Within The Campus

Chapter Three

The Apology

I woke up the next morning with fresh mind, do my usual morning routines and prepare myself for lectures. The day went down well, i tried everything possible to avoid the thought of her and it was to a considerable extent a success because even though the thoughts were popping up, i was able to minimize them to the barest minimum.

Days gone by like hours... For close to two weeks i didn't meet her and i was able to minimize her thought in my head and the memories she leaves therein. Till one fateful Friday when i was to have an early morning lecture and for that reason i had to leave home early and i couldn't have my breakfast, so i decided to go to cafeteria and eat after my lectures.

It was a very sweet lecture even though it was with an empty stomach, so after the lecture i went to Zenith Restaurant which is located at the social center of the campus. Immediately i entered, to my surprise, i saw what i have been trying to avoid, it was her, sitting and eating and for the first time i saw her fully covered in pink hijab. Shocked! I debated within me on whether to go out or stay but the determination to stay overpowered the contrary. "Even for nothing you need to apologize Ali" i thought to myself.

I started pacing towards her while she pretended as if she didn't see me, when i went to the table she was, i composed myself on the chair opposite her unfortunately, how to start eluded me... I had to summon the courage to say Salamun Alaikum to her and she answered Wa Alaikas Salam.

"Actually, na zo neh dan in baki hakuri" i began. She just smiled like a Cheshire cat and said what for?

For what transpired between us the first day we met, i didn't know what made me decided not to heed to your plea, i wanted to leave the space for you but...

No don't worry about that dear, i was even happy that you didn't, She chipped in.

"Happy that you didn't" i repeated within myself...

How can you be happy in spite the fact that i didn't do what you wanted?

She smiled and said i don't really know how and why but what i know for sure was that it was the first time i was treated that way in this school and it made me surprised and remembered the fact that is not like everybody is obliged to do as i want... By the way, i am Saudatu by name but my friends called me Saudah

Saudatu!!? The name that i always find funny, ohh nice name i quickly said.

She smiled and said but you didn't tell me yours..

I wanted to say sorry dear i just thought i owe you and apology, so knowing my name isn't necessary but a voice within me echoed "Don't act rudely again, be polite and nice with this girl even for once"

Ahh i am Aliyu by name but i prefer to be adressed as Aliy.

Ali as in Ali and simbi? She said teasingly.

U are funny, i said smilingly

Deep inside me i enjoyed the conversation to the extent that i even forgot that i was hungry.

What level are you? A question that helplessly escaped my lips.

I am in 200 level, she said.

200 level? So she is even a level ahead of me!? I exclaimed in my heart.

That's nice, i am in my first level now, i replied.

So i am even your senior? She said jokingly. And we both smiled.

Well Ali i am having a lecture now and i need to go, i do pray we meet again anytime soon.

Why would you love to meet me again soon? I asked.

Because we are friends already, the little discussion we had today and the previous encounters are enough to make us friends unless if you mind that.

No no not at all, there is no harm in being friends dear. I replied.

"Who could be foolish enough to reject the chance to be friends with such a personality that is more like an Angel of an extreme beauty" I said within me.

She abruptly stood up "I have to go now, it's really nice having moment with you.

You too dear, i replied.

She paced off, while i watched her beautiful and stylish gait till she was out of my sight.

I found myself helplessly smiling, thinking of the moment, the way she talked, her smile and her magical eyes are all something rare to come across and no doubt she is the type of girl i longed for all my life but just that i am not ready to start a relationship because a relationship will means engaging in something that will be conflicting with what i consider a priority, my study, all that matters to me was to be among those having a first class CGPA.

And i deeply and firmly believed it then that studying and a relationship aren't to be joined but can i strike a balance between this two conflicting goals? Knowing the answer was what remains a misery to me as at then.

After all, she is in 200 level now, a level ahead of me, so it won't even be... No way. I shook my head in self defiance, i really have to get rid of the stupid thought and the bizarre feelings off me....