Sixteen days to the wedding.

"How was your exam? I hope it went well?"  I tap my table as I speak to Safiyya. She wrote an entrance exam to Baze university yesterday.

"It was fine. Breezy in fact. They even gave us a tour after the exam. I pick Baze. I feel like I'll be at home there." I smile at her enthusiasm, a couple of weeks back she didn't want to go anywhere else other than University of Abuja.

"Ya Affy, when are they bringing the lefe?"

" My mother said they are coming tomorrow. So I'll leave the house pretty early to make someone up for her wedding anniversary then I'll go to the house of a friend of mine in Maitama." She exhales and goes quiet. I intend to surprise her this time around. When I was marrying husband number one, I couldn't invite Safiyya because she was a child. Now she's all grown and I want her by my side. How I'll do it is the only bone of contention.

"Safiyya, don't worry. Everything is going to be fine. In sha Allah." She'll be properly surprised when I am finished.

I end the call and go back to making orders. A few minutes later my phone chimes with a message. I take a look at it immediately. This days I check my messages immediately they come in because of Ajìkè.

However, it's the group chat Ajìkè created after we all met at her house.

Ya Ajike: Asalam Alaykum people.

Me: Walaikum salam sister. How are you doing today, how's the baby doing? 

I sat back in my chair and laid my head on the headrest, my orders totally forgotten.

Ya Nussy: Salam Bishes, Ajike, how's you doing?

Ya Ajike: I'm fine oo. My body is so ready to expel this baby out. After this baby. I'm never getting pregnant again.

Me: 😂😂😂

Ya Nussy: You lie.  That was what you said when you had Khayrat. You liar of the century. 😯😕

Ya Ajike: I'm not lying. It's just that I don't what to give birth before Afrah's wedding. I still want some party jollof rice and moi moi.  Muad'h is pretty strict about my diet this days.

Ya Nussy: More like he's pretty strict about everything when you are pregnant. Man's so in love with you. All that he needs to have is googly eyes. 😅😅

Ya Ajike: Pray that jealousy doesn't kill you. My husband loves me. Thank you. Jealousy Oshi.

Me: 😂😂😐May we have men that love us this much by our side forever.

Ya Nussy: My crush is an amazing man. He'll do right by you. Don't be so scared.

Ya Ajìkè : That's what I've been telling her about Adeel.  He's such an amazing man.

Ya Nussy: And that banging hot body. He's so hot 😱 😋

I sigh in trepidation, all I get about Adeel is glowing reviews, when will someone tell me if he's an ogre or something. What if he hides under all his good boy persona.

Ya Ajìkè: Nusaiba, this is someone's fiance. I'd like to know what Khalifa thinks about this your obsession for Adeel.😐😕😯

Ya Nussy: Haha, you think he'll believe you over me. Besides, them never born you well. You no fit try am.
Me: 😥😥😂😂😂

Ya Ajike: That one na just all talk and no action. Watch me and see first. I sent this message out for a reason. I assume, we are all going to Affy's wedding?

Me: Only auren and Conveyance oo.  Just those two.

Ya Nussy: Abeg. Jollof go dey? Dat one na koko.

Me: Plenty to carry go house sef.

Ya Ajìkè : Nusaiba food no go kee you. Since we are all going, let's converge at my house by nine on that Friday morning. I no wan hear story oo. Especially you Nussy, Maryam you too.  I know Khadeejah fears God.

Ya Nussy: Baki da hankali ne?Why will you use me as example.

Me: 😂😂😂😂😲

Ya Ajike: Sorry oo. Madam late comer. Kiss my god daughter for me.

Ya Ajìkè: See y'all later. Muad'h is back for lunch. Affy, thank God your Adeel's office is far from home. He won't be doing gum body like this one.

Me:😂😂😂 He loves you na.

Ya Ajike: Come let's exchange husband. See her mouth, as if I don't know he loves me.

I put my phone down after exchanging a few more pleasantries with them. The love they dole out is overwhelming, they make it seem as though loving someone is so easy. They make it seem as though loyalty is a free thing.

I hear footsteps and look up to see Rahma about to knock at my door. I wave her in.

"Ma, one Miss Zarah Hassan is here to see you. Says you'll know who she is." I get up from my seat and walk to the door with her.

True to it. Zarah is waiting at the reception in a purple Abaya and a black scarf wrapped around her head tightly.  She looks up and smiles in excitement upon seeing me.

"Ya Affy, I didn't have your phone number, and I just texted Hamma Adeel to send me your number." She shows me her phone and the message is there truthfully, her brother is typing. She turns off her phone and interlocks her hand with mine, we walk back to my office. She seats comfortably and I get into my seat.

"How are you doing Zarah?" She nods vigorously, the cookie she's eating is hindering her speech.

"I'm fine thank you. You promised to teach about eyebrows if I came over. That's why I'm here." I smile and lean back into my chair. She clasps her hands together, looking so nervous at me.

"I have a class in one hour. So, will you be able to seat silently while I work or wait till I finish at the reception?." She makes a show of zipping her mouth and throwing away the key.

"I'll just watch a tutorial quietly." I nod and begin working.

A few minutes later, she puts her phone in my face, there's a woman showing how to use brow liner properly.

" This woman looks like Hamma Adeel's ex wife." I stare at her open mouthed. And she quickly claps her hand against her mouth. She must-have given too much information.

Adeel was once married?  Why didn't anyone tell me?

*****

Hi guys,

Who knows what Nabs is going to do this time around, the girl just likes going around in circles. 😥😵😵 I'm tired too.

This chapter is for Halimatu Sadiya. I tried tagging you oh, but network no gree. Thank you sisterly.

Lest I forget, we are at #68 in Islam and charting everywhere. Thank you lovelies, God bless you richly. See y'all on Friday for real, please spam my phone with votes and comments.

                                  TheOmoope