Over and Over

Linda

ABUJA,
NIGERIA.

IMAM'S POV

Aftet returning home, I tossed my bags aside, abandoning my plans to travel.

A sudden change of heart had swept over me.

My room had undergone a complete transformation, which is now exuding a mature aura.

I was willing to go to any lengths to impress Layla.

The fact that Layla had agreed to date me seemed surreal.

I immediately called Yasmin and asked her to check if Layla would go out with me.

Yasmin made the call, and to my delight, Layla agreed.

However, there was a catch: she felt uncomfortable with the idea of us going out alone.

She suggested her cousins join us but sit at a different table, and i accepted her condition without hesitation.

I then quickly made a reservation at BluCabana.

Before meeting my beloved, I headed to the lavatory for a warm bath.

---

LAYLA'S POV

At home, I felt a mix of excitement and disbelief.

I couldn't fathom that I had a boyfriend.

I informed Mama that we would be going out with Imam, Yasmin, and the girls.

By 5 PM, Yasmin called, telling me they were waiting by the gate.

My body trembled with anticipation. I donned a black dress and carried my veil. As I descended the stairs, I wrapped the veil around me.

Outside, we found two cars parked. Imam, not in his usual kaftan, was dressed stylishly, reminiscent of Ren from F4.

He asked me to join him in his car while the rest of the girls joined Yasmin in the other car.

We drove in silence for half the journey. "May I?" he asked, extending his hand. "No," I responded, giggling.

"Okay," he said, hitting his lap with his palm.

We chatted softly until we reached our destination.

The restaurant was serene and elegant.

Attendants in black suits escorted us to our table. I ordered a beef dish, and Imam did the same.

"Imam, I thought you didn't like veggies?" I asked. "Well, what do I do? My dear Layla likes them, so I do too," he replied with a smile.

"Layla, I want to say something," he said, rubbing his hands. "Do you need permission for that?" I teased, smiling.

"Layla, you have one of the most beautiful souls in the world. So genuine and pure. You're a breath of fresh air. You mean so much to me, and I just wanted to say thank you for being you."

I was speechless, my lips stretching into a broad smile. His words had left me utterly elated.

After finishing our meal, we decided to leave. The sky was dark, and the air was cool.

As we drove, the song "Dandelions" played, creating a fairy tale-like atmosphere.

Imam sped through the night, making it feel like a magical evening.

NARRATOR'S POV

The next morning, Dada took them to the market to buy new cooking utensils.

The trip was delightful, filled with laughter and excitement.

Upon their return, the gateman handed Layla a bag, saying it was from Imam.

Dada gave her that knowing look, the one every parent gives when they’re suspicious.

Layla couldn't wait to see what was inside. "Oh my, wow, Layla," exclaimed Asmi, pulling out each item from the bag.

She quickly ran to show Dada the gifts, but Dada didn't approve.

She insisted Layla call Imam. Reluctantly, she dialed his number.

"Hello," she said, pressing the phone to her ear.

LAYLA'S POV

"Layla, is that you?" he asked.

"It's me," I replied.

"So, how do you like the gifts?" he inquired.

"Dada says I should call you. She doesn’t approve of all this," I said quickly.

He sighed deeply. "You know, it’s not good to return gifts, especially from a loved one."

I fell silent, contemplating Dada's possible reaction. "Okay, I'll try to convince her. Bye."

With Ammi and Asmi's help, we finally persuaded Mama to accept the gifts.

---

LAYLA'S POV

Later that night, baba called me from the living room, and I hurried to him, drying my hands with a towel.

"Baba gani," I said, taking a seat beside him.

"Good news," he announced.

"What is it, Baba?" I asked, curious.

"Guess," he teased.

I tried to guess, but couldn't. Finally, he revealed the news.

"You got admission to Sydney University in Kano," he said.

I was ecstatic. I usually jump and hug people when I'm happy.

"Wait, Baba, did you say Kano?" I asked. "Why Kano?"

"Your mom chose Kano," he explained.

It had been four months since I started dating Imam. I called him to share the news.

He was as surprised as I was. "But where will you stay?" he asked.

"At Maymun's house," I replied.

"I don't like the idea of you staying there," he said, worried.

I laughed and assured him. "Nothing will happen."

"Layla, it's not a laughing matter. Please, don’t think of anyone else's love. I am enough to love you for the rest of your life."

"Imam, just so you know, I also love you with a love that is more than love," I reassured him.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!!!!!!