Chapter 105: Chapter 105

12 Years Ago...

Alhaji Musa borrowed an amount of #500,000 from Jonah's dad who was then, a new to the business. He promised to pay back with the end of that month but as greedy as Alhaji Musa was, he never returned the money. When Jonah's dad asked, he always came up with excuses saying; he has nothing on him or he would give him soon. Meanwhile, his business boasted, leaving Jonah's dad who had took a loan from a bank then, with an empty pocket.

A year later, after lots of disturbance from the bank, Jonah's dad had to report the case to a police station and press charges. He had lended Alhaji Musa the money because he thought he was a good business man that he could trust. But that wasn't the case now. Then, Jonah was in 100 level in the university, studying medicine and surgery. Things ended up the other way round and Jonah's dad was arrested instead. It took a lot of convincing before Jonah's dad got released. By the end of the day, Jonah's dad had to sell his land in the village to pay off the loan.

Well, that left a huge scar on Jonah's heart. When he learnt about this, all he wanted was to take revenge. Not entirely but at least, he wanted him to payback and somehow, this was the payback time.

With Hadee, he only collected payment for his treatment without really treating him. Doctor Jonah only gave him treatment that weren't really helpful. A couple of drugs and injections just to sustain him

Poor Hadee's health turned worse, living without his mother. Everyday, he would cry "MOTHER!" As everything reminds him of her. Nobody understands that he just wanted to be with his real mother. Was that too much to ask?

***

Humaira on the other hand went to visit the Bala's in the prison. They were so excited to see Humaira and told her how much they regret ever treating Zainab like an outsider.

"Well, it's good that you realize your mistakes. I also want to both tell you that it wasn't my plan get you arrested at the first place. I just got disappointed when I learnt about what you did to my sister. She's the only priceless jewellery I possess. Every child need to be treated equally, no matter how different they are."

"We're so sorry, Humaira. We're so sorry too Zainab." The couple chorused.

Mrs. Amina held Zainab's hands into hers.

It was all my fault you were maltreated. When my husband loved I cared for you, I turned his back against you because I thought you would take him away from me and my children. I'm so sorry Zainab, I should have been a better mother!" She broke down in tears and knelt down to Zainab.

"I promise to be a better person henceforth." Amina knelt down before her.

"No, ma. You shouldn't kneel. Please, get up." Zainab pleaded.

"I'll admit, I was really hurt when I was living with you. I wasn't myself during those years but I forgive you. I have no grudges against the Bala's family whatsoever. I'm in no position to judge you, Mrs Bala. You and Mr. Abdullahi are like my parents. I spent 5 years with you, you're part of me now, please get up."

Zainab hugged Amina as Mr. Abdullahi too joined then. It was a teary sight indeed.

Humaira gave them her wedding invitation and asked them to be her parents. They were more than excited.

"I'll ask for an early release so you'll be out of here between now and next week. I want you both to represent my parents on that day." Humaira explained.

Wow! That would be a lot! Amina quivered.

I feel honored to have met you, Humaira. You're also like out daughter. You have our blessings my dear. We made a fool of ourselves by acting up all those years. Now, I promise to do the best I can for the both of you. Abdullahi mumbled and hugged the both of them.

***

Three days later, Mr. Abdullahi Bala and his wife got released. Humaira took them home that day and it felt like a family reunion. There were wedding preparations here and there. Humaira met with Zayn's aunt and?she also welcomed her the way a mother would. The family was nice towards her. They accepted her wholeheartedly, so, the engagement and wedding plans took place.

***

'Lovestruck', Me Too.

I wanna tell you but there's so many words to say.

I wanna tell you but the words get in my way.

It's all there in the tip of your tongue.

My heart's so full brain goes numb.

So I'll just ask you, do you? I do.

Me too. So I'll just ask you do you? I do. Me too.

Wish I could tell you that you make me feel like, I shine.

And I'm so proud to be yours and to call you mine.

It's all there on the beat of my heart,

Just open your mouth and start.

So I'll just ask you, do you? I do.

Me too. So I'll just ask you do you? I do. Me too.

I promise I Will be there, as the years go by.

And I'll be faithful to you, tell the day I die.

Just to have and to hold your hand,

Makes me the luckiest man.

So now I ask you, do you? I do.

Me too.

So now I ask you do you? I do.

I do.

So many pieces of paper,

Crumbled up and thrown away.

So many I'll do it later's.

I gotta get the nerve,

Gotta get the nerve!

Why such crazy behavior?

Gonna say my vows today..

I can't wait.

Oh, oh, oh oh oh

Oh oh oh

Oh oh, Do you?

I do me too

Oh, oh, oh oh oh

Oh oh oh

Oh oh, Do you?

I do me too

***

Friday after jummah service,?the wedding walimah took place in the mosque. Humaira was advised by the chief imam of the mosque and other elders on how to live a happy married life with Zayn, her husband to be. It all ended in the even around 4:00 p.m so, everyone observed Asr prayer before going home.

