Mrs Mahmud, Mrs Mas'ood

6

It was the morning of Saturday May 29th.

A small transparent tent had been erected within Yusuf Sufyan's compound. Underneath it were plastic chairs which were rented the previous evening. It was just a few minutes past 6 but the house was busy.

The storey building Yusuf completed in 2003 when he got a job at the Ambrose Alli University housed four three-bedroomed flats: two on the ground floor and two on the upper floor. They (the Sufyans) occupied the top left flat and rented the others out which helped in providing extra money for the entire family.

The outer walls were painted army green which was his favourite colour and the same colour of paint could be found on every other structure he owned within the state. The interior had different colours but each flat's living room and dining room were painted yellow while the kitchen was a warm shade of grey.

Hauwa, who had taken her bath, walked out of the busy kitchen and stepped into her and Hanan's shared room where Kaycee was napping. She rolled her eyes and tapped the other woman's back.

"Wake up jor. You're supposed to be helping me."

Kaycee, a natural light sleeper which was ironic considering her personality, groaned and rolled over. "Leave me na. Shebi when I asked you, you said you had everything under control?"

Hauwa sighed. "You should have just stayed in your house."

Kaycee sat up. "You dey craze? I should have stayed at home and missed the chance to meet with your future in-laws in person?" She scoffed. "Something dey worry you sha."

Hauwa sat on Hanan's bed with a sigh. "I just pray those my family members don't arrive until after everything is finalized. We've already asked the Dantatas to come at 7. Only God knows when those – God forgive me – animals will arrive here. I know they will cause a scene and I'm already dreading it."

Kaycee, who was well aware of the change in plans and everything that led to it, pushed the blanket away. She went on to tie up her braids. "Your extended family is something else sha. By God's grace, they won't arrive until everything is finished. Oya," She clapped her hands and changed the topic. "Who are we expecting to see today?"

Hauwa shook her head at the other woman. "Kaycee, you have a boyfriend."

Kaycee glared. "And so? I just want to admire God's creations. You and I sat down here last night and we stalked those men on Instagram. Hauwa, Zayd has fine cousins. We just need to push you with one."

Hauwa rolled her eyes. "I don't think I'm interested. They're fine sha but only God knows if they're as nice as Zayd is." She shook her head. "Anyways, I don't know everyone that'll be coming but I know Zayd will be there."

"Obviously."

Hauwa bit back a snarky remark and continued. "His father and brother – Mas'ood – will be there."

Kaycee sighed dreamily. "Another fine man."

Hauwa rolled her eyes yet again. "His best friends will be there too. I'm talking about Hassan –"

"And Jonathan Uzor abi?"

Hauwa's expression fell flat. "Why are you asking me if you already have an idea who is going to be here?"

Kaycee smiled like the devil she was. "I just wanted to be sure na. This kind thing, you have to be prepared."

"I'm so going to report you to Afe."

Kaycee scoffed and flipped her long braids over a shoulder. "Abeg, make dat one sit down first. He already knows that I like to admire people so he won't do anything, my dear."