I visited my cousins in Kaduna during the holiday. I also had the opportunity to visit my friend Bilkisu’s house. She promised to take me around town to prove to me just how exciting Kaduna is compared to Minna. I hate to admit that it was already convinced even before we went out. Bee invited me for her cousins’ wedding that was scheduled to take place while I was still in town. The most interesting event I attended was the picnic. I chose the word ‘interesting’ because it is an experience that I just might never forget. The venue for the picnic was a spot in the outskirts of Kaduna. I heard from my cousin Khadijah, that it was a thirty minute drive from the main city. Khadijah dropped me off at Bee’s house from where we proceeded to her cousins. The bride was getting her makeup done when we arrived at 4.30 pm. The program was scheduled for 5.00pm but ‘African time’ ruined everything. The people that were to convey us to the venue arrived few minutes past five. There was a sort of chaos as the bride was running very late so the cars started conveying people so as to save time. In the whole midst of the chaos, Bee got me into a car because she had to stay back with the bride. I had no problem with that and I got into the back of the red 406 without a second thought. The moment the cars got on the road, I lost my calm. The cars drove in a convoy. I really thought the drivers would be as responsible as they looked despite their young appearance. It was the most dangerously reckless ride of my life! The other passengers in the car with me seemed to have been enjoying the ride. I still wonder if they care about their lives or maybe they were robots. I don’t know how any normal person could smile through that ride. The car kept swerving in between the other cars on the road. Luckily, I do not know much people in Kaduna because it would have been embarrassing if someone I knew saw me in that car. I exhausted every single prayer I know by heart in less than ten minutes. While I was busy begging for mercy, an awful smell caught my attention. The insanely reckless driver was smoking something I don’t know on the highway at top speed! I never knew I would make it out of that car alive until I saw the sign board of the park. Words cannot describe the relief that ran through my veins as the car pulled over. The so called thirty minutes’ drive took us only fifteen minutes. It took a few minutes before I took in the well decorated space. The park was not very big but the decorations highlighted the place. The chairs were arranged in a circle around the stage. The chairs were covered in a white cloth with a red ribbon. Bilkisu arrived a few minutes later in the same car as the bride.
Bee came to find me immediately after they arrived. ”Haneem, I am so so sorry, I did not know that the drivers were reckless”
“Come on, it’s not your fault. I’m just glad we arrived safely.”
“I promise you a careful driver when we will return and we will ride together.”
“That is such a relief!”
The program started at seven after Maghrib prayer. The Bride wore a white flowing gown with a red head gear and clutch. The groom wore a blue shirt on white jeans. The event turned out to be very interesting. The bride and groom danced. Their friends and family joined them. There were series of games played based on how well the couple knew each other. Everything was going well until a noticed a group of people behind the chairs. That type of dangerous looking youths that are obviously on drugs. They had formed another circle behind the chairs, some in groups of twos or threes each puffing a cigarette. Bee came right at that moment and sat next to me.
“Hanini, have you eaten?”
“Yes, Bee look at those people behind us.”
“Oh my God! I cannot believe it,” Bee exclaimed.
“Wallahi, they are scaring the crap out of me,” I said.
“I’m so sorry about this Haneem. It doesn’t seem like they are going to round up the program anytime soon, but I have an idea.”
“What idea?”
“I’ll find you a body guard”
“What?”
“Hold on.” Bee dialed a number on her phone.
“Who was that?” I eyed her suspiciously.
She replied with a smile. A few minutes later a tall dark skinned guy appeared before us. I could not help but shake my head.
“What’s up?” the guy said in a deep voice.
“Meet my friend, Haneem.” Bee said with a smile.
“I cant believe this,” I whispered.
“Hi Haneem, I’m Muktar”
Ive heard Bilkisu mention Muktar several times although ive never met him. He is her immediate older brother and her favorite.
“Hello, it’s nice to meet you!”
“Please keep my friend company; those guys are starting to scare her.”
Muktar looked behind the chairs before replying. “It’s the least I can do; it’s hard to keep the bad boys away from such events.”
“Thanks bro!” Bee said cheerfully. She got up and gestured to him to sit next to me.
“You can kill me later,” she whispered in to my ears before walking away.
“She’s trying to put you in an awkward situation,” Muktar said immediately after sitting down.
“It’s obvious isn’t it?”
“Maybe or maybe I just know her really well but guess what.”
“What?”
“The best revenge is not to get in to an awkward situation”
“That’s a great idea!” I replied but I was wondering how I could do that.
“I can tell you’re very uncomfortable being here so here is the deal. I will try my very best to distract you from them until I can get you out of here, is that okay?”
“That is so kind of you!”
The twenty minute conversation was the best part of my day. It was the most random conversation ever but Muktar successfully distracted me. We talked about; Kaduna, Books, School and a lot more. Frankly most of it was playing back in my head while we drove back to town.
“So what do you think of my friend?” Bee asked. She was seated at the passenger seat next to her Muktar. We left the venue twenty five minutes after nine. I was so glad that the drive back to town was a whole lot more safe.
“Try that prank with someone who doesn’t know you well enough,” Muktar replied.
It was so amusing seeing how well he knew Bee and her tricks. It had been a long day and adventurous day although it was not all that bad; I was so relieved when the car pulled over at my cousins’ house.
