Stunned by Hafsah's piano skill level, Hamza couldn't believe his eyes. She had surpassed basic levels from one to ten and now stood at an impressive level eight in the intermediary stage. His mind raced with curiosity, but he refrained from probing further. He noticed Hafsah's discomfort earlier when he inquired about her piano-playing history, and he didn't want to evoke any unpleasant memories. Deciding to leave the matter be, he chose not to ask any more questions, respecting her potential unease.
The couple left Hamza's room and entered their own. Hafsah, who had been smiling moments ago, now wore a pained expression. She silently sat on the bed. Seeing this, Adekunle approached her. "It's alright, dear. It's all in the past. Don't dwell on it," he comforted.
Holding onto Adekunle, Hafsah felt a deep ache in her heart. "I know, but I can't help but remember. Could his question be a sign that I should go back?" She was referring to Hamza asking about her piano-playing abilities, which stirred painful memories.
"Don't think too much about it. It's just a coincidence," Adekunle reassured her. He vividly remembered the day he met Hafsah. She was on the verge of ending her life, attempting to jump from a bridge. He intervened just in time, pulling her back from the edge.
He remembered how she explained her troubled past. Her mother's early death, her father's remarriage to a cruel stepmother, and the continuous mistreatment she faced. She was even framed for harming her step-sibling, a plot orchestrated by her stepmother. Her father's harsh words, disownment, and refusal to recognize her had deeply wounded her.
Hafsah's piano skills, something her father taught her, held a special place in her heart, but they were tied to these painful memories.
Adekunle took her under his care, and they fell in love. They decided to seek her father's blessing for their marriage. However, upon meeting him, her father showed no care, openly disowning her. This rejection crushed Hafsah once again, reinforcing her sadness and the reason for her reaction when asked about playing the piano.
Her father's absence and rejection had left her feeling alone and lost, which echoed in her sadness whenever she reminisced about playing the piano, a skill that held bittersweet memories of her childhood.
But Adekunle was her rock, her support through the darkest moments. He never judged her, and his presence was a beacon of hope. He held her close and whispered comforting words, assuring her of his unwavering love and support. "I'm here for you, Hafsah. You're not alone. We have each other," he murmured softly.
Adekunle knew how fragile Hafsah's heart was. He also knew the depth of her pain, her hesitance to revisit a past fraught with hurt and abandonment. He respected her silence, her unspoken wounds. Instead, he enveloped her in his warmth, offering solace and reassurance.
As the night deepened, Hafsah's troubled mind slowly eased. Adekunle's loving presence helped soothe her restless thoughts. She nestled closer to him, finding comfort in his embrace, feeling protected and loved.
And as the night waned, Adekunle held onto Hafsah, whispering promises of a brighter tomorrow, a future filled with love, understanding, and a sanctuary away from the haunting shadows of her past.
Adekunle held onto Hafsah and reassured her, 'Everything happens for a reason. I've told you this every time. It will take time, but you will heal.' Hafsah found solace in his embrace, feeling safe and secure, and eventually drifted into a peaceful sleep.
- NEXT MORNING -
Hamza engaged in a conversation with David. "So, bro, how is the editing of the song coming along?" He was eager to learn about the progress of the song's editing.
"Hey, relax, man. Producing and editing a song takes time, especially when aiming for the best. This song could skyrocket your fame if it's done right," David replied, trying to calm Hamza's impatience.
"True, the best things often take time," Hamza conceded. He then changed the subject, "I haven't seen Abayomi around today."
"Ah, that's because he's representing the school in a football match today. That's why he's not here," David explained. He continued, "So, how's the piano going? Any progress?"
"Yeah, there's significant progress, and I'm learning fast," Hamza replied confidently. But suddenly, he remembered that he wanted to check David's skill level. He discreetly observed David.
