Act 1: Beginnings (Chapters 1-10)
Chapter 1: The Proposal
Zara's bustling life in Lagos is introduced, including her close friends and her resistance to traditional expectations. Zara's parents subtly hint at an upcoming match, testing her reactions. Meanwhile, Adamu is introduced as a young doctor in his home city, balancing career pressures and family obligations. Zara's and Adamu's parents arrange an initial meeting. Both characters feel pressure but prepare out of family respect.
Chapter 2: Family Expectations
Zara discusses the meeting with her family, each family member expressing different hopes for her future, showing the layers of expectation. Adamu's family pushes for a match, with his mother reminiscing about tradition, contrasting his modern views. Zara overhears her parents talking about her "future," intensifying her concerns about losing her independence.
Chapter 3: First Impressions
The families arrange a formal dinner. Zara and Adamu arrive with mixed feelings, exchanging polite small talk but struggling with nerves. Both attempt to appear open-minded, but as dinner progresses, they find comfort in some common values.Afterward, Zara and Adamu debrief with friends separately, each with mixed opinions but a hint of curiosity about the other.
Chapter 4: Second Thoughts
Zara talks with her friends over brunch, weighing the pros and cons of the match. Adamu discusses the proposal with his sister, who reminds him that finding someone with similar values is rare.Zara decides she might meet Adamu again, uncertain but intrigued by his calm nature.
Chapter 5: The Reluctant Coffee Date
Zara and Adamu agree to meet alone. The scene opens with them awkwardly finding a table and starting with superficial small talk.Their conversation deepens as they share dreams, vulnerabilities, and frustrations about family expectations. Zara and Adamu leave with a positive impression, feeling the first real connection.
Chapter 6: Unexpected Connections
Zara revisits the coffee date, reflecting on her assumptions. Meanwhile, Adamu feels surprised by Zara's independence.They exchange texts, finding ease in conversation, and start planning their next meeting.They have an impromptu meet-up, where Adamu shares his love for books, surprising Zara with his reflective side.
Chapter 7: The 'What If?' Game
Zara and Adamu meet for dinner, playing a casual game of "What If?" where each hypothetical scenario reveals deeper personality traits.The game grows serious when they discuss their views on marriage and independence, hinting at unspoken fears. They both leave feeling drawn to each other but unsure about the road ahead.
Chapter 8: Friends' Opinions
Zara's friends meet Adamu at a small gathering and grill him humorously, leaving Zara amused and slightly embarrassed. Adamu's colleagues tease him about his "arranged" girlfriend, sparking a conversation about love and tradition in the workplace. Zara and Adamu share a late-night call, laughing over the day's events and realizing they're growing closer.
Chapter 9: Cultural Reflections
Zara and Adamu talk about the ways they've experienced Nigerian culture, sharing stories that reveal their family's unique traditions.They attend a cultural festival together, and the day turns unexpectedly romantic, as they experience cultural nostalgia together. Zara begins to consider that a relationship with Adamu could honor both her independence and her roots.
Chapter 10: Crossroads
Both contemplate their next steps, with Zara wondering if this relationship could work despite her fears.Adamu's family expresses impatience, urging him to make a decision, which puts pressure on him. Zara and Adamu agree to see each other again, deciding to explore this relationship with genuine intention.
Act 2: Growing Pains (Chapters 11-20)
Chapter 11: The Family Gathering
A large family event brings Zara and Adamu together under the watchful eyes of their relatives.They play along with family traditions but start feeling the weight of expectations.They steal a moment alone to vent, bonding over their shared frustration, which brings them closer.
Chapter 12: Secrets and Confessions
Adamu opens up about a painful past relationship, and Zara listens empathetically, feeling a new sense of trust. Zara shares her fears of commitment, leaving Adamu to question his readiness for a serious relationship. They decide to give each other space, agreeing that honesty will strengthen their connection.
Chapter 13: Insecurities Surface
Zara worries that Adamu may want a more traditional wife, and it starts to affect their time together. Adamu senses her distance, and they argue, revealing their insecurities but ending with a promise to communicate better.
…and so on. Each chapter would include:
Multiple scenes, showcasing both characters' internal struggles and external interactions.Regular interactions with friends and family that add pressure, support, and complexity.Vignettes or flashbacks that delve into their pasts, offering context for current conflicts. !!!Coming Soon !!!