Whimsical beauty ✔️

Chapter 13

Translations

Ya yi kadan ya yi mata hakan: he is too small to do that to her ( like saying he doesn't have the power to stop her)

Goggoro: a stiff material that is tied on the head in an elegant fashion widely known to originate from yorugba people.

Maree

So I rushed over from Abuja, cursing Saif all the way for forcing me to make the trip. I was here ahead of pretty obviously because she was farther than I was. I was angry at everyone. They were all hypocrites. Most people will smile to your face and snigger behind your back. I never thought Saif will do this. But here we are. Iya has such power and she was wielding it with the full force of it.

I decided to wear last Sallah clothing because I was fully aware of the price tag and no matter how much a person tries to find fault with it, they really can't because this is a wedding ceremony. People are allowed to go all out. I want to feel in my element even if the bride turns out to be more than I can bear.

So we went to the venue after the old witch had laughed at us. I wasn't surprised everyone went for Iya's sake. The entire lane where the venue is was lined with vehicles of all types. Inside the venue was just as cramped. I am still shocked when I saw some faces. Everyone was giving Iya face. Why won't they? Iya has one child and he died and left her with one child. If he is her only grandchild, it means the only time people get to pay her back for any kindness will be when something happens to him. Iya is old. She knows a lot of people. She has lived a prestigious life all her life so the way the wedding started is just as expected.

I saw the pain in Pretty's eyes which I hope does not show on my own. No matter what, I must hold unto my pride..

I was avoiding the bride area but then the desolate shock on Pretty's face made me look without even realizing that I was doing it. I too froze in shock.

The bride is...

I took several deep breaths while my whole world came crashing down.

Really, the bride is Amal?

That little girl is the woman I was fretting about?

That freaking house help!

I should've seen that picture when Saif wanted to show us.

Iya has done it again.

So heartless. The old witch has waved her evil wand yet again. I have never felt so much hatred for one person. I hate the old witch with every fiber in my being. I wish she would die. I would not have seen this day.

Everyone must be laughing behind our backs. Saif is going to marry Amal?

I shared a panicked look with Pretty. For once, we were on the same page. And our wrath is directed at that witch!

I looked again, realizing it is really Amal. Though she looks a little different. She looks a lot matured and nothing like the little girl I know. Her face has very little make up. But her greatest value has always been with her skin color. Flawless and unique. Her big eyes looked normal for once and I had to agree her long lashes looked fake for their length. Though I know for a fact they are natural. In a way, I am realizing for the first time what a beauty she could grow to be. I thought she is the ugly duckling in her family. But even the ugly duckling can be the swan if she left that hemisphere that gives her the disadvantage. Without her sisters to outshine her, she is also beautiful in her own right. I donot want to think about what she could become if she is offered the type of life Saif offers us. She could grow fuller and her inner beauty might show. I'm afraid that this advantage I have over pretty will cease to exist...