6 CHAPTER 5

As I entered the event hall with Folu, I gasped in astonishment. The hall was decorated with white balloons, the ceilings were well draped and string lights were hung on it. The guests were seated on chairs draped with fabric and flowers at a round table. A long tasteful strip of cloth was laid down the middle of the table with delicate vases, candles, plates, cutleries, and folded paper napkins. The servers were dressed in the same uniform and they moved from one table to another. It all looked like a fairytale princess party.

" Oh goodness, I didn’t realize it would be very extravagant. I thought it was just a few friends having a get-together! "

Folu chuckled, " Rahama hosted the party to celebrate her admission into the university "

" What?. She did all this just to celebrate her admission into the university! "

" Lower your voice " Folu shot me a warning look.

" Sorry. How do you guys know each other, is she an acquaintance? " I asked, as we walked further along the hall.

" We are in the same department. She didn’t know her way around the school and I helped her out, that’s how we got to know each other. "

" Ohh "

A girl walked towards us; She was dressed in a gold sequin dress, and her head was wrapped in a matching scarf. Her louboutin heels made a clicking sound - that could be heard across the floor. " Welcome, I’m glad you could make it " She said, with a pleasant smile.

" Hello, I’m glad I could make it too. Thank you, " Folu pointed at me, " Meet my cousin, Kiki "

" Hi, nice to meet you "

" Nice to meet you too "

" I would love it if both of you could join us at our table, if you don’t mind "

" Sure " Folu and I chorused in unison.

We followed her to a table where three ladies were seated; they were clothed in a long maxi gown with a scarf wrapped around their head, and designer heels.

We took our seats, and Rahama made a quick introduction. " Kiki, Folu, this is Salma, Hauwa, and Khalthum. They are my close friends "

" Hello. It’s a pleasure to meet you all " Folu and I said in chorus.

" The pleasure is ours " They responded with a smile.

" Folu, whose cousin is Kiki, is in 300 level, in the same department as me. On my first day in school, I was lost and Folu helped me find my way around the school, " Rahama stated, " That’s how we met "

" Oh, cool, " The girl sitting directly in front of me said, " What department and level are you in, Kiki? "

" I’m a 100 level, Economics student "

" She’s in the same department with Khalifah. I heard he is currently a first year student at our school " The girl known as Khaltum said to us.

" Are you referring to that mannerless oaf with the Mercedes G wagon! "

Rahama covered my mouth with the palm of her hand and whispered " Do you want to get us in trouble? "

" Why would my words get us in trouble? "

" Don’t you know who his father is? "

" Who? "

They all looked surprised for a second, then Khaltum said " You mean to tell me that you haven’t heard of the wealthiest man in Africa according to Forbes who also happens to be the current Islamic ruler of Northern Nigeria "

" I heard that a Nigerian is currently the richest man in Africa. However, I wasn’t aware that he is Khalifah’s father. Wow "

" Uh, my cousin just returned from the US after twelve years and isn’t up on all the news here. Keep that in mind when you talk about stuff - sometimes she doesn’t know the background "

" I had assumed as much " Rahama replied to Folu’s comment.

" Be careful not to deflate his inflated ego. He can go so far as using his father’s influence to manipulate your company’s stock price to the extent that investors lose interest. He was only a child when his mother died. This may be the reason he is so cold-hearted, " The girl named Salma said, " What does your father do? "

" My dad works as a management consultant in a firm "

" And your mom? "

" She is a company secretary "

" Oh, middle class " The girl sitting across from me said.

" Hauwa, that was very rude of you, " Rahama shot her a death glare, then signaled a waiter to come over, " I suggest that we put an end to this discussion, and have some refreshments "

The waiter walked up to our table and asked, " How can I help you ma’m? "

" Can I have your menu card? "

" Sure ma’m " The waiter handed the menu card to Rahama.

Rahama placed the menu card at the middle of the table and asked, " What would you all like for starters? "

Salma picked up the menu card and browsed through it. " I would like to have Fried rice and chicken with salad, and a glass of chapman "

" And I would have the same " Hauwa chimed in.

Khalthum collected the menu card and placed her order " I would like to have Jollof rice and chicken with small chops, and an orange drink "

" I’ll have the same " Rahama said and turned to face us, " What would you both be having? "

" We would have the same "

The waiter nodded his head and left our table.

