DECE-P-TION

DXIV

Falah's point of view.

I lift my weights, listening to my playlist through my earphones. I feel a pat on my shoulder as I turn to see Faisal standing above me. I take out my earphones, placing the weights down. "How you? Long time."

"Fine, since when have you been in town or did you fly in for the wedding?" He nods, taking his weights too. "Yeah, I flew in. I was hoping I'll be flying in for yours but I heard it's a small wedding."

I stick my earphones back, taking my weights. "Yeah."

"Saw your Mrs, she's-".

I glance at him and he chuckles. "She's a good match for you. That's what I meant to say." I smile. "Thank you."

"Y'all couldn't get your hands off of each other at the party last night, something went down yesterday after you went back to the room?" I chuckle shaking my head as he laughs. "Nailed it?"

"I see you still don't know how to talk."

"My bad, I crossed the line. All I'm saying is I love your chemistry and I heard the lil drama you two had the first day."

"You keep on hearing, who told you?"

"Can't remember but everything seems good now. To me at least." I keep the weights, placing my elbows on my knees as I take my bottle water. "Women were commonly known for gossiping but it seems you all have adopted that, all too well. Let me tell you and just like you heard, I want everyone to hear it from you. My life or marriage isn't a reality show and you should find something better to do."

I gulp it down before glancing to find him staring at me. "You get too sensitive, that's the problem."

"Have I ever asked about shaheeda?" He frowns. "What does she have to do with this?"

"I never spoke to you because it's not my business, I stayed I out it. I want you to do the same." I stand up, walking towards the ropes.

*********

I keep my phone, watching the tv as I turn to look at Alya who's sleeping beside me. I pull the duvet to cover her more. After what she said, I realized how level headed she is for a person that was forced into this. Since she asked for this little, I might as well do it splendidly.

My phone chimes and I pick it up to see the message.

"Let's meet at the lounge and catch up." Seyi sends to the chat group consisting of all his closest friends and family he invited. I curse under my breath for Seyi putting me on the spot like this. He knows my history with them, yet he's trying so hard to make us friends again. Good thing is, I'm not one that runs away from things like this. I'd rather face them.

I shove my phone in my pocket before leaving the room.

*********

I walk into the lounge, walking straight to the titbit station. "Falah's in the house!" Kazeem drags his legs, smiling. "Kazeem." I hold a chicken roll in my hand while shaking him. "Long time." I say taking a bite of my roll. "Likewise, been too long man." Kazeem smiles, patting my shoulder.

"Let's play a game." Seyi walks to the mini stage in the room. "What game?" Haidar asks taking a seat. Faisal joins Seyi on the stage, placing his arm on his shoulder. "'Describe me' game, say the description and the first person to say it wins. The all time winner gets his reward in millions."

They cheer as I and Kazeem sit. "Let's get to it then!" Hafiz whoops, the rest joins. "Fine, I'm leaving it to you." Seyi leaves the stage for Faisal who's now the host.