Assalamu Alaikum. Hi guys, Here's another chapter ❤ do enjoy🎉

It was finally Saturday, the day Muhammad's family was coming to fix the wedding date. I was both nervous and excited, my stomach fluttering with anxiety. Today was the day everything would feel a little more real. The house was buzzing with activity as my aunties from both Mammy and Daddy's sides gathered in the living room, their voices filled with excitement and chatter. It felt like a big family gathering, but it also reminded me that everything was about to change.

"Leyloş, hazır ol şoför seni Esma abla'nın evine götürecek." ( Leyloş, get ready, the driver will take you to Sister Esma's house). My aunt, Selvi Teyze, called from the living room in her usual lively tone, speaking to me in Turkish. She was Mammy's younger sister, always bringing a lighthearted energy to the room.

I loved spending time with Selvi Teyze. She was cool, independent, and had a successful career. I admired her for not being married yet and pursuing her dreams. I was used to hearing about her furniture business in Nigeria, where she worked as a co-owner. She had come to Nigeria a few months ago, and though she lived a busy life, she always made time for us.

I have four Aunties and one uncle from my mom's side. Hatice Teyze, Mammy's older sister, lived in Istanbul with her family—two boys and two girls. Esma Teyze, Mammy's immediate younger sister, lived here in Abuja and had four kids: Omer and Azra, who were my age, and Fatma and Selim, who were younger. Finally, Nazlı Teyze, a bit younger than Selvi, lived in Istanbul as well with her two daughters.

And then there was my uncle Murat, Mammy's older brother, who lived in Izmir with his wife and six kids. Our family was large, spread out across different countries, but today, most of them were all gathered here in Abuja, making the house feel even more full than usual.

"Tamam Teyze," I said, nodding as I grabbed my things and headed for the bathroom.

After a quick shower, I slipped into a maroon abaya and wrapped my veil around my head. I grabbed my phone, handbag, and headed downstairs to the living room. There, I greeted two of my aunts—Esma Teyze and Nazlı Teyze—with a warm smile, speaking to them in Turkish.

"Iyi günler teyzeler," I greeted them politely. (good day aunties)

"Güzel gelinimiz!" They replied with joy, calling me "our beautiful bride." Their words made me blush, and I tried to hide my nervousness. I wasn't sure what to expect from today.

After excusing myself, I went to the dining area for a quick snack before heading out. I called Ibty to let her know that I was going to Esma Teyze's house. She assured me that Fatma would be meeting me there so I wouldn't feel bored.

In Mammy's tradition, whenever the groom's family visits, the bride should remain absent for respect. So, I had to leave the house to meet them, but I couldn't help feeling anxious about the whole thing.

I stepped out to the parking lot, where the driver was waiting by the car.

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Arriving at Esma Teyze's house, I rang the doorbell, and Fatma answered. As soon as she saw me, she wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug.

"Fatma'm, nasılsın?" I asked, my voice filled with warmth as I hugged her back. (My Fatma, how are you?)

"I'm fine, gelin," she said teasingly, calling me "bride" in a playful tone.

"Ömer nerede?" I asked, looking around for my cousin, Ömer, who was always a good company.

"O dışarı çıktı," Fatma replied. "He's gone out."

We made our way to the living room and settled down while we waited for Ibty to arrive. Fatma, always the curious one, bombarded me with questions about how I was feeling about the upcoming wedding. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her teasing, but I knew she meant well. I simply smiled and ignored her questions, not wanting to engage in the talk about marriage just yet.

It wasn't long before Ibty walked in, and we were finally able to relax and talk about other things. The two of us started chatting and joking around, but my phone buzzed in my pocket. It was a call from Norah.

"Leyloş, the date has been fixed," she told me. "A month after your graduation, Inshallah."

A month after my graduation? That was only a year away! The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. A year was nothing in the grand scheme of things, but it still felt like such a short time to prepare for something so big.

It was time to go home. Ibty dropped me off, but she didn't even come inside. I was exhausted and needed some time alone to process everything. I went straight to my room, locking the door behind me to escape the noise of my relatives. I collapsed onto my bed, its softness a welcome relief.

After a few minutes of lying there, I got up and went to the bathroom for a quick but relaxing shower. The warm water helped clear my mind, and I felt a little more at ease. Once I finished, I performed wudu and dressed in my favorite "What's life without coffee?" nightgown.

I wrapped myself in a long hijab and prayed Isha, reciting a few verses from the Quran before finishing my adhkar. With the room dark and quiet, I turned off the lights, switched off my bedside lamp, and let myself drift into a deep, peaceful sleep.

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Hey guys! I know this is a really short chapter I'm really sorry😘

Goodnight❤

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✨deedah✨