Journey to 'I do'

36- Boyfriend gifts

AISHA's POV

In the bustling chaos of wedding preparations, I found myself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. A little over a week ago, I had a heart-to-heart with Muhammad, expressing my decision to embrace our unique situation with an open heart. Despite my genuine intentions, being the bigger person wasn't easy.

Lulu, teased me about turning into a "lover girl," but I chose not to share the complexity of my emotions with my other friends. They wouldn't understand the intricacies of my situation, the sacrifice I was making for the sake of peace, my family and just my sanity.

News arrived that we would be having separate weddings, and a sense of relief washed over me. It meant I could tailor the celebration to reflect my own tastes and preferences. I assumed Nadia would do the same, easing the tension between us.

As the middle child, I wasn't my parents' favorite, but the extended family, grandparents, and siblings were thrilled about celebrating me. Amidst the whirlwind, Muhammad consistently checked on me, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed. I decided to savor the attention and support from those who truly cherished me.

Despite Muhammad and I's initial desire for a simple and intimate wedding, our parents, particularly the influential family weren't in agreement.  As a prominent figure in Nigeria's political and business spheres, Alhaji Salman envisioned a grand celebration befitting the stature of his family. The simplicity of a quiet nikah followed by a modest family dinner was eclipsed by an elaborate series of events. The upcoming wedding now included a henna party, a kamu, daurin aure and, inevitably, an extravagant wedding dinner or cocktail.

The families began coordinating wedding preparations, marking the beginning of a process that felt surreal. I participated in dress fittings, venue selections, and discussions about the guest list, all the while grappling with the reality that this wasn't the romantic love story I had envisioned.

Today, I embarked on a journey to Hudayya for a crucial dress fitting session. The anticipation of the upcoming henna party and cocktail was palpable, and every detail mattered. Deola Sagoe in Lagos was meticulously crafting my Kamu and Nikkah/Budan Kai outfits, and getting accurate measurements sent to her was paramount as I couldn't make it to Lagos now.

Arriving at Hudayya, I was welcomed by the vibrant colors and rich fabrics that adorned the boutique. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, a reflection of the joyous events ahead. I met with the skilled designers who would be creating the masterpiece that would adorn me on these special occasions.

As my measurements were carefully taken, I couldn't help but marvel at the craftsmanship involved in bringing these garments to life. From the intricate lacework to the flowing fabrics, I envisioned the beauty that would unfold on the day of my celebrations.

Upon arriving home, I swiftly delved into the task of packing. In the upcoming week, Lulu, Fefe, and I had an exciting journey ahead – a trip to Istanbul for some wedding shopping. The entire escapade was a generous gift from Am'ma Janna, and she would be accompanying us on this adventure. If my memory serves me right, Ya Fahd and Hauwa were set to join us as well, departing three days earlier for a detour to Greece. The itinerary spanned seven days, and assurances from friends and family echoed that they had everything under control regarding the wedding plans. It was surreal to think that I'd be jet-setting a mere week before my wedding, returning a week later. Nonetheless, I had always known I wouldn't be the bride meticulously fixated on every wedding detail.

I sat down on the floor beside my suitcase taking a break, when a call came in from Muhammad.

"Asalamu alaykum," I greeted into the phone.