Aidah

"Ya Allah, I'm so tired already," I said to Maryam, who was driving me around Abuja for her wedding preparations, which were in less than a month.

She literally dragged us to every fashion designer's shop. In the end, we settled on Hudayya Couture for all the outfits. Now we were there for her final fittings.

After we finished at Hudayya, we went to book the makeup artist. Maryam chose Dazeita because she always does her makeup and knows exactly how to enhance her features.

"Seriously, Maryam, let's go! I'm so tired; I'll take an Uber, wallahi," I said.

"Okay, okay, just one more place, and I promise I'll drop you home," Maryam said, glancing at her phone.

We had been moving around since eight am and it's already a few minutes to one. It has been five hours! I was so hungry and sleepy. Finally, we arrived at Cake Velvet for the cake tasting and everything. Insha'Allah, this would be our last stop.

"Ki fito mana," Maryam said to me for the fourth time, but I kept saying no. I would literally faint when I stood up. I was running on just two hours of sleep and I was starving!

"Wallah, I'm not coming out. Go ahead, na gaji," I said, sighing.

Maryam shook her head and left, clearly annoyed. Before long, she came back out, saying the lady wasn't around, so we headed home. We arrived shortly, and Maryam went in to greet Ammi.

I heard voices all around the house. I went to the living room and saw Ammi and Yaya along with some of my siblings and their children.

"Aunty Aidah!" Ameera yelled, running to hug me, followed closely by Noor, Zayd, and Aana.

"Hey, little ones, how are you all? I missed you!" I said to them, and they responded with cheerful smiles. Maryam greeted Ammi, Yaya, and my siblings, and they teased her so much that she turned as red as a tomato before she left.

Kamilla and Nadia are in Sudan with Mama, while Mairam went to Sokoto with Ya Mamma for a wedding—Ya Mamma's husband, Ya Aminu, is from there. Yassine is in Maiduguri with Khalifa, Mahmoud, Ayman, Abdallah, and Mummy.

I went to Amma's room to check on her. "Hey, Fatima, how far?" I asked. Amma will be going back to the States soon; her graduation is in a few weeks.

"Halima, when did you get back?" she asked, looking up from her laptop.

"Just now," I replied, and she nodded. I left her room, and all the tiredness I was feeling came crashing down on me.

Ya salam, I am so tired; I don't think I've ever been this exhausted. I really need a break—like, seriously, I need to travel after Maryam's wedding, inshallah. Besides, I'll be going back to school for my graduation after the wedding, inshallah.

Maryam is really lucky to get a guy like Bash, he's a really good guy. Talking about guys, Sayyid is in the office right now, we haven't talked all day today. Our relationship has been going on smoothly Alhamdulillah, he never ceased to make me happy.

Upon entering my room, I removed my abaya and tossed it on the couch, then stripped off my clothes, wrapped a towel around myself, and headed to the bathroom for a hot shower. I emerged fifteen minutes later and walked to my closet to search for something to wear. Urgh, that's the hardest part of taking a bath—deciding what to put on!

After five minutes of searching, I finally settled on a pair of blue loose pants and a gray shirt. I packed my hair into a messy bun, put on my glasses, and opened my laptop to continue watching the series "Victoria."

I was halfway through the second episode when someone barged into the room. I paused and looked up to see my dear Ammi standing there with her hands on her hips.

I gave her a toothy grin. "Ammi na."

"Don't 'Ammi na' me! You came back and didn't even look for me. Have you eaten today?" Not Ammi treating me like a little kid, lmao! I can't blame her, though; I'm still her baby.

"I'm sorry, Ammi! Wanka nayi, and yes, I've eaten," I replied with a smile.

"Alright," she said, turning to leave.

I quickly stopped her. "Ammi, wait. I'll be going to Ya Ummi's."

She nodded. "Okay." With that she left the room. I stood up and was about to put on my Abaya when I remembered that today is Friday and the day just began. Maryam and I went out in the morning and now it's just 2pm.

