The parents stood over her as if they would eat her alive for refusing.
"Between you and God, what’s wrong with Alhaji Sa'id that you’re saying you don’t love him? A man every woman dreams of marrying—handsome and rich!"
"Just because he’s almost your father’s age, that’s why you’re saying you don’t want him?"
Father Forces the Decision
Her father quickly cut in, "Nonsense! Will you go around with him before marriage? Listen, you’ll marry him without delay. If God spares our lives, by the day after tomorrow, you’ll marry him. You can swallow your heart and die if you like."
Mother Blames Her for Rejecting a 'Blessing'
Larai, her mother, added,
"This girl is ungrateful! This is the grace Allah sent us, and you’re turning your back on it? Look at how he built us a big house, gave us a car, two shops, and lots of money. And Zarah, you’re saying you’re upset—just because of your parents?"
Zarah’s Silent Rebellion and Cry for Help
Zarah, the girl being scolded, buried her head in the bed and cried out of frustration, hurt by how stern her parents were.
At only 17, they wanted to marry her off to a 49-year-old man just because he’s rich.
She wiped her tears, her face reddened from crying.
A Father's Guilt Trip
Malam Hadi leaned in gently and said,
"My daughter, since when have you ever disobeyed us—only now?"
"We gave you the choice to bring someone you love. You said he traveled, and his number isn’t going through. But this one here is ready, strong, and willing. Do you want us to look like fools?"
She shook her head. He smiled,
"Then let’s not disgrace ourselves. Accept our choice."
False Comfort and Forced Consent
Her mother Larai gently placed a hand on her shoulder,
"Be patient, my daughter. We see a future you don’t. This is your destiny."
They kept trying to convince her, and eventually, Zarah, through tears, agreed—only to make them happy.
They hugged her and showered her with blessings, while she continued to cry.
Zarah Reaches Out to a Friend
Lying in her room, facing down, her eyes red and her head aching, she grabbed her iPhone 7 and dialed a number, crying.
"Aysha, what should I do? Please tell me what to do!"
Aysha replied, "Calm down. I’m coming right now."
A Cold Welcome from Zarah’s Mother
Within 10 minutes, Aysha arrived. In the courtyard, she met Larai eating chicken pepper soup.
Larai gave Aysha a cold, dismissive look.
"Good afternoon, Umma," Aysha greeted politely.
Larai responded coldly. Aysha walked in, wondering what caused such a change in Zarah’s mother—clearly, money had raised her pride.
Larai muttered angrily,
"That marriage must happen. I’ll not let Zarah mingle with that poor girl and bring shame into our home."
Zarah Breaks Down in Aysha’s Arms
Aysha entered the room. Zarah jumped up, hugged her, and wept bitterly.
"Subhanallah, Zarah, please stop crying. I know it’s about this marriage. But be patient. Maybe this is Allah’s plan."
With a tear-soaked face, Zarah said,
"Aysha, how can I marry an old man? I’m just a girl. I feel nothing for him. When it comes to intimacy—how can I even think of it? Aysha, I’ve been wronged!"
She buried her head in Aysha’s lap.
Aysha sighed, stroked her hair,
"You have no choice. Your parents said you must marry him. Maybe it’s Allah’s will."
Zarah quickly raised her head,
"No, Aysha! I don’t see anything good in this marriage—only sorrow!"
"Don’t say that," Aysha replied. "Only Allah knows the unseen."
Reluctant Acceptance of Marriage Preparations
Aysha continued,
"Old men sometimes love more deeply than young boys."
Zarah responded, "So that’s what you think?"
She started crying again, and Aysha kept comforting her, saying maybe obedience to her parents will bring her blessings.
They chatted mostly about the marriage. Zarah made it clear—she had no intention of participating in the ceremony.
Day of the Marriage
Around 5 PM, the house was filled with guests from their village—Zarah’s father’s relatives. Zarah was still lying in bed, her head pounding.
She peered out the window and saw the joyful crowd in the compound. She hissed and lay back down, muttering,
"All this over marrying an old man? What nonsense!"
