Epilogue
Too Little Too Late Complete Hausa Novel · about 8 min read
Tuesday, December 21, 2021.
Aomi, Atlantica.
“…On tech and business, it has been confirmed that The Hexad would be pulling out of
Atlantica by December 31st. Speaking in a press briefing in the early hours of this
morning, Acting President of the company, Isabella Valentino, stated that the company’s
move out of the country was for greater good. The Hexad has been in crises since late
November following the series of lawsuits filed against the company and the remaining
members of the squad by former president and squad member, Ibrahim Fahad.”
Ayra parked properly and then killed the car’s engine, automatically turning
off the radio. She leaned back in the seat and shut her eyes, breathing in and
out and repeating her new mantra in her head as recommended by her
therapist; that she was beautiful, brave, strong, capable of overcoming every
obstacle life threw their way, and worthy enough of everything good.
She was able to repeat the mantra twice before her watch beeped, informing
her that it was time to go. She opened her eyes, pulled down the driver
seat’s mirror and ensured she looked presentable enough before she put it
back up. As she reached for her bag and file which sat on the passenger
seat, her phone vibrated and she spared a minute to read the new text from
Ibtihaj.
Ibty: You can do it! If they don’t pick you, then something is wrong
with their heads. You are more than fit for the job and if they
disagree, I will bathe them with acid! But on a more serious note,
love, you can do it. I believe in you and so do my sisters, Mummy, and
Daddy. When you come back, let’s go shopping. And just so you know,
Adil is arriving next tomorrow. I’m happy! Oya bye, bye. Do well o!
Smiling, Ayra put the phone to sleep, grabbed her stuff and headed out of
the car. Atlantica as a whole was cold and although she wore a coat over her
teal green two piece jilbab she’d purchased a near month earlier from the
same brand she was about to be interviewed by, she still shivered a little at
the slight chill.
She locked the doors and made her way into the Japanese restaurant.
According to the email she’d received, Ayneese’s new headquarters still had
some finishes that needed to be done so every interview was held outside it;
something she didn’t mind one bit.
The restaurant’s interior was warm and Ayra sighed in relief which amused
the female receptionist who asked “It’s very cold outside, right?”
Ayra nodded, blushing due to mild embarrassment. “It is.”
LATIFAH EFUA A.
532
“We’ll be alright…Do you have a reservation?”
Ayra nodded. “Yes. I’m supposed to meet with someone from Ayneese.”
The female made a few clicks on her system. “Ayra Abdulaziz?”
“Yes.”
“Your companion is waiting for you at Table 12. Immediately you walk in,
take the right. It’s the last table for two by the windows.”
Committing the directions to memory, Ayra nodded and smiled
appreciatively. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Do have a nice time.”
“I will.”
Stepping beyond the reception area, Ayra entered the wide eating space. As
directed, she turned right and headed down the path, straight to the last
table by the wide windows that gave a lovely view of a part of the Eastside
district. A male sat with his back turned towards the door so she walked
past his seat, to the other side of the table.
“Assalam Alaykum…”
He raised his head and the rest of the greeting died on Ayra’s tongue. Her
heart did a little flip while her stomach dipped. Surprise and disbelief held
her captive and all she could do was gape at the man seated at the table.
Warm ivory skin; full hair; full brows; lashes that framed hazel-green eyes; a
straight nose; a full beard; a warm smile; and a name she’d always
remember. Just like the first time they met, he was in thobe but this time it
was black in colour with embroidery done in grey thread. Although she
couldn’t see, underneath the table, he was in crocs and they had jibbitzs;
sunflowers instead of Leilanis.
Ayra finally found her voice. “A-Ayman?”
Ayman Hakeem Bello smiled wider, his hands together on his laps.
“Waalaykum Salam Warahmatullah Wabarakatuh. Hello, Ayra. It’s really
lovely to meet you again.”
THE END
TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE
533
From Latifah, With Love
“I want to write a book that doesn’t have a happy ending because some men honestly
don’t deserve the women they’re paired with.”
Those weren’t my exact words back then but that was the summary of the
conversation I had with Nana Hauwa back in June or July, when I was
finishing up Mrs Ahmed Shehu and bringing a close to the Dantata series.