I decided to dress up in native wear today, something I hadn't done in a long time. I rummaged through my closet and finally spotted a simple purple and brown Julius Atamfa skirt and blouse. After changing, I sat at my vanity table and applied some concealer and powder—I don't use foundation much. I traced my brows, added some kohl and lip gloss, and finished with a touch of blush. Perfect!

I tied my scarf in the 'Aidah' way and picked out my veil, spraying on my Prada Paradoxe perfume. Grabbing my phone, I snapped selfies just because I looked that good!

I grabbed my black Hermès Kelly bag, slipped into my black Hermès flats, and headed out. I paused to tell my mum that I was already on my way.

''Where are you going?'' Amma asked.

"To Ya Ummi's," I replied simply and stepped outside. I waited for the driver to bring the car from the parking lot, and soon we zoomed out, hitting the road to my sister's house in Maitama.

We arrived at Ummi's crib shortly. I told Dele, our driver, not to bother coming back to pick me up. I rang the doorbell and waited for someone to open the door. While waiting, I heard my phone ping, notifying me of a new message.

I was about to check my phone when the door opened, revealing Amna, Ya Ummi's 4-year-old daughter. "Aunty Aidah!" she squealed, jumping into my arms.

''My baby, how are you?"

''I am fine, I missed you so much''

"I missed you too! Where's Lily?" I asked Amna, inquiring about her almost one-year-old sister.

''She is with Maama'' Amna replied, excitedly

We walked hand in hand upstairs, where I heard Lily crying. "Who touched my baby?" I exclaimed as I entered the kids' room, only to find Ya Ummi holding Lily in her arms, trying to force medicine into her mouth.

"Subhanallah, what's happening here?" I asked, placing my veil on the small chair.

"Yarinyan nan ce mana, she's not taking her medicine, se da fada and masifa," Ya Ummi said, releasing Lily and passing her to her nanny for a bath.

''Ayya, my Lily," I said, giving her a peck as they passed by.

''Adda Umms, ina wuni''

''Lafiya lau Aidah, nda fato?'' She asked in Kanuri

''Lafiya." I replied.

Ya Ummi excused herself to go and bathe too. I went to the living room and slumped down on the couch switching on the tv, that's when I remembered the notification that came through when I entered the house. I unlocked the phone and checked, it was on instagram and it was Sayyid.

-S.Remawa - You look beautiful..no beautiful is an understatement. You look Stunning! 😻❤

God! Sayyid is going to be the end of me..

AidahDeribe- You're so sweet! Thanks babe 😘

I was replying to my messages when Ya Ummi came in. "How do I look, it's been long since nayi kwalliyan Friday''

''You look breathtaking!'' I replied, sincerely. She looked stunning!

"Oya come and snap me, let me send it to my husband," she said, and I quickly took the pictures. I also posted one on Snapchat with the caption 'yummy mummy of two.'

''Where are you going?'' I asked her, curiously

"My friend invited me for lunch, and you're coming with me," she replied, and I simply nodded. ''We are not going with the kids'' She added.

After about twenty minutes, we arrived at the friend's house which is in Asokoro. The security guard opened the gate and we entered. As we walked in, I admired the beautiful landscaping. The house was spacious and elegantly decorated, giving off a warm, inviting vibe.

As we entered, I was greeted by a very pregnant woman who looked to be around Ya Ummi's age. To my surprise, I also spotted two of Sayyid's sisters, Ruqaiya and Sauda. The pregnant lady was none other than Meera, his older sister.

''Ameera wallahi baki da kirki'' Ya Ummi said, hugging Adda Meera

"Ina wuni," I greeted Adda Meera, and she responded warmly. "Aidah, ya kike?"

"Aidah!" Sauda exclaimed, wrapping me in a warm hug.

"How are you, Sauda?" I asked, hugging her back and smiling.

''I'm fine, you?'' She asked and I replied.

"Adda Ruqaiya, don't you remember her?" Sauda asked, glancing at her sister.

