It took three weeks.
Anas put aside his anger and calmly told his dad about his intention.
His dad was happy to say the least.
Right in the presence of Anas, he called a few us his brothers that were living close to Abuja; Kaduna and Kano. His father's side of the family was quite large. If given the chance, all eleven uncles would come from far and wide just to ask for Fau's hand in marriage.
They have been looking for a chance to make it up to their brother's ex-wife and two children.
Yapendo Zee and Mummy wasted no time in preparing for kayan lefe. Anas- after long hours of protesting against his father- was allowed to shoulder everything financially speaking.
It put a big dent in his savings but he couldn't care less. This was Fauziyyah he was talking about. For her, he would spend every dime of his.
Compiling of the bridal trousseau took a long time. It took them three weeks to finish up.
On a hot Sunday afternoon, the elders met at Bappa Jamilu's house, a cousin of Bappa Sadu.
Anas was in Abdul's room at Yapendo Zee's. He curled up on the bed with his phone in hand as he tried to distract himself from imagining how it was going at Bappa Jamilu's.
He wished Abdul was there. But the man has a wife now, he has to wait until he was free.
Fauziyyah came out of the bathroom after a quick shower. She delayed her bath till evening because she wasn't going anywhere and didn't stink either.
Ilham was on her bed selecting a movie for them to watch.
She wrestled into a leggings and singlet to feel comfy. She joined Ilham on the bed after creaming her body and turning off the lights.
An hour into the movie, Safiyyah barged into the room. Both Ilham and Fau squealed and made space for her on the bed.
Ilham paused the movie and gave Saf a once over. "So what are you doing here?"
"My question exactly," Fau probed.
"Ohh! I...umm..."
The commotion outside made all three of them to stay silent and listen to what was going on.
"Is your stepmom back with some trouble?" Was the only thing that Fau could come up with.
"Anty Zubaida?" Ilham raised both brows in question. She let go of the pillow she was hugging and stood up.
"You have a Stepmom?" Safiyyah asked with wide eyes. She placed too much emphasis than needed on the stepmom.
"Yeah, but we haven't heard from her in a while,"
Ilham answered dismissively and made for the door. She was in a hurry to go check out what the noise was all about.
"Your dad didn't look for her?"
Safiyyah seemed to have other plans.
"Is my dad supposed to tell me about his second wife?"
"No, but.."
"Safiyyah! Give me a minute, okay?" Ilham shut the door after her.
Safiyyah groaned silently before turning to face Fau.
Fau was still seated because she was too lazy to put on an abaya over her leggings.
And honestly, she wasn't eager to see Anty Zubaida.
"What did you mean by her stepmom?"
Fau muttered an 'ohh' when it registered.
"I lost...."
"Fauziyyah Ismail Turaki!" Ilham barged into the room.
"What's happening?"
"Have you SEEN your kayan lefe?!!"
Fauziyyah gave her a confused look. Today had nothing to do with bringing the trousseau.
"What are you saying?"
"Twelve luxurious boxes!"
As though planned, the two cousins turned to glare at Safiyyah and she burst into laughter.
She told them that she came together with her aunties.
Anas didn't tell Fauziyyah about the lefe stuff so she was taken aback.
She almost grabbed her abaya to go see for herself but they stopped her.
"You can't go out until they're gone."
Ilham and Safiyyah left her in the room so they would see the content of the boxes.
Safiyyah though was seeing it for the second time considering she helped in arranging them.
Amma too didn't know they were coming. She would've invited her sisters and a few friends.
They opened up the boxes and their audience, Amma, Umar and Ilham wowed and aww-ed. They prayed to Allah to bless it.
After serving them refreshments, they relaxed and chatted for a few minutes. Maghreb was barely ten minutes away so they stood to leave.
Safiyyah went out to the car and came back with a baby pink colored gift bag. As her aunties were noisily making their way out with Amma escorting them, Safiyyah quickly handed Ilham the bag and whispered in her ear.
"Give it to amarya. From her husband."
Fauziyyah was inside the bathroom performing ablution. When she came out, Ilham gave the bag to her. Fau looked into the bag and it was filled with chocolates. She noticed a paper sticking to a side of the bag.
"He wrote you a letter? Wow!" Ilham said excitedly.
If she should open it now, Ilham wouldn't leave the room until she read it too. So she decided against it.
"I'm going to pray first."
Ilham pushed her lips into a pout before matching out of the room.
Fau took a deep breath and began her prayer. It took a lot of effort to concentrate because she was dying to know what the letter was about. She couldn't wait to see the boxes outside too.
She was about to open the letter when Amma knocked and proceeded into the room.
They shared a long hug before Amma broke a shocking news to her.
"They tied the knot, Fauziyyah." Her heart gave a dum.
She took a long while before answering.
"I am married?"
"Yes."
She didn't say a word. She had no idea how to reply.
Amma understood that she needed time to think so she left her alone after saying a prayer for newlyweds.
"BaarakAllahu lak, wa baaraka alaik, wa jama'a bainakuma fee Khair."
(May Allah bless you, and shower his blessings upon you, and join you together in goodness.)
Fauziyyah had no idea how to feel. Her stomach twisted because of how nervous she was feeling and it was suddenly hard for her to breathe properly.
She was married.
She sat on her bed and tore the letter open.
Assalamu alaykum!
I should start by apologizing. I'm sorry that you didn't plan it this way. I hope I didn't hurt you in any way.
Wallahi, I wouldn't be at peace until I see to it that you're my wife. I'm sure you are reading this letter as that. My wife.
I'm not really good with words but I'm going to give it a shot.
Dear wife of mine. In a short span of time, you came into my life, messed with my thoughts and put in me, the need to make you mine.
I remember the first time we met, I never pictured us together. You probably didn't too.
I know that you're still learning to love me.
I'm sorry that I might've broken a wish of yours to fall in love at first sight.
And maybe I'm not that knight in shining armor that you've dreamt of meeting.
I wish I could apologize for making you mine but I'm not sorry for that.
I know that I'm no billionaire that can afford any type of luxury but I'm sure I won't disappoint.
Cheers to a new beginning together! Can't wait to have that first hug.
Signed,
Your husband.
"Cheers to a new beginning together," Fauziyyah tasted the words.
Her eyes were filled with tears so she allowed herself to cry. They were tears of joy. She was happy.
Her phone vibrated and she brought it to her line of sight. It was him. Her husband.
"Assalamualaikum." His voice came out hoarsely but it made her smile. She was lucky to have this man.
"Fauzeeyah? Sorry I didn't call earlier, I fell asleep," He said again when he heard nothing but silence.
"Anas?"
"Yes, Zeeyah?"
"Zeeyah?" Fauziyyah chuckled softly. She loved the nickname.
"Uhum."
"I can't wait for that first hug too."
Anas laughed hard at what she said.
Out of shyness, Fauziyyah cut the call.
She would call him later. Hopefully, she would be able to think straight and not embarrass herself.
~â¢â¢â¢~
We are done. Like, doneee!
I would have loved to dive deeper into their love story but I don't think I would do justice. So we're stopping here.
Should I do an epilogue? I'm not sure.
Pleaseeee leave a review. I would love to know what y'all think.