KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Alhaji Muhammad Gimba stared at Alhaji Sa'ad Mato with his younger brother Alhaji Bashir Mato and his best friend Musa Bilyamin in shock. His wife had started talking to him about Sa'eed's relationship with Hauwa but he didn't think it was something serious. She was 21 and rightly he was supposed to get her married if she had a husband but he couldn't bring himself to send her off and let her live with a man alone. She was his favourite daughter and had a special place in his heart because of what happened 14 years ago. She had endured enough and no child her age was supposed to go through that trauma. Seeing her mother— Alhaji Muhammad cleared his throat to stop himself from reminiscing about the painful past of his daughter and wife, may her soul continue to rest In Peace.
"I don't want to make any rash decision, I'll have to talk to Hauwa about her decision before I get back to you." Alhaji Muhammad said and Sa'ad nodded his head in understanding.
"We will await your feedback but from what Sa'eed has told me, he and Hauwa have great love and understanding for each other so we shall expect a positive feedback." Alhaji Sa'ad said with a smile. They soon diverted towards politics and late in the evening the three guests who had specially come from Abuja to Kaduna to ask for Hauwa's hand in marriage left.

Alhaji Muhammad sighed tiredly as he removed the zanna bukar perched on his head and used it to fan his head, the AC was on but he was sweating profusely. He hated that he couldn't protect his daughter Hauwa from seeing that gruesome side of her mother's incident and he hated himself that he wasn't able to protect his first love and the mother of his children. How could he not have noticed what had been happening to the woman he claimed to love? He didn't notice anything until it was too late and she had finally died.
"Muhammad." Hauwa's mother, Hajara, called out and he looked up at her with a weak smile.
"Are you thinking about Adda Firdausi?" She asked and when he nodded his head she smiled and sat close to him.
"I also think about her a lot, I miss her but I can't begin to think about how her children, especially Hauwa who had witnessed how gruesome her death was must miss her. "

"You are their mother Hajara so I don't know what you're saying." Hajara smiled and nodded her head but decided to let the topic go.
"Alhaji Sa'ad came earlier to ask for Hauwa's hand in marriage for his son Sa'eed." Muhammad said after a while and Hajara immediately beamed.
"Masha Allah, that is wonderful news. Finally my Kulu is settling down." She said with a beautiful smile, Hauwa was also her favourite because of what had happened. In fact, anyone who knew about what Hauwa had witnessed 14 years ago at a young age would pity and dote on her.
"But you don't look happy." Hajara said when she noticed Muhammad's sore mood.
"How can I be happy when someone is trying to take Mai-Jidda away from me."
"That someone is who your daughter is madly in love with." Hajara said and air quoted someone. Muhammad hissed before saying,
"I'll call Hauwa and talk to her about it tomorrow."
•
ABUJA, NIGERIA

Hauwa's eyes widened as she unwrapped the delicate package, revealing a stunning, modest gown that seemed to whisper secrets of a special night. The dress, a soft, ivory hue, cascaded down like a gentle waterfall, its intricate lace and embroidery evoking the beauty of a moonlit garden. A delicate veil, attached to the dress's subtle headpiece, framed her face, casting a mystical aura around her.

As she held the gown against herself, Hauwa's thoughts drifted to Sa'eed, her heart overflowing with love. Memories of their laughter-filled moments, camera lenses clicking in unison, flooded her mind. She recalled how Sa'eed's eyes sparkled when he captured the perfect shot, how his smile could light up a room, and how his gentle guidance helped her discover new perspectives through the lens.

Over the past few months, their shared passion for photography had woven a tapestry of cherished moments – sunrise shoots, golden hour strolls, and cosy editing sessions. With each memory, Hauwa's love for Sa'eed deepened, and now, as she gazed at the dress, she sensed a new chapter unfolding. The gown seemed to whisper promises of forever, its modest elegance reflecting the beauty of their love.

The dress's long sleeves flowed like silk, its high neckline adorned with delicate florals, and the subtle A-line silhouette skimmed her figure, exuding grace. A sprinkle of intricate beading danced across the bodice, casting a soft shimmer, like the sparkle in Sa'eed's eyes when he looked at her. As Hauwa's fingers traced the embroidery, she felt the weight of Sa'eed's love, the gentle pressure of his hand in hers, and the soft whispers of his voice in her ear.

She was rudely interrupted from her lovestruck moment when her phone rang, she immediately ran towards it and a smile bloomed on her face when she saw the name 'better half' with three red emojis.
"Assalam alaikum, Ina kwana baba; good morning."
"Wa alaikum salam, lafiya; morning."
"How's momcy and Jannah?" Hauwa asked giddily.
"They are fine Alhamdulillah. Er Mai-Jidda"
"Na'am baba; yes?"
"Sa'eed's father came yesterday and they asked for your hand in marriage."

As the words spilled from her father's lips, Hauwa's heart skipped a beat, and her breath caught in her throat. A euphoric wave washed over her, threatening to sweep her off her feet. She felt like she was floating on air, her soul soaring with uncontainable joy. By Allah, she loved Sa'eed more than words could express, more than any poem or song could convey.

Her initial instinct was to scream, to let out a deafening shriek of delight, but she bit her lip, containing the explosion of emotions. Instead, a shy smile spread across her face, and she lowered her gaze, her cheeks flushing with happiness.