[David Ben]
Instrument
[Piano Level: Intermediate 2]
[Drum Level: Beginner 10]
Hamza couldn't help but contemplate what he was seeing. He discreetly glanced at David, trying to understand how he achieved such proficiency. This didn't escape David's notice, and he asked, "Is there something on my face?" as he rubbed his face, checking for any blemishes.
"No, nothing at all," Hamza quickly reassured, trying to conceal his surprise. He was astonished by how long David might have spent to reach such a skill level.
"Are you sure, bro? Your expression says otherwise," David inquired, looking concerned.
Hamza brushed it off with a forced smile. "Nah, everything's fine, man. I just remembered something, no need to worry about it."
"Okay, if you say so. Anyways, how is your piano coming along? Are you learning anything new?" David inquired, shifting the conversation to a different topic.
Their teacher walked into the class as usual and, after finishing the lesson, made an announcement, "Students, your W.A.E.C examination will begin soon. I expect you all to start preparing as you'll be leaving the school in about two months. Prepare ahead so that you won't fail as you know your results in a way determines if you will be able to get to a good univeristy and let me strecht it out if you fail a whole year is wasted so prepare hard for this exam like your future and life depens on it that would be all for now."
Different reactions surfaced among the students—some grumbled while others were unfazed by the upcoming test. Hamza belonged to the latter group. He always made sure to cover his schoolwork before delving into his music. That was the promise he made to Adekunle and Hafsah. After class, Hamza bid goodbye to Sofia, who stopped him before he left.
"Hey, Hamza, don't go yet. I have something to tell you," Sofia said with a smile.
Curiosity gleamed in Hamza's eyes. "What is it you want to tell me?" he asked, trying to mask the hint of affection he felt.
Sofia smirked before flashing a wide smile. "I was wondering if you have spare time to teach me a few subjects."
Hamza chuckled, feeling relieved. "I thought it was something really hard. Of course, I don't mind teaching you."
"Thank you, Hamza," Sofia replied sweetly, planting a peck on his cheek before hurrying away, looking a bit shy.
Hamza was taken aback. He had never experienced something like that before. He touched his cheek, smiling lovingly, until he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Hmm, Hamza, my bro, you're already getting kisses, huh?" David teased.
Startled, Hamza removed David's hand, blushing slightly. "What do you mean, David? I don't understand."
David smiled at his innocent friend and dropped the subject to save Hamza from further embarrassment. "Anyways, which university are you planning to attend?"
"I'm not sure, but I know it won't be in the country. What about you?" Hamza replied, turning the conversation back.
"I'm in the same boat as you. Due to the ongoing strike, I'm not staying in the country either, but I haven't decided on a specific country yet," David answered with a hint of excitement. He looked at Hamza, noticing a similar glint in his eyes. They shared their dreams until they parted ways to head home.
In the midst of the whirlwind week, Mathew found himself riding the waves of a significant turn of events. A wide grin stretched across his face as he punched in a familiar number, his heart pounding with anticipation for the call to be answered.
"Boss, it's done. They've finally sent the contract," Mathew announced, his voice tinged with a hint of exhilaration.
"Good. Secure it immediately and send me a copy. Ensure every detail is perfect. We can't afford any mistakes," the voice on the other end commanded, injecting a subtle but unmistakable note of threat.
Mathew sensed the gravity of the situation. "Absolutely, sir. I'll tie up all loose ends. There won't be a trace left. You have my word," he responded, aiming to convey his reliability and dedication.
"Make sure of it. I'm counting on you," the voice affirmed, leaving no room for misinterpretation. The man was known for his ability to navigate any complication, yet he preferred deals that ran smoothly, under the radar.
As the call concluded, Mathew felt a cocktail of emotions—a mix of apprehension and relief. He hurried to dispatch a pristine copy of the contract to the man, ensuring it was signed and sealed, before promptly forwarding it to Todd, Bruno Mars' agent. Each step had to be meticulous; there was no margin for error in this high-stakes arrangement.