The Forced Partnership
397 Words
The old ceiling fan spun lazily above, creaking like it had seen better days. The professor, a tall man with reading glasses sliding down his nose, cleared his throat.
“Alright, class,” he began, “this year’s inter-university business case competition will require strong teams. I’ve selected your partners for you no changes allowed.”
Zahra’s pen paused mid-note. She didn’t like the sound of this.
The professor started reading names off a sheet.
“Group One… Musa and Halima. Group Two… Aisha and Kabiru…”
Her eyes drifted to the window, watching the dusty breeze sway the neem trees outside. She was silently praying she’d get someone hardworking, maybe even quiet.
Then she heard it.
“Group Four… Zahra Yusuf and… Aminu Bello.”
Her head snapped toward the professor.
What?!
A low chuckle came from across the table. Aminu leaned back, his lips curved in a way that made her blood warm with annoyance.
“Well,” he said softly, just loud enough for her to hear, “I guess you’re stuck with the ‘spoiled prince.’”
Zahra glared. “More like the prince is stuck with me.”
The professor clapped his hands. “You’ll have three weeks to prepare your case study on ethical entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Presentations will be graded both on content and teamwork.”
Teamwork.
The word felt heavy between them.
As the class ended, students gathered with their new partners. Zahra began packing her bag, determined to leave before Aminu spoke again. But of course, he was faster.
“So, Miss Shop Girl,” he began, walking beside her as they exited the room, “what’s your grand plan? Sell groundnuts as an ethical business model?”
She stopped in her tracks, facing him with a calm that surprised even herself.
“My plan,” she said, “is to win. With or without your arrogance slowing me down.”
For the first time, his smirk faltered. He studied her for a moment, then gave a short laugh.
“This might actually be… interesting.”
They walked out of the faculty building in opposite directions, both convinced they wouldn’t let the other win control of this project.
Neither realized that this forced partnership would test more than just their business skills it would test their patience, their pride, and their hearts.
- Writer