As at that time, I had read books such as Catharina Maura’s The Wrong Bride
and boy, I was pissed that Raven ended up with Ares because there were so
many times I told myself “She deserves better”. Scenes from Lucy Score’s
Things We Never Got Over made me think that way too and also some other
books I can’t name off my head right now. The bottom line is that I wanted
a story of a tainted man and a woman that knew she deserved better and I
made sure to write it.
This book? It killed me. The Ibrahim I had in my head is way different
from the one I ended up creating but I don’t regret it because if this
Ibrahim killed me, then I’m not sure I want to know how the original
Ibrahim would have made me feel, especially with the scene I imagined
when he lashed out at Ayra and called her a leech who did nothing more
than enjoy his money while he worked hard for every single penny. I know,
I know…That Ibrahim would have been heartwrenching and cruel and as
wicked as I might seem, I wouldn’t have been able to take it.
To women like Ayra, and women like me who have loved sincerely for
years but things didn’t work out because reality was way different from our
fantasies, I hope you know that you deserve the entire world and everything
it has to offer. The sky’s only your beginning and you’re going to shine
brightly, no matter what and no matter how long it takes.
To every single person, I hope you know that it’s okay to forgive but it’s
also okay to walk away, especially when you know that things would never
be the same in the long run. It takes a lot of work to maintain a relationship
whose sanctuary has been tainted and ruined but if you’re strong enough
for it, then I’m cheering you on. And if you know that you can’t do it, then
know that (no matter what anyone says), you’re not a wicked person for
walking away. You matter and you should ensure you take care of yourself
before anyone else.
You’re loved and In Shaa Allah, you’re always going to be.
This is me wishing that this book means the world to you the way it meant
the world to me. Thank you for your time and emotions and soon – by
God’s grace – I’ll see you with book two where we’ll have new characters
and beautiful love stories. There’s nothing better than presenting endless
LATIFAH EFUA A.
534
fluff (and a little angst!) to cure broken hearts. I’m excited to get started on
that.
Until then, In Shaa Allah.
Love and Duas,
Latifah Efua Anavberokhai.
TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE
535
Thank You
Lea, you’ve been a dream. Thank you for the constant ideas, for the
constant battle against imposter syndrome and for being the best you can
always be. Thank you for the visualisations too!
Munah, Jidderh, Nana Hauwa, and Sumayah, you four really make the best
team. Thank you for listening to all my ideas and for never making me feel
bad about myself even when I spammed you with pictures, audios, and the
randomest messages. Thank you for keeping up with me and for giving me
ideas to help with the plot of the book. This book exists because of you all
and I look forward to meeting you on the journey to book 2 In Shaa Allah.
Thank you for being the best Alpha readers too!
Fatima Bala, thank you for your words of encouragement. They mean more
to me than you’ll ever know.
Kimmie and Iris, for being sweethearts and providing every Yoruba
translation I needed (and highlighting the ones that best fit the scenes with
the attitudes)! You too, Elizabeth. For Italian, Google Translate to the
rescue and I hope I got them right.
Canva and Big H Studios? You both are life savers and I really don’t know
where I’d be without you two because the cover ideas I have in my head are
always hard to come to life and then you both appear like my fairy-god-
mothers. Thank you!
To you, dearest gentle reader, thank you too. Thank you for giving me to
chance to tell you stories (and break your hearts too). Thank you for
reading Ibrahim and Ayra’s story and I hope I see you in the next book In
Shaa Allah.
Until then…
Love and Duas,
Latifah Efua A.
LATIFAH EFUA A.
536
About the Author
Latifah Efua Anavberokhai was born and raised in Ekpoma, Edo State. She
has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and is currently working
on her master’s. When she isn’t writing or reading, she can be found
working (as there are bills to pay), watching dramas, exploring the world of
food and drinks, taking walks, daydreaming about the day she gets married,
and sleeping.
Too Little, Too Late is her sixth major novel. Her other works include:
Letters for Abdul
Suicidal Thoughts
Lovestruck in the Capital City: When Manan Met Mahnoor
Architect and Mrs Dantata
Being Mrs Dantata
Mrs Mahmud, Mrs Mas’ood
Mrs Ahmed Shehu
She can be found on Instagram (latifah_efua), Twitter (efua__), Facebook
(Latifah Anavberokhai) and TikTok (latifah_efua). She can also be reached
via email: [email protected] and via her blog: latifahefua.home.blog
Aomi, Atlantica.
