Maiduguri dinner.

Everyone was bustling around, caught up in the flurry of activity as they prepared for the event, which was set to begin in less than an hour. The air was filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation. Aidah, however, was calm at Mama's side, her focus entirely on getting ready. Jide had just finished her makeup, and as always, he had done a flawless job. Her beauty shone through even more, the soft, glowing finish of her makeup accentuating her natural features.

She was dressed in a stunning silver gown, crafted from luxurious fabric by Rex Fabrics and expertly sewn by Hudayya. The gown hugged her figure perfectly, its shimmer catching the light with every movement. Aidah couldn't help but admire herself for a brief moment, feeling both proud and grateful for how everything was coming together.

"Ya Niimah, please pass me my phone," Nadia called out, her voice slightly impatient.

"Aunty Kami, Ammi is calling you," Amal said to Kamilla, who was still sitting with Jide, getting her makeup done.

"Amal, tell Ammi I'm getting my makeup done, please," Kamilla replied, her voice calm as the little girl trotted off to deliver the message.

Meanwhile, Jide finished tying Aidah's turban, the final touch on her already flawless look. As he stepped back, Ya Ummi approached and spritzed her with an expensive designer perfume, the fragrance filling the room with an air of elegance.

"Okay, you guys really need to hurry up," Ya Mamma said, entering the room with a sense of urgency. "You know Sayyid is waiting for you downstairs, Aidah."

"Ya Mamma, we'll be done in five minutes, please," Aidah called out, slipping her feet into her silver Manolo stilettos, the final touch to her elegant look.

She finished getting ready and made her way to the lobby. As she descended the staircase, the amazing photographer captured the moment perfectly—Aidah's gaze meeting Maryam's as she helped her adjust the long trail of her gown.

Sayyid was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs, his presence commanding yet filled with warmth. Aidah glanced down at him, and in an instant, he flashed her his million-dollar smile—the kind of smile that always made her heart skip a beat. It was the smile that could melt her, the one that made her fall in love with him all over again.

He was dressed in a black kaftan and babbar riga, both adorned with intricate silver embroidery, the fabric also sourced from Rex Fabrics. The combination of his attire and that dazzling smile made him look every bit as handsome and regal as the moment demanded.

Once Aidah reached the ground, Sayyid extended his hand to her, and without hesitation, she took it, her fingers intertwining with his.

"You look beautiful, belle," he whispered softly, his voice filled with admiration.

Aidah blushed, a shy smile spreading across her face. "You look handsome, Habibi."

At that moment, Maryam entered, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the couple. "Now pose, let me snap a picture of you two," she said with excitement, and the couple turned to face the camera, their smiles radiant.

"Omg, you guys look so beautiful, mashallah," Kamilla gushed as she entered, her voice full of praise. She was dressed in a stunning pink lace gown, complemented by matching headgear and jewelry, looking every bit as elegant as Aidah. The bride's sisters, all dressed in similar beautiful pink lace attire, entered behind her, completing the perfect scene of unity and celebration.

"We should get going," Samad said, his voice filled with anticipation.

The group made their way outside, heading towards the venue where the event was taking place. The Deribe house, with its immense size, was the perfect location for such a grand occasion. The family often hosted their weddings and other significant events here, making it a place filled with cherished memories.

As they reached the grand marquee, the sound of loud music could be heard emanating from the hall. Sayyid held Aidah's hand firmly, never letting go, offering her comfort and strength. The bridesmaids, all dressed beautifully, arranged themselves in two lines, ready for the next part of the celebration.

"Okay, let's go," Adda Niimah instructed, and the bridesmaids, with grace and energy, made their way into the venue. They danced to Dangote by Burna Boy, their lively movements filling the air with excitement and joy.

Flashes from cameras went off in rapid succession as the beautiful couple walked down the podium toward their seats, their every step captured in time. Aidah felt like a dream, the moment feeling surreal. Sayyid, ever attentive, gently helped her with her dress as they reached their seats, making sure she was comfortable before they settled in.

"Thank you," Aidah smiled at Sayyid and gracefully sat down beside him.

He settled next to her, his hand gently brushing hers. "Anytime, my darling wife," he whispered, his voice filled with warmth.

The dinner began with an opening prayer led by one of the aunts, a sacred moment that set the tone for the evening. The event flowed smoothly from there, the room filled with laughter, music, and the joyous sounds of celebration. People were enjoying themselves, savoring the meal, dancing, and engaging in heartfelt conversations.

Maryam walked over to where the couple was sitting, a playful smile on her face. "Hey, amarya," she greeted, using the term for bride in a teasing manner.

