EXTRA MILE FOR LOVE

23: A wife for Nabil

Najma got dressed into a Red colored fitted gown and tied a black scarf on her head as she smiled admiring herself in the mirror while applying a kohl to her big appealing eyes. "Najma It's not like you're wearing red because of him duuuhh" She announced out loud as she giggled.

"Did I just here you talking to yourself?" Basma asked after she came out of the bathroom. "Why Is it strange? You know I always talk to myself." Najma shrugged. "You only do that when you're really nervous or excitement about something. And you don't look nervous at all . So.......?" Basma let her words trailed off as she squinted.

"Just don't start please. You know we've to go downstairs in some few minutes. Okay confession time" Najma took a deep breath as she sat down on the bed. "I knew something was fishy. Go on, I'm all ears" Basma replied. "I don't know how to put what I feel exactly into words. I don't want to see him , at the same time I wanna see him. I'm still so mad at him! But look at me wearing Red , and I think it's because of him. I just don't know anymore.........." Najma palmed her face.

"I understand Baby. Just don't think about it too much, okay? And please resist the urge to throw that mean glare at him. Did you see the look on your face this morning?" Basma giggled. "I just can't help It Basma. He's really frustrating me."

"Come in" Najma chanted after a knock came through the door. A young lady about Najma's age came in with a smile . "Sultana what a surprise!" Basma hugged her. "I thought you'd be in school by this time of the year?" Basma asked as she released her from the embrace. "I'm done with school already " She chuckled.

"My bad. I had no Idea, Since I lost your contact I didn't make an effort to get It back. By the way this is Najma my best friend." Basma introduced the two to each other and They exchanged pleasantries. "She's so gorgeous " Sultana exclaimed. "I know right. Your Mum fell in love with her the minute she saw her too."

"Yes by the way, She sent me over here to tell you that Dinner is ready" She announced.

*****************

"I thought you were waiting for me to go to the hotel and get you myself." Anty Hassana teased Nabil.
"I'm so sorry Aunty. I've been really busy you know. But I wasn't planning on leaving Lagos without coming to see you . Ask Kabir" Nabil motioned his hand towards where Kabir was seated.

"Yes Aunty he's right" Kabir said with a smile. "And you expect me to believe you? Everyone knows birds of the same feathers flop together. You're obviously not going to speak against your friend." She snapped.

"It seems you're losing weight these days,We need to find you a wife soon." She declared. "Aunty please, not this topic again."Nabil whined. "Shut up! If my sister doesn't want to talk to you because she has spoilt you and doesn't like seeing your feelings hurt. I won't sit back and keep quiet. Don't you want to see your kids?" She asked.

Nabil palmed his face and took a deep breath. This is the reason why he keeps avoiding coming to her house anytime he's in Lagos. She has really carried this his marriage issue way too serious. She very well knows that's the topic he hates the most in the world. She's the only one that can speak to him about this topic and he will still maintain calmness. If It was any other person, he'd have walked out on them.

"Yaya Nabil long time no see!" Sultana squealed with delight as she came further into the living room, leaving Basma and Najma standing. He fixed his eyes on Najma and didn't take them off even when he was exchanging pleasantries with Sultana. She knows how takeaway she looks in red . She brings out the beauty in red all the time, Why is she torturing him with her beauty like this?

Today again, Najma wished for the ground to open up and swallow her. She nervously clutched to the side of her gown. As she put on a faint smile and exchanged pleasantries with Kabir. She put on something that looked more of like a
frown as she greeted Nabil, who didn't answer her.