In Between Souls: An Arewa Love Story

1- Kwana Ashirin

This chapter is dedicated to Zaeenab__ishaq
for being the first to vote in this book.
Thank you!!!

The cart's wheels whined and trembled to each determined push he gave it. His eyes wandered the neatly arranged aisle, in search of the distinct orange and white packaging of his favourite snack. Up and down, his gaze moved, meticulously examining each shelf, yet failing to catch a glimpse of the familiar packet. His thick brows wrinkled in frustration.

He was confident he had always found it in the aisle and particularly the middle shelf on the left. Could he have somehow ended up in the wrong aisle? He surveyed the area to ensure he was in the right place. And indeed, he was. One last thorough search confirmed it was not in stock. He went for an alternative, the caramel popcorn.

Before adding two dozen of caramel popcorn to his cart, he ensured he checked the expiring date. This became a habit since he consumed an expired beverage in his teenage years. Though the beverage had no side effect on him but he became more careful and conscious of the processed foods he consumes. Next, he filled his cart with packs of chocolate cookies, ripe and unripe plantain chips, and his preferred wafers biscuit.

With his cart now laden with an assortment of sweet and savoury processed foods, one could easily mistake his intentions. Anyone would assume he was shopping for his children, indulging their cravings with an array of tempting treats. But the truth was, these snacks were all for him.

Over the years, he had developed a fondness for snacking especially late at night. It was a habit that had become ingrained in his routine whenever he is engrossed in work or immersed in a captivating movie. There was a certain satisfaction he found in keeping his mouth busy with an assortment of unhealthy yet undeniably delightful treats and beverages.

Of course, he had faced his fair share of criticism from those who cared enough to offer their opinions. His ex-girlfriend had once scoffed, claiming that such snacking habits were meant for women, as if indulging in moments of pleasure and comfort was gender-specific. His mother, too, had voiced her concerns, warning him about the adverse effects on his health and even attributing his lack of additional weight to his insatiable snacking tendencies.

Undeterred by the judgments and admonishments, he carefully selected a few packets of decadent chocolates, savouring the anticipation of their rich flavours. Alongside the chocolates, he grabbed three packets of Kopiko, relishing the bittersweet taste that would awaken his senses during those late-night hours.

Inuwa, his best friend, would have called him a child and expressed his disapproval on a man taking children's juice, Ribena or Chi Exotic combi packs to be precise. He smiled at the thought, finding humour in it. His grandmother had said he would outgrow it. Here he was, thirty-five years of age and still doing it; satisfying his cravings for sweet delights.

With a final assurance that his shopping list was complete, he made his way towards the checkout counter. The cashier, a fresh face with a warm smile, greeted him and inquired about his well-being. It was evident that she was young, likely in her early twenties, exuding a sense of enthusiasm and diligence in her work. He couldn't help but notice her potential, realizing that it would be a shame for someone with such qualities to remain confined to a cashier job that offered a meager wage. A wave of determination washed over him as he decided to lend a helping hand and keep her in mind for future opportunities.

"What's your name?" He hoped to asked. He wished those words left his thin lips and were more than just merely his thoughts. He took a quick glance at the name tag pinned to her chest.

"Zainab" He read in his mind.

There were more questions to ask such as where she schooled and if she is done with her NYSC but he couldn't ask them.