Chapter 69: Chapter 69

ABUJA, NIGERIA.

And just like that, two months weave through like it was just yesterday when the weddings were arranged. The connections of the marriage made it easy to see through and web out in the best possible way. It gets much more easier when they decided to hire one wedding planner, the three brides couldn't handle too much stress that comes with wedding. Even though one of them has been through it once, she was sure it wasn't that hectic back then. This is not a child's joke, three weddings are about to take place on that same day.

One of the bride's is currently lying on the bed restless as she awaits for the sun to rise from the horizon, that is five hours away but she couldn't sleep. Her eyes were staring at the ceiling listening to her daughter's soft breathing beside her, wishing she could also sleep soundly as the infant. Her mind keep wandering to what is about to happen and what awaits her tomorrow after getting married to her dead ex-husband's younger brother. And she is not having second thoughts, just the usual wedding jitters that happens to everyone, both male and female but mostly females like herself.

Deep in her thought, her stomach vibrated alerting her of the new call coming through. Her brows scrunched in worry, concern and confusion because who would call her hours after midnight? Whenever there are calls like this, she only thinks about this person telling her about death and that is something she cannot stomach at this time. If this is death news, it will make her more restless and this is her wedding day for goodness sake. Please, nothing bad should happen at all, she prayed quietly then checked who was calling.

It was Amir!

Goodness, why is he calling her so late at night? Is he calling to call off the wedding last minute after spending a bachelor's night with friends? Or is he telling her he's run off to some unknown country leaving her alone? Her heart dropped at her own stupid thoughts before clearing her head for the time being, she can't think about worst case scenarios in all situations after, well, after what happened with her ex-husband. The guy literally broke her trust and grew a vast tree of trust issues in her life now that she can't cut out no matter how much she tried.

She even doubted her mother some days ago, it has never happened before. She has full trust on her family, friends and even some of her business partners, just not anymore. Something has linked through, ruined all that like it was never even the there to begin with. It makes her wonder how one bad experience from memories could ruin so many more beautiful things that should grace your future, it is a horrible experience.

Back to the matter at hand, she quickly answered the call to hear what is up and why he called her so late, it didn't stop her stomach from fluttering in both anticipation and fear. She don't want to lose Amir before she even get ahold of him. She is not in love with him but love him differently as a friend, not someone she'd want to lose in this lifetime. He shares her sorrows, happiness, tears and sadness like no other, not even her ex-husband did that. Every mole, pore, scar and birthmark she has, he knows about them and she can't be too sure her former husband knows of them too.

If she loses Amir now, she won't know where to place her life, she will definitely be shattered beyond repair. She's a woman who got divorced by her husband, at some point in her life, she needs to either go back to that husband if there is still another thread of marriage holding them but if there isn't, she must get married! This is the marriage, there is also no better person than your best friend though younger than you, wants to stand by your side confessing the old love he's been nursing within. The old love that was buried for a long time just so much more wonderful friendship won't be violently destroyed in process of trying to build something much more intense.

She begin to ponder on marrying him some months ago. Could she have married some other man amongst her suitors for real? Because after accepting Amir, she scolded herself for being so stupid and thinking about getting married to those men. They are just no fit for herself, Amir makes her realise that much after a few days. She is not exaggerating but he makes her feel special, much more than Mika'il has ever done during their life together. He never failed to remind her how perfect she is, beautiful and strong all the while pushing her further.

"Where did I lost you again?" His voice penetrated through her thoughts and she shut down her mindless emotions. Her eyes trained to her daughter then she stood up and made her way to the bathroom feeling awfully comfortable in her large tee featuring nothing underneath but her underwear.

"Nowhere, just wondering why you called so late. Shouldn't you be sleeping already? It's so late." She chastised like a worried wife, her hand fumbling with the switch of the lights in the bathroom, she turned it on as soon as her hand settled on it.

"Couldn't sleep and just thought you were not sleeping so I called to check and voila, you are awake. Why, might I ask?" Her heart raced at the concern coating his voice, a loving smile unconsciously took over her face. Minor things like these melt away her heart, just like his question right now.

"You know the wedding jitters, I couldn't sleep." She explained, still holding that smile.

"Are you for real? Getting married to me shouldn't worry you like that, B. I mean, you are coming to my home not to some lair." He whined in that strong voice of his that sounds even deeper in the void of night, inkling rumble flutter in her stomach.

