Like always, Mansoor was the one who took me home after work. As we drove, I told him about the assignment the MD had given me.
He turned to me in surprise and said,
“What! You’re the one he gave that job to? How could he assign you such a difficult task when he knows who that man is? In his entire history, he has never agreed to be interviewed by any journalist. And don’t think it’s only Nigerian journalists. No—even big ones like BBC, VOA, Aljazeera, and the rest. Whenever they request an interview, he redirects them to his P.A…”
I said,
“Hmmm, but why does he do that? Is he not enlightened? Or does he have something to hide?”
Mansoor replied,
“Only God knows the unseen, and he himself knows his reason. Some people think it’s pride and the intoxication of wealth. Right now, he’s the second young businessman in the world handling massive wealth, and it’s predicted that next year he might become number one.
Others believe there’s a deeper reason, because if it was just pride, he would want to show himself more through the media. Some even think maybe it’s due to some spiritual protection. You know how people who become rich suddenly are often suspected. Only God knows the truth. But honestly, his situation is mysterious.”
I said carelessly,
“Maybe it’s jinn that don’t want him to talk to journalists. Or maybe it’s really spiritual protection. The way people describe his wealth is frightening.”
Mansoor laughed hard and said,
“You and your silly thoughts. Jinn? A man and jinn? Okay, maybe spiritual protection.”
I said,
“Well, whatever it is, it’s too much. But Insha Allah, I’ll make him talk. In fact, his attitude motivates me even more.”
Mansoor looked at me seriously and said,
“Are you sure you know who Maash is? This promise you’re making isn’t easy. Please don’t do anything wrong. If you succeed, fine. If not, it’s not failure. Be careful. Your MD might just be using you.”
I said,
“Don’t worry. I won’t do anything wrong. Even my questions will be reviewed by MD, you, and Yaya Musaddiq. I just want to break his pride.”
He nodded and said,
“May God grant success. I’ll be the happiest person if you succeed. I’ll even give you a special gift.”
I asked,
“What gift?”
He said,
“I won’t tell you now. But my parents are coming this weekend. I want to meet your father today.”
I quickly looked at him. He nodded to confirm.
I felt shy and happy at the same time. My body trembled with joy.
When we arrived, I couldn’t move from the car. He smiled and said,
“Are you shy?”
Then he added playfully,
“May God let me see the day I’ll remove this shyness from you completely.”
I tried to open the door, but he had locked it.
I said,
“Please open it. And you should meet Yaya Musaddiq first before Abba.”
He agreed and unlocked the door.
I rushed out without even saying goodbye.
I leaned against the gate, breathing fast, smiling.
I peeked and saw him reversing his car.
Honestly, I truly loved Mansoor deeply. He had done so many good things for me. I believed only marriage could repay him.
---
When I entered the house, I felt afraid.
I was relieved when I didn’t see anyone in the living room.
I went to our room and found Bibaa.
I bathed and prayed.
While I was praying, suddenly I felt a whip strike my back.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un…”
The pain was terrible, but I continued praying.
Even after I finished, the beating didn’t stop.
I raised my hands crying, asking God for justice.
Suddenly Abba entered and shouted,
“Jalilah! What is this? Don’t you have sense? She’s praying and you’re beating her!”
I was shocked.
This wasn’t the first time Mum beat me—even in front of him. But he never said anything before.
Mum started arguing with him.
Baby insulted me, calling me names.
After they left, I broke down crying.
My body was full of wounds.
I developed fever that night.
I didn’t answer Yaya Musaddiq’s calls.
---
The next day, despite everything, I still went to work.
I was very sick.
Ruqayya gave me paracetamol.
Later, Yaya Musaddiq came.
When I saw him, I lowered my head in shame.
He was angry—but when he saw my condition, his anger softened.
Like always, Mansoor was the one who took me home after work. As we drove, I told him about the assignment the MD had given me.
He turned to me in surprise and said,
“What! You’re the one he gave that job to? How could he assign you such a difficult task when he knows who that man is? In his entire history, he has never agreed to be interviewed by any journalist. And don’t think it’s only Nigerian journalists. No—even big ones like BBC, VOA, Aljazeera, and the rest. Whenever they request an interview, he redirects them to his P.A…”
I said,
“Hmmm, but why does he do that? Is he not enlightened? Or does he have something to hide?”
Mansoor replied,
“Only God knows the unseen, and he himself knows his reason. Some people think it’s pride and the intoxication of wealth. Right now, he’s the second young businessman in the world handling massive wealth, and it’s predicted that next year he might become number one.
Others believe there’s a deeper reason, because if it was just pride, he would want to show himself more through the media. Some even think maybe it’s due to some spiritual protection. You know how people who become rich suddenly are often suspected. Only God knows the truth. But honestly, his situation is mysterious.”
I said carelessly,
“Maybe it’s jinn that don’t want him to talk to journalists. Or maybe it’s really spiritual protection. The way people describe his wealth is frightening.”
Mansoor laughed hard and said,
“You and your silly thoughts. Jinn? A man and jinn? Okay, maybe spiritual protection.”
I said,
“Well, whatever it is, it’s too much. But Insha Allah, I’ll make him talk. In fact, his attitude motivates me even more.”
Mansoor looked at me seriously and said,
“Are you sure you know who Maash is? This promise you’re making isn’t easy. Please don’t do anything wrong. If you succeed, fine. If not, it’s not failure. Be careful. Your MD might just be using you.”
I said,
“Don’t worry. I won’t do anything wrong. Even my questions will be reviewed by MD, you, and Yaya Musaddiq. I just want to break his pride.”
He nodded and said,
“May God grant success. I’ll be the happiest person if you succeed. I’ll even give you a special gift.”
I asked,
“What gift?”
He said,
“I won’t tell you now. But my parents are coming this weekend. I want to meet your father today.”
I quickly looked at him. He nodded to confirm.
I felt shy and happy at the same time. My body trembled with joy.
When we arrived, I couldn’t move from the car. He smiled and said,
“Are you shy?”
Then he added playfully,
“May God let me see the day I’ll remove this shyness from you completely.”
I tried to open the door, but he had locked it.
I said,
“Please open it. And you should meet Yaya Musaddiq first before Abba.”
He agreed and unlocked the door.
I rushed out without even saying goodbye.
I leaned against the gate, breathing fast, smiling.
I peeked and saw him reversing his car.
Honestly, I truly loved Mansoor deeply. He had done so many good things for me. I believed only marriage could repay him.
---
When I entered the house, I felt afraid.
I was relieved when I didn’t see anyone in the living room.
I went to our room and found Bibaa.
I bathed and prayed.
While I was praying, suddenly I felt a whip strike my back.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un…”
The pain was terrible, but I continued praying.
Even after I finished, the beating didn’t stop.
I raised my hands crying, asking God for justice.
Suddenly Abba entered and shouted,
“Jalilah! What is this? Don’t you have sense? She’s praying and you’re beating her!”
I was shocked.
This wasn’t the first time Mum beat me—even in front of him. But he never said anything before.
Mum started arguing with him.
Baby insulted me, calling me names.
After they left, I broke down crying.
My body was full of wounds.
I developed fever that night.
I didn’t answer Yaya Musaddiq’s calls.
---
The next day, despite everything, I still went to work.
I was very sick.
Ruqayya gave me paracetamol.
Later, Yaya Musaddiq came.
When I saw him, I lowered my head in shame.
He was angry—but when he saw my condition, his anger softened.
He sighed deeply…