It had been four days after the wedding, but there was no sign of Ismail. She tried several times to ask Maami but couldn't muster the courage to do so. Aliya has went back to her home in Abuja.  Later in the evening she decided to make an apple pie. She was so totally engrossed in making the dish that she didn't know when someone came in. And then when she saw him, she screamed at the top of her voice, before he swiftly closed her mouth with his hand.  "Common Habibti relax, its me." He sensually spoke into her ear, his warm breath fanning her collarbone.  "Ya Allah, you scared me! I'm not used to someone sneaking in on me..." Her breath hitched as she took in his appearance. He was wearing a white kaftan with golden embroidery but without a cap. His glistening hair fell over his eyes, casting a dark shadow on his face. How can a Nigerian have this kind of hair?  He

"I'm busy Zainab. Go and sleep." Ismail said, massaging his temple, not even sparing her a glance. "I know you aren't busy. Please. Can I come in? I know that what I did was not right but please." She pleaded. He sighed and muttered come in. Seconds later she was in front of him, staring at him as she took a deep breath. "I'm sorry." She said. He didn't spare her a glance so she continued. "I...I was in the wrong too and...and am tired of hiding my feelings for you anymore. I love you Ismail. I'm so sorry." She sniffed and blinked back the tears that threatened to spill out. And her words totally took him off guard. He stared at her as she lowered her head. "Come here." He motioned to her to come closer and she did, sitting beside him. She stared at him for a while before she placed her forehead on his chest, trying to push back her tea

"Zainab!" Ismail roared and she stiffled a laugh as she sprayed her perfume. She smoothed out the non existent wrinkles on her black and white maxi dress and rushed out banging the door behind her. "Zainab! I'm going!" Ismail hollered again. He was standing impatiently in the sitting room playfully glaring at her as she ran down the stairs. "I thought you were going to take forever up there." He said. "And you look beautiful." "Hmm you don't look bad yourself." He was dressed in a plain white shirt that hugged his abs and designer jeans with a jacket. "Don't you mean I look hot and irr..."  "Okay let's go or else we will lose our flight."  "If you say so then."  "Are you ready wife?" He asked. "Uh-uh." "Let's get going then." He said as he took her hands in his. 

"Umm Maheerah." He attempted to help her but she held up her hand as she regained her balance. Stubborn tears stung her eyes but she pushed them back, biting unto her lower lip as it quivers. "So now I'm Umm Maheerah huh?" She taunts and he looked at her amusedly and she seethed. Does all these sound like a joke to him or something? Well, he must be deranged! "So enlighten me dear husband. When did you plan on telling me about the new love of your life. Just some hours ago we both exchanged 'I love yous' and now you're doing the same with someone else? This is unbelievable!" "Amor you need to calm down. Just let me ..." "Don't call me amor anymore and don't you dare tell me to calm down. I don't deserve that title cus it's already reserved for someone else right? I can't believe you Ismail! I really can't. After all those years, after everything we have been through. After all the ups and downs. Afte

It was a miracle that Ismail arrived at the hospital in one piece. All he kept hearing when he was driving like a mad person was "your wife just had an accident. Your wife just had an accident." His wife. His Zainab. Zainab! He quickly walked to the waiting room, just in time to see his in-laws waiting there already. He weakly exchanged pleasantries with them. His own parents and Afrah soon came after. Maheerah was clutching her grandmother's skirt, her eyes brimming with her tears. They all refused to answer her unending questions. Where is her mommy?  "Ismail you're supposed to pray for her." Ameer said as he patted his shoulder. Ismail looked at him with bloodshot eyes. He wasn't even aware that he was crying. He sucked in a deep breath before facing his brother in-law. "You don't understand how I'm feeling Ameer. She can't leave me. I need her. I need her more than ever. My life will have no meaning if she leave