Lagos, NIGERIA.
UNEDITED
Two days had passed since Aslam's last practice at Chukkers Polo Club. And early morning on Friday, the day the tournament was starting, Aslam and Amna boarded a flight to Lagos.
.
Aslam sat beside Amna, scrolling through site plans on his iPad, occasionally jotting down notes on a notepad, while Amna read the Quran on her iPad. After a few moments, he glanced up from his work.
"Feeling okay?" he asked with a smile.
Amna returned his smile, her head resting against his arm. She finished the ayah she was reciting and nodded. "I'm good," she replied. "You seem so relaxed."
He chuckled softly and he set the iPad on the table. "It's nice to get away from everything for a bit," he admitted, his gaze lingering on hers. "Especially Baba and Nabil headaches. And I can't believe it's going to be the first time you'll watch me play polo properly."
"I knowww, I can't wait! I'm superrrr excited," she said.
Aslam chuckled and leaned back in his seat, pulling her closer to him. "I'll have to make sure I don't disappoint then," he teased.
Amna shook her head. "You couldn't disappoint even if you tried."
Aslam shrugged with a playful grin. "Bello already sent a driver to pick us up from the airport, and I've made sure the place has been cleaned."
Amna raised an eyebrow, glancing at him curiously. "Family house? I thought a hotel zamu tsaya."
Aslam hesitated for a split second before a small, playful smile crept onto his face. "Uhmm... No, not the family house. Our apartment."
"Which apartment?" She asked again.
"I thought I mentioned it." He smiled.
"No, you didn't," Amna said with a frown.
He chuckled. "True, I never did. I like surprises..." he winked, clearly enjoying her reaction.
***
Upon landing, A bulky man in suit was waiting for them. He led them to a black Lexus LX570.
"Welcome to Lagos, sir, ma'am. Mr. Bello sends his regards," the driver said.
Aslam nodded with a smile and shook his hand. "Long time, Sam!"
"Yes, sir. It has been." Sam nodded.
Aslam helped Amna into the backseat and helped the driver put their luggage and his polo gears into the back.
As they drove home, Aslam began narrating to Amna "Kinsan, we used to sneak out almost every weekend in secondary school without anyone knowing to watch a match."
Amna turned to him with a laugh. "Who's 'we'?"
"Ni da Khalifa da Alamin," Aslam chuckled, shaking his head at the memory. "Muna BIS then."
"I thought you guys attended British School of Lomé, no?" Amna asked with furrowed brows.
He nodded "Yes, after 2 years in BIS."
"We'd spend the day at the club, watch a few games, and head back to school."
Amna laughed, imagining a teenage Aslam and his friends jumping the school fence. "And you never got caught?"
"Ohh, hmmm. We got caught." He laughed. "Seda mukayi detention for two months."
"Veryyy good!" She laughed.
The rest of the drive passed peacefully with Aslam's endless stories and Amna drifted off into a peaceful nap.
***
They soon arrived at 4 Bourdillon in Ikoyi. The car pulled into the underground parking, and Aslam woke her up and helped her out of the vehicle. They made their way into the reception area and walked to the elevator that required a key card for access. Everything exuded understated luxury- the high ceilings, polished marble floors, and soft lighting that gave the reception an almost hotel-like ambiance.
The elevator stopped at the 19th floor.
When Aslam unlocked their apartment, Amna stepped into a spacious living room that immediately felt both luxurious and intimate.
Aslam tapped on the home automation system screen on the wall and the curtains of the floor-to-ceiling windows opened allowing natural light to flood the space, with the most beautiful panoramic view of Ikoyi, the Atlantic ocean, Eko Atlantic from afar, a view of the building infinity pool beneath them and the blue tennis court.
Amna gasped and walked towards the large abstract painting that caught her attention which covered the wall and smoothed her fingers over it.
"Babeeee, omg! It feels like I am inside an apartment in New York!" She exclaimed.
Aslam threw his head back and laughed, walking closer to her.
The décor was sleek, with a mix of modern furniture and warm, earthy tones. The living room featured a deep-cushioned sectional sofa, positioned to face the television and the city view from another angle. There was a low coffee table and in the corner, Amna noticed a small reading nook-bookshelves filled with neatly arranged titles, and an inviting armchair beside them.
She turned and raised an eyebrow at Aslam. "Why do you have books everywhere? Like, everywhere. Do you even have time to read?"
Aslam shrugged casually, a smirk playing on his lips. "Can't help it. Architect's life gets busy, but I always find a moment."
"Architect babeee!!! she teased, "this place is... lovelyyy. It doesn't even feel like home... HOME. It feels like an abroad apartment." She took another long glance around the apartment, still absorbing the elegant yet comfortable vibe. "How come you never mentioned this place before?"
He grinned. "I got it a couple of years ago. It's been a work in progress, but last year, ya zama ready for occupancy."
Amna rolled her eyes playfully, crossing her arms as she tried to hide her amusement. "I don't even know my husband anymore. Keeping secrets, eh? Are you in the mafia too or something?"
Aslam chuckled, stepping closer and wrapping an arm around her waist. He kissed her temple and looked out at the view with her. "Not a secret, just... something I wanted to surprise you with. Glad you like it."