"I know but I can't help it. What to expect, how to act, what will happen, I'm I good enough for you? All those thoughts won't let me rest but maybe after this phone call, I can summon sleep." A yawn followed before she could close her mouth, she chortled at the coincidence.

"We are friends, remember? This marriage will only change a few things, nothing too major and don't ever question yourself. How many times have I told you just how lucky I am to have you? If anything, I should be the one worried about that. And how you should act? Seriously, B? You are thinking of how you should act with me? Please, don't think about changing anything between us, I don't want it awkward. What to expect? Hmm, nothing extreme, just normal marriage life..." His last sentence was left with empty dots she filled in, she knows what he means and it makes her blush.

Every now and then, he talks like the naughty man he is though not to the extreme majors where she would squirm like Mika'il. She is sure he is keeping that side of his to not make things awkward but she didn't mind, they are getting married after all. Most of the times, he does it while they are chatting or on phone call, he finds it easier that way. She asked him once and he said 'If I say those things while being in your presence, you are definitely going to dig your grave at the earliest. So I'm taking it easy till you get comfortable' and damn right, she noticed that he was right.

He knows her more than she does herself, literally.

"Whatever, I know everything. I'm sleepy now, get ready to be married to me!" The conversation is ever so light, as if taken by the wind of caress between two couple about to get married.

"Oh, I'm more than ready. Just you wait and see, I have it all planned." She could feel the grin tugging at his thick lips and understand the double meaning of what he's said. Or is she the only naughty one with inappropriate thoughts?

Five more minutes into their talks, she made her way back to the bedroom and instantly fell asleep talking to him. One of the things she likes about him, he is never too busy for her. She calls him randomly during the day and night as well, he never missed her call except when he is praying which happens only once as she started timing her calls to not call during the time for prayer. Her on the other hand, she can't count the times she's missed his calls but he never questioned why she did it, she appreciated that.

Why should she explain herself when she can be busy at anytime of the day? And he knew not to be insecure about any other person, it is totally justified.

And she heard that he is also looking for a job and has graduated last month, he didn't have to go back to the country to graduate and was sent his degree through his friend. She is really proud of him, it was first class! Kauthar is looking into it and will definitely give him a job around their office before he decide on what to do and how to tackle his national youth service corp, it is easy with connection.

-

Bushra yawned, surprised that her mother still hasn't knocked down her door and Anaan also didn't attempt to wake her up, the girl slept early and is supposed to wake up early. Commotions was leering every corner of the house but then, she got used to it since five days ago when her relatives from afar decided to show up soon and 'help' while gossiping and packing food stuff for themselves. She don't get along with much of them, they talk a lot and sometimes gossip in Kanuri or Fulani thinking she don't understand the languages both her mother and father know.

She shocked some older women one day when she decided to retort back to what they said in Fulani, they never looked her in the eye since then. They were gossiping about her mother so she gave them a fitting reply not caring if they are her elders, they were badmouthing her mother in their own home! The audacity of some people huh, she don't get the extent of it. They are her father's relative too.

She looked to her side and didn't find Anaan, no wonder she slept peacefully the whole night, someone took her or she crawled out. Begrudgingly, she stood up and made her way to the door to ask about her daughter when he mother badged in still in her pajamas with black after dress on top. She hasn't bathed nor has she done anything to look good so Bushra got worried that something is wrong. She's had the bad feeling, no one awoke her so it means something is definitely going on just not what she thought.

"Why do you look so tensed, Mom?" Her hands flew to her mother's shoulder halting her from pacing the room once more. The woman finally stopped then sighed in utter dismay as if her stopped from burning holes on the carpet did that.

"The company I order the catering service from aren't here and they didn't call. Their phone isn't going through, I'm so worried already. It is twelve in the afternoon now, people will start coming anytime soon and everyone expects to see food waiting. That is the main reason they go to weddings! If they don't come here soon and arrange everything, it will be chaotic. And your brothers, those good for nothing soldiers left to a hotel to get dressed, can you believe that? They can't do it in their home, they had to go somewhere to show off." Her mother rambled, hands getting sweaty and she resumed pacing the room again.

Whew, that wasn't what Bushra expected but is glad it wasn't her thoughts coming to reality.

"Calm down first and take good deep breaths. You are making me act like the doctor here, Dr. Mariyah." She teased then added when her mother didn't get the joke and still look very much tensed, "You should've asked Yasmeen to see it through, she was the one who talked to them. Here, let me call her up!" She took her phone from the bed and quickly dialled the wedding planner's number.

