Fauziyyah
Soft music was playing at the wedding venue. It was a big hall with matching decorations. The tables and chairs were covered and arranged nicely. Each table had seven chairs.
Ilham held my hand and I turn to look at her with a small smile.
I called up Safiyyah and she met us few minutes later. She guided us to a table where we would have a good view of everything taking place.
After recitation of the Quran and a brief du'a,
The bride and her bridesmaids came in first. Her face was covered with her alkyabba since it was Unveiling of the bride.
There was a lot of back and forth before a heavy price was paid to reveal the face of the bride. Aunties from the groom's side showered her with gifts and money too.
When it was done, the bride stood up to greet some of the elders.
She was escorted out of the hall, her bridesmaids in tow.
Shortly, the arrival of the groom was announced.
The song was changed and they walked in. Funny enough, the groomsmen also covered the groom's face with their babban rigas. They did it well so we couldn't get a peek of him.
I couldn't help but smile when I saw Anas at the forefront. The wide smile on his face confirmed how much he was enjoying it.
Same process was followed. The bride's side of the family showered the groom with money and gifts before his face was uncovered.
Like his bride, he greeted his elders one after the other.
It was past 6pm so we decided to leave.
My eyes clashed with Anas while standing up and he signalled for me to wait. I would do that outside. We can't talk here.
"Assalamu alaykum!" He was in a good mood. I smiled and replied his greeting.
We were a bit far from the hall and Ilham was waiting for me at the entrance.
"You guys decided to cover the Ango."
"Yeahhh. I loved it." He exclaimed.
"Me too."
He moved a step closer and asked,
"Do you have anything to say to me?"
"Other than you look handsome, nothing."
The glow in his eyes vanished for a second before it appeared again.
"That's a first. You've never commented on my physical appearance." He joked and we walked silently so I can meet Ilham and we can go home.
"Have you called a driver?" I asked her after Anas was gone.
"Yes, he would be here in a minute."
"Okay. I hope you had a good time?" I linked our arms and we started walking.
"Absolutely. I love how it started immediately. No African time."
"Me too."
~|~
"Fauziyyah."
"Na'am Bappa."
"I know it's early morning but this information can't wait any moment longer."
I glanced at him then focused my gaze on the foot of the couch he was sitting on.
"A young man came the day before yesterday and asked for my permission to court you."
My heartbeat quickened and I found it hard to breathe properly.
"He said he doesn't mind getting married without courting. Amma he was worried you wouldn't be comfortable with that."
My stomach turned and twisted in pain because of how nervous I was. I think I would need to use the toilet.
"His name is Anas Ibrahim Gidado, the CEO of Smart Minds."
"Bappa? Anas fa kace?"
"That's right."
"Are you sure there wasn't any mistake? How could he be interested in me?"
Bappa Sadu laughed loudly at my questions.
"Yes, it's him. And yes, he wants to marry you."
"I'm speechless right now."
My palms were producing too much sweat so I wiped them on my gown.
"I started my investigations on him since the day he came. I should be done in a week so I'll give you that much time to think about it. Remember, no one is forcing it on you."
I took fast strides to my room and locked the door.
I had no idea how to feel.
I washed up and went to Sarah's house without caring for breakfast.
Both Amma and Ilham went back to sleep after fajr.
"Assalamualaikum!" I beamed when she unlocked the door.
"Waalaykumus salam. Is everything okay? Is your JAMB result out?"
Ohh that. It should be out any moment.
"Nope. Something more serious. Is he in?" I asked referring to her husband, Haseeb.
"He went to the gym. Come in." I noticed the huge smile on her face. That was odd, I have to ask.
We went into her room and she locked the door.
My eyes checked the alarm clock by her beside drawer, it was 8:30AM.
"First things first, why are you glowing and looking happier, healthier?"
"I am? Is it showing?" I raised a brow in question.
Let's forget about how I'm so bad at doing that.
"Is what showing?". I inhaled sharply then put my hands on her stomach.
"Are you pregnant, Sarah?"
She covered her face with both hands, shying away.
"Oh my Allah!" I quickly hugged her tight.
"So...you and Haseeb, huh?"
"Yeah, we're good now!" The contentment was dripping from her face. I untangled our fingers and hugged her again.
I closed my eyes to push back the tears before sitting us down on the bed.
"How did you fall out initially?"
"Ai it was an arranged marriage. That was why he was treating me like shit. But we're good now, I promise. Just taking it slow."
"I'm so happy for you. Can't wait to see what the baby would look like."
"Same, Fauziyyah."
"So, what's the matter?" She asked after a moment of silence.
"Anas sought for my hand on Friday." I murmured.
"Your hand? In marriage?" She hollered, standing to her feet.
I nodded and lied down on my back.
"I'm so confused, S. What should I do?"
"Sit up, gurl!" She slapped me on my thigh then dragged me up to a sitting position.
"How do you feel around him?" She asked pinning me with her gaze.
"Nice. I love his presence honestly."
This is Sarah, there's no use being shy.
"Shameless girl!" She slapped me on my thigh again but this time, I retaliated.
"Stop hitting me. Kuma love isn't about loving someone's presence. Stop being dumb." I scoffed.
"I might just hit you again. What do you think of him as a person?"
"He's okay."
"Just okay? Tell me more."
"He's nice, funny, serious at work; I admire that. He loves his sister a lot, he doesn't mind showing it. He's handsome too, added bonus." I joked wiggling my brows.
"You're not serious. And in religious matters? How is he?"
"I'm not really sure about that. All I know is that he doesn't try to touch me or admire me openly?" I haven't really thought of that.
"Hmm okay. Your uncle should ask around about that."
"So why are you smiling like that?" I eyed her.
"Nothing. I think you two are a good match." She sighed dreamily.
"But I just said I don't love him."
"Shut up my friend! Who told you marriage is built on love? There are many other factors."
"Ni haryanxu hankali na bai kwanta ba (my mind is still not at rest)." I mumbled.
"Did you think you could come to a decision today? You have to talk about it with Amma, Ilham. Seek their advice. Then perform istikhara till Allah decides for you."
"Okay..." I answered, unsure.
"As for me, if your uncle says he's clean, I suggest you go ahead."
I stared at her absentmindedly.
"If you're worried about school, you can discuss that with him. Maybe he would wait or you two can come up with something."
"Let's take it one step at a time, madam. I'll talk to Amma then pray about it. Everything else can follow."
"Great." She gave me a bear hug and I enjoyed the warmth until a knock sounded on the door.
Her husband must be back. I should get going.
"I should go. I'm not ready to see some lovebirds this early morning."
"Yes ma'am!" She chuckled and unlocked the door.
~â¢â¢â¢~
We're almost done. Maybe a chapter or two to go?