Mrs Mahmud, Mrs Mas'ood

19

Mas'ood could barely recall how the rest of September went. He returned to work and kept himself busy so he didn't think too much about the very situation he and Hauwa were in.

Not being able to talk to her when he felt like hurt. Not knowing much about what she was up to hurt even more. Hauwa did not post much after the wedding. When she did post, it was either a flyer promoting someone's business or something reminding others to do one thing or the other.

Her birthday, like always, fell on Independence Day. He had to stop himself from wishing her well or sending her a gift despite so badly wanting to do so. The last thing he wanted to do was make her feel suffocated.

The days of October went by slowly. Everyone was engaged in one thing or the other so life moved on. He got started on plans to open yet another confectionery shop, this time at the American University of Nigeria in Yola. The plans were easy to draw up and like everything else it kept him busy, preventing him from drowning in sadness.

On Saturday October 23rd, Asiyah visited the restaurant for the first time in a while. Mas'ood smiled when she walked up to where he stood.

"Well, if it isn't my customer of the year. You're slacking nowadays, Asiyah."

She rolled her eyes. "Oh please." She folded her arms. "You didn't check in on me all this time. You're such a bad friend, Mas'ood."

Mas'ood bit back a laugh. "I've seen your posts and stories, Asiyah. You've been attending weddings and parties. I didn't want to disturb your fun. I knew you were alright."

She unfolded her arms with a beautiful smile. "Well, you knew what I've been up to so you're forgiven." She exhaled and twirled. "God, I missed this place."

"The meals you've been eating weren't that good?"

"I've told you this time and time again, Chef Dantata. Only your meals and Mama's are good for my taste buds. It's hard to be pleased by other people. Adda Humee is another exception."

Mas'ood's smile shrunk. She had called him Chef Dantata and all he could think about was Hauwa. Asiyah noticed his change and her smile dimmed. "Did I say anything wrong, Mas'ood?"

Mas'ood immediately shook his head. His smile returned to its usual state. "No not at all. I just remembered something." He let out a breath. "What do I get you, Asiyah?"

"Anything with meat, please." She spoke sweetly. "As much as I want to stay and eat here, I have to return to the office so please I need my food in a takeaway pack. We have some extra work from yesterday so we had to come in today."

His heart went out to her. "Beef basmati rice sounds good?"

She gasped and nodded vigorously. "Yes!"

Mas'ood laughed. "Toh, I'll get it for you. Make yourself at home."

"Thank you!"

"You're always welcome, Asiyah."

It was easy to get her meal ready as he already had everything prepped. It was one of the slow days so there weren't so many people to attend to. He recently had been appreciating such days and the serenity that came with it. Like she asked, he packaged her food in a takeout pack and met her putting up a new painting.

He frowned. "Where did that come from?"

"My car." Asiyah made sure the painting was perfectly placed before she got off the chair she used as a step stool. She grinned at him when she put on her shoes. "I got it from Yobe just for you."

Mas'ood took in the painting of a man who had his back turned, his hands in the pockets of the kaftan he wore. His brows furrowed. "Asiyah, is that me?"