Chapter 13

Hajiya Ruqayya sighed softly listening to Madam Mary's explanation about the sitting arrangements for her son’s reception. She wondered how stressful it would be for her, when Ahmed is getting married. All her relatives from Katsina would definitely want to attend. Where would they stay? Her sister’s would definitely hijack her bedroom. It would be really frustrating to cater the needs of all of them. There must be a list of those who would come; she would loose her mind if all of them come for Ahmed’s wedding. The last thing she haeard was;

"That's why we decided you should sit with him" Madam Mary concluded blinking multiple times waiting for Hajiya Ruqayya's reaction.

"Sit with whom exactly?" Hajiya Ruqayya asked knowing she hadn't been listening to the Madam Mary’s explanation about the sitting arrangement. She had zoned out completely thinking about her son’s future.

"To sit with your husband and Amarya now, I literally just said that" Madam Mary snapped realizing she's been explaining herself in vain. Hajiya Ruqayya wished she had listened to her so she could have quickly stopped her and expressed her immense displeasure to this funky arrangement. It is not going to work, period.

"No, that will not work" Hajiya Ruqayya said, voicing out her thoughts as she sat up quickly. Mary knew better than to keep her on the same seat as her co-wife. She wouldn't be able to stand her. In fact, she would kill herself before the bride and the groom dance their way into the reception hall. She inhaled deeply trying to hide how disturbed this revelation had made her.

"I am sorry, but that's how it's going to be. I can't change the sitting arrangements. Everyone stays with their families; we have name tags on each table. Where do you want me to put you?" Madam Mary exclaimed exasperatedly. She was still going over her explanation from minutes ago.

"I don't care where you put me. Just take me far away from them" she retorted glaring at her friend. Asma'u knew she wasn't supposed to be listening to the conversation, so she quickly stood up from the sofa and headed to the kitchen to see if MamaNanah needed help. She had tried tuning down their voices but it would have been rude to add the TV volume, therefore she excused herself quickly.

"This girl is very respectful" Madam Mary commented absentmindedly, watching Asma’u’s retreating figure. Hajiya Ruqayya on the other hand was too disturbed to hear what her friend was saying. When she didn’t get a reply from Hajiya Ruqayya, she decided to try another approach. "Ruqayya, it's been way too long. You've always casted yourself as a shadow in your own home, you’ve totally forgotten who you used to be. I believe it's high time you take what rightfully belongs to you and your son.....” Hajiya Ruqayya started laughing making her friend cock a brow. She couldn't believe Madam Mary was actually giving her such advice. Had she suddenly forgotten what happened between these years? Or had she forgotten about everything she's been through. "Are you done?" Madam Mary asked frowning. Hajiya Ruqayya nodded still smiling. "I understand you don't believe you have a chance in this marriage anymore, but I feel you should at least show how bold you are. You shouldn't let another woman overshadow you. You met him first; you gave him a child first; you're the one who's supposed to be by his right hand. You should fight!"

"Why must I be the one to fight for Nasiru? Why is it my responsibility alone? Why must I carry the whole burden? Mary, I am sick and tired of listening to everyone telling me to fight. How exactly do you fight for a person who doesn't want to be fought for? I refuse to stress myself. Just change that sitting arrangements" Hajiya Ruqayya concluded not wanting to divulge into that topic. She loved how she hasn't cried in a while. Even though there's the nagging feeling of loneliness. She is scared, seeing him and his wife would awaken all those years of pain.

"For the thousandth time Ruqayya, it cannot be changed. You don't expect me to dishevel another family because of your insecurities!" Madam Mary snapped making Hajiya Ruqayya gasp. "Look, I am sorry for what I just said. It's just that, you've been despondent for too long now. If you don't want to fight, why don't you make him fight for you...”

"Easy for you to say, you're your husband's only wife" Hajiya Ruqayya accused, glaring at Madam Mary.

"And you think its easy right. Just because I don't tell you everything doesn't mean we are a perfect family. Do you know how many times we've fought over his little missies?" Madam Mary asked. She's tired of how Hajiya Ruqayya keeps saying she had the perfect home. Her husband has cheated times without number. But they've always found a way around each issue. Unlike Nasiru and Sani, her husband values her so much that whenever he's caught cheating, he humbles himself. The last time, she had actually left him. He became so miserable; he had to get his family involved. It took a lot pleading, persuasion, promises and apologies to get her to come back. Since then, he's never ever cheated on her. But no one knows the struggles and the sleepless nights she's passed through. "It's easier for you, because he actually married the Amarya. She's got as much right to him as you. What I am trying to say is, you should get yourself dolled up. Show him he has no control over you anymore. Show him you're doing with or without him. Show him he doesn't affect you anymore. Show him he doesn't get you anymore" Madam Mary concluded. She stared at her friend who looked conflicted.

"It's not as easy as you say it" Hajiya Ruqayya mumbled sadly. He knew her so well. He knew things to say just to spite her. He knew how to press her buttons. He's her first love for crying out loud.

