BY ZEE ASLAM
CHAPTER TWENTY
That morning, rain poured down on the land of Kaduna, each drop followed by another. The view was dark and dull, making it difficult for those standing outside to see what lay ahead of them.
The rain was getting heavier, Farida stood by the window looking at the rain as water flowed down the compound.
She had an umbrella but the wind won’t be of help, it will make it impossible for the umbrella to stop all the rain from reaching her legs and shoes.
She went into Sufyan’s room and met him sleeping peacefully, the weather might have contributed to him having a sound sleep.
She didn’t bother waking him up, she arranged the duvet on his body then went back to her room and prepared for work hoping the rain would stop soon.
As expected, the rain stopped few hours later. She was damn late for work but who cares, she was delayed by nature.
She got to the office and noticed her boss was in his office. How did he manage to come out in the heavy rain or did he pass the night in the office!.
She wiped off dust from her chair and table and sat down quietly. Probably the noise from the file she flipped on the table might have caught his attention because he came out.
“Ohh you are here”. He said looking round. He was actually looking for the said fiancee as discussed.
A week had rolled by rather quickly and today is the day he will be introduced to his fiancee and he was just anticipating how presentable she would be.
“I just arrived few minutes ago”. She said and continued what she was doing. She knew what he actually wanted to hear but she kept him in suspense.
“May I have a word with you”. He said and went back into his office. She followed behind closely.
After getting into his office, she nervously sat opposite him. How can she tell him she was the said fiancee! How would he react to that! What if he belittle her or rain abuses on her!.
“Okay am all ears, I need a feedback” he said then relaxed on his chair.
Farida cleared her throat then started, “ehmm……..ehmmmm……actually I couldn’t find someone suitable so I decided to present myself”.
After those words left her mouth, Khaleel jerked off his chair frowning as he asked, “what game are you trying to play”?.
“Calm down I will explain” she said and he adjusted his sitting position.
“Am not doing this for any hidden motive rather for the money..Am ready to act as your fiancee if only you are willing to pay the amount I will ask for”. She said calmly.
Khaleel smiled exposing almost half of his teeth.
“You must be kidding, a married woman wants to act as a fiancee for another man because of money, are you insane or have you forgotten you are married”???? he bellowed.
Farida remained silent for some minutes before she replied, I am no longer married, do you think I am that stupid or what do you think of me, that I would do something stupid because of money, am I that cheap to you!.
Khaleel felt bad, he shouldn’t have jumped into conclusion, he was only being judgemental.
*
*
*
*
*
He went down memory lane and soon figured out why she acted that way towards Bello at the hospital. Khalid was right after all.
“Since you presented yourself and I know you are not of questionable character then it’s okay by me but I have conditions” he finally said.
Deep inside, Farida knew this isn’t right but she had no choice, she really need this money to save her mother and this is the last bus stop for her now.
“Firstly, do not reveal how we got married to anyone even my family, I don’t want to hear on any lip that we had a contract marriage before nikkah”
“Secondly, do not interfere in my personal matters, be it family matters or work related issues”.
“Thirdly, I can’t have my wife work under me, you will have to be a housewife or I can help secure a job for you somewhere else”.
“Lastly, I don’t believe in married couples living separately, doing that will even make the world suspicious so I will give you some time to tidy up your past because you will move to a place of my choice after the nikkah”.
“And again, living in the sane house will not bring about physical contact since this is just a trial marriage. Anything you need, just let me know, I will provide, I just hope you understand? he stated.
After listening to his conditions, she had no objections. Ofcourse she isn’t going into this marriage for the benefits of marriage besides what does one expect from a contract marriage if not money!.
She obediently nodded her head as she replied “I agree”.
“Do you have anything to say”? He asked her.
“Yes I do”
You see, I have a sick mother and she is the reason why am doing this, also I have a kid brother who is like a son to me. I just have a request please! Permit me to come along with my brother……she requested doubting if he would comply.
“I don’t have any problem with that” he assured her.
After the two made their verbal agreement, Khaleel brought out a file from his briefcase and silently handed it over to her. A cold aura swept through the office.
Looking at the document, she paused for some minutes, she was dedicating her life to her boss because of money.
When Khaleel saw that she hesitated, he made to pick the document from her presence but she held it back and said ‘I’ll sign’.
She signed the contract and gave it back to him, he also signed and returned it into his briefcase.
“I know this document is supposed to be two, one for you and the other for me but I decided to make one for a reason best known to me” he said.
“I understand” Farida said.
“This contract was supposed to be finalized now but you know in islam, this isn’t a marriage and that’s when the nikkah had to come into the picture and besides only then will the world know we are married”. She heard him said again.
“Tidy your place for I wouldn’t be needing your services as a secretary any more and for the amount to be paid in return, we will discuss about that after the formal introduction”. He explained to her.
She only nodded and left.
*****************************
Gosh! He just had a contract marriage with his secretary. He knows eventually if he introduces her to Didi and the rest, they wouldn’t hesitate to fix a wedding date.
He had succeeded in securing himself a fiancee but did he think about what lies in marriage. Will they be able to abide by the conditions he stated?
Few minutes later, Khalid came in and Khaleel did not hesitate to brief him about everything, he did not leave a stone unturned.
Khalid’s mood suddenly changed.
“Guy how can you believe her when she said she isn’t married again, why didn’t you even consult me before making such decision”? He asked and Khaleel stared at him surprised.
“I should consult you before making decisions, am I not old enough to make decisions for myself”?
‘See guy am done with this discussion, let’s talk about something else’.
In reality, Khalid had developed feelings for Farida since the first day he saw her but she was a married woman which explains why he couldn’t express his feelings towards her and so he was a secret crush.
He felt hurt, his friend is just a step ahead of him now. But he will make sure nothing works out between them.
He faked a smile and lied about being busy in the office then left.
Hey readers?
Thanks for joining us from chapter one
Ghost readers?
Thank you too
Follow me on wattpad @ZeeAslam
