STORY TITLE : ALL FOR YOU

 EPISODE 1

It was a stormy and thundrous afternoon in the city of Kano.
The cloud was pitch black, threatening to cry. The sun found canopy under the thick cloud, warm but heavy wind blew from the south, tossing away any material that dare stand in its way.

Ranty sounds of thunder permeated the magnificiently designed room, Hassan’s heart beats weren’t helping matters, they seem to be in rythme with the thunder.
Each pump of blood pervaded fear within his being. He swallowed hard for the umpteenth time, boils of sweat tickled down his skin, defying the cold atmosphere.
Hassan paced around like someone whose wife is experiencing her maiden labour.
Its high time he let his father know about his decision to renounce islam- a religion his ancestors had practiced so faithfully.

Yes he knew it won’t be easy but the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
He stuck his legs into his slipper, took in a big gulp of air and reached for the door knob.
He turned it slowly and walked out to the hallway, heading to his father, to meet his fate.

Hassan Abdul-Azeez was first born son of the prominent Abdul-Azeez Usaini xvi the 21st century emir of kano.
The emir so much loved his son that he didn’t want anything to separate them, he had Hassan pass through western education here in Nigeria so he could teach him all there is to know about royalty, his plans was for Hassan to succeed him!
He didn’t want royalty transferred to another family.

Hassan opened the palace door with shaky hands and trembling feet. He had never felt like this before! He spent all his life in the modern palace, why was he having this strange feeling now?
His facial expression script it all, he was greatly worried.
His dad sat on the high and mighty throne with two body guards standing by his right and left respectively.
Four chiefs occupied the chairs below the throne.
The palace was well furnished, it looked nothing less of a modern palace, most of its decos were imported.
“sannun ku” he greeted breathlessly, with his head slightly bowed in respect.

“salama alaikum” the chiefs chorused, meaning “peace be unto you”
Hassan sat on one of the chairs by his right.
The Emir knew the kind of son he had in Hassan, hassan was a core introvert, he wouldn’t show in the palace by this time of the day if he had nothing important to discuss.
“is anything troubling the prince? The emir asked on noticing Hassan’s countenance.

“i request to speak with my dad….alone” came the reply from hassan.

The Emir motioned the brown horse tail he was holding.
Action speaks louder than voice, the guards and chiefs deserted the palace as commanded.
Hassan stared blankly at his dad, he was battling how best to present this to his father.

He sighed. ” father, I want to make an important request”

“go ahead son, you know I ll do anything and everything for you” replied the king who was oblivious of his son’s request.

Hassan threw his father another quick glance; beyond the royal attaire, he saw a man who had a blazing passion for Islam and wishes all his family members to follow in is footprints.
For a moment, Hassan thought of aborting his plans, he thought against it when he remembered the promise he made to Madison.
No! He can’t afford to loss her…..

“father,,, i….i uhm…..i wish to convert to christianity” he found himself stammering.

At the drop of a hat, the tender smile Emir Abdul was wearing drifted to a heart crushing frown.
Hassan could swear he saw real fire replacing his father’s pupils.
“what did you just say?
The emir got up angrily.
Hassan’s heart skipped, he also got up. “calm down dad…..i…”

“shut up” the Emir shouted, and got into a session of loud coughs.
His heart ached badly, Hassan wished he could swallow back his words, too late to cry when the trigger is pulled.
The Emir fell to the floor helplessly, he had been managing cardiovascular attacks for the past few month now.
Hassan grew red with regret.
“Aminu!”
he screamed, a guard ran in almost immediately.

“la’ila” he wailed when he saw the Emir laying on the floor, he was dumbfounded.
“what are you waiting for? Won’t you help me?!” hassan exclaimed angrily

TO BE CONTINUED