Qadr

Chapter 5

We shortly arrived at the house which is in Asokoro. They were many cars for the conveyance of the bride.

I don't know who opened my door but immediately it was opened we were greeted by yodeling loud and a dozens of female voices.

I was ushered in by a middle aged lady whom I recognized as Adnan aunty, she pulled my veil lower to cover my face as the ladies kept saying the tahmeed and yodeling.

I was seated on a very comfortable couch with a soft and plush carpet that my tired feet just sunk into.

My face was unveiled by another middle aged woman whom I later learnt is Umma's sister, Hajiya Ruqayya, even more yodeling filled the places as my face was revealed.

I was taken to Adnan mother room, Hajiya Halima. She welcomed me.

I was later taken to a guest chalet where I'm to get ready for the budan Kai/walima.

My sisters and some of my friends have left to go and get ready for the event. I was left with Aisha and Nusaiba.

I removed my laffaya and tossed it on the bed. I slipped out of my clothes and had my bath. I came out of the bathroom, putting on a white rope and sat down for the makeup artist to start her job.

I was getting my makeup done when a beautiful fair girl around my age came in.

The fair girl said. "Hi Amarya."

I said hello and so do Aisha and Nusaiba.

"My name is Anisa, your husband's cousin sister.

We exchanged pleasantries.

Anisa smiled. "Let me leave you to get ready for the event. Guests have already started arriving. " she said and left.

They finished the makeup, I got dressed in a beautiful green fabric, pared up with her pretty gold jewelries and matching shoes.

I was taken outside to the beautifully decorated place. I was seated and all eyes were on me. My friends and my sisters were seated next to me.

The walima started with Adnan's aunt saying the prayer. Followed by another aunt who gave lessons of marriage.

It was time for the budan Kai. Adnan's sisters, Safiyah, Anisa, Rabi came and unveiled their new sister.

"May Allah bless your marriage with happiness, peace and contentment." Said Ya Safiyah.

They sprayed me with different perfumes, chatted for a while before they got back to their normal routines, entertaining the guests.

The next hour was filled with Adnan's relatives introducing themselves and welcoming me to the family and giving me presents.

By the end of it all I was exhausted as a girl can ever be, with my cheeks hurting from the permanent fake smile that's plastered on my face. One thing was clear though, The clan can make a small country of their own and it will probably be the happiest nation on earth judging from how happy and friendly they all are.

When it was over, Umma instructed Ya Safiyah to take me to a room where I will rest before I'm taken to "Our home".

"I feel a thousand times more tired than I look", I stretched on the bed i was sitting on, when I was interrupted by a soft knock on the door," Come in". I said.

A dark skinned lady around my age came into the room, Oh she was Rabi, Umma's sister daughter? I thought.

We stared at each other for a moment, before I averted my gaze and ask her if she is looking for someone.