6. 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒐𝒚 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆

I rose early in the morning for Fajr prayers with the family, and after our prayers and we went our separate ways as usual, Abou and I going back to bed while our parents stayed in the living room. However, around 7 a.m., I stirred and prepared myself for my 8 a.m. class.

In the quietness of the morning, as the golden rays of the sun began to stretch across my bedroom, I experienced an epiphany. It was a moment of clarity that cut through the sea of doubts and fears that had engulfed me the night before.

I had met Hassan Musa just a week ago, a mere stranger in the grand scheme of my life. Yet, as I gazed at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, the subtle smile that graced my lips told me everything I needed to know. It was as if a good night's sleep had been a conversation with my heart, and Istikhara a prayer for divine guidance that had gently whispered in my ear. I knew, with a certainty that defied the shadow of doubt, that I wanted to marry Hassan. He had become an inseparable presence in my thoughts, and envisioning a future with him had taken root in my heart.

They say that when you know, you simply know, and in that quiet morning hour, the undeniable truth was laid bare before me: I wanted to be Hassan's wife, and it appeared he felt the same way about me.

The realization set in, and I couldn't help but leap around my bathroom, giggling silently to myself.

I couldn't wait to share this news with everyone. After getting dressed, I joined my Zoom class, but it was cut short because my lecturer had an unexpected meeting. It was as though the universe was nudging me to stop delaying the announcement of my acceptance of the marriage proposal any longer.

I descended the stairs to find my family gathered for breakfast, engaged in casual conversation. As I greeted them and began to make my plate, a thought raced through my mind. Should I share my decision now? No, I'll wait.

"Why are you down here instead of attending your Zoom class, Halimah?" my Baba asked , a hint of curiosity in his voice.

"I want to marry Hassan. I accept the marriage proposal," I blurted out.

Well, this works too.

The clatter of forks against plates stopped , and the dining room fell into silence as three pairs of eyes were locked on me. My parents' expressions were a mix of joy and surprise, while Aboubacar appeared genuinely bewildered as he asked, "What? What's happening?"

Tears welled in my Baba's eyes, and he tentatively questioned, "A-are you sure? You're not doing this because you feel pressured, right?" My sweet baba.

"No, Dad. I want to. This is my decision," I affirmed, placing my hand over his across the table, gently squeezing it.

"Anyone care to explain to me what's going on?" Abu asked again to deaf ears.

My mother's excitement was palpable as she leaped up to shower me with kisses, offering thanks to Allah with tears of joy. My brother followed suit, embracing me warmly, voicing his happiness despite grumbling about not being informed earlier.

My father, meanwhile, hurried off, likely to inform our soon to be In-laws about the news, and my mother cheerfully did the dishes, a bounce in her every step. I climbed upstairs to wake Ayesha up and share the news, almost deafened by her screams. Hassan occupied my thoughts throughout the day, leaving my heart and my stomach aflutter with butterflies.

I was finally  becoming a married woman.

-

In the whirlwind of the upcoming wedding, it was as if time had decided to play tricks on me. The following weeks were a chaotic blur of wedding preparations, and my once-quiet home, accustomed to the presence of only four people, now teemed with activity every day. News of Hassan's proposal was met with joy and anticipation. However, shortly after the announcement, Hassan had to return to London for work. His tech company was ascending the ranks in the London business world and he was opening up another branch here with his partner, a fact I had learned while innocently stalking him online after our last meeting.

Amidst this frenzy, Hassan and I maintained a connection. Although not frequent, our texts and calls went deep into compatibility, life goals, and personal values. These conversations made my heart race with excitement and curiosity about our future. He had even joined a group call with my family, apologizing for his absence and explaining his untimely absence to make sure the things were running smoothly at his company and the new one was coming along good before the wedding and honeymoon. Hassan reassured us with a promise to return in time for the wedding and honeymoon.

We also spoke about the mahr, the marriage gift. I had chosen not to demand anything from Hassan, allowing him to surprise me during the Nikkah.

As an important part of the marriage contract, the groom's gift to the bride carried deep significance, as stated in the Quran: "And give the women (on marriage) their mahr as a (nikah) free gift" (Quran 4:4).

