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JADWA
Jadwa was seated with Zara and Hannan after dinner, arguing about the worst makeup trends. The lively discussion filled the room with laughter until Hannan shushed them to answer a call. Jadwa rolled her eyes at her sister and tapped Zara to continue their hushed conversation when Hannan handed her the phone.

She glanced at the name on the screen and gulped. Why did he have to call now? Reluctantly, she took the phone and left the dining room for the privacy of the kitchen.

"Hello, Assalamu Alaykum," she greeted, her voice trembling slightly as she unmuted the call. A flutter of nerves danced in her stomach like a trapped butterfly.

"Wa Alaykumus Salam," his deep voice replied, sending a shiver down her spine. Jadwa squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, willing her heart to calm its frantic drumming against her ribs.

Why did talking to him make her feel like this? Like a clumsy child suddenly thrust into the spotlight?

"Ina yini," she managed, her voice barely a whisper.

"Lafiya lau Alhamdulillah. How are you?" he asked, his concern evident even through the phone.

Jadwa swallowed. "Alhamdulillah," she replied simply.

They settled into a comfortable silence for a split second, a question hanging heavy in the air. She could almost hear his silent inquiry, and it mirrored her own. Where did they stand now?

"How is school?" he finally asked, his voice breaking the comfortable silence.

Jadwa focused on the question, the familiar routine a welcome distraction. "It's okay, I'm just catching up on missed tests," she answered, surprised at how steady her voice sounded.

"MashaAllah, that's great. Allah ya bada sa'a," he prayed.

"Amin," she smiled, a genuine one this time, warmth spreading through her chest

"I wanted to check up on you and also say thank you," he said, a hint of amusement dancing in his voice.

Jadwa's brow furrowed. "Thank you?"

"For giving me a chance," he said. He paused, and Jadwa could practically hear him holding his breath. "Are you sure about it, Jadwa?" he asked, his voice softening with concern.

She wanted to scream. Why did this have to be so difficult? Nodding curtly, she said, "Khair inshaAllah. I trust Baba, and trying won't hurt," she said honestly. "I was going to, even before Baba interfered anyway," she blurted out, adding with a nervous laugh, "Just wanted you to know it wasn't solely because of him."

Relief washed over him, and she could hear the smile in his voice. "Alhamdulillah, I am happy to hear that," he chuckled.

"Mhmm, how is Lily?" she asked, eager to steer the conversation away from the awkward territory.

"I'm sure she's doing great, a little too excited about the news," he said, making Jadwa laugh.

"Really? Her and Zara are always cut from the same cloth," she said, picturing Zara's infectious enthusiasm.

"I noticed that, always a handful," he agreed with a fond sigh.

"You're not home?" she blurted out, surprised by the question leaving her lips.

"Oh yes, I traveled to Kaduna today," he said. A beat of playful silence followed. "Are you eager to see me? already?"

Jadwa's breath hitched. Heat flooded her cheeks, and she stammered, "No, I just wondered after... ummm.. I asked about Lily and you said you are sure she's fine." She stammered and closed her eyes embarrassingly.

"Darling, that doesn't sound very convincing," he teased.

Jadwa rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Maybe not, but I can say it now if I want to, right?" she blurted out, emboldened by a sudden rush of defiance.

Imran's laughter filled her ear, a rich, warm sound that sent shivers down her spine. "Just say it, and I'll be on my way back right away," he challenged.

A thrill shot through her. "Too bad, I don't want to. So take your time and enjoy Kaduna," she said, relishing the playful banter.

"How mean," he mock-complained, "but I know the truth. I'll see you when I'm back, okay?"

Jadwa couldn't help but laugh. This man, with his teasing words and easy charm, was a mystery she was eager to unravel. "Okay, Ya Imran," she agreed, the words feeling strangely familiar on her tongue.

"Good night, Jadwa. As much as I want to stay and talk to you, I don't want to take Hannan's time any longer," he said.

"Alright, good night, Ya Imran," she replied, a comfortable silence settling between them before the call ended.

She stared at the phone, a kaleidoscope of emotions swirling inside her. Confusion, excitement, a touch of fear  they all battled in her mind. What did this mean? Were they... dating? The terms remained unspoken, hanging heavy in the air.

His strong voice echoed in her mind. She stood there staring at the phone, her mind buzzing with thoughts. Would he call often? But as soon as the thought crossed her mind she brushed off the thoughts and returned to her sisters.

"Hmmm, what did you say that you were all giggling and laughing?" Hannan asked.

"Tell us! What did he say?" Zara demanded, perching on the table, making Jadwa shake her head.

"We just said hi," Jadwa shrugged.

"Big fat liar!" Zara exclaimed, looking at her incredulously.

"Seriously, he just called to check up on me," Jadwa insisted.

The girls didn't believe her, pestering her until she gave up more details.

The next two days blurred by. Ammi and her sisters, including Amira who had come to help, were busy supervising the kitchen and setting up the house for the expected visitors. Jadwa was sulking because, according to Ammi, today was her rest day, and she wasn't allowed in the kitchen or else she'd be locked in her room. So, she played games on her iPad and watched movies, hours passing with no one coming up to check on her.

Restless, she felt a mix of anticipation and dread. This meeting meant she couldn't entertain other men except if they parted ways. Now, everyone would know they were together.

The screech of tires on gravel jolted her out of her thoughts. Rushing to the window, she saw the cars coming into the house. It wasn't just one car, but a convoy of several, pulling into the house. Nervousness coiled in her stomach making her close the curtains almost immediately and laying back down on her bed.

An hour later, Ammi entered, her eyes red-rimmed but a radiant smile gracing her lips.  "My baby, you are now a woman. You are all grown up," she said, pulling Jadwa into a tight embrace.

Jadwa hugged her back, the familiar scent of Ammi's perfume offering a sliver of comfort.  "Ammi, why are you crying now? It's not like I am getting married today," she teased, wiping away a stray tear.

Ammi laughed too, shaking her head. Just then, Ahmad entered the room with a tight smile on his face. "Assalamu Alaikum," he greeted, and Jadwa answered his salaam since Ammi was too emotional to respond.

Ahmad approached, and Jadwa got up to give him a warm hug. She noticed he was holding a medium-sized brown paper bag.

He kissed her cheeks and handed her the bag. Jadwa opened it and saw bundles of cash stacked together, making the bag heavy.

Jadwa's heart hammered against her ribs as she took it, the weight of it surprising.  Peeking inside again, she saw stacks of crisp Naira notes.

Confusion washed over her and Instinctively, she handed it to Ammi.

"It's for you. That's your mahr," he said, and Jadwa felt as if someone had poured a bucket of ice-cold water over her. She sat down, looking at him with the most confusion she had ever felt in her life.

Then, softly, almost inaudibly, he spoke the words that shattered the fragile peace she'd built in her mind.  "An daura auranki da Ya Imran," he said. (They have tied the knot with you and Ya Imran.)