I've met the most interesting people while flying or on a boat. — Hedy Lamarr

Acting turned out to be tougher than Zainab imagined.  Her eyes drifted to Danladi's hold on her hand.  To the world, they looked like a couple taking a walk but they were ignorant of the tension bubbling within them.  

The cool breeze and wet sand that tickled Zainab's feet couldn't ease her anxiety.

"If you guys go around with a scowl then everyone will know something is wrong," Bayo said from over his shoulder. 

Danladi hissed. "It's hard to smile under such circumstances." 

Bayo scoffed. "She's your wife and not your arch-enemy."

"Wife that was forced on me," Danladi muttered under his breath,  loud enough for Zainab to hear.  

Zainab's lips tightened and her muscles tensed.  Conflicting emotions surged through her.  Sadness that Danladi saw her as a burden and happiness that he was also displeased at their current situation. 

The dock came into view.  Boats of different colours and sizes were lined up close to the seaside.  

Zainab's eyes drifted to the group waiting beside one of the boats. 

"Those are the other passengers," Bayo announced as they drew closer.  

Zainab forced out a smile as they reached the group. 

"Good morning, guys," Bayo greeted and pointed to Danladi and Zainab. "This is Mr. Danladi Yakubu and Mrs. Zainab Yakubu. Zainab and Danladi, This is Mr. Musa Mustafa and Mrs. Hadiza Mustafa." He pointed to the couple on the right. 

Zainab looked at them and surprise filled her. Hadiza looked to be a few years older than her and Mustafa's gray hair and wrinkled face spoke about their age difference. Interest bubbled within Zainab and she couldn't help but wonder what their story was.  

Bayo's voice broke her ponderings.  "And this is Mr. Dele Manuel and Mrs. Bola Manuel." 

Zainab's eyes drifted to them and they sent them a wide smile.  "It's so nice to meet you guys.  Our trip is going to be more fun," Bola gushed with dancing eyes.  

Her smile was so infectious that for the first time that morning, a genuine smile graced Zainab's lips.  

"Well, since the introductions have been done, I believe we can start our trip. But first, let's go over some important things." Bayo listed out various rules and safety tips. 

After that, the boat was pushed to the edge of the water and they climbed into the boat one by one. Zainab's breath hitched as Danladi filled the spot next to her. His signature woody fragrance tickled her nose.  Nervous butterflies fluttered in her stomach and she held her breath as the engine of the boat roared to life and the boat drifted further into the water. 

The gentle sway of the boat made Zainab relax and her eyes rose to meet a breathtaking view. She was struck by an overwhelming sense of awe at the beauty spread in front of her.  

The surface of the water stretched out in all directions dotted with sparkles of sunlight. In the distance, seabirds swooped. A tranquil smile played on Zainab's lips.  At that moment, she forgot her strained marriage and shattered dreams. Her eyes flickered close and she enjoyed the rocking of the boat beneath her. The cool breeze caressed her skin and her smile widened.  

Her eyes peeled open and her serenity shattered as a high wave rose and jolted the boat. A scream left her lips as the boat swerved and she lost her balance and swayed to the side. Panic seized her and she let out a strangled cry.  Her hands flailed as she struggled to prevent herself from toppling into the water. 

Much to her relief, a hand grabbed her and pulled her back to safety.  A familiar woody scent engulfed her and she looked up. Her breath caught as she was greeted by Danladi's dark eyes. Something akin to worry shimmered in his eyes.  

Her eyes travelled from his face to his tight but gentle hold on her hand.  Discovering that he was her rescuer stirred an unfamiliar sensation in the pit of her stomach. 

Her gaze returned to his face and she whispered, "Thank you for rescuing me."

He sent her a tight smile and loosened his hold.  

"That was very fast of you, Danladi," Bola's excited voice broke the silence and Zainab looked at her.  

She sent Zainab a soft smile. "I was very scared when I heard your scream but within the blink of an eye,  he reached out for you and pulled you back to safety. The fear in his eyes is something I don't see very often. He must love you a lot."

