IN TWENTY ONE DAYS

53; LADYBUG.

ABUJA, NIGERIA.

"Are you sure, Amir? I don't know why I feel like you will be committing such grievous sin getting married to me. I mean, you should be doing what guys your age are doing right now than becoming a father at early stage and also a husband. At twenty one, you should focus on building your future. Have girlfriends like your friends are doing." Bushra is still afraid of what Amir had said so her heart isn't exactly settled with the decision.

Don't get her wrong, she really likes Amir a lot and could tolerate him more than she does all her suitors but then again, he is also the youngest and still have a lot to experience. She is hundred percent sure he never planned on getting married anytime soon had it not being for her dead husband, his brother, he wouldn't have thought about marriage at such a young age. And one thing she knew about Amir is, he is extremely stubborn and stays firm upon what he wants. He confessed to liking her before she got married, crushing on her in the sidewalks and also being the best friend anyone could wish for. He is the perfect friend out there, she is sure he will be the best husband too.

She's always been comfortable around him, he makes her feel at home and at ease whenever he is around. When the news of Mika'il remarrying reached her, he was the first person she called and he confessed to not knowing anything about it since he was at school when the alliance was tied. He comforted her and took the next flight back to Nigeria as he was done with his exams then for the year. He calls her often, talks to her about nothing and everything. She knows each and every secret of his as he does hers, they are best friends after all.

Granted, he does not look anything like his age, but that doesn't mean she will ever forget that he is a year younger than her. He is taller than her, has little of Mika'il features and also bulkier than her ex-husband though not as tall. Some say he is handsomer than Mika'il, she sometimes agree with them because of his lighter shade complexion which he probably took from late Hajiya Khadijah. His nose isn't crooked but perfectly straight, his lips are little smaller then Mika'il's and have sharper jaw too that could cut through glass with no struggle.

Then there is the issue about him and school, his final exams awaits him. She hopes he is not going to transfer back to Nigeria just because of her for studying in Nigeria is equal to never graduating, she don't want him to experience that. He might want to go to private one but that'd still not be the best option for him. Ugh, the guy is making her brain turn to grinding machine meant for beef and chicken, not her brain for goodness sake! Why are they dropping bombs on her head unnecessarily? Wait, is she even considering getting married to someone younger than her, her best friend, her ex-husband's younger brother?

This is the end of craziness, she never thought it would happen like this!

"Please don't try to discourage me, it won't work on me. You are only going to goad me to do more so I can be worthy of your love, trust me." His words were quite, his eyes filled with utmost sincerity that if makes her chest clench with nothing but guilt.

This guy is clearly hopelessly in love with her and there is nothing she can do about it than accepting him as her future husband.

"I hope you won't regret this decision in future, Amir." She sighed again then move her hands to close her face as if wanting to wake up from such dream. Her eyes glisten again when it landed on Amir whose face split up into a gigantic smile that instantly brought one to her lips. She's made him that happy, it warmed her heart instantly.

"I won't ever regret the best decisions I've ever made. Thank you so much, B. I'll make sure you don't regret giving me this chance too. Should I tell Dad about it?" He inclined his head like excited little boy, his eyes twinkling.