Up here is the lovely bride

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-Ameena-

People were running in all directions. Some are looking for something while others are trying to put something in place.

"Has anyone seen Abdul? His mom has been searching for him all over the house." Saudah asked as she poked her head into the room.

"Who here has a bobby pin?" Debby inquired trying to style her cropped hair while facing the mirror.

Alima has gone to the tailors to 'raise hell' an hour ago. Everyone is in a frenzy trying to get things done before the traditional wedding/engagement which in less than an hour.

"Anty Ameena, Anty Demi needs you downstairs." Said little bukky.

I rushed to find demi sitting in her mom's room. Her hair is beautifully done and she was almost ready except for the make-up. She was wearing a beautiful white lace and was staring at two necklaces spread on the bed. One is an Indian gold set and the other is a white and gold beaded necklace.

" which do you think will look best with the whole outfit?" She asked while staring at both necklaces like a child in a toy store.

"They are both beautiful."

"I know, but mom thinks the beaded one will suit me more."

"I think she's right." I said

"Thank you" she smiled

A knock sounded on the door and Jim said the Salam after demi asked him to come in. He came in wearing a white vest and trousers it was obvious that he is getting dressed for the occasion.

" Demi, I need that magic potion you girls use on your face......you know...the one that makes spots invisible." he said rubbing a lone spot on his forehead.

"You did not just ask for a concealer?" Demi asked while we both try to keep from laughing.

"Whatever, I know what that thing does. You know how you girls just morph into something different from your original selves?"

" explain that." Demi faked a frown.

"I mean like having really dark skin and then voila! you become oyinbo?

"Who exactly are you referring to?"

"I don't know. he shrugged. Take Lola for example, after she morphed into oyinbo her skin was always flawless. Then one morning I saw her without make-up and there was a hundred spot on her face. I had to ask who she was and what she did with my cousin."

We all burst out laughing until tears welled in our eyes before demi told him to go and finish dressing and her make-up lady will do something about the spot.

"If that is all, I need to rush and get ready if I am to make it to my best friends engagement." I said.

With that I rushed out. On my way up I met one of demi's aunt on her way down holding a large box which I offered to help carry. As she handed it to me, I almost lost my balance, I mean the lady look somewhat in her mid fifties and the ease with which she carried it made me assume the box was not heavy at all, But man the box felt as if there is a corpse in it. So with all my might I heaved the box and started downstairs, halfway down, I missed a step and in trying to regain my balance the box slipped and I panicked and put one of my hand down to save whatever was in it, but instead it crashed on my hand and a searing pain shot through my arm and I screamed. I saw the lady quicken her step and people close by who heard me scream rushed to my aid. I bit my lips as an elderly lady touched my arm and I asked if I felt pain, to which
I shook my head and she then held my wrist and I moaned.
She touched it gingerly at first but as she added pressure to it let out a cry.
The lady said I had sprained my wrist.

Great, just what I needed

" Someone should take her to baba Ayala's house. He should fix it before it becomes swollen." Suggested Aunty khudy. She was decked up in a beautiful blue lace.

" I will take her there." said a calm voice

I didn't know when he came in, but when I looked up I met a pair of deep brown eyes.

"But you will be late baby, the driver knows the house, he should take her." Lola protested.

This has turned out to be quite a small gathering

He did not as much as glanced at her but just turned around and walked out saying he will be waiting in the car. Lola huffed and went her way and the crowed dispersed as I also made my way up to go get my abaya.

The girls were sympathetic to my plight, some even offered to come with me but I declined. I went out holding my sprained wrist with my good one and we left for baba Ayala's house. I just pray it won't take long so I don't miss the engagement altogether.

It turned out the house was a good twenty minutes drive from demi's house.

Baba Ayala is a frail old man whose wrinkled face gave him the look of one who has seen it all. He spoke no word of English nor does he understands a word in hausa. So the exchange of formalities was done through Ahmad who acted as an interpreter.

He mixed some powdered herbs with oil and rubbed it to my hand after which he pressed his hand firmly until I let out a cry. Seriously, where did that came from? The frail old man has the strength of a wrestler in his hands. He then took a piece of bandage and tied it around my wrist.

All the while Ahmad sat looking calm and collected. when we were done I thanked him, which he seemed to understand and he answered in his language with the nod. Ahmad got up too and they spoke for a while before the old man said something while staring at me and Ahmad looked at me with a smile before he answered with an Amin. which felt weird since the discussion probably involved me and I had no idea what it's about. I made a mental note to ask him about it on our way back.