Someone called out,
"Where’s the bride? Has she gone for beauty treatments?"
Larai replied,
"She’s inside, probably sleeping. Hmm, come to think of it, she should’ve had some body care treatments."
Another woman, Maryam, said,
"That’s carelessness! You’re sending a young girl to a polygamous home and didn’t even prepare her?"
Larai laughed,
"They won’t share much. But even so, I’ll get her ready—even if time’s short."
Zarah is Pressured to Eat and Get Ready
They entered the room.
"Looks like she’s really asleep. Her eyes are swollen. Is she sick?"
"She looks thinner. What’s wrong, Larai?"
Larai quickly lied,
"She has a fever, but we won’t postpone the wedding because of that."
Maryam replied,
"She should at least get up."
Zarah opened her eyes slowly, greeted them weakly. Her body was limp, like she’d lost all energy.
"Zarah, are you okay? Have you eaten?"
She shook her head, no.
"Get her food quickly! What’s this nonsense?"
Larai fetched her food but gave her a harsh look, causing Zarah to lower her eyes.
She couldn’t eat—it tasted bitter. After three spoons, she dropped it, saying she was full.
They gave up and said,
"Leave her. She’ll eat later. That’s how she eats."
Zarah’s Reluctance Grows
Maryam suggested she go to her friend’s house for body care. Zarah was furious.
"Body care? For an old man?"
As they left, Larai turned and said,
"If you keep showing that you don’t want this marriage, I’ll curse you! Since you don’t love me, you’re rejecting the wealth I’ve brought into your life."
She threw ₦50,000 at her.
"Here! From the ₦150,000 Alhaji Sa’id gave for your beauty treatments. This should be enough."
Zarah cried and stomped her feet,
"I’ve been cheated!"
Aysha and Zarah’s Fake Makeover
Zarah bathed and wore a simple atamfa skirt and top with hijab—no makeup. She left unnoticed and walked like a wounded slave.
A group of boys saw her and mocked,
"Look at that—young girl marrying an old man!"
"Well, money silences love!"
Zarah ran past them crying into Aysha’s house.
Aysha comforted her,
"Don’t cry. I know it’s greed-driven marriage, but be strong."
She showed Aysha the money.
"They said I should use this for my makeover. What should I even fix?"
Aysha laughed,
"Let’s do something basic. Even if you don’t want to go all out."
They mixed powdered milk, turmeric, and lemon juice—rubbed it on her body. After 20 minutes, they washed it off and repeated with another mixture.
Zarah looked fairer, beautiful, glowing.
Zarah’s Beauty is Restored
Zarah was not tall, but had a curvy, well-shaped body, long black hair, and milky-white eyes. Her full lips and elegant figure were attractive.
Aysha complimented her,
"You’re beautiful, even without makeup!"
Zarah replied,
"I’ll just apply something light to make it seem like I did something."
They finished with hot oil and scrub, followed by a warm bath.
Aysha’s mom returned and joked,
"Ah, Amarya (bride), you smell amazing!"
Zarah said she’d spend the night with Aysha.
On the way, Aysha said,
"Look how you’re glowing! You look like you had a proper makeover!"
Zarah gave Aysha ₦30,000,
"For you."
Aysha was shocked.
"I’ve never held that kind of money. Not even my mom!"
Zarah repl
ied,
"I’ll also give your mom some. It’s your share. Your father’s gone, so this is your chance."
They hugged tightly, Aysha crying with gratitude.
The Agonizing Wait
He lay on his wide luxurious bed, both hands holding his stomach. Just a glance at him would tell you he was battling with intense illness. He hadn’t eaten anything except for water and soft pap. He sighed for what must have been the hundredth time, frustrated by his inability to turn over and reach his phone on the bedside drawer to call Abdallah for help.
The Attempt to Call for Help
He said, “Alhamdulillah,” and slowly gathered the little strength he had left. Gritting his teeth, he managed to shift his weight slightly and extend his arm toward the drawer. His fingers finally reached the phone. It slipped a bit, but he caught it before it fell. He immediately dialed Abdallah.