"I know it's not. I know it's hard. But, you should know humans tend to appreciate things when they loose it. They tend to want what they will suffer to get. Come to the wedding, have fun and mask whatever emotions you have" Madam Mary advised squeezing her friend's hand. Hajiya Ruqayya sighed softly with a smile. Madam Mary has always been her confidante. She and her husband knew almost everything about Hajiya Ruqayya. They give her the best advice and were always have her best interest at heart. Unlike Hajiya Aisha, who isn't the quiet type, she could spew out people's secrets easily. She is quite loud. That's why she and her co-wife can't co-exist peacefully in their home. Coupled with the fact that Dr Sani isn't a very good person, Hajiya Ruqayya knows better than to tell Hajiya Aisha anything.  Hajiya Aisha will simply tell her husband and he will go ahead and transfer the information to her own husband. She couldn't risk being another family's night discussion. "Have you sewn your asoebi?" She asked changing the topic; it’s enough wallowing for today.

"Yes I have taken it to the tailor. I told him to see Iró atí bubà for me" Hajiya Ruqayya said smiling happily. Madam Mary's face contoured in disapproval.

"Which one is iró atí bubà?"

"Its shirt and wrapper now, I know I will look pretty in it. It's what mothers wear this days. I have a 27 year old child. I am not wearing skimpy clothes Mary" Hajiya Ruqayya stated exasperatedly making Madam Mary burst into laughter.

"I didn't say to wear skimpy clothes, maybe a skirt would suffice. Ruqayya you're younger than you look.......”

"Please stop! I am wearing my wrapper. You cannot change my mind" Hajiya Ruqayya cut her off with a smile.

"Alright, if you say so"

…………………

"Ahmadee, what's your plan exactly" his mother complained making the makeup artist frown. She wasn't anywhere close to finishing up Hajiya Ruqayya's make up. The older woman kept fidgeting. Madam Mary had assigned her to Hajiya Ruqayya. She had been so happy when she came but now, she's just frustrated.

"Ma'am please stay put. You'll make me smear the liner at this point" the make up artist stated calmly. Asma'u watched in amazement how Hajiya Ruqayya was being smeared with liquid of different shades. Hajiya Ruqayya smiled apologetically for the umpteenth time. Asma'u knew she would offend the make up artist again; Ahmed gets on her nerve easily and she would never ignore him. A small knock came from the door; Asma'u dropped the mini fan, to open the bedroom door.

"Where is my blue singlet Umma?" Ahmed asked making Hajiya Ruqayya escape the make up artist's firm grip. She wanted to see what stage of preparation Ahmed was in. To her surprise he was wearing his pajama shirt and a towel wrapped around his waist. She felt her heart pummel in anger, at this point her blood pressure would definitely rise.

"So you haven't bathed yet! Ahmadee, why do you like doing this to me? I don't want to be late for this reception. Check the third on the first row and leave" she said sighing dramatically. Asma'u giggled seeing how Ahmed's face was contoured with disbelief.

"It's just 10:30am! The reception is not until 1:30" Frustration laced the make up artist's face when Hajiya Ruqayya jumped down from the stool. She was heading towards Ahmed to give him a piece of her mind, but he was quick to leave knowing she could knock him. Asma'u's giggles came to an end when she received a palm on her back. Hajiya Ruqayya ignored her squeals of protest adding another palm on her back before storming back to the make up artist who was almost on the verge of tears. At this rate, they might not finish on time.

"I am sorry my dear. These children want to kill me for my mother" she exclaimed exasperatedly. The make up artist could only nod, as she said prayers to all the gods of the world to allow her finish up Hajiya Ruqayya's makeup before any interruption, just then, the door bell rang. The make up artist groaned loudly not hiding her frustration. It's like they're mocking her. Asma'u had quickly gone to check who was at the door. It was the tailor. He was here to deliver their asoebi. Asma'u excused herself after offering the tailor a seat.

"It's the tailor ma!" Asma'u announced. Hajiya snatched her face away from the make up artist, asked Asma'u to stay with the woman, where as she goes ahead to attend to the tailor. Moments later, Hajiya Ruqayya came back with the cloth. She excused herself to go try on the cloth. Luckily for the tailor, everything fitted perfectly. Asma'u's was perfect too. So the tailor left, leaving the make up artist to her work once again.