I picked up a fashion magazine from the table. On the cover of the magazine was a gorgeous young lady whose beauty is as captivating as the first beam of the sun. She was dressed in a pale pink flora gown with rose petals pinned in her hair. A headline reported under the photo; Rumaisha Mu'azu, daughter of Billionaire oil magnate Ahmad Mu'azu, discusses about her modeling career.

" She is so beautiful " The words slipped out of my mouth in a whisper.

" That’s Rumaisha, Khalifah’s ex-girlfriend " Rahama stated.

" Wow "

" They seemed to be the ideal couple but they didn’t even make it to the six month mark, let alone a year " Khaltum criticized.

A couple minutes later, the waiter brought our food on a three-layer silver tray, and we dug into the food.

" I saw pictures of you and your best friend Mahira that trended on social media " Folu said between bites of spring roll, " I noticed that she isn’t here today, everything okay? "

" I deliberately did not invite her to my party, " Rahama replied, " We aren’t friends anymore. I’m done being bossed around by her "

" How can a girl like you be bossed around? " I asked a rhetorical question.

" Have you met her? " Rahama chuckled.

" Trust me, you wouldn’t want to " Salma chipped in.

" Who is she? " I inquired.

" The Emir’s daughter " Salma responded.

" She is such an egocentric person with an overinflated sense of self worth " Khaltum commented.

" Habibah is now her puppet, she would do absolutely anything to please her - what an ass-kisser "

We progressed from that conversation to other topics. It was so much fun, I didn’t even realize it was getting late.

" I would have to leave now. I have 7am class tomorrow and it’s getting late. I really enjoyed your party Rahama. Thanks for hosting me " I stood up.

" Exercise a little patience. We would drop you and Folu off at your hostel " Rahama opposed.

" Yes, it would be better if we all go together " Folu suggested.

" I really have to go now. I need to sleep early in order to wake up on time " I insisted.

" Please, be careful out there. Make sure you call me when you get to the hostel. This is not America " Folu cautioned.

They let out a chuckle.

" All right, I will " I responded.

" I’m sorry if I sounded rude earlier. That was not my intention " Hauwa apologized.

" It’s all right, " I replied, " Bye y’all "

" Bye " They chorused.

KHALIFAH MACCIDO

The waiter placed a plate of peppered snails and fruit juice in front of me while I was busy scrolling through my Instagram news feed. A picture of Rumaisha popped up and my heart missed a beat. She looked strikingly attractive in her gorgeous Ankara gown and head wrap.

I can’t understand how we ever let things get so bad. How wish I could pick up the broken pieces till I’m bleeding if that would make her mine again. Losing her is like living in a world with no air.

Umar walked into the restaurant and took a seat in front of me then commented, " There are not as many people in the restaurant as usual "

" Yeah, I rented the restaurant for the evening "

" Oh, that’s great "

" Where is Hamza? " I asked.

" Here he comes "

Hamza walked in and grabbed the seat next to me, " What’s popping guys? "

" I can’t believe Real Madrid lost to Barcelona 5-0. How embarrassing " Umar lamented.

" Ha-ha-ha. You lost the bet " Hamza laughed hysterically.

" The art of victory is learned in defeat. Even when a top football team is having a winning season, they still experience many losses " I dug into my food.

" Yes, of course. It’s just so upsetting. We lost because the defense was off the whole game and the new manager made a foolish midfield substitution "

The waiter came to our table and asked, " May I take your order Sir? "

" Sure, I’II have a bowl of chicken pepper soup and iced tea " Umar responded.

" I’II have sausage shawarma and chapman " Hamza interjected.

" Would you like to order anything else? "

" That’ll be all for now " We chorused.

The waiter nodded politely and left our table.

" Who’s up for a game of snooker after dinner? " Umar asked.

" I’m up for it " I replied.

" Yeah, me too " Hamza chipped in.

Mahira walked up to our table and said, " Hey, I found out that you are having a get-together and I was not invited. Our social life should be collectively organized. This is inexcusable and rude "

" I have lost my appetite " I slammed the fork on the table, " You and your family are in the habit of showing up where you are not invited. If someone truly loves you, you won’t have to beg for their attention, their time, their effort and for them to include you in whatever they do. All of those actions will be on display and I don’t love you so don’t expect such from me "

" Khalifah!, " Hamza yelled, " Words are like bullets; Once they are out, you can’t control the damage they do. Wounds heal but scars remain "

" I intentionally shot that bullet at her heart and I don’t want the black hole to mend " I objected, " Which of you told her that I was having a get together? "

" I’m very sorry. It slipped out of my mouth " Umar apologized.

