•Aaliyah

"Babygirl today is your day. Please smile. Being the fourth wife doesn't matter. It's how he treats you that matters and if he respects you."

"Thank you Ally." Yusra said as she wiped a stray tear before it flew down.

"Be happy fa. At least you won't be living with wasu tsofaffi." I smiled, happy that the joke made her less tensed.

"Thank God I won't be living with those old women. But their kids are probably my age. I'm scared wallahi. That's how they'll feel they can disrespect me."

"That one is from their father. If he shows you respect, they'll show you respect. Just try to happy."

"Aaaah Aaliyah the all too optimistic child. You always have an explanation for everything."

We shared a hearty laugh before a sudden silence had us lost in our own thoughts. Safiya on the other hand, was asleep on the other side of the room.

Yesterday night held a sleep over to remember. It was our bachelorette party of sorts. Similar to a mocktail party with different drinks and foods. To top it all off, we binge watched Theo James movies and did our own version of karaoke with a mix of Hausa, Latin and Indian songs.

The bridal shower was two days ago. We went for a girls day out for an all body spa treatment with ten of our other friends then the next day was the Kamu. I think that was my favorite part because I'm terribly obsessed with henna. Then today is...the day of nights as me and Safiya put it.

Today, will be one of the best days of my life. For one reason only. Aunty Raliya will finally get what she deserves.

A karma dish best served frozen.

The court hearing was by 10:00am this morning which was a huge problem because I had to find a way to attend and still be back for Yusra.

I decide I'll start getting ready now since it's already 08:00am.

For some reason their mother and Zahra were absent so all the activities had to be managed between me, Safiya, Fadila and a few aunties that came all from Dukku and Gombe. I handled the decorations inside the house and legislated orders to the  workers whenever they were absent.

It was a miracle how I managed to work without coming in contact with Hamza.

Or was he avoiding me?

Her aunties were quite easy to talk to but it took a little while to get over the teasing. They all said I was Hamza's wife-to-be. No wonder they were receptive from the start and never directed any ill feeling towards me.

Not that they acted differently to anyone.

Another girl who I got to know as Ilham was also here to help me too as we put the incense round the house.

Turns out, she was another girl who got her heart broken by Hamza. I wouldn't have known but thanks to Safiya the minister of information I was up to date with his scandalous past since she was crushing on him too.

I left them to complete the rest of the tasks as I had a commitment that was to change my life completely.

I took a rushed bath and wore a pair of jeans and a blazer to look a bit professional.

"Hanty! Where you dey go?" Yusra asked.

"I have a meeting with the company that wants to buy my shoes." I lied.

Something I didn't mention before.

This happened right after I got the money from the bank. I used all the connections I had and set up a brand of shoes I named 'Lilly Puts'.

"That's good b!"

"I'll be back before you know it. I wouldn't miss this for anything."

She hugged me and I left her room to get something to eat in the kitchen.

"I thought you were avoiding me." Hamza said as he spread some butter onto the surface of his toasted bread.

"Me or you?" I countered.

"I haven't seen you since all this started."

"Yeah."

The air in the room shifted once he dropped the knife into the sink and turned back to do nothing but stare at me.

"Haram! Stop ogling. I'm not your wife."

He laughed.

Oh, how I miss this laugh.

"Don't worry I'll make you mine soon." He smiled.

"In your dreams!" I retorted.

"You're already my wife in my dreams. It's just to make it a reality." I turned to leave as I fought the smile that threatened to creep up my face and I crashed against the wooden kitchen door ensuing a loud crack from my nose.

And cue the bleeding.

Now that wasn't cute!

He rushed to find me a piece of cloth which he soaked before running to where I was. He was about to touch my face when he realized what he was about to do then he handed me the rag and returned back to his previous spot behind the counter.

He cleared his voice, "Sorry. You should be careful next time."

"It's your fault."

And he lets out that laugh that seems to always make my heart melt.

"How? You were the one who wasn't looking where you were going. I guess I've done the first step. I managed to get into your head. All that's left is your heart."

"You can try but all your efforts will go down the drain."

"Ok then. That's a challenge."

"And may the sturdiest win!" I hollered.

He got me some ice to hold atop my nose before making me a bowl of my favorite cereal; fruit loops.