The Bala's compound was descorated with colourful flowers and ballons for the engagement party which held on in the morning. Later that evening, some guests arrived.

Star, gift and Theodora had to come to Abuja for Humaira's wedding ceremony which would take hold on Saturday morning.

Doctor Ibrahim and Professor Charles Ezechukwu too boarded rooms in a nearby hotel. Habeebah wasn't able to attend Humaira's wedding. Too bad.

*****

It was very early in the morning when the drummers came to the Bala's compound for entertainment. The started drumming to Zainab's euology and singling wedding song for the new, Amarya.

That morning, the makeup artist had started applying the necessities; foundation covering every pimple and dark spot on her face, eyeliner, eyeshadows eye-pencil, and mascara to brighten up her eyes. Lastly, the makeup artist applied red, lipstick and lipgloss to match her auburn, burnt orange outfit. Everything was complemented with the powder, blush and light-golden bronzer to transform the whole makeup look into perfection.

"Wow! You're looking so gorgeous!!" Zainab cried immediately she saw her sister.

She just woke up, so, she had to take her bath and get ready. The makeup artist therefore, make Zainab's makeup as well as Star's Gift's and Theodora's make-up to look as flawless as possible. Of course, they were the bridesmaids. Only the four of them. Too bad Habeebah wasn't around, she would have attended.

Well, next. Humaira's outfit. It was an exported, custimized sari from India. Hadiza, who happens to be Doctor Zayn's cousin bought the wedding outfits from India where she works and resides with her family. Humaira wore the beautiful, gold-glittering flowing skirt with a matching blouse, a head wrap and also a veil over her head. With red henna designs on her hands and feet, Humaira looked like a crown goddess when the abaya was placed on her perfectly body. She held her golden purse and put on her golden shoes before walking into the car designed with... Bride on its plate-number.

The husband's family were already seated outside the canopy right in front of the Bala's compound.

The wedding was planning according to Islamic laws so, it was simple, less expensive and traditional. The husband's family were already seated, so was the Ango himself.

Zayn wore a well designed Baban Riga made of golden shadda. His shiny Hulla bought from Borno state stood like a crown on his shaved head. On his feet were brown, laced up, shiny leathery shoes that made his every look, magnificent.

Zayn's aunt, her husband and other elderly members in the groom's family, formally asked for Humaira's hand in marriage. They paid the bride bride price, Rubu Dinar along with two cows, bags of kolanuts, rice, clothes, salt, sweet etc.

However,?the hunaira along with her family accepted the groom's hand in marriage. The couple were tied with quranic verses and the teachings of the holy Quran as they were now pronounced by the Imam as husband and wife.

Everyone rejoiced the Humaira and her new husband, doctor Zayn as they presented the wedding gifts. There were about 500 guests present at the wedding party. Many well wishes from Zayn's hospital as well as The Maikuddi's. They also attended the wedding.

After the presentation of the wedding gifts followed the next in line, entertainment and merriment. Various foods and drinks were served as the couple thanked their well recognized guests for attending their wedding party. Hausa wedding songs were played, also entertainers made funny displays on the stage. The couple were called to the stage to dance. It was a romantic sight indeed. Later, other close family and friends joined the couple Some of the guest took pictures and videos of them.

Later that day, the programme ended with a closing prayer by the Islamic scholars after which everyone went back to their various destinations.

Humaira was accompanied by Zainab and Mrs. Bala to Zayn's house. All the gifts presented too were taken along with her lugagge and all.

***

2:00 a.m,

After the wedding.

"So... Where should we go for our honeymoon?" Zayn brought up.

"Honeymoon?"

"Yes... Don't you have plans for our honeymoon? Don't tell me you want to stay here in this boring house. I mean... Don't you have any plans at all?"

"Ummm.... I was just thinking since we just came back from Saudi Arabia three weeks ago. Why don't we stay in Nigeria instead. I mean we could explore best sights in our very own country instead of going through all the stress." She stretched out of bed lazily and turned to her husband. "Perhaps, Hajia Fati said she wants to sponsor our honeymoon. But I told her that I'll get back to her whenever I make up my mind."

"So what's your decision wifey?" he held her closer.

"We should visit either Jos or Lagos."

"Awwwwn... You have eyes for good things dearie. I'm fulfilled to have you as my wife... You're the woman of my dreams dearie; you've made a right decision and your wish is my command. We're going to spend our honeymoon in one of those places but... Let's think about it and give Hajia Fati a reply tomorrow morning. Okay?"

"Okay love." She placed her head on his comfy chest as he turned off the lights.

***

Words and Translations

-Amarya: Bride.

-Ango: Groom.

-Baban Riga: long flowing gown worn by Hausa men.

-Hulla: Cap.

-Abaya: Robe.

-Borno: A northern state in Nigeria.

-Rubu Dinar: A quarter kilogram of Gold.

-Quran: The Muslim/Islamic Holy Book.

-Imam: An Islamic leader of a mosque.

***