Hajiya's make up was done at precisely 12:00. She sat on a sofa, and watched the make up artist make Asma'u prettier than she already is. She had warned the make up artist not to make Asma'u's make up prominent. "She's pretty enough as it is"

At exactly 1:00pm, Asma'u's make up was done, much to the make up artist's frustration, they had gone to pray. Thankfully, their ablution was still intact. Sujood eight times definitely slightly ruin the make up. If looks could kill, Asma'u and Hajiya Ruqayya would have dropped dead. They all changed into their asoebi, Hajiya Ruqayya's is a teal colored lace with a dark slate gray head gear. Asma'u's lace is a dark slate gray with a teal colored head gear. The make up artist started tying Hajiya Ruqayya's maroon headgear, as Asma'u stood by the vanity, admiring herself. Her lace was sewn into an eight pieces skirt, and a beautiful horse braided peplum blouse. She loved the canoe neck style. It showed off the right amount of collar. She loved the slim sleeve and how it made everything hugged her body, giving her curves she never knew she had. She twirled around trying to get a glimpse of her backside. Asma'u knew she wasn't thick from behind. But the tailor had managed to get something showing at her back. She giggled like a school girl making the make up artist give her a sardonic look which she ignored.

She understood the make up artist is frustrated, but she hadn't been the one who made her life miserable. At least Hajiya Ruqayya is nice enough to add more money for the troubles. Hajiya Ruqayya was raining praises on the make up artist, seeing how she's been transformed into her younger self. There were no bags under her eyes; her little wrinkles were nowhere to be found now. She shooed Asma'u away from the vanity, so she could have her head gear tied.

At exactly 1:20pm, both Hajiya Ruqayya and Asma'u were done. The make-up artist made the final touches, before collecting her money from Hajiya Ruqayya. Judging by the way her demeanor changed from frustrated to happy shows Hajiya Ruqayya had been generous with the payment.  Ahmed was still nowhere to be seen. Asma'u knew Hajiya Ruqayya is a ticking time bomb. It's just a matter of time before she goes into his room and drags him down.

"Umma hurry, we are late!" Ahmed said rushing to the front door, not sparing either his mother or Asma'u a glance. But Asma'u did stare at him. He was wearing a kaftan, same shade as her lace. He was holding his agbádà which has a hint of design, same color as Hajiya Ruqayya's lace. They trailed behind him without a word. Ahmed got to the parking lot; he drove the car out of it and waited at the front door for Asma'u and his mother. That was when he saw her, trailing innocently behind his mother. He felt different types of emotions swirling in his guts. He couldn't remember when they had gotten the circled shaped pin earrings and pendant on her neck. He swallowed hard, when he saw how the cloth made her look. His eyes lingered on her nude colored lips, imagining how his lips would feel on hers.

"Unlock the door Ahmadee!" His mother's shrill complaints knocked him out of his trance. With a push on the button, the doors unlocked themselves. Hajiya sat at the back, while Asma'u battled to climbed into the car. The skirt is just too tight, and her wedges weren't making things easier. Ahmed watched in amusement as she turned in different directions to get into the car. Hajiya Ruqayya hasn't noticed as she was busy making phone calls. Telling whoever was on the line that she is on her way. Ahmed got off the car, if Asma'u continued her little drama, Hajiya Ruqayya would suggest using a smaller car. He wasn't going to accept that, knowing the kind of people who would be attending the wedding. He picked Asma'u up swiftly earning a yelp; she didn't know he was going to pick her up. He secured her with a seat belt and closed the door. Asma'u's cheeks were tainted pink in embarrassment. While he found himself getting hot, from the close proximity he had just shared with her. He could still perceive the humràh she had used.

It took very little time to get to the venue. The amount of cars lined up at the parking lot made Asma'u anxious. She saw some guest lingering around the venue, with all indication it hadn't or had just started. Hajiya Ruqayya was long gone inside. Asma'u opened the car door. She noticed how high she is from the ground; she swallowed hard then jumped out of the car. Ahmed was combing his slightly full hair. He came down, unfolded the agbádà and slid it on. Then he arranged his filà on his head in a fashionable manner.

"Mumina let's go" he said holding her right hand like some kid who might get lost. He needed to get her a seat, so he could go stand with the groomsmen. Victor the groom has very few friends, so Ahmed was asked to fill in. On getting to the entrance, they saw Rose.

"O my God! See how pretty you look. Wait till you meet everyone. Why didn't you let your hair down while tying your head gear?" Rose said all at once, snatching Asma'u's hand from Ahmed. "They're at the back, waiting for you. Good afternoon Ya Ahmed! She added shooing him away.

"Afternoon Rose. See you later Mumina" he said with a glance at Asma'u before leaving to go join the groomsmen. Asma'u tightened her grip on her clutch as she trailed behind Rose who was commending her beauty. They walked further into the venue and Asma'u felt her heart swell from amazement. The decorations, the colors, the lighting, the guests! It was mind blowing. Never in her 21 years of life had she ever seen anything this beautiful. Asma'u took notice of the division of colors. They had just passed a group with white laces and dark green head gears. Opposite them are people with white laces and maroon head gears. She hadn't noticed the group tags in front of each group until they got to people dressed like her. It read G- Youths. She knew what youths meant.

"Sit here, so you won't miss out on anything" Rose advised.

"Ugh! I kept that seat for someone" Nasma complained eyeing Asma'u wearily.