"Fruit loops!"

"You're welcome. So how do you feel about today?"

"Nostalgic to be honest. I don't know if her being behind bars will make it all better but I know one thing, she'll get what she deserves."

"You never told me what happened when you went to Kuje to find Rambo."

"I didn't even think we'd find him here. I actually thought we'd end up finding him in Lagos. We had to fill some forms and state the reason for our visit and a few other stuff but it was all good."

"The guards went in and brought him out. He gave us every information we asked for guaranteed we'd get his sentence reduced. So, he told us how she hired him and his gang to get the dead bodies and discard them."

For the first time, he looked at me with pity in his eyes and I despised him for that moment.

"Just continue. Don't pity me. Pity won't bring them back."

"Sorry..."

"Don't apologise. Just continue."

"Ok. We got him to write a statement relaying all that had happened and how they were able to hide the bodies. He said they burnt them to ashes so they'd leave no traces behind."

"Burnt to ashes?" I gasped, tears already filling my eyes.

"I'm sorry about that."

"It's ok. Just continue." I said as I wiped the tears off my face angrily.

If anything, I hated pity from anyone especially Hamza.

"He'll face her today in court. It'll be his words against hers. We got Uncle Hakeem a lawyer since he's the one suing her. She's the best we've got. Her name is Miss Amira Barkindo."

"I know she'll definitely help us win this case. Pray while you're in the car. It'll ease the tension."

"Alright. Thank you." I said with a mouthful of cereal.

"Cover your mouth!" He laughed, "I'll join you after we've concluded everything regarding Yusra and her groom in the mosque."

He left almost immediately and I suddenly missed his presence.

Is that how you want to stop feeling what you're feeling, Aaliyah?

I ignored my inner voice that chose to chastise me everytime I slipped and started dreaming of Hamza.

I started to imagine another alternate universe where I actually agreed to be with him. We had the happily ever after story and two little Hamza's and a little Aaliyah running around our house in Qatar.

By the way, that is my dream country.

I then started to revoke all thoughts of not being with him but what about school?

Bummer.

I'll stay on my educational path. When I'm done relationships can come in. I already have a booming business that's making me enough to take care of myself. So, I don't need a man now.

The Uber drivers call interrupts my daydreaming and I suddenly wished he'd come later. I picked up my bag and rinsed the bowl and spoon before rushing out.

The court was located in Maitama. A relatively close distance from Yusra's house which was in the same vicinity. It took a while before I reached my destination but who cared? All I wanted to hear was that my psychopathic aunt would end up behind bars.

Once I dropped out of the car, I felt all the air in my lungs sieze. For the first time I was scared I'd lose to her even after knowing we've got all the evidence to end her reign.

I climbed the stairs that led to the entrance of the building and continued saying my Azkar under my breath till I turned the handle and walked in. I rushed in as it was about to start and found a sit in the front row.

Hamza came an hour later with Bilal just when it was about to end and sat a few inches away from me. They smiled and I did the same before we were all asked to rise up and leave.

The judge introduced himself as Justice Musbau Lekan Ayodeji and the plaintiff and the defendants lawyers introduced themselves briefly before the trial began.

Both lawyers argued for weeks before the judge returned his verdict today based on the evidence that was found after the inquest that was carried out.

The prison officials walked her out in cuffs as her eye balls begged to fall out due to her extensive crying. As if we were stuck in our own world, she stared back at me long and hard with cold eyes before a woman roughly pushed her out.

Several journalists swarmed her lawyer who seemed angry with the judgement as he pushed all the microphones, ignoring all the questions.

"Mr Muhammad Bayero what can You say about the ruling?."

"We'll study the judgement and consult with my client to take the next line of action." He said gruffly.

Hamza came an hour later with Bilal just when it was about to end and sat a few inches away from me. They smiled and I did the same before we were all asked to rise up and leave.

I watched from afar as they walked out then suddenly I caught Nadiya's eyes that held mine in a staring contest for a few seconds before she slipped her hands into her husband's arms and trailed behind her mother's lawyer slowly.

Let's say I wasn't familiar with the terms used during legal proceedings. To be honest, I barely heard anything that was said by the Judge but I had to pretend to avoid looking like an idiot in Hamza's eyes.

