Assalamu Alaikum my beautiful people.✨

Wow, it's been a minute and believe me I've missed writing and you guys so so much.

If you're in the university, then you know how tiring and time consuming it is and you barely have enough time for yourself as you're busy doing coursework and the rest. Y'all I've been through a lot lately and I'm glad to say I'm finally free and back!

I've already said this multiple times, UNI IS NOT FOR ME. I'm dropping out 🔜 and I'm not even joking.

So, here's the epilogue. This is the last time you'll hear from Aidah and Sayyid(sadly). 😢

This chapter is dedicated to all 'Aidah' readers. 💗

EPILOGUE

Three years later.

Good morning, Ammi! Rayyan's voice rang out happily as Aidah entered the living room, his smile wide as he gazed at his mother with love in his eyes.

She bent down to plant a kiss on his forehead, her heart warming at the sight of his joy. "Morning, my ray of sunshine. Have you eaten breakfast?" She asked, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead.

He nodded enthusiastically and climbed onto her lap. "Yes, Julia fed me."

"What did you eat?" She kissed his head lovingly, feeling the small but undeniable connection between mother and son deepen with each passing day.

"Uhm, I ate waffles, eggs, and sausages," he replied, his excitement about his meal filling the room with light.

"That's good." Aidah smiled, her hand gently stroking his hair. "Is Aunty Nadia awake?" She asked, her voice carrying a note of curiosity as she checked on her sister, who was staying with them for a few days.

He shook his head. "No."

Aidah rose to her feet, giving him a playful squeeze before heading downstairs to prepare for the day ahead. She was already feeling the heaviness of her to-do list pressing on her mind, but she'd learn to manage it—just as she always did.

It was Tuesday. Sayyid was at work, leaving her to take on the many responsibilities of the day. As Aidah settled into the living room with her breakfast, she was grateful for the small moments of peace. The morning light streamed through the windows, casting a gentle glow on the room. She was having grilled potatoes with egg sauce and a matcha smoothie for breakfast—comfort food to fuel her busy day.

As she took small bites, Aidah began watching a reality show called Nailed It on Netflix, the lighthearted fun of the show providing some much-needed distraction. But even as she tried to enjoy her meal, her mind kept wandering to the tasks that lay ahead. Her phone buzzed with reminders.

She checked her to-do list: • Take Rayyan to the dentist
• Rania's four-month vaccine
• Go to the salon
• Attend Sauda's wedding meeting at her in-laws' house
• Visit Baba in Asokoro
• Grocery shopping
• Bond with my little family

"Well, there's not much to do today," she mused, but her thoughts quickly shifted. She might have to cancel the meeting at her in-laws' house—there were just too many appointments, too many responsibilities. She could always go tomorrow when things were less hectic.

Aidah sent a quick message to Ruqaiya, explaining her change of plans.

Aidah Deribe Remawa: Won't be there today... Sai gobe, inshallah. I have the kids' hospital appointments and a lot more. Please let Adda Meera know. Regards to my baby. Kisses.

Ruqaiya Remawa: Okay, Allah ya kaimu. Sure, I'll let her know. Kisses to my babies too. xx.

There was a sense of relief in knowing that her family understood. But Aidah still had a busy day ahead. She needed to get to the salon—her hair was starting to resemble a bird's nest. She hadn't been able to make time for herself in over a month, and it was starting to weigh on her.

Just as she finished her breakfast, the sound of Rania's cries cut through the quiet. Aidah sighed, feeling the weight of motherhood settle in once again. "Looks like someone's awake," she murmured, already anticipating the long hours ahead with her newborn.

Her nanny came in, holding Rania in her arms. The sight of her daughter's chubby cheeks made Aidah's heart swell. "Hello, baby." She kissed Rania's soft forehead, her love for her child immeasurable.

Rania immediately began to whine, signaling that she was hungry. Aidah smiled softly, her voice soothing as she lowered her tee shirt. "Patience, baby. I'm feeding you now."

Rania latched onto her breast, suckling hungrily. Aidah watched her with such affection, stroking the baby's soft hair, amazed at how much Rania resembled her. It was uncanny. Rayyan had inherited his father's striking charm, with dimples to match, while Rania was the spitting image of Aidah. Her nose, her little mouth, her eyes—all of it. Mashallah.

"Julia, Julia," Aidah called, needing to move forward with the day.

Julia came into the living room, looking to Aidah for instructions. "Yes ma'am?"

"Shower Rayyan and dress him up, we're going to the hospital at 1:30." Aidah's voice was calm but firm.

