Amina
The rest of the weekend flew by in a blur and yet Monday came. Ever since that day, I didn't see Sadiq or hear from him again. I don't know if he's ignoring me on purpose or he's just busy. I'm still trying to figure out the message I saw. What could he possibly be up to? Is he really what he appears to be? If not why would he do research and on who? All this thought were rummaging through my head as I descend down in my work attire ready to take off. Like every other day, I ate my breakfast in the room which is much more comfortable to me than in the presence of the Abdallah family.
"You're set already?" Hajiya Halima's voice flew to my ear. The light-skinned woman was dressed in a light blue gezner adorned with red sparkling beads from the upper part down to the lower part. She wore a simple makeup which made her look more natural. Looking closely at her, she looks well-grown but her appearance is that of a young lady and if I'm to judge her look, I must say her children didn't take after her not to talk of her skin color. I think they take after their father who is a dark skin man. Snapping myself out of the little interrogation, I focused back on the woman realizing I haven't answered her question.
"Yes, Hajiya," I said plopping my handbag on my shoulder. It's big, so I don't have to carry the papers around.
"Wish you all the best. Ahmad must be on his-" she didn't finish completing her statement when we heard footsteps from the stairs and it's none other than the man in talk. He walked majestically towards us. Dressed in a milk color kaftan, with a brown Zanna bukar on his head. His beard was a little bit trimmed giving his look more brightness. I thought CEOs are supposed to be in a suit always. Well, not bad. The clearing of his voice snapped me out from checking him out. Forming my lips in a thin line, I turned to the woman and offered her my farewell.
"See you later Amina" I slightly nodded and left, leaving mother and son to their talks. As I set foot outside, the chilly breeze raft into my skin. I've taken note already about wearing thick clothes to prevent myself from catching cold. My eyes toured to Sadiq, who was laundering the car. Sensing my presence, he turned around. I didn't miss his straight face.
"Good morning" I began.
"Good Morning" he answered back emotionless. I couldn't deny the fact that I was a little embarrassed by his cold tone. Before I could speak again, he walked past me towards the other side of the car. Just then, Ahmad walked out. He got in without saying anything.
The journey to the company was in silence. No words were exchanged between us. Besides, what will I say? Sadiq keeping a cold face and Ahmad's strict order. Fifteen minutes later, and we arrived at AA construction company. Without further ado, I got out. If he's going to keep a stern face so do I. Ahmad strolled inside with me tailing behind him. We are halfway through when I heard my name being called. I don't have to be told who the voice belongs to. Just like I assumed, it was indeed her. Fareeda.
"Good morning Amina" she cooed flinging her hands on my shoulder.
"Morning Fareeda. How was your weekend?" I asked
Her face scrunched into a frown. "It was a total disaster. My two niece visited us. There are the most stubborn kids I've ever met. So I won't say I enjoyed my weekend. What of you?" What could I possibly say? After all, I'm just a guest in the city.
"It was fine or I will rather say Alhamdulillah" Ahmad was no more in sight as we made our way up, towards our office.
I set my hand on the door handle ready to open the door and someone beat me to it. Cindy with a worried look on her face. "Good Morning Cindy" we greeted together.
"Morning girls. We have an urgent meeting right now so meet me in the conference room. And Amina don't forget to come with that mall proposal" Before we could get the chance to reply to her, she ambled away. Fareeda and I glanced at each other and she shrugged in return. As requested, I took the necessary files together with the one Cindy told me about. All the way to the conference room, nervousness crept into me. It's my first time attending a meeting so it's natural for me to feel that way. I suddenly felt a hand atop my shoulder.
"Relax. The meeting is not that scary. Besides, it will be more interesting since the boss is the one who will-" she abruptly stops covering her mouth with her palms. I knew it. She has a crush on Ahmad.
"I will pretend I didn't hear," I said increasing my pace.
The meeting room was a bit dark due to the projector surfacing on the wall and Ahmad's hands hurling every now and then in explanation. My attention was solely focused on his presentation so as the rest. Cindy, Fareeda, Nonso. Mr. Adewale was also present with some other four people which I haven't seen them before.
"I have received a call from Alhaji Dikko himself. He wants us to start working on the mall right away. I know many of you here know who Alhaji Dikko is, so we have to work hard and construct the Mall to perfection. Not only will it bring us a lot of money, but it will also soar our company higher. So I want you to go through the proposal, if you have any addition to it then let us know. Mr. Adewale" he called. The man rose from his seat.
"Yes sir."
"You will go to the site and take some measurement" From what I read in the company profile, Mr. Adewale is the construction manager.
"Okay sir"
"Cindy and I will check the manufacturer for the wood samples. And for the rest, you can get back to work. Amina postpone my meeting with Mr. Felix and inform him"
"Yes Sir," we all say. Within an instant, he was out of the room. I realised the breath I didn't know I was holding. Thank God, I'm not part of the roaming around.
"Let's go" Fareeda ushered and we followed behind Cindy who was tailing on Ahmad's back.