" Really? " I scowled at him.

" Love is something you create, not an emotion that arises out of thin air. If we spend time with each other, we might fall in love. Also, you can pick me up on your way to school from time to time since you live nearby " Mahira suggested.

" You would never have to force anything that is truly meant to be. If you don’t want to drive yourself to school, you can employ a driver " I objected.

" Khalifah! " Hamza and Umar called out in unison.

I ignored them and looked into her teary eyes " Our marriage would be a punishment for you and you will suffer for the rest of your life. It’s far better to retreat in honor than to advance in disgrace "

With that, I stormed out of the restaurant and headed for the car park. I got into my car and drove off.

As I drove, 'Breathless' by Shayne Ward came on the radio. The pacifying voice of the singer failed to calm my anger, but it broke my heart as the song lyrics harked back to the memory of Rumaisha. When it got to that specific part of the song where he said, 'So beautiful, you are leaving me breathless', a tear rolled down my cheek.

I slammed my palm on the steering wheel and blinked back the remaining tears. Then, as my vision cleared, I spotted a girl being assaulted by a group of guys. I couldn’t help but wonder, why do guys desire to forcefully have sex with girls who do not want to engage in it?. Sexual desire is best when accepted.

Women are like roses, what a lovely creation. The incredible beauty, the soft petals smooth to touch. Women should be admired and not defiled against their wills.

I put my car in park, opened the car door and alighted from the car then I slammed the door in such a way that one would think the door’s hinges would detach.

" Let her go! " I yelled, and moved towards the guy who was pulling her arm, and grabbed his shoulder. I delivered a vicious kick to his groin and he fell down.

Someone grabbed me tightly from behind and I hit the back of my head on the person’s nose. I squatted while I pulled his hands forward and flipped him straight over my back.

An unexpected punch thrown by a six-feet-tall guy caught me off guard.

" Umph! " Air popped out of my lungs like a gust of wind. My knees bent against my will but I managed to deflect the next punch by using the back of my hand. Then I struck his face repeatedly with my middle knuckle and he fell on the floor.

The guy dressed in a maroon T-shirt and blue jeans picked up a stick to hit me. I delivered a side kick so powerful that it knocked the stick from his hands and sent him flying like flower-seeds on the breeze.

They all writhed in pain on the ground, rotating from side to side.

I pointed a finger at them, then said in a stern tone, " If you lay your hands on her again, you are going to spend a long time behind bars "

They moved back and forth, without uttering a word.

" Is that clear?! " I shouted like a storm on a hill of piles.

" Yes, it is " They responded and fled, limping as they ran.

I locked eyes with the girl I have rescued and we chorused, " You! "

Her expression changed from scared to angry. She curled her lips in disgust, and the muscles in her jaw clenched. Her eyes blazed with fury like a bale-fire.

I disregarded her harsh demeanor, and said with genuine concern, " What are you doing out here all alone? "

She exasperatedly rolled her eyes without a response.

" I was concerned to see you being assaulted, and I want to give you a lift home to keep you safe. However, if you don’t want to accept my help, I won’t impose " I walked away from her, and headed for the car.

She ran up to the car, and was on the verge of saying something but kept quiet.

" Get in! " I said aloud, while opening the door, then I got into the car and she did the same.

I started the car’s engine and we sank into the darkness as we zoomed off.

" Thank you so much for your help " She said in an American accent levied with import and export.

" Where do you reside? " I inquired.

" Gyallesu " She replied, " Are you familiar with the area? "

" Yes "

The highway ahead of us was clear, except for an advancing truck and a car coming from the right, traffic was light.

In a moment, we reached our destination. The street was uninhabited. The retail outlets were devoid of displays. Cars sat alone on the curb, collecting the dust.

" What route do I take to your house? "

She pointed out the way to me and I headed in that direction.

We arrived at a large block of flats fronted by a black gate - It has the features of an hostel.

" Thanks a lot for your help " She said, turning to face me.

My eyes locked with hers for a short period of time and I developed a connection with her. It felt like the world stopped and motion ceased. All I could see was her; especially her elegant eyes which were filled with all space and time.

" When you are done gawking, you can leave " I blinked hard and looked away.

She turned to leave, but I grabbed her hand. She looked back and I asked, " What is your name? "

" Kiki " She responded and yanked her hand away from my grasp then got down from the car.

I couldn't help but ask myself these questions, ' Why did I develop a connection with her, why did I feel that way when I was with her?, ' I did not come up with an answer.