Anyways I'll let you guys in on what I was able to process and understand which was just the judges verdict,

'Based on the evidence provided, you've been sentenced to life imprisonment for murderer.'

The End!

Oh, I'm just kidding. But this, was actually the end of my recurring problems. Let's hope it stays that way.

As for Rambo, whose birth name was later revealed to us as Sagir Gwarzo wasn't given a reduced sentence. Unfortunately, he had to serve the same sentence as Aunty Raliya since he was also an accessory to the murder.

The verdict also covered his friends who participated in the activity too. They were all gathered here today. I was scared the case would be adjourned till weeks or months after but praise be to Allah, it all ended today.

Remember Uncle Hakeem was a part of this conspiracy but lucky enough he managed to scale through without getting detained too. I guess everyone just happened to forget he was also a player in this nasty game so Rambo didn't even mention his name.

All the evidence pointed directly at Aunty Raliya so the current ruling was inevitable.

On our way out, a man stops us and introduces himself as Inspector Khalifa Ibrahim. He assumed we were children of the accused person so he offered us a way out with the proposal of a hundred and fifty thousand naira bribe.

We dismissed him and threatened to alert his superiors. Now that that was over, we each dispersed to the packing lot and I stuck with Hamza since I had all my things at his house.

He drove us back as fast as he could. I took a quick shower to feel refreshed before throwing on the beautifully made dress that was for our anko.

The arms were probably the most beautiful part of it. It was flay like a huge flower with tiny petals that went round each end of the sleeves. The topmost part of the gown had rhinestones that were lined intricately to form a pattern that I couldn't really identify. For once, I liked the way a dress hugged my body. It made me feel less insecure because I knew that I was looking out of this world!

I used a white veil to compliment the mix of peach, white and pink then lastly, nude heels to complete the outfit.

The make-up artiste did my makeup after she was done with Yusra's then tied the turban for me before Safiya's was also done. A few of the other friends that came earlier got dolled up with us too.

Soon we were all done and ready to go to the venue of the wedding.

We left Yusra as she was supposed to arrive with the groom in a different car.

The driver dropped us off and left to get her siblings. Me, Safiya, Ilham, Jameela and Nafisa sat at a designated area that was picked out for the bride's friends. A few other snobbish girls came in the same attire as the one we wore but sat on a different table despite seeing the empty sits on our table.

We didn't bother. All we wanted was to have fun. Soon the bride's parents came and the groom's came right after.

Finally, it was the couple's turn. Even with the smile, I could tell she was troubled. She walked in elegantly in her beautifully sewn ball gown.

Everything about it was just too perfect. From the colour, pink. To the glittery designs. Don't get it twisted, she didn't look like a disco ball rather she looked like sleeping beauty and Rapunzel as her long, ebony hair hung low from her gelé and her Louis Vuitton purse that screamed class.

Let's talk about the dress. Oh, it was like she planned to look like a Disney princess just that her dress had a fishtail and it was done in a mermaid cut such that it accentuated her curves. It had puffy sleeves and a plunging neckline which a netty material that was a thicker shade of pink was used to cover that area.

Her husband, had on a white Kaftan that fit him perfectly. He was old but handsome. The way she described him you'd think he was a monster. He was good-looking for an old man.

Don't get me wrong, he wasn't as old as eighty. He was close though. You could say fifty five or sixty.

The wedding went in a blur. We danced after all the guests left and ate to our fill since no one was there to judge or watch. The snobby girls left hours ago so it was just me, Yusra, Fadila, Safiya, Jameela and lham.

An hour later, a driver was sent to pick us up so that we could escort Yusra to her groom's house.

Yusra cried all the way. Her pitch increasing the closer we got to the house and the loudest was just as we were about to take our leave. She begged me to stay but we all knew I couldn't so I called Hamza to speak to her.

He was able to calm her down before we all left. I gave her another gift before leaving which was an Azkar booklet similar to the one Aunty Mairo gave me in the hospital.

Now that I was done packing, I decided to sleep so that I could wake up early and leave to my own place.

Just when I had already shut my eyes close, a message came in.

Hamza🥀[04/07/20 02:36]: You looked beautiful today Cinderella.

Come on!

Just when I thought I would get some rest.
____________________________

~Aisha Safiyanu🥀