CHAPTER 10

Hamza entered the office to find Sani seated with his back to him. Then Sanni first command, "Close the door," caught him off guard, and he obeyed hesitantly. Sanni turned around to face me, and then he uttered unexpected words, "Tell me your story."

Hamza stood there, perplexed. He had always associated terrorists with cold-blooded killers, so Sanni's request puzzled me. However, as Sani gazed at him, he could detect a hint of warmth in his eyes that didn't align with his reputation.

To Hamza surprise, he reached down and retrieved a guitar. Hamza was taken aback and stammered, "You play?" Sani responded in fluent English, "I had always loved to play, but my dreams were cut short."

Hamza studied Sani more closely. He had a dark complexion, a scar near his right eye, and a rugged face, likely the result of countless battles. It was hard to reconcile this image with the terrorist label. Lost in thoughts, Hamza was brought back to reality by Sani's deep voice.

"I know what you are thinking," he said, acknowledging the questions in my mind. Hamza looked at him, and for a moment, he couldn't help but imagine his life before this ordeal. Sani handed me the guitar and said, "Play."

Hamza held the guitar with both hands, took a deep breath, and glanced at the man before him. Then poured his heart into the instrument, strumming the guitar strings.

"In the corners of my mind, they reside,

Memories, like treasures, on this winding ride.

Pictures of the past, so vivid and so clear,

Moments we once held, now etched in yesteryear."

"Oh, memories, sweet and bittersweet

In the tapestry of life, you're oh so fleet.

Through laughter and tears, you always stay,

Guiding our hearts along the way."

Hamza's fingers strummed the guitar as memories flooded his mind of the events that had transpired.

"From childhood dreams to love's first glance,

From youthful adventures to moments of chance.

In photographs and stories, you're alive,

A testament to how we've thrived."

Hamza's mind went blank as he felt his emotions getting the best of him, thinking about how he spent his childhood.

"Oh, memories, sweet and bittersweet,

In the tapestry of life, you're oh-so fleet.

Through laughter and tears, you always stay,

Guiding our hearts along the way."

Hamza had a flashback as he sang this part, remembering the time when his parents and sister all sat for dinner. Tears could be seen in his eyes as the guitar felt cold in his hand.

"Though years may pass and faces change,

Memories forever in our hearts arranged.

They hold the power to heal and mend,

A timeless gift, on which we depend."

While singing this part, Hamza's heart ached as he missed his parents who had passed away, leaving a scar in his heart. He wondered if he could ever feel their touch again.

"As we grow older, the years unfold,

Yet memories remain, like precious gold.

In the twilight of our days, they'll shine,

A reminder of a life that's oh-so fine."

"Oh, memories, sweet and bittersweet,

In the tapestry of life, you're oh-so fleet.

Through laughter and tears, you always stay,

Guiding our hearts along the way."

"So let's cherish the moments, both big and small,

For memories are the greatest gift of all.

In the symphony of life, let our voices soar,

With memories to hold, forevermore."

Singing the final line, Hamza looked up and saw Sani smiling. He was surprised because he had never seen him smile before, and he thought terrorists didn't smile.

Sanni then turned to the boy in front of him and couldn't help but smile, too, appreciating the emotional journey the music had taken me on."You play well," Sani commented, breaking the silence. "But you have a lot to learn."

Hamza glanced at Sani, feeling a twinge of pride. he was known as a music prodigy, and his pride couldn't resist he then gave the guitar to Sanni indicating show me how it is done. Sanni saw thus and took the guitar back from Hamza, wearing a determined expression.

Sanni looked at the boy in front of me and couldn't help but laugh. He playfully snatched the guitar from Hamza's hands and said, "Watch and learn." Then, he closed my eyes for a brief moment, connecting with the soul of the guitar before letting his fingers dance on the strings.

"In the corners of my mind, they reside,

Memories, like treasures, on this winding ride.

Pictures of the past, so vivid and so clear,

Moments we once held, are now etched in yesteryear."

Sani played the tune with much more emotion and experty even Hamza who sat there his face said it all as he heard the same tune but different world entierly.

"I've been through fire, I've been through ice,

I've walked through storms, paid every price,

But in these battles, I found my way,

In the darkest hours, I learned to sway."

As Sani played, Sani's face remained serene, lost in the world of his music. He didn't need to look at the freeboard; his fingers knew the way. His eyes were windows to his soul, revealing the depth of emotion he poured into every phrase.

"I've seen the world from high and down so low,

A winding path where dreams began to flow,

With each setback, I found a way to glow,

A warrior's heart, resilience in my soul."

Sani's fingers moved with a fluidity that seemed almost supernatural. He effortlessly transitioned between chords and scales, his hands a blur as he conjured melodies that seemed to dance in the air.

"I've been through fire, I've been through ice,

I've walked through storms, paid every price,

But in these battles, I found my way,

In the darkest hours, I learned to sway."

"Through shattered dreams and hopes laid bare,

I found my strength, I faced despair,

With every tear, a story shared,

I rise again, I'm unimpaired."

Every single note was played with such precision and intention, while also bearing a deep emotional resonance that pulled at the heartstrings of Hamza present in the space. Sanni performed with a heart that was filled with a myriad of conflicting emotions.

"A melody of triumph in my heart,

The past is woven into every part,

Yet here I stand, a brand new start,

With lessons learned, I'll play my part."

Each note was precise and deliberate, yet carried an emotional weight that tugged at the heartstrings of everyone in the room. Sanni played with his heart full of different thoughts.

"I've been through fire, I've been through ice,

I've walked through storms, paid every price,

But in these battles, I found my way,

In the darkest hours, I learned to sway."

"So here's my song, a tale of me,

The battles fought, the victory I see,

With every note, I'm finally free,

In music's embrace, I'll always be."

Opening his eyes, Sanni looked at Hamza before him. His expression was as if he had seen a ghost. Sanni couldn't help but chuckle at his reaction. Sanni had smiled more today than he had in the past four years.

Sanni turned to Hamza and asked, "What do you think, huh?"

Still in a state of disbelief, the Hamza stammered, "Have you played professionally?" Hamza seemed awed by the level at which Sanni played.

"Nope," Sanni replied with a hint of humility. "But I have studied music extensively. You could say I'm a professional."

Hamza was about to say something when Sanni phone rang. he glanced at the screen, and suddenly, the atmosphere in the room changed.

"Go outside and meet Usman. He will take you to where you will be staying," Sanni instructed Hamza, waving my hand dismissively.

Hamza left the room, his confusion evident

.

Sanni answered the call, and on the other end, a cold voice spoke, "I told you not to proceed with that operation. Why didn't you listen to my instructions?"

"Not even a greeting," Sanni scoffed. "I told you we were lacking manpower and needed recruits."

"You don't grasp the gravity of what you've done, do you?" The voice grew even colder. "I know that you have a rat in your camp, and to make matters worse, the elections are fast approaching. Do you understand what that means? They will try to bring us down and use us as campaign resources."

Sanni anger flared, and it was evident in his voice as he retorted, "That's your problem to solve. Mine is to take care of how things operate here, Mr. Politician. If you know what's best, try solving your issues and leave mine to me."

"Very well, then," the voice replied, and the call ended.