On our way back, we got caught up in a traffic and demi has been calling non stop I had to tell her to chill I promised I will be there. The traffic was slow and it took about thirty minutes to get out of it. I asked him what baba Ayala said and he just smiled and said someday he will tell me.

What makes him think there will be 'someday'for us?

We arrived to a deserted house. Not even malam musa was insight. He had to use his own key to open the gate. As we made our way upstairs, I did not feel scared, which under normal circumstances, being alone with a stranger would have scared the hell out of me. but strangely enough I didn't panic, I trust him. His room is at the far end of the hall so when I stopped he reached and opened the door for me before he told me we need to hurry if we were to make it to the engagement.

Less than ten minutes later I heard a knock and he asked if I was through. I am not a fussy person when it comes to getting ready, but for God sakes this is a wedding, I had to pray, put on some make-up and I have a sprained wrist for crying out loud.

I said I was almost done. I wore a blush lace buba and I thanked God that my aso oke has already been made else I don't know how I would have tied it. The only problem is my wrapper, I wondered how I was going to tie it into a knot at my back as I held both ends in my hand. I stood facing the mirror not knowing what to do suddenly, another knock sounded and he asked if I was okay.

"I just...um" I answered at a loss for words.

"Do you need help?"

"No!" Answered quickly

"Okay a little bit." I added

I heard him open the door I stood rooted at the spot and held my breath. I heard him close the door and if not for the fear of my wrapper falling off I would have bolted. But I held my ground. I watched through the mirror as he came closer. This is the first time I see him in a native attire and it suited him perfectly, I had my back to the door and he was so close I could smell his cologne. My heart began beating at a faster rate than it ever did, I was afraid he would hear the sound. He reached out and held the two ends and tied it into a knot, all the while his eyes were looking into the mirror and bore straight into mine. With him at a good six ft tall and me at a modest five ft two, we looked I dare say perfect together. Time seem to stand still, unspoken words lingered in the air. Solemn promises were made in the confines of our hearts and an emotion that rose amidst all else that were swirling around me is 'fear'. Fear of breaking the promise I made to my self a long time ago, fear of making myself vulnerable, weak and a subject to men's cruelty and infidelity, his eyes seem to speak to me and mine pleaded to his.

With one swift movement, he took a step back. Cleared his throat and said he will be waiting in the car. I made some finishing touches on my make-up, grabbed my phone and a silver clutch with matching heels and hurried off.

The moment we stepped into the hall, a photographer appears out of no where and took a picture of us.

"Perfect, he exclaimed. Now move closer and smile." He urged. Obviously he has mistaken us for a couple. As if on cue we heard the piercing voice of Lola.

"There you are, come take a picture of me and my fiance." she said emphasizing the word fiance. As she slide her hand in his.

I sighted the bride's maids in the crowd and I headed towards them. They were all looking beautiful in their own way.

After the girls have oohed and ahhed about how make-up suits me, Debby explained that I have missed the presentation of gifts, rings and that of the hat. It appears I have missed half the ceremony, literally.

I caught a glimpse of the bride sandwiched between her parents. She looked so beautiful in her white and gold outfit even the groom wore a matching outfit. The introduction of family members commenced after which the couples cut the cake and the dowry ( owo ori ) was presented by the groom's family. After that, prayers were offered by both parents and then the sound of the drums filled the air.

Throughout the ceremony I sensed someone staring at me from across the hall but I dare not look. for I knew who it was.

One thing about a Yoruba wedding is that, it is never complete without drumming and dancing. All in all it was fun.

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-Ahmad-

This must be it. It is the only logical conclusion to what I am going through. I love her....yes with every fibre of my being.

I could sense a storm coming. I could hear it raging and getting ready to shake the very foundation of my peaceful existence. But like a promise, I see her at the end of it all and I brace myself getting ready to face whatever comes in the way of us being together.
I made a silent prayer to Allah to grant me strength and patience.

Earlier today, it took every ounce of my will power to walk away from her, I couldn't even summon the courage to tell her how beautiful she looked without giving myself away. So I shut my mouth all the way to venue.

I picked up my phone and dialled demi's number telling her to come and meet me because it's urgent.

After isha, demi came and she sounded worried and ask what was the matter.
She sat down while I paced around the room not sure where to begin

"Brother Ahmed you are making me nervous what is it?"

"It's Ameena."I said softly

"What about her?"

Silence

"Oh my God! you are in love with her. Demi exclaimed as the realization hits in.
She cupped her face in her palms and a worried look cut across her face. she tapped beside her and asked me to sit.

" Brother Ahmed there is something you need to know..."

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So guys, any guesses about what is holding Ameena back?

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