“Hello... Hello Abdallah… please come over... I need your help... I’m really not feeling well,” he said in a weak voice.
The Arrival of Abdallah
It didn’t take long before Abdallah arrived. The door creaked open, and the moment he stepped into the room, his expression changed. “Subhanallah! What happened to you? You look terrible!” he exclaimed, rushing to the bedside.
“I don’t know... it started suddenly. My stomach... my head... everything hurts,” he whispered.
Abdallah helped him sit up gently, propping him with pillows. “You need to go to the hospital now. This doesn’t look like something that will go away on its own,” he said firmly.
“No... I can’t move... I’m too weak,” he protested.
“You don’t have a choice. I’ll carry you if I have to,” Abdallah replied with concern.
On the Way to the Clinic
After a brief struggle, Abdallah managed to get him into the car. The streets were quiet, except for the occasional passing car. The city lights blurred past as they rushed to the clinic. His breathing was shallow, his face pale, and sweat dripped from his forehead.
They finally arrived at Rimi Clinic, a private facility known for its swift services. As they parked, a black Lexus X750 stopped in front of them, followed by two other sleek vehicles. All three cars had the words “Amj Big Man” boldly written on their rear windows.
An Unexpected Encounter
As soon as the doors of the cars opened, men dressed in black stepped out quickly. They looked serious, as though they were part of a security convoy. One of them glanced briefly at Abdallah and his ailing friend but didn’t say a word.
Inside the clinic, the receptionist directed them immediately to the emergency room after seeing the man's condition. The doctor on call, a middle-aged man with glasses, began examining him.
“This is not just food poisoning. We need to run a full test. He’s dehydrated and his pulse is dangerously low,” the doctor said while attaching a drip to his arm.
“Doctor, please save him. He was fine just two days ago,” Abdallah pleaded.
The doctor nodded. “We’ll do our best, but you should prepare for anything.”
Description
Parents Enraged by Zarah’s Refusal
The parents stood over her as if they would eat her alive for refusing.
"Between you and God, what’s wrong with Alhaji Sa'id that you’re saying you don’t love him? A man every woman dreams of marrying—handsome and rich!"
"Just because he’s almost your father’s age, that’s why you’re saying you don’t want him?"
Father Forces the Decision
Her father quickly cut in, "Nonsense! Will you go around with him before marriage? Listen, you’ll marry him without delay. If God spares our lives, by the day after tomorrow, you’ll marry him. You can swallow your heart and die if you like."
Mother Blames Her for Rejecting a 'Blessing'
Larai, her mother, added,
"This girl is ungrateful! This is the grace Allah sent us, and you’re turning your back on it? Look at how he built us a big house, gave us a car, two shops, and lots of money. And Zarah, you’re saying you’re upset—just because of your parents?"
Zarah’s Silent Rebellion and Cry for Help
Zarah, the girl being scolded, buried her head in the bed and cried out of frustration, hurt by how stern her parents were.
At only 17, they wanted to marry her off to a 49-year-old man just because he’s rich.
She wiped her tears, her face reddened from crying.
A Father's Guilt Trip
Malam Hadi leaned in gently and said,
"My daughter, since when have you ever disobeyed us—only now?"
"We gave you the choice to bring someone you love. You said he traveled, and his number isn’t going through. But this one here is ready, strong, and willing. Do you want us to look like fools?"
She shook her head. He smiled,
"Then let’s not disgrace ourselves. Accept our choice."
False Comfort and Forced Consent
Her mother Larai gently placed a hand on her shoulder,
"Be patient, my daughter. We see a future you don’t. This is your destiny."
They kept trying to convince her, and eventually, Zarah, through tears, agreed—only to make them happy.
They hugged her and showered her with blessings, while she continued to cry.
Zarah Reaches Out to a Friend
Lying in her room, facing down, her eyes red and her head aching, she grabbed her iPhone 7 and dialed a number, crying.