“…On tech and business, it has been confirmed that The Hexad would be pulling out of
Atlantica by December 31st. Speaking in a press briefing in the early hours of this
morning, Acting President of the company, Isabella Valentino, stated that the company’s
move out of the country was for greater good. The Hexad has been in crises since late
November following the series of lawsuits filed against the company and the remaining
members of the squad by former president and squad member, Ibrahim Fahad.”
Ayra parked properly and then killed the car’s engine, automatically turning
off the radio. She leaned back in the seat and shut her eyes, breathing in and
out and repeating her new mantra in her head as recommended by her
therapist; that she was beautiful, brave, strong, capable of overcoming every
obstacle life threw their way, and worthy enough of everything good.
She was able to repeat the mantra twice before her watch beeped, informing
her that it was time to go. She opened her eyes, pulled down the driver
seat’s mirror and ensured she looked presentable enough before she put it
back up. As she reached for her bag and file which sat on the passenger
seat, her phone vibrated and she spared a minute to read the new text from
Ibtihaj.
Ibty: You can do it! If they don’t pick you, then something is wrong
with their heads. You are more than fit for the job and if they
disagree, I will bathe them with acid! But on a more serious note,
love, you can do it. I believe in you and so do my sisters, Mummy, and
Daddy. When you come back, let’s go shopping. And just so you know,
Adil is arriving next tomorrow. I’m happy! Oya bye, bye. Do well o!
Smiling, Ayra put the phone to sleep, grabbed her stuff and headed out of
the car. Atlantica as a whole was cold and although she wore a coat over her
teal green two piece jilbab she’d purchased a near month earlier from the
same brand she was about to be interviewed by, she still shivered a little at
the slight chill.
She locked the doors and made her way into the Japanese restaurant.
According to the email she’d received, Ayneese’s new headquarters still had
some finishes that needed to be done so every interview was held outside it;
something she didn’t mind one bit.
The restaurant’s interior was warm and Ayra sighed in relief which amused
the female receptionist who asked “It’s very cold outside, right?”
Ayra nodded, blushing due to mild embarrassment. “It is.”
LATIFAH EFUA A.
532
“We’ll be alright…Do you have a reservation?”
Ayra nodded. “Yes. I’m supposed to meet with someone from Ayneese.”
The female made a few clicks on her system. “Ayra Abdulaziz?”
“Yes.”
“Your companion is waiting for you at Table 12. Immediately you walk in,
take the right. It’s the last table for two by the windows.”
Committing the directions to memory, Ayra nodded and smiled
appreciatively. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Do have a nice time.”
“I will.”
Stepping beyond the reception area, Ayra entered the wide eating space. As
directed, she turned right and headed down the path, straight to the last
table by the wide windows that gave a lovely view of a part of the Eastside
district. A male sat with his back turned towards the door so she walked
past his seat, to the other side of the table.
“Assalam Alaykum…”
He raised his head and the rest of the greeting died on Ayra’s tongue. Her
heart did a little flip while her stomach dipped. Surprise and disbelief held
her captive and all she could do was gape at the man seated at the table.
Warm ivory skin; full hair; full brows; lashes that framed hazel-green eyes; a
straight nose; a full beard; a warm smile; and a name she’d always
remember. Just like the first time they met, he was in thobe but this time it
was black in colour with embroidery done in grey thread. Although she
couldn’t see, underneath the table, he was in crocs and they had jibbitzs;
sunflowers instead of Leilanis.
Ayra finally found her voice. “A-Ayman?”
Ayman Hakeem Bello smiled wider, his hands together on his laps.
“Waalaykum Salam Warahmatullah Wabarakatuh. Hello, Ayra. It’s really
lovely to meet you again.”
THE END
TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE
533
From Latifah, With Love
“I want to write a book that doesn’t have a happy ending because some men honestly
don’t deserve the women they’re paired with.”
Those weren’t my exact words back then but that was the summary of the
conversation I had with Nana Hauwa back in June or July, when I was
finishing up Mrs Ahmed Shehu and bringing a close to the Dantata series.
