Twelve

Today which marks 22nd of October is a day never to forget for Sadiq. This day reminds him of someone so special to him ,who is he to forget her?when she is everything to him. That someone whose name is permanently tattooed in his mind and soul.

His mom, his everything.

Today was supposed to be her birthday but Allah already had plans for her. Sadiq always makes sure to give out sadaqa to the poor no matter the little he has on this day. He wouldn't forgive himself if he doesn't make use of this day. This morning when he went for subh prayer, her name was among the list of people the Imam and everyone present at the mosque prayed for. May Allah continue to forgive all her sins and make her one of his most loved child in Aljannatul firdaus and the rest of us who are still alive may Allah continue to shower his blessings upon blessings on us.

Sadiq didn't go back to bed after he came back from mosque, instead, he use the rest of the time to recite two nafillah on his mother's name. He prayed for Allah's mercy, strength, forgiveness and much more one could think of. His tears were never hidden, he let them flow freely without a care. All ,is for her, just her, the love of his life, the woman who gave birth to him, the one that always stood by him, his backbone, his strength. She isn't here anymore but her fragrance and looks is still buried deep inside sadiq's mind.  If he was given a second chance to choose another mother, he will always choose her. Her time on earth was short but her love for him is still alive like the air he breath.

He raised his hands up in Dua, he prayed like he has never prayed before, he cried like a child. After his unending prayers, he stood up to fold the prayer mat. He knew through out today, his voice will be hoarse due to his cry. Who cares.

He drop the neatly folded mat on the chair and went to check the time on his phone. The time was already 7:00am. He look over the bed where his friend is sprawled, sleeping without a care in the world. When in fact he is supposed to be preparing for work. Jafar never seems to be bothered whether he was at work  on time or not.

Sadiq wonders if his boss doesn't scold him, and whenever he confront Jafar over the same issue,he becomes defensive and claims that she does scold him. He thinks I'm a small child, thought sadiq.

Sadiq shook his head and moves forward to wake Jafar up " hey, get up. Don't you have work to do at the office? "

Jafar turn to the other side and was muttering gibberish words like a small child. Sadiq rolled his eye, he knew how his friend was a sleepyhead.

" get up Jafar, it's 8:00am already, aren't you supposed to be at the office by 8:00am?" sadiq lied just to see him wake up.

Upon hearing 8am, jafar jumped up the bed quickly. He turn to his friend " is it 8 am already? " he asked with eyes wide open.

Sadiq nodded innocently. Jafar still didn't believe him, he collected the phone in sadiq's hand and check for himself.

" I knew you were lying " he breath out in relief.

" I'm even surprised you are scared of going to the office late, I thought your boss lady is nice" asked sadiq with a raised brow.

Jafar went to pick his towel from his drawer  and then, turn to answer sadiq.  

" well ,yesterday rumor has it that her brother is taking over today and from what I heard, he is as strict as something. I don't want to be his first scapegoat. "

" Now I get it. That explains why you hurriedly jumped down the bed. But Wait, Are you talking about the same brother who is Mansir's friend?  "

Nodded jafar" Yes, same one. I'm sure he must be as wicked as your brother goes by the saying ' show me your friend and I'll tell you who you really are'. They sure must be birds of  same feathers . "

" well ,that's their Own Cup of tea. Please hurry up and have your bath,i have somewhere to be by 8am, don't forget" reminded, sadiq. He doesn't want to be delayed by Jafar since he was going to drop him at his office.

" oh, you mean the spoilt brat's company? "

" yeah, please hurry up "

Jafar did as he was told, he went in to have his bath as quick as possible. He finally came out few minutes later and then sadiq took his turn.

Jafar picks out his well ironed shirt and trouser from his wardrobe. He put them on and finally comb his hair. He kept thinking of how he couldn't wait for tomorrow,which was Friday to come soon. As he has plans to meet his sister. Her thoughts had been bothering him since the last time he saw her at the hotel. He just couldn't help this feeling in him that she is following sugar daddys. What he fear most was that, her pride shouldn't be taken away from her coz that will be the worst sin a woman could have committed. He just pray that his fear hasn't turn true.

He button up his shirt and face the mirror. He repair his collar and finally spray some perfume, his all time best. He check himself out through the mirror, he knew he was  eyes worthy. Even if he wasn't overly handsome ,he still has this physiques and aura that always draws ladies attention. He himself new it and he is proud of it.

