Mrs Mahmud, Mrs Mas'ood

54

"Masha Allah, Dr Muhammad!"

"Ah an, see fine man! See spec!"

"Masha Allah!"

"Wahala for who is not as fine as Dr Muhammad sha!"

"Big wahala!"

Mahmud laughed, hiding his nerves perfectly well from every prying eye. While his groomsmen wore black babanrigas with perfect embroidery and matching black caps, Mahmud was in parrish blue and he looked so good with his black cap that sat comfortably on his slicked back hair, black cufflinks and shiny black shoes.

Mas'ood snickered. "Hauwa told you to wear white, Mahmud. You want to fight today koh?"

Mahmud put on his watch, a small smile on his face. "There was a problem with the white one. I've texted her already so there'll be no need for fighting."

Nabeel sighed dreamily. "See how this man is putting all of you that are married to shame. See how calm he is."

Aleem agreed with his cousin. "Honestly. It's almost as though he's going for an event that isn't his wedding."

Mahmud's eyes met Zayd's and he knew his brother-in-law saw through his perfect pretence. Zayd said nothing and proceeded to help Yazan into his babaringa. Like Mas'ood's wedding, Yazan was going to steal the show and Mahmud couldn't even be mad about it. The little boy was amazing, they were all whipped.

Jonathan walked into the flat and did a double take. "Ah an! See our ango! Damn, this beats that white babanriga. Shebi Hauwa knows you've changed outfits?"

Mahmud nodded. "Yeah, she knows."

Hassan scrutinized the groom's face. "Are you sure you're not nervous, Mahmud? You have a flair for masking your emotions."

Mas'ood pushed his friend away. "You people should leave him alone. He's calm and it's nice to see."

Hassan eyed the chef. "So because you have a new best friend now, you and I can only see ourselves at Athena koh?"

"You that went to get married behind our backs fah? Cheat."

Jonathan would always add fire. "Backstabber."

Hassan raised his hands and step back when everyone turned against him, except Mahmud who chuckled and shook his head. Nate joined them a short while later. Like always, he was with his camera.

He smiled at the sight of Mahmud. "Let me just tell you now. This is my best wedding. The intimacy of the whole event is beautiful."

When the grooms he had videographed at their weddings glared at him, he laughed and waved a hand in dismissal. "Make una rest abeg. I loved all your weddings but there's something about this one that just sets it apart."

"It's the calmest wedding we've had." Jafar said. "And it's one that has kept us on our toes because we have no idea what to expect."

Nate was surprised. "So you guys haven't seen the tent's interior? Una never see the seating chart?"

They all leaned forward to hear more and Mahmud panicked. "Nate, please don't tell them anything."

Nate laughed devilishly. "I said it, this is my best wedding. You people will love the seating arrangement. If you don't love it, you have every right to seize my camera."

Aleem stomped his foot. "Stop leaving us in the dark mana! I want to know who I'm sitting with."

Nate pulled the imaginary zipper across his mouth and smiled innocently before he turned to Mahmud. "Dr Muhammad, how are you feeling today? Do you have a message for your wife?"