"Aysha, what should I do? Please tell me what to do!"
Aysha replied, "Calm down. I’m coming right now."
A Cold Welcome from Zarah’s Mother
Within 10 minutes, Aysha arrived. In the courtyard, she met Larai eating chicken pepper soup.
Larai gave Aysha a cold, dismissive look.
"Good afternoon, Umma," Aysha greeted politely.
Larai responded coldly. Aysha walked in, wondering what caused such a change in Zarah’s mother—clearly, money had raised her pride.
Larai muttered angrily,
"That marriage must happen. I’ll not let Zarah mingle with that poor girl and bring shame into our home."
Zarah Breaks Down in Aysha’s Arms
Aysha entered the room. Zarah jumped up, hugged her, and wept bitterly.
"Subhanallah, Zarah, please stop crying. I know it’s about this marriage. But be patient. Maybe this is Allah’s plan."
With a tear-soaked face, Zarah said,
"Aysha, how can I marry an old man? I’m just a girl. I feel nothing for him. When it comes to intimacy—how can I even think of it? Aysha, I’ve been wronged!"
She buried her head in Aysha’s lap.
Aysha sighed, stroked her hair,
"You have no choice. Your parents said you must marry him. Maybe it’s Allah’s will."
Zarah quickly raised her head,
"No, Aysha! I don’t see anything good in this marriage—only sorrow!"
"Don’t say that," Aysha replied. "Only Allah knows the unseen."
Reluctant Acceptance of Marriage Preparations
Aysha continued,
"Old men sometimes love more deeply than young boys."
Zarah responded, "So that’s what you think?"
She started crying again, and Aysha kept comforting her, saying maybe obedience to her parents will bring her blessings.
They chatted mostly about the marriage. Zarah made it clear—she had no intention of participating in the ceremony.
Day of the Marriage
Around 5 PM, the house was filled with guests from their village—Zarah’s father’s relatives. Zarah was still lying in bed, her head pounding.
She peered out the window and saw the joyful crowd in the compound. She hissed and lay back down, muttering,
"All this over marrying an old man? What nonsense!"
Someone called out,
"Where’s the bride? Has she gone for beauty treatments?"
Larai replied,
"She’s inside, probably sleeping. Hmm, come to think of it, she should’ve had some body care treatments."
Another woman, Maryam, said,
"That’s carelessness! You’re sending a young girl to a polygamous home and didn’t even prepare her?"
Larai laughed,
"They won’t share much. But even so, I’ll get her ready—even if time’s short."
Zarah is Pressured to Eat and Get Ready
They entered the room.
"Looks like she’s really asleep. Her eyes are swollen. Is she sick?"
"She looks thinner. What’s wrong, Larai?"
Larai quickly lied,
"She has a fever, but we won’t postpone the wedding because of that."
Maryam replied,
"She should at least get up."
Zarah opened her eyes slowly, greeted them weakly. Her body was limp, like she’d lost all energy.
"Zarah, are you okay? Have you eaten?"
She shook her head, no.
"Get her food quickly! What’s this nonsense?"
Larai fetched her food but gave her a harsh look, causing Zarah to lower her eyes.
She couldn’t eat—it tasted bitter. After three spoons, she dropped it, saying she was full.
They gave up and said,
"Leave her. She’ll eat later. That’s how she eats."
Zarah’s Reluctance Grows
Maryam suggested she go to her friend’s house for body care. Zarah was furious.
"Body care? For an old man?"
As they left, Larai turned and said,
"If you keep showing that you don’t want this marriage, I’ll curse you! Since you don’t love me, you’re rejecting the wealth I’ve brought into your life."
She threw ₦50,000 at her.
"Here! From the ₦150,000 Alhaji Sa’id gave for your beauty treatments. This should be enough."
Zarah cried and stomped her feet,
"I’ve been cheated!"
Aysha and Zarah’s Fake Makeover
Zarah bathed and wore a simple atamfa skirt and top with hijab—no makeup. She left unnoticed and walked like a wounded slave.