Zainab's face warmed and she ducked her head. She believed Bola must have gotten it wrong. After all, Danladi considered her a burden. 

The boat ride ended without any more mishaps. Although it was an enchanting experience, Zainab was glad to get back to land.     

Astonishment filled her as Danladi stretched out his hand with the shadow of a smile playing on his lips.  She had to remind herself it was all part of their act.  A smile grazed her lips and she placed her hands in his and he helped her out of the boat. 

"I think we should have a drink before we leave," Bola suggested after everyone had alighted. 

"That's a good idea, Love," her husband, Dele said. 

"I agree. A glass of iced tea sounds nice. What do you think?" Bayo faced the  Mustafas. 

Mr Musa nodded. "It would be nice to get a cold drink."

From the corner of Zainab's eye, she saw Hadiza grimace. Her drawn lips showed her displeasure at her husband's statement. 

Bayo looked at Zainab and Danladi with raised brows. 

"Well, I wouldn't mind but my wife would have to make the final decision." Danladi looked at Zainab and sent her a dazzling smile. 

Zainab's breath caught and she stared at him in amazement. 

Bola gushed. "So Zainab, what is it going to be?"

Zainab forced her eyes from his face and turned to Bola. "Since everyone is fine with it…" Except Hadiza, "I'm good to go."

"Great!" Bola clapped. "Let's get our drinks and head to the beach lounge."

The group followed her lead and a few minutes later,  armed with their drinks, they sat under a shade on some ottoman chairs with a wooden table placed in the middle. 

Zainab wasn't sure if it was sheer coincidence or a deliberate plan of Bola for the women to be seated together away from the men.  

Bola puffed out a breath and smiled. "It would be nice for us ladies to talk without the men hearing us.  Don't you think so?" 

Zainab forced out a smile and nodded.  

Bola leaned back with a grin playing on her lips. "So tell me, what are your guys' hobbies?" she asked Zainab and Hadiza. 

"I enjoy sewing," Hadiza said in a low voice with a wishful expression dancing in her eyes.  

"That's great." Bola grinned. "My mom was a seamstress and I picked up a few things from her." Her eyes sparkled and she looked at Zainab. "What about you?"

Zainab licked her lips. "I love cooking." A fond smile grazed her lips. Her love for cooking is something only a few people knew about. 

Many times, when she felt bored in the Yakubu mansion, she was tempted to enter the kitchen to cook a few dishes. 

Bola's voice broke her reverie. "That's something I enjoy doing as well."

Zainab's eyes brightened. "That's nice."

"Yes. We need to get together sometime and have some cooking and sewing sessions. The men can come too." she chuckled.  

Zainab's stomach churned. The thought of Danladi being present while she did what she loved made her uneasy.  She spied a look at Hadiza who wore a frown. 

Bola opened her mouth to speak but the ringing of her phone cut her off. "Please, excuse me, I need to take this." She got up and left.  

The sounds of the waves and the ruffling of leaves filled the silence. Zainab's eyes darted to Hadiza and something urged her to speak to her.  

"So…are you also on your honeymoon?"

Hadiza raised her head and slowly shook her head. "No. My husband is here on business and he brought me along."

"It must be nice not to be left alone."

She shrugged. "Being here makes no difference," she whispered hardly enough for Zainab to hear. 

Zainab's brows drew together as she pondered on her words. 

Was she unhappy in the marriage? 

Zainab wondered how she could find out without being nosy. 

Bola's suggestion for a get-together drifted to her mind and she did everything to suppress a smile.  

Bola's hangout will come in handy. 

The first step to finding out Hadiza's reality was to befriend. A relaxed setting was the best place to start.  

A thrill of excitement surged through Zainab.  

The journalist in her stirred to life after several weeks. 

                       ★★★★

Hmm, what do you think Zainab is up to? 👀🤔

We got to meet new characters.

What are your thoughts about them?

I look forward to your comments.

It's a few weeks to Christmas 🎉

Do you celebrate?

If you don't,  what are your plans for the holiday?

I am excited to hear what your plans are 😁

Until next time, happy holidays! 💕