" you look foolish doing that" sadiq voice interrupted him from his modeling post.

Jafar cleared his throat,ashamed of been caught  " whatever.You better hurry up and dress up coz it almost 8am already "

***

Sitting on the bed with bow head was aunty Yasira. She to was grieving over the same person as sadiq. How can she forget her sister , mother and friend? .She always remembers how Fatima ( sadiq's mother) stood by her since the day their parents died.

Aunty Yasira had two elder siblings but death took them away quickly. The first, which was sadiq's mother and the second died as a result of sickle cell at the age of 15 and finally, yasira was the third and the last born of the house. She vividly remember how her elder sister,fatima took the shoulder of the responsibility of a mother and father even when she also was having problems in her husband's house . Aunty Fatima, was a woman with a heart of gold, she never gives up on what she believes in and may her name continue to be exalted.

Aunty yasira wipes her tears, there is no death which had ever affected her like the death of her sister, even her parent's death never once affect her. Their is no day that she doesn't put her in her prayers. Allah gives and takes, who are we to complain.

She held up her head high , no more shedding tears, she scolded herself. She got down the bed yawning.

" you're finally up" said her husband, Alhaji Dabo. He close the door of the bathroom

She return him with a bright smile " yeah and you're finally out of the bathroom " she went forward to hug him.

He look surprised at first " don't forget, I'm all wet with water" he reminded

She sighs in satisfaction " who cares"

They stood in each other arms for seconds. Finally, Aunty yasira pull back.

" so, if I may ask my lovely wife, what is the reason behind this  much affection not that I'm complaining"

" it's nothing " she lied. He saw through all the her fake smile. He held her hand and walk them to the couch.

" sit" he order and she sat down. He sat close to her. Already, he has this feeling that she is still affected by her sister's death. Although, he wasn't close to Fatima that much before her death. He is only a friend of Alhaji Ringim.

On a faithful day,he went to the Ringim's house and that was how he came across yasira who also came visiting and fall overly for her beauty. She was so young then. He  was surprised that Yasira accept his proposal of marrying him, he never expects her to.

Fatima was against the marriage back then but there was nothing she could do when she figures that her kid sister was also in loved with the Alhaji. For the happiness of Yg e'en hhasira, Fatima support the union wholeheartedly.

" I have a feeling that you still haven't gotten over the death of your sister. I didn't say you should forget her, all I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't let it bring down your spirit. Instead, you should pray for her, pray for Allah's mercy upon her, give out sadaqah. Who are we to question our lord, she has spent her time on earth and less I forget, she has a son who I'm still yet to know, why don't you spend this day with him. Share memories about her with him , it will relieve some grieves. " he held her hand in a comforting way coz she was already crying again.

" please my dear wife, cry no more. Why don't you give her son a call, we don't know how he is feeling right now. "

she nodded " I will give him a call. I haven't seen him for years now, he is a dodger I tell you" she chuckled softly

" He is a man by now I guess. The last and the only time I met him was when I asked for your hand in marriage. I won't forget how he kept staring at me back then from afar. I  wasn't able to see his face clearly and I'm sure he also doesn't know me well. I was scared that maybe I did something wrong, later I found out that he doesn't want  me to take you away.He  sees you as his elder sister " Alhaji dabo chuckled . Yasira laughed along with him.

" sadiq has always been like that. " she said.

" well, I think it's high time I know him well. Especially now that Mansir and Rahama are about to get married soon"

Aunty yasira look at him surprised " Don't tell me you're talking about my sister's wicked senior wife's son?.When did all this happen. I have no idea that Mansir is seeing Rahama"

" why are you saying it as if Mansir is a bad person"

She scoff " who knows, he might be as wicked as his mother "

Alhaji Dabo wasn't happy with what Yasira said " please  let's just forget this matter. I don't think Mansir is as wicked as you put him to be. I have met this young man so many times and he isn't how you put him to be"

" he might be pretending " she quietly mumbles

" did you say something? " ask Alhaji Dabo

She turns to him with a fake smile " no, I didn't say anything. Aren't you late for work? " she said instead

He gave her scrutinizing stare and sigh " I don't even know why you're angry"

She raised her brows at him " who said i was angry? " " I don't give a damn about what you do "

" watch your tongue Yasira . Don't forget am still your husband " he yell

She soften down when she noticed that he was already getting angry . Why am I even disturbing myself  if Rahama marries Mansir or not?  After all ,they are both birds of the same feathers. She internally shrugged.