Aidah beamed at her best friend. "Hey, mey ciki."

Maryam raised an eyebrow with a sly smirk. "You'll soon be the mey ciki, ai," she said, glancing over at Sayyid, who was deep in conversation with Ya Niimah.

Maryam snapped a few pictures with the couple before excusing herself to join the festivities. Soon after, both couples were called to the center of the room to cut the cake. Aidah, with Iman's help, adjusted her dress, while Nadia assisted Yassine.

They made their way to the cake table, the anticipation in the air. With a shared smile, they cut the cake, each feeding a piece to the other in the time-honored tradition. Afterward, Aidah stepped away to change into her next outfit.

A little while later, she returned, radiating beauty in a stunning red gown, crafted by a popular and talented designer. The room seemed to pause for a moment as all eyes were drawn to her elegance.

The couple was soon called to the dance floor for their first dance. The slow melody of Say You Won't Let Me Go by John Arthur filled the air—a song that held special meaning for both Aidah and Yassine. As they swayed together, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in that perfect moment.

Once the first dance concluded, the DJ kicked off the music for everyone to enjoy. The atmosphere became electric as the dance floor came alive. Aidah and Sayyid, along with their friends and family, danced with abandon, their laughter and joy infectious. It was a day of memories—one they would cherish forever.

They were still snapping pictures with family and friends, capturing memories with the bride's sisters and brothers, mothers, aunties, and nieces. Despite the joyful chaos, Aidah felt exhaustion creeping in. She was so tired and sleepy, her body yearning for rest. She stifled another yawn, rubbing her eyes before turning to Sayyid.

"I'm so sleepy," she murmured, her voice tinged with exhaustion.

Sayyid looked at her with understanding. "You should be. I know you haven't had much sleep these past few days," he said, his tone gentle. Aidah nodded, a faint smile appearing on her face.

"Yeah, it'll soon be over," she replied, her voice soft.

Sayyid gazed at her with fondness, a smile playing at his lips.

"What?" she asked, her own smile spreading at the sight of his adoring expression.

"Nothing," he shook his head, but his eyes sparkled with affection. "It's just that you look so beautiful. I thank Allah every day for creating such a beautiful creature and making her my wife."

Her heart swelled with warmth, and without thinking, she hugged him tightly. "I thank Allah too every day for bringing you into my life, my Sayyid."

He kissed her forehead softly. "I love you so much, Belle."

"I love you more, mi Guapo," she whispered, the words filled with love.

They stayed in that embrace for a while, lost in their own world, until someone cleared their throat, breaking the moment.

"Hamma Sayyid, Ya Aidah," Sauda called out, her voice laced with playful amusement. "If you haven't noticed, you're still at the event center, surrounded by all the parents and everyone else."

Sayyid groaned, clearly a little embarrassed, while Aidah couldn't help but chuckle at the situation. The playful interruption made the moment feel even more special, filled with lightheartedness.

The event had finally come to a close, and they were back home. Everyone was beyond exhausted, with fatigue settling deep in their bones. Aidah, in particular, was wiped out. She had been running on adrenaline all day, but now, with the wedding behind her, the weariness hit hard.

Now, Aidah sat in the living room, surrounded by her friends and sisters. They had all changed out of their wedding outfits, had their baths, and were ready for bed—except for Aidah. She still had a few things to take care of before she could finally relax and get some rest.

Aidah hadn't yet taken her bath. She sat on the edge of the bed, wrapped in a towel, carefully wiping off her makeup. Once she finished, she walked into the bathroom and indulged in a warm, soothing shower, using the scented soap her beautician had gifted her. The calming fragrance filled the air as she washed away the remnants of the day.

When she stepped out, feeling refreshed, she slipped into her nighties. The softness of the fabric felt comforting against her skin, and for the first time all day, she allowed herself to truly relax.

Climbing into bed, she reached for her phone, which had been buzzing non-stop throughout the evening. She logged into Instagram, something she hadn't done in a while. What she saw made her heart race—her entire feed was filled with photos from her and Sayyid's wedding. The pictures were stunning, and her heart swelled with happiness as she scrolled through them.

Under the tag 'Muha18,' she found more memories captured in time. It made her smile, remembering the day when Maryam and Blessing had chosen that special name. 'Muha' stood for Muhammad (Sayyid) and Halima (Aidah), a perfect blend of their names symbolizing their union.

She put her phone down on the bedside table, her heart full. As she lay there, the thought of tomorrow filled her mind. By this time tomorrow, she would be in Sayyid's house, his wife. The thought made her smile before sleep overtook her, bringing a peaceful end to the day.

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