Ruqaiya smiled and said, "Of course I remember her—Hamma Sayyid's girl." She chuckled, making me blush a little.

"Ke Ruqaiya, you're making her uncomfortable," Meera teased, and they all laughed—everyone except me.

I found a spot next to Ruqaiya and sat down. As I pulled out my phone to reply to some messages, a cute little boy, probably around three years old, came into the living room.

"Abdallah, can't you greet?" Adda Meera chided the boy, who I now realized was her son that Sayyid often mentioned.

"Hey little champ," I said, extending my hand to him. He took it and made his way over to me with a big grin.

''How are you?'' I asked the cute little boy.

''I am fine''

I chatted with Abdallah as he excitedly shared stories about his school and friends. His chatter was infectious, just as Sayyid had described—full of energy and curiosity.

I felt a rush of excitement as Sayyid's familiar voice greeted everyone with a warm salam. He always had that effect on me, instantly lighting up the room.

He looked dashing, mashallah, with the crisp white kaftan highlighting his features and the black Borno cap adding an air of sophistication. My heart skipped a beat as he scanned the room, a smile breaking across his face when he spotted me.

"Hey, Belle," he said, his voice warm and inviting. I felt a flutter in my stomach as he leaned in slightly, looking genuinely pleased to see me. "What brings you here?"

"Hi," I said, stealing a quick glance at him and smiling.

Just then, Ya Ummi and Adda Meera walked in. "Ruqaiya, have you met your in-law?" Adda Meera asked with a smile, glancing at Ya Ummi.

Ya Ummi turned to Sayyid and said, "It's been a while! I didn't even recognize you. How have you been?"

Sayyid and Ya Ummi exchanged warm pleasantries, while Samad, already familiar to her, simply offered a few formal greetings.

''Let's move to the dining room, guys." Says Adda Meera.

We all stood up and walked to the elegantly furnished dining room, filled with anticipation. Just then, a man entered, and I instinctively assumed he was Adda Meera's husband—and it turned out I was right.

I settled down opposite Ya Ummi, with Sayyid to my right and Sauda to my left. Before long, they served our meal, which consisted of delicious shepherd's pie accompanied by garlic bread and rich mushroom soup.

As light chit-chat filled the air, I remained quiet, focused on my food. "Baby, what's wrong with you?" Sayyid leaned in and whispered, concern evident in his voice.

"Me? Nothing," I replied, turning to meet his gaze.

''Then why are you quiet?'' He asked again.

"Just like that," I shrugged, taking a spoonful of my soup.

He turned to Ruqaiya, who had called for his attention. Thank goodness for that!

"Meera, did you receive Aicha's wedding invitation? I sent it on Tuesday," Ya Ummi asked.

"Oh yeah, I got it. Thanks!" Adda Meera replied. "It's in a month, right? December 18th?"

Ya Ummi answered.

"Oh my god, that's on mine and Hamma Sayyid's birthday!" Ruqaiya beamed with excitement.

Oh, so they share a birthday! That's great!

After we finished eating, we returned to the living room. Ya Ummi and her friend went upstairs, while Ruqaiya, Sauda, and I stayed with Sayyid, Samad, and Ibrahim—Adda Meera's husband.

Sauda excused herself, leaving Ruqaiya and me seated at the coffee table at the end of the living room. Meanwhile, the guys were in the parlor, likely discussing work as usual.

Sayyid kept staring at me with a smirk, making me feel quite uncomfortable. Ya Ummi had left a few minutes earlier, and Ruqaiya and Sauda urged me to stay behind, promising to drop me off at home later.

Ya Ibrahim went out with Samad, leaving just Sayyid and us. He settled down next to me about fifteen minutes ago, and we've been chatting about random topics since. His sisters left the room, giving us some much-appreciated space. Lol!

"Belle, I want to ask you something," he said, using the nickname he gave me because he thinks I'm beautiful, making me blush!

"Sure, what's up?" I replied, giving him my full attention.

''Are you ready for marriage?''

My heart skipped a few beats.

