Kano State, Nigeria.
2018.

The whole Palace is in good mood because their princess is getting married to the next King of Kano state!

A week to the wedding, everyone is trying their very best to please the couple in town. The alghaita kept blowing and whistling nonstop around the whole Palace and the traditional drum kept beating around the whole walls of the Palace. Not only is the Palace aware of the wedding, but the whole state if not the country in general.

Kano state is known for a lot of things and how their Royal life is going is the best thing and so everyone keeps tabs on everything that goes on in the state. And now that the first son of the King is getting married, the next to the Throne, everyone is enjoying their time and bathing in the happiness soaring around the rampart of Kingdom, the stones, parapet and debris all feeling the felicity gliding around.

Falak and her girls couldn't keep calm and especially Falak whose dream is finally coming true after a long time. She didn't ask for anything grand but what did she expect at her wedding when her mother told her that she has been dreaming about her grand wedding ever since she set her foot in the Palace so she stopped arguing and struggling and just let them have their way, not that she won't enjoy the grand event.

She's gone through enough and the King promised a wedding to remember which she is looking forward to.

Another skin beautician was brought and the lady could make someone body as soft as a cotton. Falak felt pampered even with the way the woman likes scrubbing her body from all direction and sometimes she will have to strip down to her underwear but the woman will give her enough privacy for that. She likes every bit of attention and comments coming her way and wouldn't want it any other way.

Her outfits are all brought by the seamstress who looks thinner ever since the wedding arrangement started and Falak felt for her. Her Royal Majesty is on everybody's tail to make sure this wedding is as grand as she dreamt. There is no room for mistakes hence, all her outfits and everything she will need for the wedding is in her mother's room. Just for more safety, like the Queen had said.

There are four events that will take place. One of it is the Bridal Shower, Barbeque, Kamu and Dinner. Falak almost backed down when her friends listed the events to her after they had a little meeting with her mother and Asad. She didn't like what she heard at first but then she gave in, she has no say and it's not like she won't be satisfied. She has attended enough weddings to know how stressful it could be, she can't even think about how much stress await her.

"We're almost done with all the sessions, you don't have to cry about everything." Her skin beautician who became a friend said.

Her name is Amrah. She just clocked twenty one some days back and they celebrated together with Falak in her room after their session. She is this small slender woman with mature mind and mature brain but likes talking. Falak liked her the very first day they started unlike the other woman who did it for her when she was to marry Bilal, Amrah knows how to do her job better and even be friends with the bride.

"I know right, I can't wait for it to end." Falak shrugged when Amrah shook her head in disappointment be cause to her, the session is not a torture but massage.

"I wish I agreed to do this when I was getting married. Look at how you are glowing and you are not even pregnant, I'm so jealous of you right now." Jaiyana, the other occupant in the room whined looking at a beaming Falak.

Though she's fair, her skin is now in between yellow and cream while her cheeks are rosy and her skin is glistening with natural glow which to Amrah was hidden because she doesn't use traditional and local herbs but instead use the modern ones that doesn't bring out person's real glow. Her eyes are so bright and you could point the happiness shining in them from miles away.

"Well, I should do this to my hair also. I hope you can do it Amrah?" She yawed her hopeful gaze to Amrah who nodded with an evil grin.

Since finding out that most men like trimmed and well plucked hair, she has been putting extra effort in her hair creams and shampoos. She wanted to go to the saloon but her mother told her to do the traditional one she's used to doing back in the village, it makes your hair longer, silkier, softer and shiner. She didn't want to give Amrah any part of her body again but what can she do? A girl needs to look gorgeous for her husband.

And Shaddad, she doesn't know what he is doing or wants to do but in all honesty, she doesn't care about what he is doing. She is going to give him a test of his own medicine and operate his heart even though it is not her field. How dare the man reject her and is now going to get married to her? She will show him not to mess with Falak Muhammad Ingawah ever again in his life.

She will punish him in so many ways and he can't do a thing about it. Now that everything will be halal between them, she will indicate that claim in every possible way. She knew why he disappears to his office everyday in the office but then again, she doesn't care about what he does till the knot is tied, she has no business with him. He should just wait for the knot to be tied, he doesn't know what will hit him.

"She is going shakara now because she has a long hair, what should I do to this girl?" Jaiyana eyed Falak playfully, knowing fully well that there is no envy between them and there won't ever be.

After the session is done with Amrah promising to bring the hallawa stuff the next day, Falak left her room to go to her mother's for final fitting and marriage talks which she has been trying to avoid but well, she should know that her mother won't let her off the hook about marriage.

