HUSNA

Chapter43

"Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything." — Muhammad Ali.

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Wednesday had finally come, yet Husna didn't feel ready. Her stomach felt like it was tied in knots shy, nervous, happy, and scared all at once.

The house was buzzing; food was ready, guests would soon arrive, everything was in order. If someone had told her years ago that she would marry Hameed, she would've laughed in their face. But here she was, hours away from a life she once thought was impossible.

She thanked Allah silently. Hameed was a blessing patient, caring, always there, the only one who could survive her moods without running away.

She paced her room anxiously. The kayan lefe would arrive soon and she didn't want them to meet her sitting lazily in the house. Her phone buzzed. Her heart jumped to her throat as she pulled it from the pocket of her atamfa gown.

Could it be Hameed? She had tried to reach him since morning but his number was unreachable. He told her he was flying back to Nigeria today despite the wedding being next week. Did something happen? Did they delay him? Ya Allah, don't let anything ruin this. Not after everything she had gone through.

It was just Faiza.

"Are they back already?" she texted.

"No, not really," she replied.

Khadija and Hafsat were still at the market with Fati. She texted Fauziya to meet them at Cold Stone instead  she and Faiza would link up there.

She wrapped her red veil around her head, slid her phone into her back pocket, and called Khalifa to pick her up.

The traditional beautician from Maiduguri was already in the house and the treatments had begun, but Husna managed to sneak out. Her skin was already glowing smooth, soft, and fresh but she needed air.

By the time Khalifa arrived, Khadija and Hafsat had returned from the market. They changed quickly and headed out.

"Amarya!" Khalifa teased when Husna entered the car.

She smiled shyly while Khadija and Hafsat teased her nonstop until they reached Cold Stone.

The moment Faiza saw her, she screamed.
"Oh my holy black pepper! Hussy! You look like a stranger wallahi I didn't recognize you!"

Husna burst into laughter as Faiza squeezed her breathless.

"Little scout, you're choking me!"

They greeted, ordered, and settled in.

Faiza started.

"So, Hussy, the henna designer?"

"Handled," Khadija replied. "She's coming from Adamawa on Wednesday, insha Allah."

Faiza nodded proudly.
"Photography is Visual. Makeup is Genova Beauty. Settled."

Hafsat clasped her hands dramatically.