As at that time, I had read books such as Catharina Maura’s The Wrong Bride
and boy, I was pissed that Raven ended up with Ares because there were so
many times I told myself “She deserves better”. Scenes from Lucy Score’s
Things We Never Got Over made me think that way too and also some other
books I can’t name off my head right now. The bottom line is that I wanted
a story of a tainted man and a woman that knew she deserved better and I
made sure to write it.
This book? It killed me. The Ibrahim I had in my head is way different
from the one I ended up creating but I don’t regret it because if this
Ibrahim killed me, then I’m not sure I want to know how the original
Ibrahim would have made me feel, especially with the scene I imagined
when he lashed out at Ayra and called her a leech who did nothing more
than enjoy his money while he worked hard for every single penny. I know,
I know…That Ibrahim would have been heartwrenching and cruel and as
wicked as I might seem, I wouldn’t have been able to take it.
To women like Ayra, and women like me who have loved sincerely for
years but things didn’t work out because reality was way different from our
fantasies, I hope you know that you deserve the entire world and everything
it has to offer. The sky’s only your beginning and you’re going to shine
brightly, no matter what and no matter how long it takes.
To every single person, I hope you know that it’s okay to forgive but it’s
also okay to walk away, especially when you know that things would never
be the same in the long run. It takes a lot of work to maintain a relationship
whose sanctuary has been tainted and ruined but if you’re strong enough
for it, then I’m cheering you on. And if you know that you can’t do it, then
know that (no matter what anyone says), you’re not a wicked person for
walking away. You matter and you should ensure you take care of yourself
before anyone else.
You’re loved and In Shaa Allah, you’re always going to be.
This is me wishing that this book means the world to you the way it meant
the world to me. Thank you for your time and emotions and soon – by
God’s grace – I’ll see you with book two where we’ll have new characters
and beautiful love stories. There’s nothing better than presenting endless
LATIFAH EFUA A.
534
fluff (and a little angst!) to cure broken hearts. I’m excited to get started on
that.
Until then, In Shaa Allah.
Love and Duas,
Latifah Efua Anavberokhai.
TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE
535
Thank You
Lea, you’ve been a dream. Thank you for the constant ideas, for the
constant battle against imposter syndrome and for being the best you can
always be. Thank you for the visualisations too!
Munah, Jidderh, Nana Hauwa, and Sumayah, you four really make the best
team. Thank you for listening to all my ideas and for never making me feel
bad about myself even when I spammed you with pictures, audios, and the
randomest messages. Thank you for keeping up with me and for giving me
ideas to help with the plot of the book. This book exists because of you all
and I look forward to meeting you on the journey to book 2 In Shaa Allah.
Thank you for being the best Alpha readers too!
Fatima Bala, thank you for your words of encouragement. They mean more
to me than you’ll ever know.
Kimmie and Iris, for being sweethearts and providing every Yoruba
translation I needed (and highlighting the ones that best fit the scenes with
the attitudes)! You too, Elizabeth. For Italian, Google Translate to the
rescue and I hope I got them right.
Canva and Big H Studios? You both are life savers and I really don’t know
where I’d be without you two because the cover ideas I have in my head are
always hard to come to life and then you both appear like my fairy-god-
mothers. Thank you!
To you, dearest gentle reader, thank you too. Thank you for giving me to
chance to tell you stories (and break your hearts too). Thank you for
reading Ibrahim and Ayra’s story and I hope I see you in the next book In
Shaa Allah.
Until then…
Love and Duas,
Latifah Efua A.
LATIFAH EFUA A.
536
About the Author
Latifah Efua Anavberokhai was born and raised in Ekpoma, Edo State. She
has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and is currently working
on her master’s. When she isn’t writing or reading, she can be found
working (as there are bills to pay), watching dramas, exploring the world of
food and drinks, taking walks, daydreaming about the day she gets married,
and sleeping.
Too Little, Too Late is her sixth major novel. Her other works include:
Letters for Abdul
Suicidal Thoughts
Lovestruck in the Capital City: When Manan Met Mahnoor
Architect and Mrs Dantata
Being Mrs Dantata
Mrs Mahmud, Mrs Mas’ood
Mrs Ahmed Shehu
She can be found on Instagram (latifah_efua), Twitter (efua__), Facebook
(Latifah Anavberokhai) and TikTok (latifah_efua). She can also be reached
via email: [email protected] and via her blog: latifahefua.home.blog