Ties That Bind

EP1

The neon lights of Lagos flickered through the rain-streaked windows of Kabir Suleiman Balogun's office, casting sporadic shadows across the polished mahogany desk.

The distant hum of the city’s chaos outside was a constant reminder of the world he had spent years trying to conquer. But within the confines of his office, a different storm was brewing—one that could determine the trajectory of his entire political career.

Kabir, 34 years old, an aspiring politician with ambition as sharp as his intellect, sat silently, his expression controlled, as he regarded the man seated across from him.

Alhaji Ahmad, a man whose wealth and influence extended far beyond the business world and into the political sphere, sat with an air of calm authority. His presence alone carried weight. The tension in the room was palpable, thick with unspoken implications as both men measured their words carefully.

"You're asking for the impossible," Kabir said at last, his voice low and gravelly, each word laced with a restrained frustration. He leaned back in his leather chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the edge of his desk, a sign of the agitation he tried to suppress.

Alhaji Ahmad remained composed, his steely gaze fixed on Kabir. "It's not impossible, Kabir. It's necessary," he replied, his voice even, as if he were discussing a simple business deal rather than proposing a life-altering arrangement. "You need my family's support if you're going to get that position. You know that. And this is the only way to ensure it."

Kabir's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he considered the weight of those words. He had navigated few other backroom deals and political maneuvers before this one, but this...this was personal in a way that made him uncomfortable.

Yet, the stakes had never been higher. His political career, his dreams of securing real change, all hung in the balance.

"And your daughter?" Kabir's tone softened slightly, more thoughtful than accusatory. "Will she agree to this?" He wasn't one to concern himself with emotions in negotiations, but he couldn't ignore the gravity of what was being asked.

Alhaji Ahmad's lips curved into a small, knowing smile, one that betrayed the confidence of a man who had already considered every possible outcome. "She will," he said without hesitation. "Fatima understands the importance of family and duty. She knows what’s at stake for us all. She’ll do what’s necessary."

Fatima Zara Ahmad. The name struck a chord with Kabir. He had heard of her, of course. At only 22, she was already making waves in the business world, known for her intelligence, beauty, and fierce independence.

The idea of tying such a woman to a contract marriage seemed absurd. She wasn’t the type to be pushed into anything, especially not something as archaic as this.

Kabir ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing. The absurdity of the situation wasn’t lost on him. Marrying a woman he barely knew for the sake of political survival? It sounded like something out of a bad film. And yet, as ridiculous as it was, the alternative—watching his career and everything he had built crumble—was far worse.

"Very well," he said finally, the words leaving his mouth with an air of reluctance but also resolve. His voice was steady, betraying none of the internal conflict raging within him. "I'll meet her. But I make no promises."

Alhaji Ahmad gave a slow nod, his eyes gleaming with quiet satisfaction. "That’s all I ask, Kabir. Meet her, and you’ll understand why this arrangement makes sense for both of us."

***

The café was a quiet haven in the heart of Lagos, far removed from the bustling chaos of the city streets. It was one of those rare places where time seemed to slow down, where people came to escape the noise and chatter of the outside world. Fatima Zara Ahmad sat at a corner table, her fingers tapping lightly on the wooden surface as she glanced at her watch for the third time in as many minutes. She hated uncertainty. It gnawed at her, tugging at the edges of her usually calm and collected exterior.

Her father had called her here with little explanation, and that alone was enough to unsettle her. Alhaji Ahmad wasn’t the type of man who summoned people on a whim. If he had asked her to meet someone, it meant there was something important at stake. But what?

When the door to the café swung open, Fatima looked up, and her breath caught for just a moment. The man who entered was tall, with an undeniable presence. Even before he reached her table, she recognized him instantly. Kabir Suleiman Balogun. She had seen him recently, delivering speeches, on TV. He was ambitious, driven, and yes, undeniably attractive.

Kabir approached the table with the kind of confidence that seemed to come naturally to men of his status. His expression was unreadable, his dark eyes giving nothing away as he stopped in front of her.

"Zara Ahmad?" he asked, his voice deep but smooth, his gaze steady as he extended his hand.

Fatima hesitated for just a fraction of a second before shaking it. "It’s Fatima Zara Ahmad," she corrected, her voice firm, though not impolite. "And you are?"

"Kabir Suleiman Balogun," he said, sitting down across from her without waiting for an invitation. "I believe we have much to discuss."

Fatima raised an eyebrow, intrigued but wary. “Such as?”

Kabir took a deep breath, as though preparing himself for what he was about to say. "A contract marriage."

The words hit her like a slap. She blinked, her mind momentarily struggling to process what she had just heard. A contract marriage? Surely, this was some sort of joke.

She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest as she regarded him with a mixture of disbelief and amusement. “You’re joking.”

“I’m not,” Kabir replied, his tone serious. “Your father and I have discussed it. This alliance would benefit both of our families.”

Fatima felt a surge of anger rise within her, hot and immediate. She had always known her family to be unconventional, even ruthless at times when it came to business and power. But this? This was beyond anything she had imagined.

“And what makes you think I’d agree to this?” she demanded, her voice sharp, each word dripping with disdain.

Kabir didn’t flinch. “Because,” he said calmly, “we both have something to gain. And frankly, we don’t have a choice.”

Fatima’s eyes narrowed as her irritation mounted. "I don’t understand. What do you mean, no choice? You might not have a choice, but I do. You can’t just waltz in here and dictate my life. I don’t care who you are or what you want.”

Kabir’s expression hardened slightly, his patience clearly being tested. “This isn’t about control,” he said firmly. “It’s about survival. Your father’s business is on the verge of collapse, and my political career is at a critical juncture. We need each other.”

Fatima scoffed, though his words were beginning to resonate. “And you think marriage will solve all of that? You’re delusional.”

Kabir’s gaze didn’t waver. “It’s not ideal. But it’s the best option we have.”

Fatima’s pulse quickened as she stared at him, trying to gauge how serious he really was. The thought of being used as a pawn in this political game made her blood boil. She had fought hard for her independence, for the right to make her own choices. And now this?

"I need to speak with my father first," she said finally, her voice cold but controlled. "This whole thing is absurd."

Kabir nodded, though a flicker of frustration crossed his face. "I understand. But time is of the essence, Fatima Zara Ahmad. We don’t have the luxury of delay."

Fatima stood, her resolve hardening with each passing second. "Like I said, I need to speak to my father."

Kabir’s jaw tightened as he watched her. "Sure," he replied, his voice low. "Just make the wait worth it."