HUSNA

Chapter46

"Marriage is like watching the color of leaves in the fall; ever changing and more stunningly beautiful with each passing day." – Fawn Weaver

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KADUNA STATE....
"The sound of sirens sliced through the warm afternoon air as a police Hilux, a sleek Mercedes, and a black G-Wagon rolled forward in a straight line. Heads turned. People leaned out of shops, pedestrians halted mid-step, conversations froze.

The convoy slowed, eventually blocking part of the narrow road that led to Husna's family house.

Despite the crowds returning from the mosque, cars had already overflowed into every available space.

His car was the last to arrive. He exhaled deeply, fixed his cap, and stepped out. His friends immediately closed in around him, leading him forward like a man on a mission.

As they approached the gate, a high-pitched chorus erupted from inside:

"Ga ango nan! Ga ango nan!! The groom has arrived!!"

Inside, her cousins and aunts burst into laughter, clapping and teasing.

"Your husband is here, babes!" someone shouted in her direction.

Husna's cheeks burned crimson, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

Outside, the groom and his entourage entered the compound and exchanged warm greetings with her family. He stepped forward, head bowed slightly, and respectfully greeting her father.

Her father look up "Abdulhameed," he began slowly, today, Allah ya ƙaddara ka zama mijin ɗiyarmu. Ka riƙe amanarta. Ka kulla aure da mutunci, ka yi haƙuri da ita, don aure ba wasanni ba ne."(Abdulhameed,"today  Allah has destined you to become the husband of our daughter. Guard her trust. Uphold this marriage with dignity, and be patient with her for marriage is not a game.")

The room fell completely silent  only the faint ululation outside could be heard.

He continued:
Na yafe maka a matsayin suruki, na mika maka duk abin da ya shafe ta. Kada ka cutar da ita, kada ka zubar da hawayenta. Idan ta yi kuskure, ka gyara mata da hankali. Idan kai ka yi kuskure, ka nemi gafara. Aure shi ne jin kai ga juna." (As your father-in-law, I forgive you of anything between us, and I hand over to you everything that concerns her. Do not harm her. Do not be the reason for her tears. If she makes a mistake, correct her with wisdom. If you are the one at fault, seek forgiveness. Marriage is about showing mercy to one another.")

He exhaled deeply, his voice softening.

Allah ya sanya alkhairi a tsakanin ku, ya ba ku zaman lafiya, ya ba ku 'ya'ya na gari, ya kare ku daga sharri. Allah ya yi muku jagora."(May Allah place goodness between you, grant you peace in your home, bless you with righteous children, and protect you from every evil. May Allah guide you both.")

Amin, amin," he  responded quietly, his head still bowed, while his friends echoed their amins behind him.

He was escorted to a separate sitting room prepared for the first meeting between bride and groom.

Faiza gently adjusted Husna's alkyabba, making sure her face was modestly covered.

"Come, Hussy... it's time," Faiza whispered, helping her to her feet. "Your husband and his friends are waiting."

Khadija clicked her tongue. "Today eh, Husna, your beauty will shut down the whole room."

Husna's cheeks were already crimson, nerves tightening her chest. What if Hameed actually reacts the way they said he would when he sees her dressed like this?