12 Years Ago...

Alhaji Musa borrowed an amount of #500,000 from Jonah's dad who was then, a new to the business. He promised to pay back with the end of that month but as greedy as Alhaji Musa was, he never returned the money. When Jonah's dad asked, he always came up with excuses saying; he has nothing on him or he would give him soon. Meanwhile, his business boasted, leaving Jonah's dad who had took a loan from a bank then, with an empty pocket.

A year later, after lots of disturbance from the bank, Jonah's dad had to report the case to a police station and press charges. He had lended Alhaji Musa the money because he thought he was a good business man that he could trust. But that wasn't the case now. Then, Jonah was in 100 level in the university, studying medicine and surgery. Things ended up the other way round and Jonah's dad was arrested instead. It took a lot of convincing before Jonah's dad got released. By the end of the day, Jonah's dad had to sell his land in the village to pay off the loan.

Well, that left a huge scar on Jonah's heart. When he learnt about this, all he wanted was to take revenge. Not entirely but at least, he wanted him to payback and somehow, this was the payback time.

With Hadee, he only collected payment for his treatment without really treating him. Doctor Jonah only gave him treatment that weren't really helpful. A couple of drugs and injections just to sustain him

Poor Hadee's health turned worse, living without his mother. Everyday, he would cry "MOTHER!" As everything reminds him of her. Nobody understands that he just wanted to be with his real mother. Was that too much to ask?

***

Humaira on the other hand went to visit the Bala's in the prison. They were so excited to see Humaira and told her how much they regret ever treating Zainab like an outsider.

"Well, it's good that you realize your mistakes. I also want to both tell you that it wasn't my plan get you arrested at the first place. I just got disappointed when I learnt about what you did to my sister. She's the only priceless jewellery I possess. Every child need to be treated equally, no matter how different they are."

"We're so sorry, Humaira. We're so sorry too Zainab." The couple chorused.

Mrs. Amina held Zainab's hands into hers.
It was all my fault you were maltreated. When my husband loved I cared for you, I turned his back against you because I thought you would take him away from me and my children. I'm so sorry Zainab, I should have been a better mother!" She broke down in tears and knelt down to Zainab.

"I promise to be a better person henceforth." Amina knelt down before her.

"No, ma. You shouldn't kneel. Please, get up." Zainab pleaded.
"I'll admit, I was really hurt when I was living with you. I wasn't myself during those years but I forgive you. I have no grudges against the Bala's family whatsoever. I'm in no position to judge you, Mrs Bala. You and Mr. Abdullahi are like my parents. I spent 5 years with you, you're part of me now, please get up."
Zainab hugged Amina as Mr. Abdullahi too joined then. It was a teary sight indeed.

Humaira gave them her wedding invitation and asked them to be her parents. They were more than excited.
"I'll ask for an early release so you'll be out of here between now and next week. I want you both to represent my parents on that day." Humaira explained.

Wow! That would be a lot! Amina quivered.

I feel honored to have met you, Humaira. You're also like out daughter. You have our blessings my dear. We made a fool of ourselves by acting up all those years. Now, I promise to do the best I can for the both of you. Abdullahi mumbled and hugged the both of them.

***

Three days later, Mr. Abdullahi Bala and his wife got released. Humaira took them home that day and it felt like a family reunion. There were wedding preparations here and there. Humaira met with Zayn's aunt and  she also welcomed her the way a mother would. The family was nice towards her. They accepted her wholeheartedly, so, the engagement and wedding plans took place.

***

'Lovestruck', Me Too.

I wanna tell you but there's so many words to say.
I wanna tell you but the words get in my way.
It's all there in the tip of your tongue.
My heart's so full brain goes numb.
So I'll just ask you, do you? I do.
Me too. So I'll just ask you do you? I do. Me too.

Wish I could tell you that you make me feel like, I shine.
And I'm so proud to be yours and to call you mine.
It's all there on the beat of my heart,
Just open your mouth and start.
So I'll just ask you, do you? I do.
Me too. So I'll just ask you do you? I do. Me too.

I promise I Will be there, as the years go by.
And I'll be faithful to you, tell the day I die.
Just to have and to hold your hand,
Makes me the luckiest man.
So now I ask you, do you? I do.
Me too.
So now I ask you do you? I do.
I do.

So many pieces of paper,
Crumbled up and thrown away.
So many I'll do it later's.
I gotta get the nerve,
Gotta get the nerve!
Why such crazy behavior?
Gonna say my vows today..
I can't wait.
Oh, oh, oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Oh oh, Do you?
I do me too
Oh, oh, oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Oh oh, Do you?
I do me too

***
Friday after jummah service,  the wedding walimah took place in the mosque. Humaira was advised by the chief imam of the mosque and other elders on how to live a happy married life with Zayn, her husband to be. It all ended in the even around 4:00 p.m so, everyone observed Asr prayer before going home.

The Bala's compound was descorated with colourful flowers and ballons for the engagement party which held on in the morning. Later that evening, some guests arrived.

Star, gift and Theodora had to come to Abuja for Humaira's wedding ceremony which would take hold on Saturday morning.

Doctor Ibrahim and Professor Charles Ezechukwu too boarded rooms in a nearby hotel. Habeebah wasn't able to attend Humaira's wedding. Too bad.