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"The company has been in business for three months now, but people don’t know who’s behind it. It’s a car and motorcycle company that also sells a lot of spare parts. Irinsa is the first of its kind in Africa and the third in the world. And Maash will soon be in Kano for a big event. That’s why since I saw that magazine, I’ve been going in and out trying to get an invitation card to enter, and even the journalists don’t just get in — there are rules to follow. So I looked around and thought, and then I looked up at the building and said to myself that I think you can do this for me, with God’s help, in the way that you, the journalists, were the first to achieve it and ALLAH. This won’t be a small success for us, but for this entire house. And I’m also studying something else that I’m sure will turn your life into good, by ALLAH’s will.”
“What kind of thing are you saying now, and with what courage can I even say one word to him?” “Sister, if he hasn’t refused before, why would he refuse this? How did you even think I’d get this success? Even when I start work, what position will I take there? Do you think I can just do what the senior journalists have struggled to do so easily?”
“It’s not easy, Samraah. And besides, matters like this don’t just happen to anyone. I’m not saying I’m the one, but I just felt that it wouldn’t be impossible. I pray and I’m certain you can do it, in sha ALLAHU.”
He looked at me like he was about to say something, but then he held it in and said, “You see, Sir will be happy to hear that even a tiny insect is lifting itself off the ground. But won’t I be the only one going there?”
He laughed first, then in a low voice he said, “Don’t think I’m joking with you. I’ll tell you later. Look at me.”
“Even if Sir knows. The people who are going to stand in the world’s spotlight are not people who are given space because they are known. They are people who look at others like they’re just clean clothes in life. Because every day you will see the work of those who strive to cover someone’s shame in life. Honestly, I don’t even have the courage to go to where you’re talking about.”
“This is a real man’s habit, Samraah. Whoever knows his worth does it too, and that’s who he is. But don’t go and start telling people. Hasalima’s job is to gather news and rumors. Davido, Mansoor and Khulsoom are with you. Now go and arrange for us to ask them to bring me, so we can go together to where we were invited from here on Monday. You’ll count four days from today because today is Thursday. Go with this magazine to see what they wrote about him. You can also do some research about him, even if it’s through back channels and not through people. That’s what a journalist does — digs to find out what a person has done, and I hope we become the headline of next week.” He finished speaking softly.
I murmured, and he laughed. “In sha ALLAHU I’ll go and see Sir. Maybe before Monday I’ll send you everything I find out and then I’ll WhatsApp you.”
“Masha ALLAH, may ALLAH give you the strength to do it. But you have no problem at all — you showed up ten days before the day.”
“Thank you Sir.”
I stood up and took the magazine with me. When I left the office I could feel his eyes on me. In my heart I said _(Well, at least you’ll only drink water from the bottom of the pot)_……… 🍌
