Twisted: A Hausa Love Story.

**Marwan**

I lie down on my bed.
Although today started off weird and horrible, it ended wonderfully.
After we were concluded our jog she escorted me to the car but didn't wait till I drove off before getting in, it's progress though.

That jog seemed to lessen the tension and hatred going on around. It felt relaxing and calm. I didn't need to try to impress her like I kept doing whenever I was going to meet her or think of an apology like I kept thinking of. But I will still stick to working out as my depression-saver.

I take off my shoes and shirt before lying back down to sleep, I felt too lazy and tired to take a bath.

.......
.......

Our so-called wedding was only in a week and the last thing I needed was to meet Afrar, not because I didn't want to see her but because I was trying to avoid an argument with her. I didn't talk to her since we went jogging last week and I can't stop thinking about it.
We were both listening to different songs that calmed us down, mine being Boulevard by Rema of course. Although the lyrics have nothing to do with my twisted life it makes me feel better.

I looked at Dr.Daniels argue about demoting me if I wasn't going to do my job. I hate when we have these meetings, if he thinks he's the best then he should leave for Marrakesh like he is trying to force me to do.

"If he won't contribute then why is he still the head Orthopedist?" He asks angrily. Sometimes I really feel fighting with a man you're 28years older is just embarrassing, his son is 4years older than I am.

"Yes I agree. We can't just let the boy do what he wants here" Dr.Isa says. Not that it's surprising that he's agreeing with Daniel.

I stand unable to take it anymore, I was meeting with someone in an hour and I've sat there listening to what these people had to say for over 30mins but I've gotten bored of hearing them ramble.
"Look as much as I am needed there I am also needed here...I would love to help those people in Morocco but my nation needs me. The rate of surgeries integrated Orthopedic department has increased by 12% percent in the past year. With the new technology there are always new things that affect people and here in Nigeria we are already lacking Orthopedists. And isn't it even better that we the new generation should be kept here to get better training from our superiors?" I stand in front of the board, they were all nodding in agreement "Shouldn't you be preparing us for the future" I say looking directly at Daniels.

"Dr.Navid what you're saying makes sense but are we supposed to decline?" VPR (Vice President) says looking at me. I could tell he already agrees with what I had to say he was just trying to make it seem fair.

"I'm not trying to boast but I have had over 5 surgeries in three months and like I was informed last week, no one has been busy like I am. I already have my schedule full and a lot of my clients will like only I to continue with their treatment"

He turns to the chairman and smiles "He makes a valid point, we wouldn't want those patients getting angry now, would we?"
The chairman nods "I always listen to his judgement anyway" he smiles at me, I nod back.

"Okay, let's get Dr.Adeola for this. He seems trained enough"

.....
.....

Immediately I walk out Muhammed puts his arm around my shoulder.
"You only use your head within these hospital walls"
I shrug him off.
"Which cologne is this?" I ask.

"You wouldn't know it, local man"
"I'm sure I wouldn't, it smells cheap"

He glares at me "All the ladies love it"
"He's lying" Aisha says when she joins us.

Aisha is a doctor but a gynecologist so her section is different from ours.
"I know he is" I reply.
"Where have you been? You haven't come to visit me in ages" she says to me.

"It was a bit awkward the last time when your husband came in"
Muhammed starts laughing.

We got to the cafeteria and sat down.
"Yeah he threw a tantrum"

Muhammed and I laugh.
"What is so funny?" Danladi asks when he sits next to Aisha.
"Aisha's husband caught her in the office with Marwan"

"Whoa!" Danladi laughs hard.
"I felt like I was caught having....I mean caught with her" the guys laugh at my quick attempt to change what I was going to say.

"You guys are sick" she stands "I'm going to order coffee for all of you"
"But would you tap that if she wasn't married?" Danladi asks looking at Aisha as she walks away.

"Definitely, I would definitely smash" Muhammed laughs.
"Of course. You would smash anything wearing a freaking skirt, Man whore!" I joke getting up.

"Ohhh. Damn! He burned you" Danladi mocks him.
I laugh and walk over to the stand to get my coffee before walking out.

......
......

I look at Baba then back at Radmila.
"Baba we don't want a ceremony" I say.

"Come on, it's going to be fun"
"But their mother isn't even here" I say talking about my mother.

"Please Ya Marwan...do it" she begs.
I turn and glare at her. Mayriam says I'm always being too hard on Mila but she's actually the type that would take your kindness and jokes for granted, disrespect you and I won't stand for that.

"Mila if you want a ceremony badly then you can get married, don't tell Baba to force me into something neither me nor my bride wants"
She pouts and turns head away.

"Okay if you don't want it I won't push you, just think about it"
"I will" I say walking out.

I walk out the gate, I wanted to take a walk, even if it's 9pm but the estate is always heavily guarded.
I see Jafar standing outside.

"Jafar? What's up?" I ask looking around. "Is Afrar with you?" I ask.
"No. She doesn't even know I'm here"

"Okay. Let's go in"
"No need. I just need a few minutes with you"

I nod indicating that I was listening to what he was saying.
"I know Afrar hates this whole idea of being forced to marry but I know that she was also a bit relieved to find out it's you. I'm not telling you she likes you or anything. All I am saying is that it's better that it's someone she already knows. I am an only child, the type that wouldn't see his parents for months since I was a child. She is like a sister although there are some things siblings wouldn't talk about" I shake my head, I don't think I needed to hear that part and now my mind is imagining what they talk about "She's my family and I wouldn't want to see her heartbroken or in any kind of pain. It wouldn't be the first time I've beaten up someone who tried anything on her and I wouldn't want you and I to come to that. Just make sure you don't hurt her...and I will kindly ask you to give her time to get used to having you to confide in. It's going to take a while to replace me with you"

"That's Fine and understandable"
"Good. Now I'm leaving to go see her before she beats me up for coming late" he jokes swinging his car keys.

"You should, I hope you don't see her jogging while waiting on you" we laugh.
"See you at the wedding" he walks out.

BROTHER/BEST FRIEND!!!