Julia nodded, moving toward Rayyan to get him ready for the appointment. Aidah, too, needed to prepare for the day, but she would wait until Rania finished eating.

Aidah glanced at her daughter again, marveling at the little life she had created. It wasn't always easy, especially with Rania's sleep association issues. The baby only seemed to fall asleep while nursing or when Aidah laid her on her back, and that was starting to take its toll. But she didn't mind—this was the life she'd prayed for, even if it came with its challenges.

"Well, it looks like you're full," Aidah whispered as she gently removed Rania from her breast.

Her daughter seemed content, but Aidah could see the exhaustion creeping in. She called for Rania's nanny again, asking her to take the baby while she went upstairs to shower. As she made her way up, she caught sight of Nadia, who had just woken up and was sitting with Rayyan in the living room.

"Morning," Nadia greeted her with a smile.

"Lafiya, Nadia. We're going out in two hours. Wanna come?" Aidah offered, her voice light as she made her way toward the stairs.

"Yeah, sure. Let me shower and get ready," Nadia replied, eager to join.

"Your breakfast is downstairs. You could have Julia or Binta bring it up if you prefer to eat up here," Aidah suggested.

"No, I'll go down. Thanks," Nadia answered, standing up and heading for the stairs.

Aidah smiled softly, feeling a moment of peace amidst the busyness of her day. But even as she prepared for the morning, her mind never fully left her family. Rayyan, Rania, and Sayyid—they were the heartbeats of her life, her reason for everything.

She couldn't wait to spend the day with them, even if it meant rushing from one place to another. The love she felt for her little family was endless, and she was grateful for every moment, no matter how challenging it might be.

Aidah moved with a sense of quiet purpose as she ascended the stairs to her room. The morning had been a flurry of activity—Rayyan's excitement about the dentist appointment, Rania's unyielding cries, and the countless little tasks that never seemed to end. She needed this moment of solitude, a brief escape to center herself before the next chapter of the day began.

She undressed, her body grateful for the chance to shed the weight of the world, even if only for a few moments. The hot water from the shower enveloped her like a soft embrace, and she allowed herself to relax under the soothing stream. The constant hum of her daily responsibilities—motherhood, marriage, and everything in between—felt far away as she closed her eyes, letting the water wash over her.

Once she stepped out of the shower, she performed her wudhu, grounding herself further. The ritual calmed her restless heart, and as she dressed, a sense of peaceful clarity settled over her. She slipped into a simple yet elegant Atamfa gown, the fabric flowing gracefully around her. The matching veil added a touch of understated elegance, and she finished the look with a spritz of her signature Hermès Twilly perfume, the scent lingering in the air like a delicate reminder of who she was beneath the roles she played.

She picked up her black Chanel classic flap handbag, her Prada sunglasses resting effortlessly on top. A small smile tugged at her lips. She loved how something as simple as a handbag could make her feel like herself again, away from the demands of motherhood.

Before heading downstairs, she entered Sayyid's room, her heart tightening as she saw the bed he had left empty this morning. She checked the air conditioning, turned off the lights, and tidied the room—a small ritual she'd always done to keep their space ready for his return. She made sure the clothes she had discarded earlier were neatly tucked away in the laundry. The house, their home, was a reflection of their love, of the life they had built together.

With a final glance at the room, she descended to the kitchen, where Ali, the cook, was already preparing lunch. "No, Ali," she said with a gentle smile. "I'm cooking dinner tonight. You can leave after lunch is done. Thank you for all your hard work."

As she spoke, Rayyan appeared at the top of the stairs, looking excited and ready for the day ahead. "Ammi, where are we going?" he asked, his big brown eyes wide with anticipation.

She crouched down, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "To see the dentist, Habibi," she replied softly, her voice laced with affection.

Just then, Nadia entered with Rania, her baby girl a vision of sweetness in a bright yellow dress, a matching sunflower headband perched on her head. Her little shoes, a gift from Macy's, completed the look. Rania's big brown eyes sparkled with curiosity as she glanced up at her mother.

"Are you all ready?" Aidah asked, her voice filled with warmth.

Nadia nodded, her smile reassuring as she gathered Rania's bag and headed out the door, ready to go to the car. "Rayyan, call Binta from the kitchen," Aidah instructed. Her son, eager to help, ran to fetch Rania's nanny. Binta appeared almost immediately, carrying baby Rania's diaper bag with practiced ease.

With everything in place, they all piled into the car. Aidah decided to drive today, needing the quiet rhythm of the road to clear her mind. Nadia slid into the passenger seat while Rayyan, Binta, and Rania settled into the back. The car filled with the sound of Rayyan's excited chatter, his little voice light with curiosity.

"Rayyan," Aidah called, glancing at him through the rearview mirror, "What's the dua for leaving the house?"

Without missing a beat, Rayyan's small voice filled the car, his pronunciation flawless. "Bismillah Tawakatu Alaa Allah, la hawla wa la quwata illa billah."

Aidah's heart swelled with pride. "Mashallah, my Ray Ray," she murmured, a tear threatening to escape her eye. There was something so pure, so innocent in his devotion. Her son, at only three years old, was already reciting his duas with such reverence. His love for the Quran and his eagerness to pray were beyond words, a testament to the nurturing environment she and Sayyid had created for their family.

As she drove through the busy streets, her mind wandered, taking comfort in the simple beauty of their routine. Rayyan's excitement, Rania's soft coos, and the peaceful sense of family that enveloped them all—it was a balance she treasured.

They reached the hospital, and Aidah, still holding Rania in her arms, led the way into the waiting area. Rayyan had finished his dentist appointment, and now they were waiting for Rania to receive her vaccination. The hospital lobby was filled with quiet murmurs, the scent of antiseptic thick in the air. Nadia, Binta, and Rayyan waited in the car while Aidah stayed with Rania.

As Aidah settled into a chair, her phone buzzed. She glanced down, a flutter of anticipation rising in her chest. It was a call from Sayyid.

"Hi babe," Aidah said, her voice warm as she picked up the phone.

"Hey Ammi, I miss you," Sayyid's voice came through, sounding just a touch more tired than usual.

She chuckled softly, "You've been gone for six hours, don't be a baby."

Sayyid laughed lightly on the other end, but she could tell he was missing her. "Honestly, I think I might retire sooner than expected."

"Aww, Sayyid, you're being a lazy ass," she teased, a smile spreading across her face.

He chuckled back. "Where are you now?"

"At the hospital. We're done with Rayyan's dentist appointment, and now we're just waiting for Rania's vaccine," she explained, shifting the phone slightly as she settled in for another waiting session.

"Okay, how was the dentist appointment?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

"It went well. Just a cavity, normal for kids his age," she reassured him.

"Okay, good. I might be coming back early today," he said.

"Toh please, could you stop by the corner shop to buy a few things? I don't think I'll be able to go myself today, I have a lot on my plate," she asked, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she thought of the tasks still ahead of her.

"Sure, send me a list of things to get," he responded, already sounding like he was on it.

Just then, a nurse signaled for Aidah to follow her.

"Okay, you're the best. Babe, I gotta go," Aidah said quickly, before another wave of tasks called her attention.

"Love you, babe," Sayyid replied, and the line went silent as he hung up.

Aidah followed the nurse through the corridors, ticking off the tasks in her head. Once she was done at the hospital, she headed to Asokoro to drop Nadia and the kids off at her parents' house. It was a brief visit, just a hand-off before she made her way to the salon in Garki, Aunt Hadiza's place.

She wasn't doing anything extravagant today, just getting a wash, a simple act of self-care she treasured in the midst of her busy schedule. The whole process took less than an hour, and before she knew it, she was headed back to her parents' house.

As she entered the living room, the familiar faces of her siblings greeted her—Ni'imah, Mairam, Ya Mamma, Amma, Yakaka, Yagana, Yassine, and Kamilla. Aidah smiled warmly, seeing her sisters-in-law, Aisha and Fatima, as well. It was always a joy to be surrounded by family, though Bebi, Aisha, and Ummi, Aicha, and Mairam were notably absent today.

She excused herself to the inner living room, where her mom and stepmoms were resting. The brief greeting was enough to remind her how lucky she was to have them in her life. She returned to the main living room to rejoin her siblings.

"Does Baba have any visitors?" she asked Kamilla, her curiosity piqued as she looked around.

"No, just the brothers," Kamilla replied with a light smile.

"Nadia, have you greeted Baba? Where's Rayyan?" Aidah asked, already looking for her son.

"I haven't. Ray is with Mahmoud," Nadia replied as they both headed towards Baba's chambers. Rania, as always, was securely nestled in Aidah's arms, her little face calm and content.

Once they entered the room, they greeted their father with a formal salam, and Baba welcomed them warmly. "Waalaikum salam," he responded, his voice deep with affection. He reached out for Rania, and much to Aidah's surprise, Rania went to his arms without a fuss—a rare occurrence, as Rania typically wasn't one to go to strangers, even family.

"Ah, Baba, you're lucky," Nadia teased. "Rania na quya, but she's not like that with you." Aidah couldn't help but laugh at her sister's observation.

Baba chuckled, his hands cradling Rania gently. "She knows her husband, right Fatima?" he teased, kissing the top of Rania's head. "Allah ya miki Albarka," he murmured with a prayer for his granddaughter's blessings.

The room filled with a soft, collective "Ameen" from everyone present. Aidah watched, a sense of deep peace filling her heart as she witnessed these moments of familial love and connection.

The sisters spent some time catching up with their brothers and uncle, exchanging pleasantries and sharing stories. It wasn't long before they bid Baba farewell, heading back to the main house. As the family gathered together, they chatted and laughed, the bond between them growing even stronger.

But as the time approached for Maghrib, Aidah knew it was time to leave. She still had dinner to prepare for the family, and Sayyid would be home soon. Her heart fluttered with anticipation. She loved these simple moments of togetherness—the warmth of family, the laughter that echoed through the house, and the thought of her husband coming home to the smell of a home-cooked meal. It was the perfect ending to her day.

****

Aidah returned home, feeling the familiar sense of peace that only her house could provide. She headed straight to the kitchen, checking the food timetable for dinner. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw it was Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo — Sayyid's favorite. A smile tugged at her lips as she removed her scarf and got to work in the kitchen.

With the help of her little sister, they managed to finish preparing the meal in under an hour. Just as they were putting the final touches on the dinner, Sayyid walked in, right after Maghrib, with bags of groceries she had sent him for. The moment Rayyan saw his father, he couldn't contain his excitement.

"Dada!" Rayyan ran toward Sayyid, his arms outstretched.

Sayyid scooped him up effortlessly. "Hey buddy, how are you?"

"I'm fine, Alhamdulillah," Rayyan said with a bright smile.

"Mashallah. How about we head upstairs, and you tell me about your day?"

"Yesss!" Rayyan squealed in excitement.

Sayyid kissed Aidah on the lips, lightly, before heading upstairs with Rayyan still in his arms.

"Go and freshen up," Aidah called after him with a soft smile, watching as her husband disappeared up the stairs.

As Sayyid went upstairs, Aidah burned incense throughout the house, clearing the clutter Rayyan had left behind earlier, and setting the dining table. She paused briefly to pray Maghrib in the room Nadia was staying in, before heading back downstairs to unwind with her favorite reality show on Netflix.

In about an hour, Sayyid and Rayyan reappeared, both freshly cleaned up. Sayyid was wearing a pristine white jalabiya, his presence commanding and warm.

They sat down at the dining table, where Aidah served Sayyid and Rayyan, each dish plated with care. Rayyan got his own plate — a Paw Patrol design that made him smile every time.

As they were eating, Nadia appeared in the doorway, carrying a fussy Rania. She greeted Sayyid warmly before passing the baby to Aidah.

"Lafiya Aunty Nadia, how are you?" Aidah asked.

"I'm fine, Alhamdulillah," Nadia replied with a soft smile.

"Are you eating now?" Aidah asked, a knowing glance at her sister.

Nadia shook her head. "Later inshallah," she said before retreating upstairs.

As soon as Rania was handed to Aidah, the moment of peace at the table faded. Rayyan, reaching for a samosa, nearly spilled water everywhere.

"Ah ah, Rayyan bari mana," Aidah hissed, as she tried to stop the mess before it happened.

"Ammi, I want samosha," Rayyan pleaded, his little face full of hope.

"Ask Daddy for one," she replied, juggling Rania in her arms.

Sayyid, ever the softy for their son, passed him a samosa with a grin. But just as they were getting back to the meal, Rania started to whine.

"Eh, menene? Kina shan nonon ma, kina mita, kai Ranini!" Aidah exclaimed, half amused, half exasperated.

Sayyid chuckled, sipping his iced tea. "How does it feel to be almost 27?" he asked, a teasing note in his voice.

Aidah made a face, pretending to be upset. "Old! I feel old."

He laughed. "Baby, you don't look a day older than 24."

Aidah laughed too. "You're just saying that to make me feel better."

Sayyid flashed his trademark grin. "You know me so well."

Just then, Rayyan piped up again. "Ammi, Ina shon popsicle please?"

"No, dare yayi," she answered firmly.

Rayyan looked to his dad for backup, his big eyes pleading.

Sayyid shook his head with a smile. "She's the boss, and she said no."

Rayyan pouted, giving them his best puppy-dog face, but Aidah remained firm. "Not gonna work, my answer is still no," she shrugged, standing up to clear the table.

She handed Rania to Sayyid. "Go to Dada," she said softly, her hands full with the dishes.

