C2 💕 Episode Two

It was drizzling slightly, Jammal sat in his office siping hot coffee and deeply in thought.

He doesn't know when Habeeb his childhood friend and colleague entered.

'Hmm, you've started with your daydream again. ' Habeeb commented and dropping some files on his table. He took a seat next to him while inspecting him thoroughly.

'Don't mind me, I have lots on my mind.

'Lots on your mind indeed, don't tell me you're thinking of that mysterious girl?'__

Jamaal's phone rang and he picked the call at the first ring. It was his mother.

'Asalam alaykum ma' he said into the phone.

'Walaykum salam my son.'

'Hope all is well ma?' He asked wondering why his mother called at this early hour.

'Alhamdullilah all is fine, Olatunji my son please come home early, there is something I and your father want to discuss with you.'

'Alright ma' he replied humbly but still dread what they gotta say.

He drops his phone slowly and cast a worried look at Habeeb.

'What is it?' Habeeb inquire

'It's my mum she asks me to come home early and I wonder what it would be this time.'

'Stop pretending as if you don't know what they want. You already know they want you to settle down and give them grandchildren, as the first son and head of the family.' Habeeb said bluntly.

'Ah Ah! Jammal said bursting into laughter. You're funny dude, settled down you pronounced just like that.'

'What is funny in what I say? Don't you want to settle down or do you think you're getting younger?'

'And what stop you from settling down Mr. Preacher? You aren't getting younger too.

Habeeb smiled sheepishly. You know I have enough on my table. Man, I wish I had your luck. You're the first son and so I am but the difference is clear. You came from a middle-class family and money isn't your problem. You have parents, Uncles, aunties to support you while I had no one except my creator. I am the first son and breadwinner of my family ever since my father's death the responsibility to cater for my younger siblings has shifted on me, and I have automatically assumed the role of a father at my tender age? So you see, there is no how I will be settled down without it affecting my family. Habeeb expressed sadly.

Jammal stood up and pats Habeeb lightly on the shoulder.

'Am sorry dude, have forgotten what you're passing through. Padron my manners.'

'Apology accepted. So what is stopping you from settling down?' Is it the young lady?

Jammal smiling wearily at the mention of his lover.

How he wishes he could explain to him that ever since his sister captured his heart, he has not fallen for any other lady.

He shook his head in affirmation.

' Hmmm, I see, even your smile has said it all. So what will you do now? Habeeb asked in concern.

'Nothing, just waiting for my time.' He said simply.

'What kind of silly wait is that? Won't you propose to her before she is taken?'

'I will but not now?'

'Why not? Is it because she is younger than you? I don't see any big deal in that. Most women prefer older men. You'd better propose now before she falls for someone else.' Habeeb warned.

How would she feel if I tell her my feelings, won't she think I want to take advantage of her vulnerability? Jamal said to himself.

'If a man asks for your sister's hand in marriage will you give her out?'

'Of course, I wish two of them should get married so it would lighten the loads on my head.'

'Good, if a suitor comes for the youngest would you give her out?'

'Jameela? No, never, I can never give her out at her tender age. No matter who comes for her. She is too young for marriage.' Habeeb said firmly

'That clarifies everything then." Jammal muttered softly.

★

Jammal got home early as expected, he freshens up and helps himself to fufu and egusi soup specially prepared by his mother.

After eating his supper he sat on the sofa to watch his favorite TV show.

His father patted him gently on his shoulder and he switches his attention to him.

'Do you need something ahby(father)?' He inquired softly.

'I and your mother would like to have a word with you.' Mr. Bello said

His mother Mrs. Bello joins them on the sofa.

'The Yoruba would say if a child is old to have hoe we give him a hoe. And if a child is old to have cutlass we give it to him. Jammal, don't you think you are old enough to get married?' His mother asked gently.

'I really appreciate your concern mum but...

'We won't listen to your but this time around his father interrupted.'

It is either you bring home a girl now or we get one for you.'

'Am not... ready... He trails off

'In fact, have got you a beautiful girl' his mother announced happily.

'What!' He exclaimed

'And your wedding would be fixed in two months. I would go to seek for her hand in marriage for you myself. His father added.'

'Yes, it gonna be a big day I would inform the other family members of the family so we can start preparing for the big day.' Mrs. Bello added

'The invitation card should be ready by next week' His father declared

'Eh! eh! Baba Jammal that means I should quickly inform my friends so we can know the kind of 'Aso Ebi' (family cloth) to take.

I know Aisya would make him a good wife and she won't regret marrying into our family. His mother said happily.

Jammal watches the old couple wrap up in happiness as they plan his wedding without even asking for his consent.

★

That night Jameela sat on the bed, the bed she shared with her two sisters thinking about her newfound love. Her sisters were sound asleep while she couldn't find sleep.

She brought out her diary and begin writing.

Dear diary,

Today I have fallen in love. Diary, can you believe it? I thought love was a silly figment of foolish romance paperback. Does it matter who or what I fall for? This is something greater than love. It's...

The door opens slightly and she quickly closes the diary and hides it under the bed.

'Who is there?'

It was her brother Habeeb, he usually comes to check on them to see if all is well before he goes to sleep.

'You're not sleeping yet?'

'Yes'

'Why not?'

'I am not feeling sleepy.'

' You had a long day at school?

'Yes'.

She gists him on how her day went at school and by the time she finishes narrating it she was already feeling sleepy.

Habeeb excuse himself so she could get some sleep.

She lies on her right side, whispers Bismika Allahumma amootu wa ahya.

(In your Name, Oh Allah, I die and I live) and drift to sleep with a half-smile on her face.