Abuja, Nigeria.
"Jay, wake up! You've been sleeping like a log since yesterday," Banina called out, smacking Jalilah.
"Ouch! Why in the world would you smack me so hard, Banina?" Jalilah groaned, still half-asleep.
"I had to, fool. Mummy said you should take a bath and dress up. It's almost 1 PM, for God's sake, Jalilah," Banina replied, exasperated. "And it's your wedding day, duh!" She added with a smirk before heading out.
Jalilah nearly cried in frustration, but managed to drag herself to the bathroom. She added the fragrant oils and scents Falmata had recommended, the calming aroma filling the air as she sank into the tub. Jalilah closed her eyes, her thoughts drifting to the new life awaiting her. Ya Allah, she prayed silently, may this journey be smooth for both of us.
She emerged twenty minutes later, feeling more refreshed. After carefully applying her lotion and drying her hair, she sat at the vanity table. Just then, Hajiya Khadijah entered, carrying a white dress and accompanied by a maid with a tray of food. She beamed upon seeing Jalilah.
"Ah, the bride who sleeps until 1 PM on her wedding day," Hajiya Khadijah teased gently.
"Good afternoon, Mummy," Jalilah chuckled, "I was exhausted from yesterday's luncheon."
"It's alright, my dear. Rest as much as you want—after today," Hajiya Khadijah smiled, laying the dress on the bed. "Now, eat something first, then get dressed." She added with a smile noticing the cold feet that had gripped her girl since yesterday. She understood how Jalilah felt.
"Thanks, Mummy," Jalilah murmured, taking the tray. But before she could start, Hajiya Khadijah took the tray and began feeding her, just as she had done when Jalilah was a child. Oh! how she loved this woman!
Overcome with emotion, Jalilah whispered, "Mummy, I don't want to leave you all."
"Hush, don't make me cry too. Who says you're leaving us? We're one family, together forever. It's just a twenty-minute drive, my dear. You can come over anytime." She spooned another bite toward Jalilah, a warm smile on her face.
"Mummy, can't we all live together?" Jalilah asked, her voice soft.
"This house is yours and Jalal's too, but it's better you build your own space," Hajiya Khadijah said softly, her voice full of reassurance.
"I'm really going to miss you, Mummy."
"I'm going to miss you more, my baby." Hajiya Khadijah smiled and kissed her forehead.
After she finished feeding her, she helped Jalilah into the expensive white lace dress she had brought, sewn into a fitted gown that accentuated her figure.
Jalilah looked incredibly beautiful, even without makeup. Hajiya Khadijah expertly tied her headgear, adding a bridal veil over her head. Together they headed downstairs.
As they entered, everyone turned and gasped in admiration. Jalilah went straight to Alhaji Abdurrahman, who hugged her warmly, whispering gentle words of reassurance. After a few comforting words, the photographer began the family photoshoot. Jalilah posed with relatives and friends until someone asked for the groom.
YOU ARE READING
Affairs Of The Hearts |✅
RomanceCOMPLETED ~JALILAH~ Jalilah, a sweet, lively, and beautiful sixteen-year-old girl, knows no care in the world. An orphan since her parents passed away when she was just a year old, she has lived her enti...