Amna smiled softly, leaning into him. "Like it? I love it. It's perfect." She gestured towards the city and ocean view. "And this? Wow, I could just sit here all day and watch the world go by."
"You can do that all weekend," he said. "Or at least when we're not at the polo match."
Aslam took her hand and led her on a tour of the apartment. The 4-bedroom space was expansive, and each room carried a distinct feel. Every corner was tastefully furnished, from the plush rugs that lined the hallways to the modern, minimalist light fixtures that added warmth to the high ceilings. The master bedroom was a masterpiece in itself, it wasn't too big yet the bed was positioned to overlook the balcony. There were touches of luxury everywhere.
After the quick tour, Aslam glanced at the time. "I'll have to head out for Friday prayer soon," he said. "Nan Syrian mosque zanje. You should get ready before I come back so that we can head to the Polo Club."
Amna leaned in for a hug and placed a small kiss on his lips. "Alright, be safe."
He held onto her tighter, refusing to let go. His lips found hers again, but this time the kiss was deeper. "Do I have to go?" he asked in a whiny tone. His hands moved down her waist, making their way to grab her ass with a playful squeeze.
She giggled, pouting as she gently shoved his hands away. "Go and prayyy," she teased. "And your focus should be the match you have later." She winked at him, giving him a playful shove toward the door.
He followed after her and pinned her to the wall. "Just a quick oneeee..." He began kissing her neck.
Amna sighed, but then quickly reminded him with a laugh, "Babeee, I am on my period!" She pulled back slightly, giving him a knowing look.
He groaned dramatically and with one last nasty kiss, he let go of her. He unfastened the watch from his wrist, tossing it onto the bed carelessly before making his way into the bathroom, grumbling under his breath and performed ablution.
***
He walked out of the closet a few minutes later wearing a white kaftan and an all white cap sat on his head. He pulled out a pair of blue izmir sandals from the dust bag and wore them, took the watch he left on the bed, wore it and then spritzed a generous amount of Penhaligon's Constantinople.
He met Amna in kitchen brewing a cup of green tea.
"Baby, kina son food from RSVP?"
Amna looked up from her cup and nodded, her eyes meeting his. "Yes, please," she said, taking a slow sip from the tea.
Aslam smiled. "Alright," he said, walking over to the counter where he had left his phone. "I've ordered lobster salad, pasta, spicy hummus and naan, and then chicken katsu curry," he listed the items, as if reading off a menu in his mind. "Is there anything da kike so?" he asked
Amna shook her head with a smile. "No, what you ordered is enough."
"Perfect." He nodded. "I'll pick it up after prayers." He stepped closer, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I'll see you in a bit," he said with a slight smile before turning to leave.
***
Aslam returned carrying food takeout bags and he made his way into their apartment. He set the bags down on the coffee table, pausing for a moment to stretch his arms.
Amna had just stepped out of the shower, a towel wrapped around her body. She stood by the bed, her hair gathered into a loose ponytail as she contemplated which to wear between the two outfits sprawled out before her.
"Amnaa, na dawo," he called out as he stepped into the room.
Amna glanced up with a smile. "Welcome back. I'm almost ready."
He nodded. "The food's on the coffee table," he added.
"Okay, go ahead and start eating. I'll join you yanzu," Amna replied, her focus shifting back to the clothes.
As Aslam was about to leave the room, she stopped him. "Waittt... which outfit do you think I should wear?" She pointed at the two options laid out on the bed- a set of white linen pants and matching shirt with a sunhat, and next to it, a satin blue and white floral dress with an even bigger sunhat to match.
Aslam walked over to the bed, lifting each outfit up slightly to get a better look. After a brief moment of consideration, he said, "I think the linen set. It looks more comfortable and more covering."
Amna shook her head with a playful laugh. "Okay, Mr. Fashion Consultant," she teased. "What about shoes? Loro Pianas or Hermes?" she asked, holding up both pairs for him to choose.
"Which bag are you wearing?" Aslam asked, glancing over at her vanity where she kept a few bags in their dust bags.
"The brown Kelly," she answered.
"Ahh ahnn, Oga wifeeee," Aslam teased, his grin widening. "Go with the Loro Pianas then—the nude color will match perfectly with the bag."
Amna laughed again, nodding her approval. "Thanks, babe." She slipped into a light silk robe and followed him out of the bedroom.
They quickly unpacked the food and dug in. Aslam ate a few bites of his chicken katsu curry, then glanced over at Amna. "I'm going to change," he said. He got up and headed to the bedroom to put on his polo fit—white pants tucked into black boots and a white shirt.
He grabbed his gear bag and his saddle, slinging the bag over his shoulder. "Baby, let's gooo," he called out, a sense of urgency in his voice now. "Bello's been calling me nonstop."
Amna had already dressed now, she quickly grabbed her hat and sunglasses, adjusting her hat to cover her hair better and she slipped her feet into her loafers.
Outside, Bello's driver was waiting for them.
The drive to the Lagos Polo Club was short, just a few minutes away from their apartment.
Aslam turned to Amna. "Abdulrahman told me Zainab is coming with the kids. Shi baya nan but will be back tomorrow morning."
Amna beamed, practically bouncing in her seat. "I can't wait to see them!"
A/N
Hi lovessss, it has been a minute i know🥹
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