Sweet Haram.

¥ Three ¥

All three friends were seated Calmly in Alhaji Khailani's living room discussing their children's future.

"So? We've told everyone so far?" Alhaji Junaid asks.

"No. My daughter is not in town but she'll be getting back with her mother later this evening. I'll talk with her then".

"That's great but I have a small issue" Alhaji Junaid complains.

"Instead of getting Hanif and Mallika married, why not get Dahir and Mallika married instead? I'm worried about the ill relationship the two have, maybe this way they'll finally decide to make it work".

Alhaji Khailani smiles "I love that idea but what about Hanif".

"Yes? Hanif fah?" Alhaji Dantsoho asks worriedly.

"Fayza. We all know she's the daughter of my late elder sister and as I've raised her and her sister since they were young they're also my children and we also know she's well trained and mannered".

Hanif's father starts flashing his gums in excitement "The fact that she's your late sister's daughter already made my day. If not for her we wouldn't be friends today".

They all laugh "Then it's official".

.

Mallika's POV.

Being the only child you get more attention, more love, more care, less intensity, more freedom and you get almost every single thing you ask for and it's all great but just for a while.

Then you realize every single one of those things has a huge barrier that actually stops it from being as exciting and interesting as you want it to be..... My mom.

I get I'm her only child but I mostly feel like I can't breathe when I'm with her.

"I don't like it".
"But Ammi I can't wear something like this because of my body, I'll look weird".

She looks at me like I'm insane. "We'll see when you wear it"
I just shake my head. It's my body I think I know what looks good and bad on me.

My phone starts ringing and I excuse myself to answer it.

You at home?

Why? You coming to see me?

Yeah. I miss you.

It's just been a day and you miss me already? How sweet.

I'm waiting outside.

You were just asking if I was home.

I know. Let's talk even if it's for a minute.

Sure.

I peep inside Ammi's room "I want to collect something outside, I'll be right back".

"Hurry then".
"Okay".

I'll be right out, wait impatiently.

I'm already seriously impatient.

Good.
I end the call.

I enter the car and close the door.
"You look good" Was the first thing that came out of Hanif's mouth.

I smile "I haven't taken my bath yet".
He looks at his watch and bursts out laughing "It's 4pm already".

"I'm feeling too lazy that's why".
He just smiles "Okay then. Anyway I'm here to tell you good news".

"Which is?" I ask curiously.
"Well....Abba told me I'll be getting married to his best friend's daughter".

"So?" I ask getting pissed by how excited he is hearing about getting married to someone else "How can you be happy?" I ask trying to remain calm.

He chuckles "God! It's obviously you".

I freeze "What?!"
"Yes. So when Abbi asks you, you have to say yes no matter what".

"Of course. In a heart beat" I hug him.
"I know".

.

Nothing has been able to ruin my mood since I talked to Hanif yesterday, I can't wait for Abbi and Ammi to ask me so I met them first.

I enter their living room, the two were seated on the carpet eating.
"Abbi? Ammi?" I say sitting across them.

"Yes?" Ammi asks.
"I've been thinking.....maybe it's really time I let you enjoy each other's company".

Abbi smiles "You're not travelling anytime soon Mallika, we won't even be the one you'll ask".

"Abbi, what do you mean?" I ask playing dumb.
"Well your uncle and I have decided to get you married. I know the relationship you two have so I think it's better. You'll make it work eventually".

I smile "Whatever decision you make is fine with me"

Ammi just rolls her eyes "I'm sure this news has made your day".
"No, I'm just respecting Abbi's decision".

"Yes. Yes I know" she says back sarcastically.

"And we're going to rush it since Usman has something he has to attend to early next month and we want to have it before then". Abbi informs us.

"I heard Ladi (Hanif's mum) has already prepared all the wedding invitations. Even Fayza's card too".

I stare at Ammi "Fayza is getting married too?".

"There are two couples. You, Fayza, Hanif and Dahir".

I honestly can't believe they'd let Dahir marry Fayza, they grew up together so they are literally siblings but why do I care anyway.

.
Thursday 7th January 2021.

1:12pm.

Ammi has been preparing all day because they are all coming here to discuss and alot more and of course I'm not invited but with all the excited I don't really care.

I sit on the stool by the kitchen counter eating the muffins for Ammi's guests.

Nothing can ruin this day.
Apparently with all the hassle the parents are going through the wedding is in a week.
I can't believe it's been 2weeks already since I was informed.

I've honestly never ever seen a wedding pulled up in a month, they're really one of a kind.

Suddenly I hear laughter and giggling which meant the guests are here. I quickly jog out meeting them in the living room.

"Ahh amryan mu (our bride)" Dahir's mum hugs me. I hug her back awkwardly before running over and hug Hanif's mum. All the mothers just laughed.

Ammi rushes to the kitchen.
Sabeeha and Ablaa were behind them, probably suffering with the preparations because their siblings are getting married.

"I wish Reema is here, she'd love to see her soon to be sister-in-law" Ma says holding my hand.

"What?" I stare at her.
"Nhmm. You're soon going to be part of the family and I brought Sabeeha here to get acquainted".

What is this woman saying? Is this a joke?

"I'm coming then" I run in the kitchen.

"Ammi?"
She turns around smiling "What?"
"Am I getting married to Hanif?"

She starts laughing "No. Dahir manah, stop playing dumb. You agreed to it, remember?" She walks out.

I stare at the wall blankly.
All this time Hanif and I thought we'd be getting married but it turns out it's not to each other.

I'll be marrying Dahir and he, Fayza!

Thoughts?

Plus..Sabeeha is Fayza's younger sister and Dahir's cousin.