"Mai-Jidda?" she whispered, her voice barely audible, as if she was sharing a precious secret with herself. Her mind raced with thoughts of Sa'eed, his kind heart, his gentle smile, and his loving eyes.

Hauwa's fingers trembled as she clutched the phone, her knuckles white with excitement. She felt like a dreamer who had finally awakened to a reality more beautiful than any fantasy. Her heart sang with an unspoken melody, a symphony of love and gratitude.

"Alhamdulillah," she whispered, her voice filled with reverence, acknowledging the divine hand in bringing them together. Tears of joy pricked at the corners of her eyes as she struggled to maintain her composure, her shy demeanour a thin veil for the ecstatic emotions swirling within.

"So I take that as a yes?" Muhammad asked when he heard her say Alhamdulillah, he wasn't meant to hear but because the phone was still in between her ears and mouth, he heard her.
"Yes baba." Muhammad smiled even though she couldn't see him.
"Your mother—"
"Baba please, let's not talk about her. Allah ya jikanta; may her soul Rest In Peace." Hauwa said, the woman's topic was a spur one for Hauwa and she tried to avoid talking about it to anyone.
"Ameen, I'll call Alhaji Mato and inform him about your decision."
"Toh baba, ka gaida su mama da Jannah; ok baba, my regards to mama and Jannah."

Alhaji Muhammad answered with an okay am telling her he sends his greetings to Aisha and her family before he hung up.
"Was it baba?" Aisha asked as she stood in front of Hauwa's daughter, her hips leaned on the wall, she was clad in a purple sweat pants and black T-shirt. It still baffled Hauwa how Aisha was able to maintain a perfect body even after 9 years of marriage and she could only wish it would be the same for her.
"Yep and he sends his regards." Hauwa said giddily, earlier she had been upset when the topic about her past was brought up but now remembering about Sa'eed sending his family made her happy and she forgot she was even angry.
"Someone is excited." Aisha said and wiggled her eyebrows mischievously.

It was as if that was what Hauwa was waiting for because she immediately jumped on Aisha screaming on top of her lungs and said,
"Sa'eed has sent his elders to baba to ask for my hand in marriage." Aisha didn't look happy and Hauwa noticed that, she immediately released her and hugged before saying, "Seriously, not again Ya Aisha. Sa'eed is a good person."
"And did I say he isn't?" Aisha retorted, her mind wasn't at ease with the whole marriage sham but because she had promised her Hauwa she would support whatever her decision was, she kept quiet.
"Good luck." Aisha said before she left.
•
As the sun dipped into the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over Abuja, Sa'eed took Hauwa on a romantic journey through the city's most breathtaking spots. They strolled together, their love radiating like a beacon, as they explored the lush gardens of the National Assembly, the serene atmosphere of the Abuja Mosque, and the picturesque views of the Jabi Lake.

Their conversations flowed effortlessly, like a gentle stream meandering through the landscape. They laughed, shared stories, and gazed into each other's eyes, their connection deepening with every passing moment.

Finally, they arrived at the opulent Transcorp Hilton Hotel, its grandeur and elegance setting the tone for a magical evening. Sa'eed led Hauwa to the rooftop restaurant, where a sumptuous feast awaited them. The soft glow of candles, the fragrance of exotic flowers, and the soothing melodies of a live band created an ambiance of enchantment.

As they savoured each bite, their eyes locked in a loving embrace. Sa'eed's voice trembled with emotion as he began to speak, his words pouring from his heart like a river. "Hauwa, from the moment I met you, I knew you were the one. Your smile illuminated my world, and your love captivated my soul. You are my everything, my guiding star, my forever companion."

With trembling hands, Sa'eed reached into his pocket and produced a small, exquisite box. He opened it, revealing a stunning diamond ring, its brilliance rivalling the stars above. "Hauwa, will you marry me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You had to go all extra right Sa'eed?" Hauwa said and she chuckled even though her eyes were teary and Sa'eed smiled lovingly at her.

Hauwa's heart skipped a beat, her breath caught in her throat. Tears of joy streamed down her face as she gazed at the ring, her mind reeling with disbelief. She felt like she was floating on a cloud, her soul soaring with happiness.

"Oh, Sa'eed!" she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I love you more than words can say. Yes, yes, a million times yes!"

As Sa'eed slid the ring onto her finger, Hauwa's heart overflowed with joy. She felt like the luckiest person alive, her love for Sa'eed shining brighter than the brightest star.

Sa'eed's eyes shone with happiness as he gazed at Hauwa, his voice filled with longing. "I wish I could hug you right now, but you're not my mahram... yet." He smiled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Soon, my love, soon."

Hauwa's cheeks flushed with shyness, but her heart sang with delight. She knew that this was just the beginning of their forever journey, and she couldn't wait to see what the future held for them.

Ok🌚
So mallam Sa'eedu don propose💃
She done sail completely oo, tighten your seat belt because the ride it about to become rough😏.
But how comes Hauwa has two mothers?! 😏😌🤭

Also, pls vote, comment and share. Please vote and comment, it is what motivates me to keep writing, I didn't want to update tonight but I had to because my followers clicked 200. Thank you guys. This book is almost 1k reads🥹, I really appreciate.

Pls vote and comment else I won't have to he zeal to write and I'll start update monthly or after 2 weeks.

Layha🤍✨