Chapter 29: Chapter 29

Level 3 hadn't been an easy one for Salamat. She was having challenges with some courses and she kept thinking about who to go to for help. She remembered Toyib and decided to give him a call. She called him and he was willing to help.

Toyin was one of the best students in the class and he called Salamat on two occasions for their State Union meeting but she couldn't meet up and he stopped calling her, seeing her lack of interest in the aspect, even though they relate well with each other.

The theoretical aspect of Nursing was very bulky while the practical aspect was stressful. She started the practical aspect of the course the previous year which was the normal posting to A.B.U Teaching Hospital in Shika.

Saleem was able to juggle his service back to Zaria with the help of his lecturer who took a liking to him and was ready to groom and mentor him as a prospective lecturer. His sister, Rekiya wrote jamb and scored 279 and his parents were happy with the result.

Saleem urged her to apply to Bayero University, Kano just like Hadiza so she could be close to home which she did. Hadiza was already in her final year.

Saleem called Salamat and updated her on all the happenings at home and also about his Youth Service in Zaria. Salamat was excited.

Mr. Ade and his wife who was already a bank manager tried their best to be home during weekends to spend time with their daughter even though Salamat told them it wasn't necessary.

Mr. Ade looked at his daughter one evening when she was arguing with her mother about who should cook dinner.

"My daughter is now an adult", he said to himself.

Her 22nd birthday was around the corner and her parents were looking forward to it.

"Thank you Lord for giving us this wonderful girl", he said smiling and he looked up at the sky while supplicating for God's mercy and protection on his family.

******

Saleem called Salamat and she picked at the first ring. "Salamat can you come over to Love Garden, someone is here to see you."

Salamat wondered who it was and said "Ok" before hanging up.

She jumped down from her bunk and moved close to her locker. She picked a few things from the locker including her ID card and keys to the room before going out.

When she got close to the garden, she was perplexed to see Saleem with a girl and quickly jumped to the conclusion that the girl was his girlfriend.

"Saleem is so silly, how can he call me out to meet his girlfriend. If that is the case, then that will be the end of our friendship. What insolence!!!", she lamented within herself as she approached the two figures.

She got to where they were standing and folded her arms across her bosom looking provokingly at Saleem and ignoring the girl who was backing her.

'You betrayal, you dare call me out here to introduce me to your girlfriend', she said within her, wishing she could voice out her thoughts.

"Omowunmi, please forgive me for all I have done to you in the past", the girl said kneeling and holding onto Salamat's clothes. Salamat quickly looked down at the girl and was surprised to see Bimpe.

"Bimpe?", she called out and looked at Saleem who shrugged.

"She called me out saying she needed to see you urgently" Saleem explained.

"Salamat, I need your forgiveness now more than ever. I am sorry for not being a good friend and for not been there for you when you needed me the most. I am sorry for all I have done to hurt you, please find a place in your heart to forgive me", Bimpe apologized sadly, while Salamat remained silent.

Bimpe proceeded. "I was in love with Habib but he didn't want me. Instead, he was head over heels in love with you. I tried all I could to gain his attention all to no avail. I even ended up professing my love for him and he rejected me just because of you. I felt you were a deterrent to my happiness and I envied you for having everything. I know no one is perfect but I see you as a perfect human and it intimidated me not until that incident. When I got to know about it, I became satisfied and happy and I consoled myself with the fact that after all, you are imperfect like every other human. When I came here and saw you with Saleem, the envy came back again and I couldn't help but like Saleem too. I wanted him to myself but I was heartbroken when he said those hurtful words to me. He was always singing your praises. I was bent on tarnishing your image just to gain his love but I failed", Bimpe confessed crying.

Salamat smiled and raised Bimpe, saying, "It's ok dear, that's all in the past."

Still crying, Bimpe said, "That's not all Salamat, Ibukun Praise is my cousin and I told her all about you just so she could spite you but I was surprised when she told me she knows about it too."

"What? You did what?", Salamat shouted getting pissed up. Ibukun Praise was Salamat's 100 level roommate who was like a mother figure to everyone in the room. Salamat saw Ibukun a few weeks earlier and they hugged and greeted each other, happily. She didn't mention anything like that and Salamat couldn't remember telling anyone apart from Saleem.

'How then did Ibukun get to know?', she asked herself. Salamat tried to control her anger, even though she was very mad at Bimpe.

"Please forgive me for my atrocities."

"Bimpe, I would be lying if I say I am happy with what you did. You were ready to go to any length to see me crumble, that unfair. But it's ok, we all are human and we are bound to make mistakes. When we make these mistakes, we turn to our Creator for forgiveness, so who am I not to forgive you. I believe everything happened according to our destiny so therefore you are forgiven but on the condition that you will strive to be a better person", Salamat said, while Saleem smiled at her in admiration.

Suprised, Bimpe looked up at her and embraced her happily. Feeling doubtful, she released Salamat from the hug and asked, "Are you sure you've forgiven me wholeheartedly?"

"Of course, I have and I am willing to become your friend again to prove it."

Bimpe smiled sadly and said, "Thank you very much Salamat, You are a queen just like your man has said. As for being friends, that won't be possible because I will be on my way to Abeokuta anytime from now."

"What?", Salamat and Saleem chorused.

"School is still in session", Saleem uttered.

"Why are you going to Abeokuta?", Salamat asked.

"I was withdrawn from the department because I failed my MB examinations which we took last year. I saw the result three days ago and I have been wanting to see you before leaving. I will go and start a new life in Abeokuta and that's if dad hadn't disowned me yet because I know he is disappointed in me."

"I am so sorry to hear that. Don't worry dear, God is in control and I am sure things will work out well for you by His Grace. I want you to remember that everything that happened is for a reason."

"Yes, thanks for the admonition. I need to get going", she announced and faced Saleem.

"Buddy, take good care of this babe. She deserves the very best and you two deserve each other. Please don't hurt her and you should make her your priority, not an option."

"I will see you two in the future, probably on your wedding day, that's if you invite me", she completed with a smile.

Saleem and Salamat nodded at her in response.

"Thanks once again and have a lovely life", she smiled sadly and walked away while Saleem and Salamat stood staring at her till she was out of sight.

"That was brave of you dear, I never knew you would forgive her so easily", Saleem told her.

"Neither do I", Salamat admitted and smiled at him.

"Your smile is beautiful", he said, while Salamat looked at him sharply and hit him on the arm.

"Don't be a flirt", she said and Saleem laughed.

"Did you give Bimpe your contact?", she asked.

"No, I didn't, she said she got it from a classmate of mine who is her friend..... even though I don't know who the person is", he explained and Salamat heaved a sigh of relief. "Why did you ask?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing? Are you sure it's nothing?", Saleem inquired.

"Of course it's nothing", she insisted.

"I detect a note of jealousy", Saleem smiled, sheepishly.

"Jealousy, my foot", Salamat snorted and started walking away.

Saleem followed and said, "I wish you are already in your final year so we can travel overseas together by next year. If only Nursing science is a 4 years course, A.B.U why?"

Salamat laughed and said, "It's just a year to go, besides why travel overseas when you can do your Masters' Degree here."

"Why do it here when there are vast opportunities of doing it overseas. Just tell me you don't want me to go", he said.

"You can go for all I care", replied Salamat.

"Hmm really? Are you sure?"

"Yes, very sure", she mumbled looking away, while Saleem kept quiet.

Salamat looked at him as they continued walking and saw the effect of her words on him, then she smirked to herself in satisfaction.