In another part of town, a man sat in a lavish living room, deep in thought. Meenah entered and sat beside him.
“Yaya, I’m sorry. I was just joking. Please forgive me.”
“Leave. I don’t want to see you.”
“Please…”
“I said leave — and I mean it.”
She reached the door but turned back:
“Yaya, just a suggestion. Why don’t you search for mai ni on Facebook — maybe you’ll find her.”
He paused, surprised.
“Yes! Good idea.”
He went to fetch his phone. Meenah smiled and sat beside him. He searched “Ruhaimat Abubakar” — no match. Angry, he threw his phone. Meenah caught it before it hit the ground.
“Calm down, I’m sure she’s on Facebook. Try another name.”
“You’re right. Her real name is Aisha.”
He searched “Aisha Abubakar.” Many results came up. Meenah browsed one by one and found one with the username Ruhaimat, hometown Jada, student at Adamawa State University.
“Yaya, look at this one—”
Before she finished, he snatched the phone.
“Yes! That’s her!”
“How are you sure?”
Without waiting, he sent her a friend request. Her last seen was 3 months ago. He hissed and dropped the phone — no profile picture either. Meenah continued to calm him down.
---
“Ruhaimat, do you use Facebook?”
“Yes, but I rarely chat. I can’t even remember the last time I logged in.”
“What about WhatsApp, Instagram, or Twitter?”
“I’m not into social media. I use WhatsApp sometimes, rarely. I have an Instagram account but don’t use Twitter.”
“Hmm, you sound like a real religious girl.”
“Not really. Just too busy for all that.”
“Well, log in now so I can add you — your name is Ruhaimat?”
“Aisha Abubakar (Ruhaimat).”
Ameena opened Facebook, searched, and found her profile.
“There you are — no pictures?”
“Yes, that’s it.”
Ruhaimat checked her messages and notifications. Over 40 friend requests — she began deleting. Then she saw one name and paused.
“Oh my God… someone with Abba’s name. The name sounds familiar. Anyway, let me just accept.”
He was active. As they chatted, he messaged her:
> “Salam dear friend, thanks for accepting me.”
“You’re welcome.”
“How are you?”
“Fine, and you?”
“Same. Please, may I ask you something?”
“Go ahead.”
“Are you from Jada?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t know, but by any chance, did you fall in love with someone about 9 years ago…?”
“Mai sona! What… mai ni! Ya Allah, I can’t believe this.”
“Mai sona, so it was fate we’d meet again.”
“God, I really, really missed you… I missed you so much.”
“I missed you more. When will I see you? Your love nearly killed me.”
“Main hoona (I’m here now), don’t worry, my love. I’ll be on my way soon, insha Allah.”
“I can’t wait to see you, my destiny.”
Ameena teased her:
“You’re smiling so much — who are you chatting with? Mr. Right?”
Ruhaimat hugged her:
“My friend, am I dreaming? I just chatted with mai sona.”
“Who is he?”
“My destiny.”
Ameena rolled her eyes:
“What kind of love is this, and what does ‘kismat’ mean?”
---
Ruhaimat spent the rest of the day glowing with joy like someone promised Hajj or Paradise. She told Aunt Zee, who rejoiced with her.
That night, she went back on Facebook. He complained she left him missing her. He asked for her number. She sent it immediately.
She was lying in bed alone, dreaming, when her phone rang.
“Salamu alaikum.”
“Mai ni… is that your voice or am I dreaming?”
“Mai sona…” she suddenly started crying softly.
“Maini, are you there? Please talk to me.”
“I’m here…” she whispered.
“Why are you making me worry?”
“Sorry. These are tears of joy.”
“No… please, my love, don’t cry.”
“Okay, I won’t.”
“Good. Smile.”
She smiled softly, closing her eyes, feeling his love.
“You’re still crying, right?”
“No, I’ve stopped.”
“Then why aren’t you talking?”
“I love you so much.”
He smiled on his end.
“Me too… so how’s life been?”
“Good. And since we separated?”
“Also good, except missing you has been painful. I really missed you, Ruhaimat.”
“I missed you more. So, are you done with school?”
“Yes, even finished my master’s. I was planning PhD, but my heart couldn’t rest. I had to come back and find you so we can marry before continuing school.”
She smiled, covering her face shyly.
“You’re still so shy, my love.”
“Hmm, I don’t want unnecessary talk.”
“That’s just who you are… Anyway, I saw you’re in State Uni, right? What course?”
“Biochemistry. I just started IT.”
“Wow, that’s great. One year left, huh? But even that feels too long. I can’t wait.”
They continued chatting like lovebirds, as if nothing else existed.
---
The next morning, Ruhaimat woke up happy — happier than she had been since they parted years ago. Aunt Zee teased her. After finishing chores, she showered, ate quickly, and left.
She wore her usual hijab and looked elegant. At the gate, she met Ameena who had been waiting.
“Good morning.”
“Morning. How’s home? And mai sona?”
“He’s fine, but mai sona isn’t my husband yet.”
“Sorry… how’s your lover then?”
“He’s fine. I had breakfast with his voice.”
“Wow! May God keep you two together.”
“Ameen, thank you, my friend.”
They went directly to their office and were taken to the chemical lab where drinks were made. As instructions were being given, someone opened the door.
A fashionable young lady entered, her heels clicking loudly — drawing everyone’s attention. People greeted her respectfully, but she didn’t respond. She wore a tight-fitting, flashy gown that showed her curves and even revealed her undergarments.
Ruhaimat stared in shock. Unfortunately, their eyes met. The lady stormed over and raised her hand — seemingly to slap her — but paused. Something in Ruhaimat’s face made her hesitate.
Everyone was shocked, as they all feared the woman.
“Hey you, where are you from, staring like an old witch?”
“Sorry, I’m an IT student.”
“Nonsense. Mr. Ibrahim keeps bringing useless people. Why would he allow someone like this here?”
She turned away with a look of disgust.
“Anyway, it’s unfortunate you came to this company. We have a dress code here, so beware. Jacob!”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“Tell her about our company and how we operate.” She walked out.
Jacob turned to Ruhaimat.
“You’re the luckiest girl alive. She was going to slap you — but didn’t. That’s rare. Her name is Hajiya Yasmeen. She studied abroad, 26 years old. Her dad is filthy rich. She’s the assistant manager here. Everyone fears her — no shame, no mercy. So be careful.”
---