She found her sitting on the bed in tears and sobs racking from her. Falak knew that nothing happened to her mother except for the fact that she can't believe she is there with her and all grown up also getting married in a few days. She's been seeing the sad smiles lingering on her mother's lips and even without having to say it, Falak knew exactly what she is going through. Just mother and daughter instincts.

"Mom, you don't have to cry. It's not like I'm even leaving the Palace, I'll still be here with you." And she pulled her into a hug, a tight one at that.

"I know. I just can't believe how old you are getting and it's like you just joined us yesterday, you're growing up to fast." Her mother mumbled in between sobs and tears.

She is one strong woman and everyone could see that. She is just not so into getting too emotionally attached after her first failed marriage and decided to guard her heart to the best places but she can't stop her love for her daughter nor the beautiful relationship that blossomed between them. It is something special between mother and daughter and friend to best friends.

After many minutes into the hug, her mother started rambling like her old self to which Falak sighed at. She doesn't like handling emotional people because she gets emotional easily.

"Falak, I know that everything happens for a reason and this marriage also has it reasons. Allah knows what he plans and don't forget, a bigger picture awaits you but you have to be patient. Though he said he doesn't want to get married to you at first and due to the conditions set, he is to marry you, I know you can make it work. Your love for him is not something you can hide, my dear. When a husband and wife look at each other with love, Allah looks at both of them with mercy. Show him that love and teach him just how to reciprocate it. Don't push him into falling for you, baby steps.

"He isn't used to things like that and I haven't seen Shaddad talking to people other than a few friends that stick with him even after finding out that he hardly talks. No one an change that about Shaddad, just go with the flow and shy away from that flaw of his. You also have your flaws.

"I know there is this burning feeling inside you, the need to make him pay huh? But by Allah that will only cause chaos and I don't want you guys to have problem in the first phase of marriage. I know it's a scorching need and thirst for revenge, you only need keep it light and low. He will come around, if it is the Shaddad I know, he will love you more than life itself. Just, baby steps.

"I have some things for you but, I am not going to explain them to you at all. I'll give them to Amrah who is more eager to tell you and she will do that tomorrow. Don't forget to show him what he is missing though Shaddad isn't like that. He doesn't know what goes on around the world apart from the fact that he is a dedicated cardiologist and thriving business man. Just make sure you take baby steps with him."

And just like that, they spent the rest of the afternoon in her bedchamber and only leave when it was time for dinner.

"Falak, give me that lady's number. She didn't call any of us to come and collect our bridal shower outfit. I don't like people like this wallah." Jabrayah frowned, sucking her lower lip into her mouth.

"Oops, I'm sorry. She called me yesterday but I totally forgot to tell you about it and I thought Amrah would've told you since she heard everything." Falak glared at Amrah who shrugged and smiled innocently and continue to pamper Falak's hair just like they promised.

"You didn't ask me to tell them and I like keeping quite most of the times." Amrah acted nonchalant and the innocent façade dropped.

"You, and quite? You have one unbreakable wall that will never move you from your bond." Inayah rolled her eyes at the dramatic beautician.

"I'm just sad because of this pregnancy, I won't be able to dance well." Fikriyyah's voice cut their new tail of argument and Falak gave her the look as if you will even dance without it.

She knew her too well. Fikriyyah is the silent type and hardly causes trouble even back in their village. She doesn't even dance in dandali where it is only girls. Falak didn't expect her to dance on her wedding day too so she is surprised about that statement.

"Don't look at me like that, I would've danced in my best friend's wedding if not for this tiny bump. I can even do it still!" Fikriyyah determined making them all laugh at her swollen nose, there wasn't any bump.

"Well, I'm glad that you're making an exception for my wedding." Falak snickered when the pregnant woman threw a hot glare her way.

Falak saw Shaddad earlier when he ferried into the main Palace and the alghaita people kept tripping behind him with their loud instrument. She didn't acknowledge him and continue her way to the kitchen where her mother sent her to bring the Cook and she also wanted to sneak something.

Asad told her mother not to let her eat anything that is not healthy because she won't be in the gym for a long time. She agreed not to eat any junk but who is he to stop her? She will eat and won't care if the clothes become tiny.

*****
Yoyoyoyo!
How are you all? So another update is here and wedding bells is wiggling!!! Anticipate because going to have a grand wedding coming and you are all invited, I want to see you all there🍾
RQ; Would you rather have a Loyal husband or Romantic husband? Wai, I will go for loyal and be romantic, it will work😂 You?

Aishatu.