A group of boys saw her and mocked,
"Look at that—young girl marrying an old man!"
"Well, money silences love!"
Zarah ran past them crying into Aysha’s house.
Aysha comforted her,
"Don’t cry. I know it’s greed-driven marriage, but be strong."
She showed Aysha the money.
"They said I should use this for my makeover. What should I even fix?"
Aysha laughed,
"Let’s do something basic. Even if you don’t want to go all out."
They mixed powdered milk, turmeric, and lemon juice—rubbed it on her body. After 20 minutes, they washed it off and repeated with another mixture.
Zarah looked fairer, beautiful, glowing.
Zarah’s Beauty is Restored
Zarah was not tall, but had a curvy, well-shaped body, long black hair, and milky-white eyes. Her full lips and elegant figure were attractive.
Aysha complimented her,
"You’re beautiful, even without makeup!"
Zarah replied,
"I’ll just apply something light to make it seem like I did something."
They finished with hot oil and scrub, followed by a warm bath.
Aysha’s mom returned and joked,
"Ah, Amarya (bride), you smell amazing!"
Zarah said she’d spend the night with Aysha.
On the way, Aysha said,
"Look how you’re glowing! You look like you had a proper makeover!"
Zarah gave Aysha ₦30,000,
"For you."
Aysha was shocked.
"I’ve never held that kind of money. Not even my mom!"
Zarah repl
ied,
"I’ll also give your mom some. It’s your share. Your father’s gone, so this is your chance."
They hugged tightly, Aysha crying with gratitude.
The Agonizing Wait
He lay on his wide luxurious bed, both hands holding his stomach. Just a glance at him would tell you he was battling with intense illness. He hadn’t eaten anything except for water and soft pap. He sighed for what must have been the hundredth time, frustrated by his inability to turn over and reach his phone on the bedside drawer to call Abdallah for help.
The Attempt to Call for Help
He said, “Alhamdulillah,” and slowly gathered the little strength he had left. Gritting his teeth, he managed to shift his weight slightly and extend his arm toward the drawer. His fingers finally reached the phone. It slipped a bit, but he caught it before it fell. He immediately dialed Abdallah.
“Hello... Hello Abdallah… please come over... I need your help... I’m really not feeling well,” he said in a weak voice.
The Arrival of Abdallah
It didn’t take long before Abdallah arrived. The door creaked open, and the moment he stepped into the room, his expression changed. “Subhanallah! What happened to you? You look terrible!” he exclaimed, rushing to the bedside.
“I don’t know... it started suddenly. My stomach... my head... everything hurts,” he whispered.
Abdallah helped him sit up gently, propping him with pillows. “You need to go to the hospital now. This doesn’t look like something that will go away on its own,” he said firmly.
“No... I can’t move... I’m too weak,” he protested.
“You don’t have a choice. I’ll carry you if I have to,” Abdallah replied with concern.
On the Way to the Clinic
After a brief struggle, Abdallah managed to get him into the car. The streets were quiet, except for the occasional passing car. The city lights blurred past as they rushed to the clinic. His breathing was shallow, his face pale, and sweat dripped from his forehead.
They finally arrived at Rimi Clinic, a private facility known for its swift services. As they parked, a black Lexus X750 stopped in front of them, followed by two other sleek vehicles. All three cars had the words “Amj Big Man” boldly written on their rear windows.
An Unexpected Encounter
As soon as the doors of the cars opened, men dressed in black stepped out quickly. They looked serious, as though they were part of a security convoy. One of them glanced briefly at Abdallah and his ailing friend but didn’t say a word.
Inside the clinic, the receptionist directed them immediately to the emergency room after seeing the man's condition. The doctor on call, a middle-aged man with glasses, began examining him.
“This is not just food poisoning. We need to run a full test. He’s dehydrated and his pulse is dangerously low,” the doctor said while attaching a drip to his arm.
“Doctor, please save him. He was fine just two days ago,” Abdallah pleaded.
The doctor nodded. “We’ll do our best, but you should prepare for anything.”