pampering ain't working."

Sa'eed nodded thoughtfully, his mind racing. Maybe Mahmoud was right. Maybe it was time to approach things differently.

The office fell silent, the only sound was the ticking clock on the wall. Sa'eed's gaze drifted out the window, his thoughts consumed by Hauwa and the daunting task ahead.

"Thanks, bro," Sa'eed said finally, his voice low.

Mahmoud smiled. "Anytime, bro. That's what brothers are for."
••

Sa'eed sighed tiredly as he stepped out of his sleek black Aston Martin, the evening sun casting long shadows across the driveway. His feet carried him toward his mother's bedroom, his mind still reeling from Mahmoud's advice.

As he raised his hand to knock on the door, Mardiya materialised before him, her presence sudden and unwelcome.

"Ina wuni, Ya Sa'eed; good evening," she said, her voice husky.

Sa'eed grunted a response, his tone clipped. He waited for her to leave, but she lingered.

Mardiya's eyes locked onto his, her gaze provocative. She whispered, "Hauwa won't give you what you want. How about I book us a hotel, and you come to me?"

Her words dripped with seduction, but Sa'eed's reaction was instantaneous and fierce. Anger coursed through his veins like liquid fire.

His eyes blazed red, his face inches from Mardiya's. "Don't you ever – and I mean ever – try to touch me or suggest such nonsense again," he growled.

Mardiya's smile faltered, her eyes widening.

Sa'eed's hands clenched into fists. "I'll wait for Hauwa for a thousand years if I have to. You're family, Mardiya. Don't betray that."

With a harsh movement, Sa'eed pushed Mardiya away, creating distance between them.

He yanked open the bedroom door and slammed it shut behind him, the sound echoing through the hallway.

Mami, seated on her plush couch, looked up from the Quran she was reading. Her eyes narrowed, concern etched on her face.

"Sa'eedu, lafiya; what's wrong?" she asked, closing the Quran.

Sa'eed rubbed his palms frustratedly around his face, his sigh escaping with a hiss. He shook his head, indicating no.

Mami's gaze persisted, but Sa'eed's expression remained resolute.

Undeterred, Mami tried again. "Tell me. What's troubling you?"

Sa'eed's jaw clenched. "Nothing, Mami. I'm fine."

The silence between them grew, heavy with unspoken emotions.

Finally, Mami nodded. "Okay. You can do it, you can win Hauwa back."

Sa'eed's face softened, gratitude flickering in his eyes. "I will, Mami, Insha Allah."

With a gentle smile, Mami opened her arms, and Sa'eed sank into her embrace.

For a moment, the world outside receded, and Sa'eed found solace in his mother's love.

But as he pulled back, determination hardened his features. He would win Hauwa back.

Sa'eed bade Mami goodbye and retreated to his apartment, the evening air thick with unspoken emotions. He entered his dimly lit living room, the scent of freshly cooked food wafting from the dining table.

Though Hauwa's silence had become a palpable barrier, she still ensured his meals were prepared, a gesture that tugged at Sa'eed's heartstrings.

He freshened up and performed his prayers, seeking solace in the familiar rituals.

After finishing his meal, Sa'eed approached Hauwa's room, his footsteps measured. He knocked softly, awaiting permission.

"Mi Reina," he whispered, his eyes locking onto hers.

Hauwa's gaze flickered up from her phone, a fleeting glance before returning to her screen.

Sa'eed sighed, his shoulders sagging. He sat beside her, the silence stretching like an elastic band.

Ten minutes ticked by, the tension palpable.

Finally, Hauwa sighed. "What?"

"We need to talk," Sa'eed said, his voice low.

"There's nothing to talk about," she replied, standing to leave.

Sa'eed's voice turned stern, a hint of determination. "Hauwa, come back. Sit."

Her eyes narrowed, a scoff on her lips, but she returned to the bed.

Sa'eed's fingers enveloped her hand, holding fast despite her attempts to free herself.

"Mai-Jidda, I love you," he began, his voice cracking. "You came into my life and became my everything. I want to spend forever with you."

Tears glistened in Hauwa's eyes, but her expression remained impassive.

Sa'eed's words spilled out, a heartfelt apology. "I'm sorry for what happened. I know it hurts you."

The room hung in silence.

Just as Sa'eed stood to leave, dejected, Hauwa's whisper stopped him.

"Wait."

He spun around, his grin spreading like wildfire.

Hauwa chuckled, a melodic sound that had been absent for so long.

Sa'eed's gaze was captivated by her smile.

"I want you to get me the rare, limited-edition Diamond Watch," she said, mischief dancing in her eyes.

Sa'eed nodded enthusiastically. "I'll get it. I promise."

With renewed purpose, he rushed out, leaving Hauwa's mischievous laughter echoing behind him.
••

Exactly a week had passed since Hauwa last spoke to Sa'eed, issuing the challenge that would either make or break their fragile bond. The rare, limited-edition Diamond Watch.

As she sat at the dining table, surrounded by the family members , Hauwa's thoughts drifted to Sa'eed. Had he given up? The possibility nagged at her, but she scoffed, knowing he was a coward and had given up.

The family's lively chatter filled the room, but Hauwa's mind wandered. She knew Sa'eed could never find that watch and hence the reason she had said she wanted it.

Lunch concluded, Hauwa bade everyone farewell and stood up. As she reached for the door handle, it swung open, and her breath caught.

Sa'eed stood before her, his hair dishevelled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. For an instant, Hauwa forgot her resolve, lost in the depths of his gaze.

"Take a picture; it'll last longer," Sa'eed quipped, breaking the spell.

Hauwa sneered, regaining her composure. "Loser, welcome back."

Instead of the usual dejected expression, a smug smirk claimed Sa'eed's features. He held out a black, sparkly medium-sized box.

Hauwa snatched it, her breath hitching as her eyes landed on the stunning Diamond Watch.

"I suffered before getting this," Sa'eed said, his boyish grin radiant. "I went to Dubai for the whole week, just to get this watch. Your expression is worth it."

Hauwa's mouth opened and closed, words failing her. She turned to the family, and their knowing smiles revealed the truth – they had been in on it.

Safar rolled her eyes, the sole dissenting voice.

Sa'eed's question cut through the tension. "So, am I forgiven?"

Hauwa rolled her eyes, playing coy. "No, I'll think about it."

With a heart beating wildly, she sprinted away, leaving Sa'eed's laughter echoing through the hallway.

As he turned to face the family, his eyes shone with triumph.

Mami beamed, patting his shoulder. "Well done, Sa'eedu na."

Fahad, seated at the table, chuckled. "Told you, bro."

Safina whispered to Safira, "I think Ya Jidda's got it bad." And Safira giggled.

Safar huffed, "Please."

Sa'eed grinned, his confidence renewed.

The game had changed; Hauwa's walls were crumbling.

Okay 🌚
Hauwa's walls are crumbling
Let's see how things go.

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