"I'm outside your room." The girl hollered through the phone as soon as she picked, Bushra heard her voice just outside so she hung up and waited hoping her mother won't get stressed again. The woman needs to relax and chill like the bride's mother she is.

"Hello, good morning Aunt, Amani. How may I help you two?" Yasmeen questioned the two with a bright smile shining on her face as always. She tries acting professional when she can't do that to help herself.

She is wearing red and white strips palazzo pants, matching knee length kimono and white shirt inside. Her head is tied in her Sudanese style, her feet clasped in loafers looking as professional as ever. Bushra never thought she would hire a wedding planner for her wedding, not in her wildest dream but when Fayha suggested this young lady, she couldn't say no to her. The girl has been looking for an opportunity that will shine her career as a wedding planner, an expensive wedding she could rock so her name will blow, Bushra agreed to help her with this.

Yasmeen El-Rufa'i is the youngest wedding planner she's ever seen and encountered her whole life. The girl is extremely passionate about her career just like Bushra is to her own. At the age of eighteen, she is making a name for herself while climbing high to the ladder without looking back. She came from Bauchi state just to orchestrate their wedding which says a lot about how she thinks of her career. She has all the qualities, blending in; empathetic, good listener, enhanced hearing, multitasking, jovial, reading people, strategic thinking and so on. She has no doubt that the girl will make it very soon, just little show off will do and she is willing to do that shout out for her.

"Dr. Mariya here is tensed because the caterers are not here, can you reassure her that everything is okay?" Bushra gave the eye that says play along or I leave this in your hands.

"Yes, yes, they are actually outside right now setting their tent. Worry not, Aunt, with me here, nothing could go wrong." Yasmeen cheered the older woman who instantly smiled and left the duo not before saying.

"Amani, if you don't get dressed in an hour, I'm going to take you out of this room naked." She chastised looking down after what Bushra is wearing is disgust. Whoa there mother, she is wearing clothes.

"Amir won't appreciate that, Doctor." She retorted, her words echoing in the room as the woman is already leaving.

"Naughty girl!"

"Whew, that went well. I just came back from Thar's, she is getting ready already but you haven't even bathed. The woman that will do the turare and makeup for you is outside so get dressed immediately while I tackle Fayha." Yasmeen gave her a quick hug before rushing out of the room to go to Fayha's home. She needs to be at the wedding too but first things first, her clients should be ready.

Yasmeen stays at Bushra's house for the time being and she could say, they are hitting it off so well with Murad. They are always teasing each other or sometimes you catch them acting civil when that is far from what they really are when together with people. She don't know whether that is their way of suppressing their feelings and shrouding it. Whatever it is, she hopes it is for the best.

An hour later, Bushra is sitting down on the vanity stool facing a makeup artist who goes with the name Mercy, ring lights shining her face alongside the bulbs fixed on her mirror. The makeup won't take long, she has done the turare too so her mother will definitely be proud of her when she comes in or not because she walked in at that same time giving her that look of disapproval. Her shoulders slumped, changing the direction of the eyeliner, she murmured sorry to Mercy. The woman is never impressed, not.

"I should not come back and see you not in your clothes, Bushra Amani." And she left the room looking elegant as always in her new outfit which was an expensive lace she ordered from London just for this event.

As soon as the makeup was done, she asked the makeup artist to help her get into her own lace. It was a blouse and skirt sewn to perfection by none other than her. The clothes she will be wearing first before her husband comes then she will wear another to go to Fayha's then after he left then another for the conveyance of bride. Ya Lillah, she can't begin to imagine the trouble that shall take her down later. Changing into four clothes is no joke!

And just like that, her phone beeped with a call and from the ringing tone Amir changed for himself, she knew it was him. It was on silent mood yesterday so she didn't know who it was, she removed it earlier. Her palms dampen as she slowly walked to the phone to pick it. She answered the phone and shakily placed it right next to her ear, nervousness and apprehensiveness seeping through her bones knowing the news he is going to break to her.

"Alhamdulillah, we are officially husband and wife. You can't begin to imagine just how happy I am right now." He took a deep breathe, as if stopping himself from crying or he couldn't believe it, she cooed. "Are you ready for me?" His words may sound light but it has deeper, much intense meaning. The emotions she detected in his voice render her knees weak, wobbling, she had to sit down on the bed not to fall, she couldn't hold herself. She gulped, the guy is totally and utterly in love with her, there is no doubt whatsoever.

"A-as ready as I could ever be, teddy bear."