<p> </p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>He was in his office, overwhelmed with work, when his secretary informed him that he had a visitor. He looked at her and said, “As you can see, I’m far too busy… I can’t meet anyone now. She can come back tomorrow if it’s urgent.”</p><p>The secretary left and relayed his message to the visitor. Shortly after, she returned and said, “She insists she must see you today.”</p><p>He was surprised because he rarely entertained female visitors. Without asking who it was, he told her to let the visitor in.</p><p>Farida Alqasim entered his office, dressed in an elegant white cotton lace outfit. She draped a light scarf, matching the adornments on her outfit, around her head. Farida, with her stunning chocolate complexion, epitomized beauty. She walked gracefully in her high-heeled shoes, each step measured.</p><p>His sleepy eyes followed her until she settled in the chair opposite him. Her slender lips curved into a soft smile as she sat down.</p><p>She said, “You’re surprised to see me, aren’t you?”</p><p>He blinked and replied, “Of course, I’m surprised. Who would’ve thought I’d ever see you again?”</p><p>She laughed, “That’s Abdulhakim for you—long time!”</p><p>He said, “Farida, Farida, Farida! What made you remember me?”</p><p>She replied, “Forgetting someone like you isn’t easy.”</p><p>He gave her a sharp look, but she mistook it for the admiring gaze he used to give her in the past. They stared at each other for a long time, lost in their thoughts.</p><p>He recalled the pain of their love and how he had thanked God for helping him move on. Meanwhile, she reminisced about the most significant moments in her life—when they were together during their time at Nsukka University.</p><p>Farida was certain her father had wronged her. Despite her education and urban sophistication, she had not found a worthy suitor like Abdulhakim. Instead, her father had pushed her toward wealthy, older men—his version of ideal suitors. Even now, her father regretted his decision. He had tried to reach out to Abdulhakim to apologize, only to learn that Abdulhakim had married the daughter of a family friend.</p><p>Their relationship began at Ahmadu Bello University, where they were studying the same course. Abdulhakim was two years ahead of her. She was the only woman in their class, and her determination impressed him. Her courage and resilience endeared her to him, and soon, they became inseparable.</p><p>When Abdulhakim graduated, they kept in touch through phone calls and occasional visits. Things changed when Farida’s father, Senator Alqasim, moved the family to Abuja. Despite their love, her father disapproved of their relationship. When Farida introduced Abdulhakim as her chosen partner, her father’s response was blunt:</p><p>“What is his father’s status?”</p><p>She replied, “He’s a judge.”</p><p>“And what does he do?”</p><p>“He recently started working with Julius Berger.”</p><p>Her father dismissed the proposal, insisting she marry someone of higher social standing. Despite Farida’s tears and pleas, her father refused. Abdulhakim’s family, insulted by the rejection, arranged his marriage to another woman. Farida remained single, rejecting all suitors, as none measured up to Abdulhakim.</p><p>Years later, her father acknowledged his mistake and urged her to seek reconciliation with Abdulhakim, even as a second wife. Overjoyed, Farida traveled to Lagos to see him.</p><p>When she entered his office, she was struck by his transformation. He exuded confidence and elegance, dressed in a black suit with a sleek gray tie and polished Italian shoes. His office was a testament to his success.</p><p>He broke the silence, asking, “How are you, Farida? How’s Mohammed? And your husband?”</p><p>She looked at him, her eyes brimming with tears. Unable to bear his imposing presence, she confessed, “I’m not married.”</p><p>Surprised, he hid his reaction. She continued, “Mohammed is married and working at NNPC here in Lagos. I came to apologize, Abdul, and to deliver my father’s message. He regrets his actions and wants us to rekindle our relationship. I’ve not been with anyone since we parted. Please forgive us, Abdul. Let’s get married…” She broke into tears.</p><p>He didn’t interrupt her. Instead, he handed her some tissues and said, “Wipe your tears.”</p><p>In his heart, he thought, Not marrying you, Farida, was a blessing in disguise. It led me to the woman who’s now my wife.</p><p>He finally said, “Farida, do you know I’m married?”</p><p>She nodded without meeting his gaze.</p><p>He continued, “Are you ready to marry a man who already has a wife?”</p><p>His words pierced her heart, leaving her silent.</p><p>He glanced at a framed photo of his wife on his desk. She was smiling in her uniform, a sight that filled him with pride and warmth. He recalled their plans to mark their daughter’s fifteenth birthday in April, a</p><p> </p><p> </p>