She decide to put a smile on her face and slowly work to her now angry husband. She rub his arm to calm him down " My husband, the love of my life, I'm so sorry for getting you all riled up. Am sorry for over stepping, I promise to support whatever decision you make concerning Rahama's marriage from now hence forth "

He scrutinized her, trying to see if she was lying " you promise? " she nodded

" I promise "

He pull her for a hug " I don't like it when we fight over small issues. I know you also want the best for Rahama"  she hummed softly

They finally pull out of the hug. Alhaji Dabo check the wall clock and was surprised that it was already 8am.

" I better get going . There is a particular young man I ask to come see me by 8am ,concerning some things "

" I hope it's nothing serious ?" asked aunty yasira, concerned.

" well, I don't even know how to put it. But don't worry, when I get back from work I promise to tell you all of it " he kissed her forehead

" OK then, if you say so"

**

Sadiq repeatedly tap his foot on the tied floor. He has been waiting for Alhaji Dabo for over 30min now. The secretary already assured him that he was on his way already. Sadiq kept thinking of the reasons why Alhaji Dabo wants to see him. Maybe it's about his constant argument with his daughter , he thought. He just pray it's nothing serious.

He decides to ask the secretary this question he was trying to refrain himself from asking " erm, if I may ask, is the spoilt brat in her office? "

She look at him confused " excuse me?, who might that be? "

He remembers that he was supposed to refer her by her real name. Already, he was now used to calling her spoilt brat.

He rub his neck " I meant Miss Rahama"

The secretary chuckled softly " I knew you were referring to her, I just wanted to be sure. Well she isn't in right now and I pray she doesn't come . She so uhhh" she made a choking sound.

Sadiq was surprised at this new info. Here he thought she is only rude to him and to his surprise, she is also like that with her employees. What a spoilt brat she is.

" Don't be surprise sir, she lacks no manners. Please don't tell anyone I said that" she whispered looking around

He smiled at the lady " relax, I won't. I promise "

She sigh in relief. At that moment, Alhaji Dabo walks out of the elevator while on the phone with one of his clients " you have nothing to be worried about, everything will go smoothly. Have a nice day" he end the call.

Immediately, the secretary ran to his side to receive his bag" Good morning sir"

" Morning Mrs David" he turn to look at the man standing . The secretary excuse herself to go drop Alhaji Dabo's bag in his office.

" you must be Sadiq Muhammad?"  sadiq stood up to offer him a hand shake

Sadiq nodded " yes sir. Morning sir"

" Walk with me to my office " said Alhaji Dabo. Sadiq didn't waste any time.

They entered into the office

" sir, i have made copies of the file which is on your desk now and i changed the time of the  meeting to 2pm per your request" said the Secretary.

" Thank you,you may get back to your desk now" she nodded and left.

" please take your sit" he said to sadiq and he also went to sit on his chair

Sadiq did as he was told, still confused about what this meeting is all about.

Alhaji clear his throat " I know you might be wondering why I request to see you. To cut the chase short, I called you here to apologize on behalf of my daughter "

Sadiq look totally speechless that a whole Alhaji is apologizing to him,a mere mechanic.

" don't be surprised, I know she has been rude to you in so many ways. You don't need to tell me, I know how my daughter is. She has gone through some rough past and I'm not using that as an excuse to justify her actions."  Sadiq just sat, waiting for the Alhaji to finish talking.

" so, I have made a decision to give you a job in my company "

" what!! .... Just like that ?"  Alhaji dabo nodded

" I don't even know what to say sir, I can't believe this"

" you better start believing son. Because as I'm speaking right now you can resume work tomorrow "

" but.... But sir you haven't even look into my credentials "

Alhaji Dabo chuckles " I don't need to because my daughter couldn't keep shut about how your credentials are good. Why do I need to check it again when she has"

" she did? " sadiq was surprised and here he thought she still sees him as a thief

" oh yes she did, I know she didn't show her satisfaction the day she interviewed you. She is always like that , she always locks in what she feels"

" wow, this is one big news. "

" yes son it is.  I know you and my daughter don't get along but I need you to promise me to try your best to act civil with her. She really is a hard one I tell you and she doesn't know about this. I didn't tell her I was going to offer you this job, so it's going to be like a surprise to her" said Alhaji Dabo already picturing how she is going to react

Sadiq mentally smirk, he just couldn't wait to see her reaction. That coconut head of hers.

