Unforgettable

Back then

BASHIR 

I was craving masa early this morning so my wife went out to get it. I was bored doing nothing upstairs so I decided to go watch TV downstairs, to my amazement Khadija was sitting there watching. I felt my heart skip a beat but I composed myself and sat on the couch facing the TV... 

"are you going to continue acting like that?? Pretending you don't know me and make it look like am just not anyone to you? "

I replied with " I wish I know what you're talking about"

"...BASHIR!!!" SHE screamed then the tears started flowing. "do you know how I feel seeing you with her? I feel like strangling her. why are you doing this to me? you love me to the point that you sacrificed yourself for me." 

"That was years back, now am starting a new life, and you're trying to disturb my peace  and make it chaotic."

"I see it's about four years ago, isn't it? you still can't forgive me right?" ..... 

FLASHBACK........ 4 YEARS AGO 

I was driving from home to work when I saw this pretty girl walking alone and chatting on her phone. Am Not the type to stop just any girl but she was so damn pretty, I stopped and tried talking to her but she ignored me. after a few attempts she started talking to me too. 

"So what's your name? " I asked trying to save her number

" Khadija labaran "she answered smiling broadly. I could feel my heart beating so fast. 

After a while, I and her started dating and I loved her so much to the extent that I couldn't stand a day without talking to her. 

I was an intern in the company I was working at, so there was a project and I was asked to deliver a check of 1 billion dollars to the man doing the project, Alhaji labaran Sadiq. 

As I was on my way to his house I got a call from her asking me to pick her up and drop her on my way. I did as she order, I picked her up and that was about 9:22 pm. 

"Where are you going this late? " I asked her 

"to my friend's wedding." I didn't ask any more questions because she seemed really nervous and I didn't wanna be a pain in the ass. 

If you're having trouble imagining her this is Khadija's picture

We were on our way when we got attacked by armed robbers and for a reason they knew I had the money. I gave them the money and the car keys and begged them to let her go, but they pointed the pistol towards her. I jumped in front of it....... The pain was unbearable, the next thing I know was I was in the hospital and Khadija was nowhere to be found. I asked mama and she answered with " Khadija didn't know what happened, she came here a while ago, I called to tell her."

I couldn't get it was this all a dream?? but it was so vivid especially the pain. 

So I sneaked out of the hospital and I went to see Khadija. As I was about to enter the leaving room I heard her talking with her dad and he was saying. 

"This is what am talking about, I told you they won't hurt him much not a deadly shot, you see now that this plan worked I'll get double of what I am supposed to. "

I peeped through the door and I couldn't believe who I saw, Alhaji labaran Sadiq, then it dawned upon me, Khadija labaran. 

OH MY God! so they planned the whole robbery. I couldn't believe it I ran home confused. my mom was so worried she kept asking what happened. After a while I calmed down and told her everything but made her promise not to tell a soul, she agonized over it but agreed later on. 

After a while, Khadija moved and I never heard from her again. The only thing I kept in mind as she would come back and eventually ask for forgiveness and the promise we made (marrying each other} we were going to keep it. 

BACK TO REALITY 

"How can I forget what you've done to me? I may have had the thought of doing so before but definitely not now, me and you we're over way before now. "

" But why did you give me hope when we met few months to your wedding.... "

FLASHBACK 

I Was in my office when Fatima called me to tell me that the wedding pictures were out so she wanted to give me few copies, she apologized she couldn't come herself but her friend was coming... 

I heard a familiar voice come in after she said her Salam. 

"you must be Fatima's friend?" I asked with my eyes reading the document in front of me. 

"yes "she answered with a voice that sounded like she was about to break into tears. it was unbelievable when I raised my head up to see Khadija, without me knowing I ran and hugged her. 

" where have you been? I've been? searching all over for you, why didn't you show up till now when it's too late"  I said with tears. 

She apologized, I hugged her saying  "it doesn't matter, it's you I still love  and I'll do everything in my power to make you mine." 

but then I fell for Fatima 

BACK TO REALITY 

" I WAS out of my mind that time, I forgot the pain you put me through but not anymore, your history to me and we were never meant to be, and I thank God everything happened this way, cause I got to meet the most amazing girl ever."

 As I turned to leave she grabbed my shirt and all the buttons removed. 

"what the hell are you doing? "

I asked opening my eyes wide, but before I could do anything she kissed me, I pulled her back with the slave of her dress and pushed her on the couch. 

" Don't ever try that nonsense again " and I went back upstairs. 

After a while Fatima came in she saw the state I was in. 

" what is going on Bashir? "she asked. I grabbed her and replied 

" I want Khadija gone by tonight I don't care how you do it but I want her gone" I  picked my car key and went out. 

+++++++++

When I got back Khadija was gone. 

"What did you tell her?"I asked.

" That we were traveling and so she has to go"

"great idea I said sighing in relief."

" But she said something weird "she added. 

" something like what? "

" She said I've got little time before I lose my title something like that, I'm sure it's just one of her jokes" she added smiling. 

++++++++

Fatima woke up with nausea and massive stomach ache and her temperature was very high, at first she refused to go to the hospital but I insisted because I was so worried. 

I waited for almost an hour and a Half when the doctor came out I felt my heart leap out of my chest. 

"Are you her husband? "

" yes, I am" I replied with my heart dropping. 

"we'll your wife is pregnant"... Oh My GGGGGosh 

Pregnant? I couldn't believe it I was so happy, immediately she came out I hugged her tight. 

"thank you so much, Fatima, thank you for coming into my life." she smiled, " me too." 

I called everyone and informed them I was going to be a dad. 

After that I'd never let her do anything, I even cooked for her, I was so excited.

********

The last nine-month were so slow I was so eager. 

And one night We were sleeping around 2:54 am when Fatima woke up with severe pain, we expected it because she was already dew, I drove her to the hospital and sat in the waiting room. I called mama and Mommy and told them about it, they said they were going to be on their way from Abuja. 

After 5 hours the doctor came out... 

"Congratulations it's a baby girl."

I was so excited I went into the room and found Fatima looking exhausted and sleeping and by the side, my little princess was placed in a wooden bed. 

Mama and mommy arrived an hour later they were all very happy but Fatima was still sleeping. 

We named her after a week, her name was Faleela my late grandma's name, she was the new love I love her so much. 

3 months later

It's been 5 months and we were the happiest family in my world feel. I was always with her 24/7 expect if am going to work, that cute smile Of hers is priceless. 

"Ohh feel,!" Fatima screamed " I  told you to stop pouting making those bubbles, it's a bad habit "

" Leave my baby alone, let her do what she wants. "

" Oh by the way my friends are coming, they've only seen her once so they want to come and see her again. but don't worry they'll only be here for 3 days." 

I wasn't happy because I knew Khadija was coming. 

++++++++

I was sitting in my room watching while my princess was lying down and playing next to me. 

When Fatima came in she announced they are were here. I picked Ammi (my daughter's nickname) and headed downstairs. it was Batula and the rest, I spotted Khadija sitting at the end of the couch. 

we said our greetings and they collected Ammi from my hand, they kept playing with her and I couldn't help but smile. Khadija was giving me this deadly glare, I didn't care I just stood up and went back upstairs.