I looked at him playfully and asked, "Sayyid Remawa, are you proposing to me?"

He cocked his head slightly and smiled. "What if I am? Would you say yes?"

"Hmmm, maybe," I said teasingly.

"For real though, are you ready for marriage?" he asked, his tone turning more serious.

I took a deep breath and nodded, "I am, as long as I'll be with you." I felt myself blush.

"Then what are we waiting for?" he smiled, taking my hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"You know, earlier today Ammi asked me if I wanted to get married, and I told her I didn't know. But now I definitely know that I want to—I want this," I confessed.

He flashed me his million-dollar smile. "I'll talk to Mami today, inshallah, so she can help me speak to Baba about sending the elders to ask for your hand."

''Alright." I replied with a smile too

"You know I love you, right?" he asked, his eyes sincere.

"I know, I love you too, Sayyid." There it was—I had finally said it back!

Ruqaiya and Sauda came back and continued to gist until it was past 5. I should probably get going. Sayyid offered to take me, she said goodbye to Ruqaiya, Sauda and Adda Meera and we went outside.

He opened the door for me, and I hopped in as he followed. We zoomed out of the house and onto the road.

''Where am I taking you? Home or Ya Ummi's? He asked me.

''Home please''

He took the right turn that led us to my house, also located in Asokoro.

''You are going for maryam's wedding fatiha right?'' I asked him.

''Of course I am. In Gombe right?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I'm leaving next week."

"Allah ya kaimu," he said, and I replied with, "Ameen."

"Sayyid, you know I'm leaving after the wedding, right?" I asked, wanting to make sure he was aware.

"Yes, baby, I know, and I'm going to miss you," he said, turning to look at me.

''I'll miss you more" I said, truthfully

We soon arrived at my house and parked in the spacious driveway. "Are you coming in?" I asked him.

"When I make the 'formal introduction,' I can come in as your fiancé," he said, making me laugh.

"Come on, Sayyid, come greet Ammi. I'm sure she'll be happy to see her future son-in-law," I said, giving him my best puppy-dog face.

"Okay," he finally agreed. We went inside the house, and I led him to the living room while I went to find Ammi.

"Ammi, Sayyid is here to greet you," I said as I entered the room. Ammi quickly put on her hijab and came out.

"Ah ah, sannu da zuwa," she said as she entered the living room.

They exchanged pleasantries, and he stood to leave. I escorted him out, bid him adieu, and then returned inside.

"Ammi, can we talk?" I asked, feeling a bit nervous

"What is it?" She asked, concern written on her face.

"Sayyid and I talked; he wants to send his people to ask for my hand in marriage."

"Mashallah, Alhamdulillah. I'm so happy to hear this news," she said, smiling widely.

"But I don't know how to tell Baba. I was thinking of asking Ya Ahmad to tell him."

"Yeah, that's a great idea. You should call Ahmad," Ammi said, unable to contain her happiness.

"Okay Ammi. Thank you"

I went to my room, freshened up, changed my outfit, and then called my brother, Ya Ahmad.

"Hello, Ya Ahmad! Ina wuni?"

"Lafiya, Aidah! How are you?" came his kind voice.

"I'm fine, Alhamdulillah. How's Ya Fatima?" I asked about his pregnant wife.

"She is all fine Alhamdulillah." He replied.

"Yaya, please, I need your help," I said, feeling shy and nervous.

"Sure, Aidah. What is it?" he asked, his attention fully on me.

"Please, I want you to help me tell Baba that my boyfriend's going to send his family over to ask for my hand in marriage," I said, taking a deep breath.

"Ah ah, Mashallah! I'll do that, inshallah. I'll come and meet him tomorrow, inshallah. I'm so happy you came to me," he said, the joy clear in his voice.

I silently thanked God that Baba was in Abuja this week, giving me some relief. After finishing the call with Ya Ahmad, I eagerly shared all about Sayyid and everything he needed to know about him. Happiness overwhelmed me as I realized how close we were to this new chapter in my life.

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