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.
"Wa'alaykum Salam, how are you?" he replied.
"I'm fine, alhamdulillah, just tired. How are you?"
"Why are you tired?"
"I'm going to Turkey in a few days, and I've been trying to pack."
"What? Are you trying to be a runaway bride? You didn't tell me you'd be going to Turkey? For wedding shopping, I assume," he rambled, and I chuckled lightly.
"Yes, wedding shopping, Muhammad. I'll be back a week before the wedding, in shaa Allah."
"Okay, I'll send my PA with something for you tomorrow."
"Something like what?"
"A travel essential I needed when I was going to Turkey the last time."
"Oh, okay. Thank you, then."
We discussed for a few more minutes before he ended the call, mentioning that he was going to get back to work. I couldn't help but wonder in this moment if he also called Nadia this regularly....
Sigh that's not what I should be worried about.
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Emerging from a crucial meeting with a client, I swiftly made my way to one of our construction sites. The site manager, a reliable individual named David, greeted me with updates on the project's advancements.
"Madam, good to see you. The electrical work is coming along smoothly, and we've got the wiring almost completed," David informed me as I arrived at the construction site.
"That's excellent news, make sure the team pays extra attention to detail. We don't want any issues down the line," I emphasized.
David nodded, "Absolutely, ma. We're double-checking everything. The safety measures are in place too."
"Good, good. How about the overall progress? Any hiccups or delays?" I inquired.
"No major setbacks so far. We're maintaining the schedule. The foundation and framework are solid. We're on track," David assured me.
"Fantastic. Well done, David. I'm proud of what we're achieving here," I commended, glancing around the site.
Exhausted from a long day at work, I returned home to a much-needed moment of rest. As I settled in, a call interrupted the tranquility. It was a lady named Freda, Muhammad's PA, inquiring if I was at home. Intrigued, I confirmed my presence, and she mentioned she had something to deliver. Puzzled but curious, I awaited her arrival, wondering what surprise Muhammad had arranged.
"Hello, I'm outside," Freda informed me over the phone, marking her arrival after 15 minutes. Adjusting my hijab, I stepped out to meet her. "Madam Freda?" I inquired, spotting a lady beside a white Land Cruiser.
"Yes ma, please just call me Freda," she replied shyly.
"Then, please call me A'isha," I insisted.
"Ma, please, I can't," she protested, and I chuckled at her reluctance.
Accepting a sizable Celine shopping bag from her, I expressed my gratitude. I wondered if the travel essential Muhammad mentioned was, in fact, a designer bag. His sense of humor never failed to amuse me, and a hint of curiosity lingered in my thoughts.
Returning inside, I was eager to unveil the contents of the bag. Faiza noticed my excitement and followed me swiftly into my room, closing the door behind us. I delicately untied the big ribbon and pulled out a box from the bag. At the top, beneath the note, was an A4 paper titled "Cute and Affordable Boutiques to Shop for Everything in Turkey." I laughed in shock, sharing the discovery with Fefe.
"No way!" she exclaimed, echoing my surprise.
"I'm sure he made poor Freda do this all day," I remarked.
"She gets paid enough, I'm sure," Fefe replied, and we both chuckled.
Unboxing the bag revealed a medium-sized Celine Triumph Canvas tote, adorned with luxurious calf trimmings and a textile lining, featuring an elegant gold finish. The quality was impeccable. Inside the bag, a thick envelope caught our attention. Opening it, I was taken aback to find several $100 bills. Fefe snatched the envelope, starting to count the money.
"You're a gold digger, this girl," I teased.
"You say that like it's a bad thing," she retorted, and we shared a laugh as I playfully hit her shoulder.
"Omo Ya A'isha, this is 10 thousand dollars," Fefe exclaimed, her eyes wide.
"No way," I replied, taking back the envelope to count myself. I was genuinely shocked.
"We can't accept; I have to return this," I insisted.
"This is your husband; which return? Abeg," Fefe said, looking at me as if I were being absurd. "Wait, let me go and tell Mamma and see," she added, scurrying off, leaving me to savor my lingering shock.
