Newfound Destination

~ 13 ~

Karimah's POV

A new month came along and before I knew it, Ya Hassan's wedding was in two days.

Since we were practically family, we helped in the preparations and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't exhausted.

My plans of getting a part-time job where breaking apart as I had a lot on my plate at the moment.

I guess I'd be able to focus on that once this is all over.

"Karimah, your phone is ringing." Habibah said as she rushed over to me with my phone.

I glanced at the phone as she placed it right next to me.

Unknown number.

Don't tell me it's Mustapha.

"Hello?" I said into the call after answering.

No reply...

"Is this Mustapha?" I asked.

Still, no reply...

"Yes." A deep voice answered after a while.

"Okay..." I slurred.

What did he want?

"How are you, Karimah?" He suddenly asked.

I sighed, "I'm fine."

"Good."

If I was hearing right, the voice sounded strange. Inhumane. Somehow robotic?

No, it wasn't robotic but the tone wasn't natural.

"Is there anything you want to talk about?" I questioned.

"No. I just wanted to know how you were doing." He responded.

Seriously?

"Okay, Mustapha. I really don't understand-"

"How is your day going?" He interrupted.

I just ended the call.

I know, that was harsh but at this point, I just wanted to stop talking with this guy so the next thing I planned to do was even worse.

Just as I was about to click block, Salma appeared in front of me.

"Hey, it's time to go for Henna." She told me.

I simply switched off my phone and walked out of the house with her.

Naturally, Wedding events took more than one day so as planned, today was the day of the Henna party.

You know, an event set up for Henna designing.

We were to go to the bride's house and I couldn't deny that I was really excited. I'm crazy about Henna. Period.

I spent last night searching through my Pinterest app for the best henna design I could find.

Any kind at all, I just wanted to get my hands hennaed!

The house was decorated and almost full when we got there. I looked around for any henna artist that was free.

I scurried over to the first person I sighted and got seated.

She smiled, "Sanun ki. Do you have a particular design you want me to copy or should I just do it on my own?"

It was then I decided to switch on my phone again.

Surprisingly, I received no texts or calls from Mustapha.

Notwithstanding, I put my phone on 'do not disturb' and went to my photos app to show her two of the designs I had chosen yesterday.

She nodded with squinted eyes, "I think I can do that."

I smiled, "Thanks, this one on the left hand and this on the right hand. I'm not doing any on my legs."

"No problem."

With that, I kept the phone next to her as she made the Henna dye while I got myself in the most comfortable position I could.

She soon started and I had to sit still for a good 30 minutes until she finished the first hand. Then another 30 minutes was spent on the other hand.

While waiting for my henna to dry off, I saw from the corner of my eye, the bride getting her own Henna done.

I turned to get a better view of her and Lord, was she beautiful...

I also noticed that her Henna was done by two people and it seemed much. Both her arms and legs.

Though, it was worth the time as it was really nice.

I turned away and brought my hands closer to the fan in front of me.

"Wow, your Henna is gorgeous! I'm so copying your design!" Someone exclaimed.

I turned to see Habibah.

"Hey! Don't even think about it!" I snapped at her but she took a picture and ran off.

I didn't care. I didn't have any Henna on my feet so I chased after her. My hands were up in a strange way while I ran so I probably looked crazy.

Then, I bumped into someone...

Oh no!

I looked up and saw my handprints on the face of a white kaftan.

Who's the unlucky guy?

I'd rather not find out.

"I-I'm so s-sorry." I stuttered looking directly at the ground, not daring to make eye contact with the guy.

But then, just out of curiosity, I looked up.

He wasn't anyone I knew.

"Who are you?" He asked.

I gulped but replied, "M-my name is Karimah...I'm related to the groom."

"Karimah who?"

"Usman..."

"Hi, it's nice to meet you face to face. I'm Mustapha Sani." He said.

I nearly fainted as my eyes enlarged, "You're Mustapha?"

"Yes... you're prettier than I imagined." He smirked.

"Uh...I'm sorry but I should probably get going-"

"Sure, just name my number."