" You won't regret this, I promise. "

" I hope so sadiq, I hope so"

**

" you won't believe what I'm about to tell you" a happy sadiq said to the person at the other side of the phone. When he got out of prestige enterprise, he decides to call his friend in other to share his good news with him.

" Just say it already. I'm working my ass right now " Jafar reply already tired of the stress at the office

" Don't tell me the new boss is really over working y'all ?" ask sadiq,Concerned.

" wallahi, could you believe that I went to the bank for about six time this morning and I'm even going to go back again"

" don't tell me it's that bad"

" very very bad I tell you. So tell me about this good news"

" I now have a job man"

" are you kidding me? "

" wallahi Kuwa, even I myself am still surprise. It's like a dream to me"

" wow!! I'm so happy for you. We got to celebrate it when I get back from work"

" OK o. I'm heading home now "

" OK .But I thought you said you will pay aunty yasira a visit? . "

" yes I will . That will be 2 o'clock . I need some sleep right now "

" well, whatever time you wish to go just don't forget to send my regards "

" Alright then. Better go back to work now" they hang up.

**

Rahama was indecisive on what to wear. All she wants was to look good in front of Mansir. She has so many clothes but confuse of what to wear. She thought of calling her two friends over but decide against it, she knew how they always ask too much question. It isn't like she was that close to them. She met Maryam and Amina at a gathering  and they  hit it off quickly as they are similar in nature . They also came from a rich home too .

" uhhhhhh, am so confused on what to wear" she blew out a breath from her mouth .

" what do I do now ?" she asked herself. Should I ask my dad's wife for help?  No, no I'm not doing such thing, she shoke the thought .

" I'm doing this myself, I don't even need anybody's help anyways" she said to herself with a shrug.

She picked a dress that has a touch of mint green and pink. She bought it at a boutique in Abuja and has never worn it.

This is the best time to make use of it after all.

The time is almost 2 o'clock , and she needs to be fast before Mansir comes to pick her. Already,she has taken her bath. She put on the dress and behold it was a fit. It really fits her so well. She did her make up herself  since she is now perfect at it.  She learnt how to from a tutorial on YouTube .

Pretty was an understatement of how she looks, she look gorgeously beautiful. People  call her ' a pretty face with a rotten attitude ' .  She Is one beautiful lady but with a very bad attitude.

She took her small Vail from the bed and went to put on her 5 inch heels. Her phone bing beside her. It's a text from Mansir

' Am on my way to your house" the text says

She smile while reading it.

She decides to just wait for him in the living room.

On her way to the living room, she crossed paths with aunty yasira

" you look nice" said aunty yasira curtly

" thanks " grunt out Rahama.  That is the least they have said this morning.

Aunty yasira smile at the fact that Rahama answer at least. Which signifies that she is opening up to her little by little. Aunty yasira walks straight to her room and Rahama walks down the stairs to the living room.

By the time she was about to sit down, she heard the sound of the door bell. She put on a smile on her face and went to open it thinking it was Mansir.

She counted one to three before opening it and to her surprise ,her worst enemy was there staring at her with the same shock expression she was wearing

" what the hell are you doing here?"

" you again? "

They both said at the same time

Sadiq couldn't help himself but stare at her. She look so beautiful.

" hey Mr, I asked you a question. What are you doing in my house? "

He raise his brows at her " why should I answer that? "

" are you  stalking me, Mr mechanic?"

He scoff " what do you take yourself for? The president daughter?.  Listen little girl, you don't worth my time so don't get ahead of yourself"

" stop calling me that" she glares at him

" what? You mean little girl? "  

" you know what I meant. Just get out of my house "

" what if I don't, will you carry me out? " he smirk, happy to be getting her riled up

" you're unbelievable " she knew she was wasting her time fighting with him.

" why, thank you " he bow

" I wasn't complimenting "

" who cares if you are or not"

" just get out of m.....

" WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE "