KANO STATE, NIGERIA.

"Hey, we need to go see my mom before we leave. I totally forgot about that, let's go." Imad announced walking into the room to find her packing all the last touches of their things in the many luggage they are taking along with them to Chicago. She's been anxious about the whole leaving the country so she is checking her list again to tick them off.

"What? You didn't find it important to tell me that I'm meeting my mother in-law till few minutes before it happens? How can you be so irresponsible, Oreo? I can't even go there with these clothes, let me go and change first." She whined and stomped her way to the closet to change into more deserving outfit to see her mother in-law, not to forget that that mother in-law is the Queen of Kano so there is no room for mistake or untidiness at all. Maybe she should use that first impression matter

"I'm sorry, my love." She heard him call out from the living room making her roll her eyes and start searching for something charming to wear. Something she could pass as the ideal daughter in-law, leaving a trail of innocence.

She removed one of the ankaras in her closet and decided that it is the perfect one to meet her mother in-law with for the first time. They didn't carry out the Fulani tradition for the wedding or she would've seen her. The wedding took place just like any Hausa family like her. She thanked God for that though, they don't have the money to go through with those traditions. The way she heard it from Imad, her intestine churned but was more than elated when they say they are not carrying out with it.

Since the wedding was fixed in just a month's time when it got arranged, they didn't have time to do a lot of things. Imad needs to go back to school with her so everything was rushed and no event took place which didn't bother her one bit. All she knew is that she is married to the love of her life, her best friend and also her Oreo. They love each other and clashed right from the beginning so dating and getting engaged was easy.

Their weird nicknames came from their fetish for those goodies. She loves Oreo while he love Gummy bears so they exchanged it to their nicknames. That is one of the perks of being best friends before getting into serious relationship. They knew every weird thing about each other and could play around without anyone getting hurt in process. They are used to those harmless fights, insult here and there.

Back to her outfit, she removed embellished green and red ankara styled into a skirt, the blouse is sewn into a mandarin collar and circular flounce sleeves. She looked nice so she removed a red wide veil after making sure her head tie won't fall off no matter how many weird moves she'd make. Her feet slipped into red slippers and didn't bother taking a bag, she has nothing to put in there, her phone isn't heavy.

"I'm ready." She called out, walking out of the closet whilst adjusting the red veil around her shoulder like those married women do. It is not as wide as she thought but modest enough to visit her mother in-law.

"You look ravishing." Imad gave her a once over then moved slowly like a predator to it's prey. He just can't keep his hands to himself, not after he's got a taste of his love. Not after the night of passion they spent in each others arms keeping their adventure alive till deep into the vespers.

She nervously breathed out seeing his eyes raking over her body. He never fails to make her feel beautiful, gorgeous, giddy and anxious at the same time. The way his eyes are now combing and scouring her out, she felt her body on fire. She bit her lip glossed lower lip while trying her best to not look him in the eyes but it's Imad they are talking about, the man has some hidden charm that always draw and bewitch her in all the darn time.

His feet stopped inches away from hers while his figure loom over her petite frame. She didn't dare raise her eyes to look at him and when he use his fingers to coax her into looking at him, she shivered. His fingers are so soft yet cold on her hot skin. She closed her eyes and felt him lean down to her face, his breath fanning her face making her more hot. It swelters, she knew eggs could be fried atop her face or even toast.

He kissed her lips softly, taking the lip gloss from her lips. It tastes like strawberry, their favorite flavour. The kiss was gentle, mild and coaxing that she can't help succumbing herself into the burning need to have him close to her. She arched, bringing him closer to her to make sure there is not single space that hair could pass through. She still didn't feel satisfied so she pulled back knowing it will only lead to something they both can't finish.

"We need to go, Oreo. Your mom is waiting for us and we have plane to board in three hours." She moaned trying to wiggle away from his grip which earned her a groan of disapproval from above her.

He grunts and move his lips to her neck, moving slowly down to her chest, all the while making her feverish. Like an alarm, the word mom echoed in her head and she immediately push him away with the little strength she has. He was too into kissing her and was too relaxed to know about the push so he stumbled back a little and glare at her. Not at all liking how she interrupted his bonding time, he could ditch his mom for his wife.

"Way to ruin the mood, babe." He took her hand and lead her out of their Chamber before they use those three hours for something entirely different from everyone's point. He doesn't mind going back to bed with his wife, his mother will understand what is going on.

After a taste, he knew he is addicted for the rest of his life. She is just the medicine he needs to survive the cruel world and now he can gladly say his life is in track and everything will settle back in it's place in no time. Gosh, being married feels amazing at the same time terrifying knowing everything you have to do now must be cautious and for both your happiness. It's not always you, it is the both of you in everything now, shared equally.

Amirah groaned when Imad continue to complain about her pushing him away and not letting him have his way. It is already embarrassing that she is going to see his mother a day after their wedding. Any mature person will know what exactly happened the night before. It is their nuptial night so it's obvious what happened in the confines of their bedroom that day though not all couples consummate that day, but it's obvious they did. God, this is not how she pictured getting married at all.

Now that he wanted to stay home and tell his mother that they couldn't make it, she will know what happened and that is enough to make her run for the hills. She can't help but think about what would've happened if he'd told his mother 'they were busy and forgot'? She don't even want to think about it. She'd never meet her mother in-law if he had said that to her.

"Let's go." Imad helped her out of the car to the main palace making her stare at him. He should let her roam her eyes around the place before he drag her in there.

"I want to have a look around the palace, Oreo." She whispered lowly to him when they started making their way into the Palace following the red Mohtashem Kashan carpet sprayed around and the royal guards that greet them with each step. They are standing by each side of the hall as though they are guarding the golden huge flower vases beside them.

"We can do that some other time. We don't have much time with us and I despise going to the airport late, you know that." He whispered back to her, ushering her forward to the right where more guards are standing looking like statues than human. They are all well built frightening her small frame a little.

She leaned more into her husband's arms and they made few more turns before stopping outside an ancient looking brown and golden door. The designs on the door is enough to make her heartbeat escalate in less than seconds. She is afraid of what to see inside the room behind those doors shielding her away from someone she badly wants approval from.

She's heard about wicked mother in-laws that don't support their children's judgement in choosing wives. Though the Queen agreed about the whole marriage, it doesn't mean she likes her when she's hurt him even before they got married. Maybe they teamed up with Falak to hate her but then again, Falak showed her no hard feelings at all the day before. She acted all cool like any sister in-law would so that should be cancelled from the list. Or so she badly hopes, they might be playing her, you never know with close families.

Taking some much needed breath, she nodded at Imad who gave her his famous questioning gaze. She should just get over with this and know her place in the Palace. From what she heard about the Queen, she is not someone to be messed with so her freaking out is totally justified. Her mother in-laws blessings matters to her a lot so anything to get it. She gets why her sister freaked out when she heard her mother in-law is coming to visit them before the wedding, it's absolutely justified.

Imad widened the door after a few knocks then ushered her in. Her steps were slow as she walked into the elegant Chamber that screams Royalty, Competence and Opulence. The room, more like throne room is in cream and golden with touches of brown around the bedchamber, more like a Royal suit.

The bed is Royal like every other thing in the room. Be it the wardrobe, the twin bedside drawers, the chaise sitting on a Ushak hickory rug followed by cream The Eames set of sofas and the crystal beaded chandelier casting the room in soft hue around the room along with the bullet lamps by the bedside table which she just noticed. The room made her feel conscious of her own appearance. And for some reason, she felt the authority in the walls of the room, just like it's owner.

"Imad, come have a sit." The maids disappear from the bedchamber, leaving the mother and son with the additional daughter in-law alone. She either gets approval or disapproval, but the latter will be her worst nightmare.

The Queen is wearing simple flay gown but the alkyabba atop of it is what has Amirah's eyes rolling with hearts. The alkyabba is wine coloured but the golden embroidery is what has her eyes adoringly glued to the Queen. The embroidery rolled down from her neck to her feet, some styles behind her and some on her sides. She looks every inch royal and a Queen, a role model.

