The Arranged Marriage

I am currently blinking my eyes  sitting across from my parents on the Persian sofa,“it will be good hopefully” I blinked backnot believing them half expecting this to be a joke," Baba I will not..." I start to say but dad had his stern face on, whenever he sets his face like that nothing can change what he wants to be done, he stood up abruptly” well I hope that was well understood, “ turning to me adjusting his glasses with his finger he says“ Zarah do tell me before you leave” he said and his home nurse who had been waiting behind the door took him upstairs to his room,Mah came to me immediately” why did Baba do that?’ I asked her confused with tear-filled eyes “ shh... it's for the best” she cooed patting my back softly,I wanted to ask her best for me or you and baba, but I knew better than to ask I would only end up hurting myself more, s

I walked down the stairs taking deep breaths, I could hear voices from the top of the stairs and I heard one that definitely sounds familiar. Now you know how it's like in movies, that you enter a hall and then everyone keeps shut and stares at you with glazed eyes full of admiration, dearest readers my case was the complete opposite.It was as though a shadow had walked in, dad was enthralled in his conversation with a good looking mid-age-old man. Mum was all smiles focused on the conversation. Quickly taking a seat I noticed that one of the chairs was set ajar as though someone had excused themselves early, well good for them. I am stuck here with dinner I am most definitely going to enjoy. Well, at least that's what I thought.I greeted the stranger after taking my seat" hello Zara how are you?" he asks a smile on his faceeven with the smile his face seemed stern he wore glasses like Baba and was dark-skinned like Baba. I wasnt concerned with his we

were I would The time spent with the girls was amazing  I teased Gimbiya all day long and when it was time to leave she jumped right at the chance which gave me and Khadija a laugh I had so much fun. Next day at work I was looking over some files from the office at home when ma walked in and of course, as usual, she didn't knock. I sighed without looking up nose deep in my papers, " ma please knock next time" she practically ignores what I said and goes ahead to sit at the edge of my bed. " ahan leave office work for the office " she says with a frown trying to peep at what I was working on, I decided to pack the papers and keep them aside taking off my glasses as well we both knew that wasn't the reason she came in here to see me. " ok ummi I have kept the papers aside what was the real reason why you wanted to see me cause I have a feeling you didnt come here just to tell me to put away the office work" I say sarcastically arms folded, legs  crossed  and this woman

Baba and Farouqs uncle decided that it would be better to have the wedding at a later date something I wasnt opposed to. I was back at Lagos trying to get a few things together for the new head of branch at Lagos before I returned back to Abuja, I was currently going through some paperwork when the doorbell rang. Sadiq wasnt back home yet so I thought it might be him. I opened the door to find a 6 feet guy rather than Sadiqs 5ft9. " Umar what are you doing here?" I ask standing close to the door my door on the handle ready to close it at any moment. " Please can we talk?" Umar's asks with pleading eyes," I tried calling and texting but you wouldn't respond or pick my calls, please " he adds and I sigh opening the door to let him come in. I walk towards the sitting area and didn't seat down when he sat I didn't want to have a long conversation with him. " why are you here? " I ask arms folded tapping my feet in impatience. He sighs. ' I thought we could work this out Zara, you never

Checking the time on my phone one more time just to be sure, Farouq had said he would be here at 4pm and its 4:15 already. I wanted to get back home already cause I was starving . I debated on calling him just to be sure and then decided against it. 4:30 and I didnt care at all wether I seemed desperate or not , I was starving and couldn't careless. I called Farouq he didnt pcik the first time. waited for five more minutes and called again. At that point I gave up on him and called my driver it was 4:45 already I wonder what excuse Farouq would have this time I though as the driver drove us home. Mama made sure to bring me downstairs for dinner we ate in silence just Ummi, Baba and I. I couldn't help but wander about Sadiq," Baba have you heard from Sadiq?" I asked Baba while taking another spoon of the porridge Ummi had made. He chews on his food for a bit before responding, " yes , he called me just yesterday" he said taking another spoonful of his porridge. I could see from his b