Her Hidden Lies

4: Just A Coincidence.

Baba asked to see me immediately after lunch and I have a feeling it's regarding the incident last week.

I hope they're not really thinking that everyone hates me and all that dramatic bullshit because I really don't and screw Umar anyway.

"So I called you to talk about something really important that had been bothering me"

I nod "Yes, Baba"
"I'm planning an arranged marriage for you"

My mouth drops.
That definitely wasn't what I was expecting.
"An arranged marriage Baba? But the time you gave me hasn't run out yet"

He nods "I'm aware. There are two reasons why. Firstly, I want to marry you off at the same time with your sister, that's my wish and Secondly, the truth is I'm not sure I'll still be alive 2 or 3 years from now and I want to make sure you're both married before I leave this world or at least you're going to"

I didn't know what to say to that and honestly I don't mind an arranged marriage.
"Okay, is that's your wish"

He smiles "You've always been so understanding. Anyway he's my late friend's son and I think you two will hit it off tomorrow"
"Tomorrow? Already?"

"Yes, you two will meet tomorrow"
I huff "Okay, Baba"

"And regarding what Umar said—don't heed anything that boy says, anything that comes out of his mind is foolish and senseless"
I smile "I learnt that a while ago"

He smiles "I'm glad and I hope you know we're glad to have you as our daughter. I know Mami must have told you a few times that we wanted another but God didn't will it at least until you came"

I smile "I know and I have great parents too"
"I'm glad to hear that. You can go"

"Okay".

•

So—I'm supposed to meet my soon tone groom today.
For some reason Mami and Zainab are excited, I on the other hand just want to get it done and over with.

Honestly, I've never been so inlove with the idea of marriage or marrying the love of my life. It's just that when Umar and I started off I felt like the odds were better. I get to marry someone I liked plus I'm still marrying into my family but then the truth happened.

Zainab begged me to wear an off white abaya. It wasn't my favorite but it was pretty. I paired it with simple jewelry so ad not to seem desperate or like I'm trying too hard.

Zainab barges into our room.
"He's here" she says looking a bit disturbed.

He probably isn't good looking, I thought yo myself. Zainab is obsessed with good looking people.

"Okay".
I can't deny that I'm nervous because this man might actually end up being my husband and the father of my kids, what is he's like Umar or worse although I doubt there's anyone worse than Umar.

I enter the living room and my mouth drops.
Like it was hanging wide open.
It's not like I really knew him but I definitely wasn't expecting him.

"Abdulrazaq" I say sitting across him.
He smiles "I guess you weren't expecting me"
"I'll admit that I really wasn't"

Is this Umar playing a joke on me?
Because if that's the case it's really not funny.

"I was just as surprised"
I nod "I'm sure"

Zainab brings in the snacks and drinks, greets him, smiles sweetly and walks out.
"You okay?" He asks me.

"I can't deny that it seems a little too much to be a coincidence".
"I understand, that's why I was a bit hesitant about showing up but I thought it wouldn't be good manners and I can't make a lady wait".

I smile nervously.
I was curious, really curious and when I'm curious I can't keep my mouth shut.

"So Umar didn't put you up to this?"
He chuckles "No, I guess you're assuming this is some kind of revenge but it's not. I was actually thinking the same"
"Sorry, I know you already don't like him"

He shakes his head "It's totally fine"
"Why did you two fight anyway?"

"Well, it's not really a fight. I just cut him off after he threw me under the bus".
"How?"

"You're curious one"
I smile embarrassed.

"Anyway, I'm supposed to sign a contract with your brothers regarding work. And I got this huge investor who called me last minute to meet up but I couldn't as I wasn't in the country. I thought who better than your soon to be partners plus he's your friend so I asked your dear brother for a favor to go pick him up and also deliver a file my secretary will give to him but—I got a call from my investor canceling the whole deal because I don't take business seriously. Apparently, Umar never showed up so I lost money, a lot of money".

"Wow"
He nods.
"Typical Umar"

"I know, I know him all to well but somehow I fooled myself into thinking when it was regarding my business, he'd take it seriously"

He huffs.
"So tell me about you Aisha"
I giggle "There isn't much"

"I'll take whatever you can give me".

We talked for a while before he eventually left.
I smile as I made my way back inside the house after escorting him out.

I found Umar by the door glaring at me.
"What is it?" I asked annoyed.

"What the hell was he doing here? And what were you doing together?"
I groan and walk past him.

He grabs my hand aggressively "What games are you playing"
I hiss and pull my hand away.

"I don't want to see you with him"
I couldn't help but laugh "You sound pathetic. Well, I should let you know that he's my betrothed so embrace it" I walk away.

•

I huff joining Zainab in the kitchen after changing into my usual bubu.

I lean on the kitchen counter.
She hurries over.
"So? How did it go?"

I smile "It went better than I expected"
She squeals with delight.

"Why are you getting excited?"
She nudges me "You're blind but not that blind. Come on Aisha. Abdulrazaq is a great catch. Handsome and wealthy too"

"Wealth matters to you, not me"
She hisses "That's a hypocritical thing to say, anyone who says anything like that is being a hypocrite. Because at the end of the day everyone wants to marry someone who would take care of them, live comfortably and no one would ever say no to a wealthy husband"

"That's besides the point. What are you making for dinner?"
"I don't know yet, I'm making Abba Fura da Nono"

"Sounds nice"
She goes back to what she was doing "If Mami sees you wearing that she'll burn it. We're tired of seeing you wear it everyday"

I roll my eyes "You're being hella dramatic, it's not every day, I wear it after three days"
"Still the same"

"Whatever".

::

Thanks for reading.
Sorry for all the typos.