As I sat there, counting the crisp bills in disbelief, shock and gratitude washed over me in equal measure. The exquisite Celine bag, the thoughtful note, and the unexpected bundle of cash left me feeling a mix of emotions. The shock stemmed from the sheer generosity and unexpectedness of the gift.
My fingers traced the luxurious texture of the bag, and I couldn't help but marvel at the attention to detail. It wasn't just a designer tote; it was a testament to the careful consideration Muhammad had put into selecting a gift that combined elegance and practicality.
Mamma entered the room with a mischievous glint in her eyes, her gaze immediately drawn to the luxurious Celine bag sitting on the bed. A playful smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she glanced at me.
"Look at you, receiving gifts from your boyfriend," she teased, her tone laden with humor.
"He's not my boyfriend, Mamma!" I protested, a hint of exasperation in my voice. It seemed like a perpetual dance of denying any romantic involvement, a routine response to Mamma's persistent teasing.
"Mamma, look at all he did," Fefe exclaimed, handing her the list and the envelope.
"What's the money for?" Mamma inquired.
"Wedding shopping," Fefe promptly answered before I could, earning a light kick from me. This girl was an Oversabi!
"She said she wants to return the money, Mamma, can you imagine?" Fefe added.
"If he was your boyfriend, we'd return it, but this is your husband-to-be. I'm sure he will do even more once you're married, so accept it. Ba wani abu bane. If you don't want to use it, then give it to me. I'll ask Lulu to buy me a designer bag once you're in Turkey," Mamma said playfully, and I shot her a shocked expression as Fefe and I burst into laughter. Fefe and Mamma exchanged a high five, and I shook my head at their amusing antics.
As the laughter echoed in the room, I couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected turn of events. Muhammad's thoughtful gift and the playful banter with Mamma and Fefe had injected a lighthearted joy into the day. The shock of the surprise and the warmth of their teasing made me realize that, despite the challenges ahead, there were moments of happiness and unexpected kindness that could pierce through the uncertainties. I was really looking forward to the upcoming trip and the wedding preparations ahead.
After Fefe and Mamma headed out, I decided to call Muhammad to express my gratitude.
"It's nothing, A'isha. Tell me if you need more," he said, and I could hear the smile in his voice.
"More? For what?" I inquired.
"For more shopping. You know you girls love to spend money anyhow," he teased.
"Remember what my daddy said? I'm business-minded, and I use my money wisely. I can spend this money on all the things I planned on buying and bring back change. You'll see," I responded confidently.
"Oh, haba? Ki ce, when we're married, I can give you ten K to feed us for one week, kenan. I like that," he joked.
I playfully hissed, "We'll eat Indomie for that one week," and he burst into laughter.
"But how lucky are you to be marrying two women? I'm sure you'll just drive to Nadia's house, and she'll give you something else," I teased.
His laughter stopped abruptly, and he took a deep breath. "I'll eat Indomie for one week," he said, and I couldn't help but laugh.
"You need to embrace this situation as I have done. You need to be fair to your wives so Allah may be pleased with you," I advised.
"You're right. Thank you," he said, and after that, he bid me goodbye with no excuse this time. Every time Nadia came up, he would get a bit cold. I didn't bring her up to upset him; it was just a way for both of us to accept the situation. At least, that was my intention anyway.
As I FaceTimed my friends to share the delightful surprise from Muhammadz Their eyes widened with awe as I revealed the stylish Celine bag and the envelope filled with money. Their excitement mirrored mine, and we exchanged laughs and cheerful banter.
Ravi couldn't help but tease, "Well, at least he's a generous man,"
I chuckled, knowing that she'd get over her current distaste towards him.
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Hello dear readers,
Oya let's say it together, "GOD WHEN?"🥹🥹🥹
Muhammad is really tryna win our hearts back? Hm we no gree. DO MORE! 🤣🏃🏾♀️🏃🏾♀️🏃🏾♀️
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Let me know by COMMENTing, SHARE-ing, and VOTE-ing.
Love you all❤️
~Aïcha