"Yes, mom. I almost forgot about us coming here." He scratched his head and all Amirah wanted to do was disappear from the room because she knew he did that on purpose to rile her up, he succeeded just right.

"Kai dai bakada kunya, you are so shameless." The Queen said lightly in her aristocratic calculated voice then added. "Amirah, my dear, come have a sit and let this boy serve punishment standing." She did as she was told and sat gently on the sofa opposite her mother in-law.

She was sitting tightly not wanting to make any wrong move or throw away the golden ancient flower vase sitting on the center table. Why wasn't there any book that will describe what and what you should not do in your mother in-law's presence, she would've read that book thoroughly. Now she don't even know what to do after greeting her and not to talk about her useless husband who just plopped on the bed she badly wants to feel underneath her fingertips. It looks soft and those canopies only made it more attractive and eye-catching.

"So you are leaving for Chicago in some hours huh?" She threw the question at them both but Imad was the one who enthusiastically replied.

"Yup, we are going on our honeymoon. I can't wait." He hugged a pillow close to him and if wishes were answered instantly, she would wish for the ground to open up and swallow her whole to never return. Ya subhan Allah, what on earth is wrong with her husband? Can't he see how she is burning already, no, food could be cooked on her face now.

"What have you eaten before you arrive here, Imad?" The Queen sternly asked which earned her a puppy dog eyes from her son.

A stern look from her has him moving to the set of couches they are sitting on. He sat down close to his wife, not leaving an inch between them just to tease her more. His mother could only shake her head from side to side and settle on just scolding them like she should. Imad will never stop his naughty ways, it will only get worse now that he is married. They will never hear the end of it now. If she thought her stepchildren are too quite, then she don't want her son to open his mouth.

"Well, I know you've heard about all the dos and don'ts of marriage so I don't need to add much. Just because you are young doesn't mean all the laws are not applied to your marriage. Don't mistakenly utter the words of divorce, whether you like it or not, your marriage will end after those words are out of your mouth. Don't try playing with those words no matter what. Marriage is no child's play. It is a sacred relationship between couple which completes half your deen.

"For you Amirah, your husband's wishes should always be fulfilled. Don't be too busy to have conversations with your husband. Don't be too busy to show him support and give him the advice he needs with each problem. Make it your first priority to make sure your husband's happiness and smile is always there. Whenever married couple have their hands in each other's, Allah rewards them. What better way than always sitting, smiling with each other knowing you will be rewarded?

"And for you Imad, you should not use the right you have over her selfishly. You have equal rights in this marriage though yours are much more stronger. Don't be selfish to not consider what she wants just because she keeps quite trying to make you happy. Don't you by any chance deprive her of her rights, no matter the situation. Be her shoulder whenever she needs it. Be her lover, her friend, her advisor and also her partner in all the needed time.

"Don't ever let the trust you have for each other falter even a bit. Relationships are base on trust, love, compassion and faith.

"You guys will be alone in a foreign country with no one to solve your differences. Be there for each other, always. I don't have much to say to you guys anymore. It's been said to you already so please, don't let your childish thoughts get in the way of your marriage. May Allah S.W.T bless your union, lavish his bounties on you and keep you together in all that is good." She concluded, standing up to go to her closet, walking like the whole time on earth is hers.

She came back holding a small salmon duffel bag and pass it to her new daughter in-law. Amirah hesitantly took it from her, her head down casted feeling overwhelmed with her words. The Queen gave her a hug which surprised Amirah but she was quick to reciprocate with a smile. She has the approval, she already feels half her trouble washing down the drain.

She likes how everything is going perfect, finally life is back on track.

.....
Sup?!
How is life around there? Is everything going like you planned? I hope so. Stay healthy, live life, be happy, always smile.

So approval from mother in-law. I will also need that mother in-law book please, you want to buy too?😹 I have so much planned so any review from now is welcome, I need the motivation.

TR; Would you rather smile at everyone or frown at everyone? I'd rather smile if I won't look crazy😹 You?

Aishatu.