This gesture symbolized the husband's commitment and could be cash, property, or other valuable items. I left the choice of mahr to him, opting for the excitement of a surprise, as I felt too shy to make any demands. He accepted, promising to give it to me during our Nikkah.

As the wedding day drew nearer, the house bustled with activity. Uncles and cousins transformed our home with decorative nikkah elements. This sudden surge of people in my quiet abode marked the reality that I was soon to become a married woman, a concept I could hardly believe.

Fast forward to the day before my wedding, a Thursday. Our home was buzzing with activity. Aunts had gathered, starting to adorn my hands and feet with intricate henna designs, their lively chatter filling the air. I couldn't recall a time when our home had seen so many people.

Beside me, Ayeesha asked, her hands and feet adorned with intricate henna patterns too, 'So, how are you feeling?'

A blush formed on my cheeks as I replied, "I'm a jumble of nerves and excitement", the words escaping in a hushed, gushing whisper.

It still hadn't quite sunk in that I would become a married woman tomorrow, an event that seemed to have arrived in the blink of an eye.

"You're so lucky to be marrying that dashing man, MashaaAllah," she whispered back.

Thinking of that handsome man, he had told me last night that he would be flying in today. My excitement to see him tomorrow, as his wife, was immeasurable.

My reverie was interrupted when my brother called my name, holding my phone with a mischievous smirk. I eyed him suspiciously and asked, 'What are you doing with my phone?' It should have been right beside me.

"Lover boy on the phone", he sang, albeit off-key.

I quickly grabbed it from him, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw the incoming call was really from Hassan. And with my left hand thankfully still free from henna, I answered the call.

"Assalamu Alaykum," I greeted softly.

"Wa Alaykum Salam," he replied in his deep, rich voice. Meeting him had made me realize just how much I loved British accents; it harmonized perfectly with his voice. The warmth of his voice, accompanied with his accent, never ceased to draw me in.

"Uh..." I trailed off, momentarily rendered speechless by his voice.

He chuckled softly before continuing, "How are you? Sorry I haven't been able to talk to you as much as I usually do. Work's been hectic, but that's no excuse for my behavior. I apologize. Can you forgive me?"

His words left me flustered, but I managed to reply, "It's okay, I understand" Even over the phone, he makes me blush like crazy.

With a playful tone in his voice, he teased, "So, how do you feel about tomorrow? You're not having second thoughts, are you?"

A soft chuckle escaped my lips as I replied, "Not yet... What about you?"

He didn't hold back, emphasizing, "I would be a fool to pass up the opportunity to marry such a gorgeous girl."

His words stirred my heart, causing a flutter of emotions. Nervously, I whispered, "You haven't even seen me yet"

I keep replaying this moment over and over in my head—the unveiling of my Niqab. I'm really nervous. What if he doesn't like what he sees?

"I was surprised when you said you wanted to wait until our Nikkah to see me.", I added on.

Reassuringly, he said, "You're already gorgeous in my eyes. Tomorrow will only cement that fact. I can't wait to see you when you're officially mine, Inshaa Allah."

My heartbeat increased as I fell into a brief silence, then playfully added with a laugh , "No pressure, huh?"

He responded with a smile in his voice, "No pressure. I'll see you tomorrow, Halimah. Fi aminallah."

"Fi aminallah," I replied before ending the call. I looked up and saw everyone's knowing smiles. I blushed but couldn't help smiling as well. When had I become so soft? I'd never felt this way before, This unfamiliar sensation coursing through me was an uncharted emotional terrain I had never ventured into before.

The simultaneous surge of excitement and the unsettling pangs of nervousness, left me exhausted emotionally.

"We don't have all day, Halimah. Save your daydreams of your future husband for later; there are numerous preparations awaiting us. Now, bring your hand here," my aunt, who was designing my hands with henna, teased a bit too boisterously. Her playful tone resonated loudly, eliciting laughter from the other aunties and cousins gathered around. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I wished the earth would open up and spare me the embarrassment.

~

We're getting married ygs😙, Halimah is gonna be a WIFE.

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