#FlashFiction LOVE by Royver She tiptoed out of her house, closing the door quietly behind her. She did not want to wake up her father who was even now tossing and turning on the mat in the parlour trying to go back to sleep having just finished morning prayers. Mum and the boys were in the inner rooms and very much asleep. It was seven oclock in the morning and she wanted to reach the market on time. As soon as she was out of the compound she ran as fast as her legs would carry her to the junction. The mallam by the side of the road saw her and scolded...dont run, little girl, do you want to fall? but she paid no heed. If she wanted to get the choicest and freshest meat from Muktar the meat-seller, she had to get to his shop on time. Taxi! she yelled, and a vehicle stopped at the side of the road. She jumped in and said Market, and the driver nodded and zoomed off. It was not until she had settled well in the car that she noticed him... Dark skinned, clean shaven, with handsome features. He looked straight ahead of him. His eyes were golden brown and his teeth were white and well set, as if they belonged in a close-up commercial. His lean body brushed against her momentarily and she felt firm muscles below his kaftan. She gauged him to be around 24years of age. He seemed in a foul mood however and very intent on where he was going. She stole a few more glances at him and gave up. Just another stranger, nothing to get worked up about. As they moved on, the taxi picked up more passengers along the way. Two elderly men and one middle aged woman, who had the luxury of sitting at the front seat while she squeezed in the back with the others. Their sheer weight pressed on her thin body but then she felt a small movement on his part and immediately her discomfort vanished. She looked up at him appreciatively but he still looked forward, like he had not noticed her, nor what he did. Soon, the taxi alighted at the market and she came down. She had the sudden urge to thank him but before she could, the car zoomed off. She went to buy her meat, her head filled with thoughts of the stranger. Muktars shop was already filled when she got there and soon she had joined the shouting women, scuffling for the best piece of meat her money could buy. She finally ended up with a good portion and she smiled to herself. Mummy would be pleased. She went back to the junction and waited patiently. Soon a taxi approached and she hailed it. she entered the back seat and stated her destination. Did you buy what you wanted? she heard the voice, sonorous and strong, and she turned and saw him again. She gasped. Oh, its you again sir. Good morning. she said, shyly. Good morning. Im Abdul. Im Sherifat she said, smiling. They said nothing more until she got to her destination. She was too shy and he...she didnt know his reason. She came down from the taxi and thanked him. He nodded and said he would pay, she shouldnt worry. She thanked him again and the taxi man zoomed off. Throughout that morning she thought about him, about his handsomeness, about his sonorous voice. Her mother asked if she was well and she nodded, smiling. Breakfast was quiet and soon it was time for lunch. Her mother asked her to go to the market and get some tomatoes. She accepted without complaint. She was still thinking of him when she hailed a bike. The bike stopped in front of her. Market. How much? she said, not looking at the bike man. For you, no charge. She looked up into his face; those handsome features, those piercing eyes, those teeth that now gleamed in a smile instead of a frown. Surely it couldnt be... But it was. Hello, Sherifat. he said. I forgot my keys at my store and decided to use my bike to go get it. Providence had said we should meet three times today. Enter my bike and i will carry you wherever you want to go, even if to the ends of the earth itself. She climbed the bike, it was the only thing to do. Her heart beat fast in her chest as she held on to him, timidly at first. She couldnt believe it when he turned to face her, still smiling. I dont know you, I havent even spoken to you, but i must tell you the truth, you have won my heart. I hope someday to win yours. He said, his beautiful eyes boring into her soul. You have won it already she thought although she didnt say it out loud. She simply smiled and held on to him and it was as if her heart bonded with his at that moment. He turned forward and still smiling, drove off towards the market.
Posted on: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 08:33:50 +0000
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