<p>I turned away in tears, heading for my room without waiting to hear his response. He smiled, tossed the radio aside, and followed me. As I was about to lock the door, he forcefully pushed it open. The strength wasn't evenly matched; I nearly fell but steadied myself as he blocked my path, arms bracing the doorway.</p><p>He said, “Sakinah? You're defying me today because I said I would marry another woman? A marriage that doesn't affect the love I have for you? Did I ever say I stopped loving you?”</p><p>I wiped my tears with my palms and retorted, “If you haven't stopped loving me, why are you marrying someone else?”</p><p>He replied, “I'm marrying because I care about you.”</p><p>I asked, “Am I an orphan that you'd pity me?”</p><p>He said, “You're not an orphan. But you can't meet my… needs, Sakinah. Needs that are fundamental to marriage. And I can't endure without finding an alternative. I love you more than anything in this world, except for Hajiya and Daddy. This decision is for both of us, not because I've stopped loving you. I want to make sure you're strong before I take on the responsibilities of our marriage.”</p><p>I pressed him further, “What is this need of yours that you think I can't handle? Tell me, and I promise I'll do it—even if it’s the last thing I do in my life—just don't go through with the marriage.”</p><p>He quickly embraced me, saying, “Are you serious, Sakinah? You'll accept this responsibility for me?”</p><p>“I'll accept it, my husband. But promise me this: If I die, find my mother and tell her that I loved her.”</p><p>The way he held me, trembling with emotion, made me question my resolve. In a low, unsteady voice, he said, “You won't die, Sakinah. Instead, your mother will carry our children on her back.”</p><p>He didn’t seem to realize the insensitivity of his words until I began gasping for air. Even by dawn, I hadn’t fully recovered. He bathed me himself and instructed me on how to perform the purification bath for prayers. Afterward, he wrapped me in a towel and laid me gently on the resting chair, giving me paracetamol and cleaning the room thoroughly before daybreak.</p><p>Later, he carried me to my room, knelt beside me, and looked at me with a smile so sincere it came straight from his heart. He said, “May God bless you, Sakinah. Thank you for everything.”</p><p>Embarrassed, I covered my face with my hands and smiled shyly.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>Two days later, he returned to Lagos, his heart full of love for his wife. He began to feel conflicted about marrying Farida. Sakinah's efforts and sacrifices had mended every gap that once led him to consider another wife. However, he felt trapped because he couldn't muster the courage to tell Farida he no longer wanted the marriage. After all, she was his first love, and she possessed qualities he admired in a woman—grace, poise, and a sound education.</p><p>He also longed for companionship in Lagos, as he didn’t want to disrupt Sakinah’s education by relocating her. These conflicting thoughts overwhelmed him. While sitting in his office, he read Farida's text messages and eventually called his friend Abdallah, confiding, “Sakinah doesn’t want a co-wife. She even said she’d die rather than share me with someone else.”</p><p>Abdallah replied, “What woman wants a co-wife? No offense, but you must find a balance for your peace of mind. You love Farida too. When you return, ask her father to counsel her—she respects him.”</p><p>Taking Abdallah's advice, he sent Farida a message confirming that their wedding plans could proceed. Farida was overjoyed, and preparations for their marriage began immediately. However, she started noticing that Abdulhakim frequently mentioned Sakinah in their conversations. It wasn’t until they began shopping for her bridal items that she realized the extent of his attachment. Everything he bought came in twos—one for her and one for Sakinah.</p><p>When she questioned him, he nonchalantly explained, "This is for Sakinah." Her frustration boiled over, but she suppressed her feelings, determined not to jeopardize her chances of marrying him. Despite her irritation, she played along, even asking for Sakinah's shoe size.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>Meanwhile, I was at home, preparing a salad in the kitchen when I noticed the arrival of large suitcases—the kind used for bridal gifts. I knew Abdulhakim had arrived. I quickly finished my chores, took a bath, and dressed in a honey-colored lace outfit adorned with floral patterns. I sprayed myself with my signature perfume, Azzaro Visit, styled my hair, and tied it with a matching scarf.</p><p>As I admired my reflection in the mirror, Abdulhakim appeared behind me, smiling in his usual charming way. He opened his arms for me, but instead of running to him as I usually did, I hesitated, clasping my hands behind my back. Before I could think further, he scooped me up, threw me onto the bed, and said, “Hold me, Sakinah. I’ve come to you with an overwhelming need.”</p><p>What followed was a moment of passion and deep connection. By the time we were done, I felt like I truly understood what marriage meant. Abdulhakim Khalil Ribadu wasn’t just my husband—he was my everything.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
