The Honeymoon must be humbling and not hurting.”
― Wisdom Kwashie Mensah
                     

Itinerary for your honeymoon. 

Zainab's brows drew together as a message popped up from her mother-in-law.  

Only a few hours had passed since they arrived at the resort. Danladi was working on his laptop while Zainab reclined on the bed browsing through social media. 

She picked up her phone and opened the message. Her breath hitched as her eyes roamed over the words. 

Itinerary for your honeymoon.

Picnic at the beachside. 

Boat rides. 

Wine tasting. 

Zainab's panic increased as the list continued.  Danladi must have gotten the same message because he let out an angry groan. 

The message ended with the information that the photographer would be waiting at the different venues. 

Waves of confusion and bewilderment coursed through Zainab. She looked up to find Danladi clenching his phone with anger cleaning in his eyes.  

"What are we going to do?" she asked in a low voice. 

"We have no choice but to obey," he spat out.  

"What would happen if we don't comply?" 

He hissed. "I won't get my inheritance until I am 30." His scowl deepened.

"How old are you anyway?" Zainab blurted but slapped her mouth when she realized what she said.  "I'm sorry," she murmured and lowered her eyes.  

Much to her surprise, Danladi chuckled and she looked at him with wide eyes.  Amazement filled her as amusement sparkled in his eyes. 

"I find it funny that you don't know your husband's age." He smirked. 

"That's because we are more or less strangers." 

"Maybe we should get to each other better." 

Zainab's heart raced. "Do you want that?" 

Anticipation bubbled within her.  

"Do you?" He leaned back in his seat and sent her an expression, daring her to answer the question. 

"I don't know," she whispered and ducked her head. 

"I thought as much." He let out a laugh. "We have been instructed to have dinner in one of the restaurants, so I suggest you start getting ready." 

"But isn't it too late to have dinner?" Her brows drew together.  

"Not in the eyes of my mother." 

Zainab's shoulders slouched and she looked up. She watched him turn back to his laptop.  As she watched him, it dawned on her that they had their first full conversation.  

A smile threatened to appear on her lips.  Maybe there was some hope for them after all. 

                     ★★★★

Zainab and Danladi approached a wooden deck that served as an outdoor eating area.  A thatched roof protected them from the rain and sun. 

They climbed up the wooden steps and moved to an empty table at the back. Moments later, a waiter sauntered over and handed them two menus.  

Zainab's eyes drifted over the names of different dishes.  "Please, I would like some crab cakes."

"And I would like some seafood paella. Thank you," Danladi said.  

The waiter smiled and scribbled down their orders and ambled away with a promise to return soon.  Minutes later, he returned with two steaming plates of food and placed them in front of Danladi and Zainab. 

"Would you like something to drink?" the waiter asked.  

"A glass of sparkling water, please," Danladi answered.  

"What about you, ma'am?"

"Sparkling water would be just fine."  Zainab smiled.  

The waiter trudged off and returned with their drinks, leaving the duo in a deafening silence. Zainab stabbed her crab cakes and took a bite.  She was met with a burst of sweet, succulent crab meat. It took a lot of strength to withhold a moan of enjoyment.  

As she ate, her eyes moved around the room and her pleasure lessened as she looked at the occupants of the other tables.  They were all in deep conversations with their companions.   

Her eyes drifted to Danladi whose complete concentration was on his food.  She thought of the brief conversation they shared before and a feeling of longing for another one filled her. Her despair heightened and her once delicious crab cake tasted bland in her mouth.  

Nevertheless, she continued eating until only crumbs remained. After a few minutes,  Danladi finished eating, he paid the bills and they left.  

As they worked down the sandy path, a cool breeze brushed Zainab and her tensed shoulders relaxed.  However, as they drew closer to the resort building, a feeling of being watched crept down her spine and her eyes darted around.  

As a journalism student, she was taught to be alert about her surroundings.  It was dangerous for a journalist to be caught unawares. 

"Someone is watching us," she whispered loud enough for Danladi to hear.  

Ruffling sounds came from behind a cluster of palm trees. A shutter chimed followed by a flash of light. 

Danladi groaned. Zainab gasped as he grabbed her hand and quickened his pace.  

"What happened?" she sputtered as she struggled to match his pace.  

"The photographers," he hissed. 

Her brows wrinkled and she looked back. Hidden behind the palm trees was the shadow of a man. 

She looked away as they entered the building. Danladi released her and a ragged breath left her lips and her heart pounded.  

"I thought they were supposed to introduce themselves to us. Why are they taking our pictures behind our backs?" 

Danladi shrugged. "They probably don't believe we will cooperate with them."

"Hmm…" She pondered on his words. "That makes sense."

The journey to their room remained a silent one.  As Zainab prepared for bed, the events of the day replayed in her head and she couldn't help but wonder what the next five days had in store.  

                      ★★★★

The next morning broke with a gentle kiss of sunlight. The distant hum of life gained momentum gearing to the full crescendo of the day.  

A few minutes after Danladi and Zainab woke up, a call came in, informing them that a man was waiting for them in the lobby.  The new development caused the duo displeasure.  

After a quick shower, they headed downstairs to meet their unexpected guest.  They were greeted by a young man dressed in jeans and a navy blue shirt.  

He greeted them with a smile. *Good morning." 

"Morning," Zainab and Danladi chorused.  

"Who are you?" Danladi asked with a frown. 

The man's widened.  "My name is Bayo.  Your mother sent me." 

Zainab's stomach churned and Danladi groaned. 

"For what?"

"To be your guide in the various activities you are going to engage in." 

Danladi rolled his eyes. "You can go. We are fine on our own." 

Bayo shook his head. "She insists." 

Danladi hissed and clenched his fists. "I can't believe this is happening," he muttered. 

"Your mother can be quite intimidating when she chooses to be." 

You got that right. Zainab thought.  

Binta Yakubu was a force to be reckoned with and there was no option but to obey her.  

Zainab forced a lump down and moved forward with a forced smile.  "It's nice to meet you, Bayo."

"And you too, ma'am." He smiled. "So can we leave?" He looked at Danladi. "You are scheduled to have a boat ride this morning." 

Danladi's scowl deepened. "We don't have any choice, do we?"

"I am afraid not."

"Fine. Let's get it over and done with." He moved towards the exit and Zainab followed him.  

"One minute, guys," Bayo stopped them. 

Zainab turned around with furrowed brows.  

"What is it?" Danladi barked. 

Bayo grimaced. "Sorry. There's one more thing."

"Spit it out!"

"You guys can't go out like this."  He gestured to the space between Danladi and Zainab.  

Danladi glared at him. "What do you mean?"

"Well, you are going to participate in the activities alongside other couples who are on their honeymoon."

"What?!" Zainab and Danladi shrieked together. 

"That is not what was planned," Danladi said in a raised voice.  

Bayo sent them an apologetic look. "There's been a change of plans."

Horror surged through Zainab and her heart rate increased. Things were getting out of hand.  

"Anyway," Bayo resumed speaking, "you guys can't meet the other couples looking like enemies." 

"So what do you want us to do?" Danladi asked.

"You have to act like you love each other."

                     ★★★★★

Oh boy, it doesn't end, doesn't it?

Poor Danladi and Zainab

What do you think about their honeymoon schedule?

Are you ready for the exciting things about to happen? 😏😂

Well, if you are excited,  express your excitement by dropping an emoji in the comments section.

Until next time, keep smiling! 😁