Chapter 6: WORK SPACE CONCESSIONS
This chapter is dedicated to hassanab and MimieWalks. Thank you for the comments, guys.
"Let me get this straight, you're supposed to make the whole nation fall in love with you to give Ali an easier transition into power".
" In very little words, yes" I replied Hauwa
"Wow, that is such an accomplishment, no pressure of course."
I couldn't decide if this girl was truly serious.
"Well, you know what I think. I think if there's anybody that can do it, you can"
"Thanks for the vote of confidence".
I replied calmly, not slightly betraying the nerves I felt.
"I mean it Mila, you're extremely beautiful, that has to count for something, and you're smart and charming."
"I wish I was attractive to Ali."
Zahra giggled from her massage table. She insisted on being filled in on what went on in the meeting, although she confessed to having known of the plans from her step mother.
Hauwa decided to relax her nerves and suggested we all go for a day of pampering which included body scrubs and green ugly face masks. I was too wound up to laugh.
I was sitted, watching them, not even remotely interested in getting 'relaxed'.
"Point 2, you're a doctor. People love and appreciate doctors."
That was how we met, Hauwa and I were the only Muslims in our class set, where we studied at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers state. It is a predominantly Christian state.
"Point 3, you're good in social situations without being overly friendly. No, you're not social, you're diplomatic. "
"Point 4", Zahra removed the cucumber slices covering her eyes,
" You understand the three major languages, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. You've lived in the different states, you know their culture. "
"You spent your formative years with the Christian community, you've attended a church before, you know these people."
"You don't look outrightly Hausa, so you won't be immediately judged by non northerners, and your middle name is Marie, you could always introduce yourself as that."
She placed the cucumber slices back over her eyes and I shared a look with Hauwa,
When did this become a job interview?
I couldn't say I was blind to the merits involved though.
Nigeria was a diversified nation having over 300 ethnic groups who boasted of their different languages, the majority being;
The Hausas, who resided at the north,
The Yorubas, who resided at the west,
And the Igbos who resided at the east.
The South was more fragmented, having distantly related cultures, Ijaws, Edos, the Efiks. In conjunction with the Easterners, they were more welcoming but were the least friendly to the north. I would know, I grew up with them.

Map of Nigeria showing the 3 major ethnic groups.
I loved them though. They were easygoing people and tribalism was at its least there. I guess it was because of the various minor groups there. They also did not have one particular language uniting them.
So, yes, I guess the political godfathers made the right move.
"So , Nigerian sweetheart, what have you decided to do for your country?"
"I suggested healthcare to them, it relates as I am a doctor, and the healthcare system here is laughable. I would enjoy being involved in reviving it, no matter if this is only for a ruse"
"Don't think like that," Hauwa scolded. "you would be doing projects like this married to such a high profile personality anyway. And if its something you like, go ahead and enjoy it. Although this is on a larger scale." Her masseuse was done and was wiping and cleaning off the scrub.
"Anyhow though, we start immediately". I folded my hands together.
"Yes, everything has to coincide with Ali's return so the country can watch the romance between you two and be actively aware of the marriage." Zahra tied on her white fur robe and Hauwa followed suit.
"This is off the records by the way", Zahra motioned for me to follow as she and Hauwa walked out to the patio.
"I believe you guys will have to meet in some high profile event when Ali returns. Already Nigeria will be aware of who you are, and then maybe Papa will make him give you an award of excellence or something. That would be in a ceremony of honour that might be organised for you."
"Oh, now I get it," Hauwa found a metallic table under a chaise and we all sat.
"After that, maybe some renowned magazines, gossip sites would happen to get photos of them hanging out together, enjoying each other's company so the marriage doesn't come out as arranged?"
"Yup, of course you guys would take on projects as well, that would put you out as a couple, helping the society. You would then be featured on national news together, interviewed together and such. "
The whole thing gave me a headache. The sad truth was I couldn't even refuse. I sincerely did not have a choice.
"What would your brother think of all this?" I asked as Zahra flagged down a waiter with smoothies.
"Ali, hmm, well"
"I'll take one." I signalled the waiter.
"Ali sincerely will not like this. That's my greatest fear in all this even. I don't think he'll have a problem with you as a person, but the whole plan, he doesn't like deceit."
"So will he expect her to say no?"
"Ali understands duty, and instruction. That's what my father will rope him with."
There was silence for a while. I guess everyone was lost in their thoughts.
"Oh lookie, its him. Facetime."
I so wanted to look into her phone as she took the call from her brother but I couldn't. I didn't want him remembering me from the day before and wondering. If yesterday I thought I was looking too decent, today I thought I was looking "indecent". I wasn't even wearing my hijab. It was somewhere in my bag. I was wearing a sleeveless body con dress.
Hauwa looked at me and understood right away.
"Come with me, let me shower so we can leave."
I stood to follow her but not before Zahra rushed and said
"Say hi to my friends Ali."
She turned the phone towards me.
"This is JAMILAH, she's really pretty and this is Hauwa. We're having a girl's spa day. "
"Say hi to Ali, girls".
I stood perfectly still. Hauwa saved me.
" Nice to meet you Ali. Zahra says you're in Saudi. "
I couldn't hear his reply.
"You're working on a car engine, I see. You like cars?"
"Ali just likes fixing things." Zahra said with a noncommittal wave.
He said something else but I still couldn't hear. So I conveniently moved a bit closer to where they were standing.
"Yes, the one and only. You remembered her, Ali?"
"Papa told me her name was JAMILAH. Not an easy feat, I guess to be a part of the cabinet. "
Had his father told him everything or just my name?
"I send my congratulations."
"I'll let her know" Hauwa replied and turning the screen to me ,she continued "Ali says Congrats, Mila".
I couldn't help but look, he was holding a rag and wiping his hands with it. I could see ripped jeans and he looked greasy, sweaty and hot.
Flabbergasted, I turned away instantly.
" When do we leave this place?"
"Let's go shower then. We'll talk later Ali. "
"Nice meeting you ,Ali", Hauwa waved.
I stared daggers at them both. But they had the guts to hi five each other.
" I'll say we're great friends, dont you think Hauwa?"
"Of course we are, we make a great team even."
I rolled my eyes. "Let's just leave."
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