Once in the kitchen, Aidah cleared the table and returned to the living room to relax with her husband and kids. It was already past 11 p.m., and both Rayyan and Rania were asleep in their room. She gently took Rania upstairs to their room, tucking her into her cot before changing into her silk pajamas.

As she settled into bed, her phone buzzed with a message from Sayyid. "Meet me in your room."

Aidah raised an eyebrow, amused. He could be such a drama queen. The room was just six steps away, but she ignored the thought and stood up, heading to their room.

When she opened the door, the lights were dimmed, and scented candles flickered around the room. Rose petals adorned the bed, and there, in the middle of it all, stood Sayyid, holding a bouquet of her favorite roses.

"Happy birthday, wife," he said with a smile.

"Thank you, Husband," Aidah replied, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug.

As she pulled away, she noticed the unwrapped gifts near the closet. Her curiosity piqued, she raised an eyebrow at him.

"Why don't we open your gifts?" he suggested with a mischievous grin.

Aidah smiled. "Yeah, we should do that."

The first box was from Hermès, and her heart skipped a beat. As she unwrapped it, she found a stunning Birkin 20 in matte alligator. "Oh my God," she gasped, amazed by the beauty of it.

The second gift was a bottle of Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge perfume, the one she had been eyeing for months. The third was a box from Cartier, revealing a delicate love bracelet in white gold. And the last gift was a box of her favorite chocolate — the Guylian seashells.

"Do you like them?" Sayyid asked, his eyes full of anticipation.

"Babe, this is amazing. I don't just like it, I love them," she said, her voice full of emotion.

Sayyid stepped closer, his arms wrapping around her waist. "I love you so much. Thank you for being the best wife, the best mother, and the best friend. Our kids are so lucky to have you. I'm the luckiest man alive to have you by my side."

Tears welled in Aidah's eyes as she looked up at him. "Sayyid, I can't imagine my life without you. You're everything to me. I thank Allah everyday for bringing you into my life. You're the greatest gift."

He bent down, kissing her gently on the lips. "You mean the world to me, my love," he whispered in her ear.

***

As the days passed, the seasons shifted, and life unfolded in its natural rhythm, the love between Aidah and Sayyid only grew stronger. Their days were filled with laughter, their hearts entwined in a bond that time could never diminish. They navigated the ups and downs of life with the unwavering support of one another, each challenge only deepening their connection. Through the sleepless nights, the joyful moments, and the quiet conversations before sleep, they were each other's refuge, each other's strength.

In the quiet of their home, with their children growing before their eyes, Aidah often found herself in awe of the life they had built. Their home was filled with more than just love; it was filled with memories—each room a witness to the moments they had shared, from their first meeting to the first time they held their children, to quiet evenings spent side by side.

One evening, after the kids had gone to bed, Aidah and Sayyid sat together on the balcony, watching the stars above. The cool night air was a welcome reprieve after a warm day, and the world around them seemed to pause as they sat in the stillness, lost in each other's presence.

Sayyid reached for her hand, his fingers threading through hers as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He looked at her, his gaze deep and full of admiration, and his voice, soft and steady, broke the silence.

"You know, when I look at you, I still see the woman I fell in love with all those years ago. But now, I see so much more. I see the mother of my children, the woman who has shaped our family with love and grace. I see the woman who has made every moment of my life meaningful."

Aidah's eyes filled with tears as she squeezed his hand. "Sayyid, you are the greatest blessing Allah has ever given me. You are my heart, my soul. There's no one else I'd want to walk this path with. No one else I'd trust with my love, my dreams, and our future."

He smiled, a soft smile that spoke volumes, as if the depth of his love for her could never be fully captured in words. "I will love you always, Aidah. Not because it's easy, but because it's you. And in this life, I know I am truly blessed to call you mine."

Tears glistened in her eyes as she turned to him, her voice barely a whisper. "I will love you, Sayyid. Always. Through everything. In this life and the next, Inshallah."

He pulled her close, his arms enveloping her in a gentle embrace. The world seemed to fade away as they held each other, their hearts beating in synchrony. In that moment, they knew that no matter what the future held, they had each other—and that was more than enough.

Their love was a promise—a promise that no matter the distance, no matter the trials, they would always find their way back to each other. It was a love built on faith, on trust, and on a deep understanding of one another. A love that would never fade, but only grow stronger with each passing day.

And so, as the stars above continued to shine, Aidah and Sayyid stood together, hand in hand, ready to face whatever life would bring, knowing that their love would be their guiding light, forever and always.

I love you guys so much wallah, I don't know where I'd be without you, all the encouragement!

Peace be with you all🥰

Allah Hafiz.

Love, Chiickadee✨