STIGMA

CHAPTER 53

Friday 12:00 pm

Habib came out of the police station with a smile. He was now at peace with himself after seeing Salamat and asking her for forgiveness. She had forgiven him without a second thought and was very happy to see him.

When he informed her of Habibah's death, she couldn't help but shed tears. Habib also wept as he recalled the fact that the girl he shared a bond with, was long gone. She was dead because of their unidentified father.

Habib and his mother heard about the death of Ayoade when they went to visit his mother's friend. They were close to the compound of brother Jamiu when they saw people trooping into the compound. His mother's friend informed them about the death of Ayoade and the belief that Salamat was responsible for the death.

He knew right away that something was amiss and this was the perfect time to make amends for not only his mistakes but also that of his mother and late sister, Habibah.

But he couldn't help but wonder what happened, how it happened, and when. He couldn't figure out the reason for the accusation.

He knew brother Jamiu to be a big brother to Mr. Ademola and Bimpe was Salamat's secondary schoolmate. Why then would Salamat want to hurt anyone of them?

She was a girl with a pure heart and he was sure she hasn't changed a bit from the good girl he knew her to be.

A rare gem she was, he thought to himself.

And his first love!

He remembered all that happened between them and the guilt came rushing. He felt bad and remembered the vow he made to himself. He promised to seek her forgiveness, no matter the distance.

Now that he knew Salamat's location, it was time to go Up North. He would also use the opportunity to meet his boss, Naim the freelance guru.

Habib couldn't sleep throughout the night. He didn't know if it was the fact that he was about to meet Salamat, after a very long time or as a result of the unfortunate situation she was in.

He realized how much he missed her company and couldn't wait to see her again. His mother supported his decision in tears and was willing to go with him to seek for her forgiveness too.

Their life was back to normal. His mother had learned to ask for forgiveness and was trying to move on by letting go of her past mistakes.

Habib's job was doing well after convincing his clients that he was indeed capable of the job. He was able to win back their truth after a trial which he took his time to do.

They had enough to eat and he was working towards opening a shop for his mother before the year runs out. But something was missing and that thing was genuine happiness.

He hadn't been able to find any woman attractive after the incident with Salamat, not until the day he got to Kaduna. He was asking for directions from a guy who ignored him completely when a lady tapped him from behind. She was wearing a niqab and Habib was surprised to hear her speaking English fluently.

She opened the veil and he couldn't help but get lost in her beauty that was radiating with the rays of sunlight coming from the East. Her nose was well-structured with full lips and brows. He was mesmerized by the beauty in front of him.

She jerked him back to life by waving her hand in front of him and asked if he understood what she was saying.

Habib went straight to the police station according to the information given to him by his mother's friend, who accompanied Bimpe's parents to the car park. He got to the counter and was about to ask for Salamat when he saw the picture of his crush.