A walk on thorns

Chapter 47| Barbie Girl

Sabrina's POV

The way the women were looking at me said it all, either Farhana or MJ had told them something about me before reaching them. When I stood in front of them, they were all speechless, except for Farhana, who was always on cloud nine.

“Masha Allah, Sabrina! You look so beautiful! Ah’ah!” Farhana exclaimed, pulling me into a warm hug. “Look at her, Mommy! Didn’t I tell you she was down to earth?” She beamed, looking at Mommy Malika with pride.

I smiled shyly, unsure of what to say, but the moment was short-lived.

“Ah, now we see why your son has been losing it for years, Ya Malika,” Aunty Zee chimed in with a teasing grin.

Innalillahi! What is this?! I had always enjoyed seeing people stuck in situations like this, in books or movies, but today it was me. Ya Allah, I have repented. Please save me from this embarrassment. My cheeks burned, and I was sure my face was as red as my dress. I couldn’t even look up.

“Well, what can I say? For everyone who has spoken before, your words were an understatement,” Mommy Malika added, her tone kind but amused. Her smile revealed golden teeth that only made her look more regal.

“Good afternoon, Ma,” I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. To my surprise, she pulled me into a tight, maternal hug, the kind of hug that warms your soul. I stiffened at first, unfamiliar with such affection, but slowly melted into her embrace. The cool, calming scent of her perfume made me feel safe, like I could close my eyes and sleep peacefully for once.

“Masha Allah, may your life be even more beautiful than you are, my daughter,” she whispered, her hands cradling my cheeks.

“Thank you so much,” I replied softly, blushing furiously.

Aunty Zee waved at me, her eyes sparkling with warmth. “Hi, Sabrina. You really know how to make an entrance!”

“Hello, Aunty Zee, right?” I asked, feeling slightly more at ease. She raised her brows in surprise, noting her impeccable fashion sense. She looked as striking as I’d imagined, her style effortlessly chic.

“Ya Abdul, so everyone who knows you must know Aunty Zee, right?” Farhana teased, her grin wide.

“Leave my dan daki alone, Farhana,” Aunty Zee shot back, laughing. “And yes, Sabrina, I am Aunty Zee, Abdul’s favorite aunty. Thank you so much for inviting us.”

Wow. From the look of things, MJ hadn’t told them that he was behind all this for Rubina. He must have his reasons, but what mattered was that everyone was happy.

“My pleasure. Thank you so much for coming. You all look beautiful,” I said sincerely, taking in their outfits. Mommy Malika wore a simple ballet-slipper pink gown paired with a light pink veil and flats. Aunty Zee dazzled in a solid pink V-neck pleated maxi dress with heels, exuding effortless grace. Farhana’s flamingo-pink boho-print high-neck maxi dress was bold and lively, just like her personality.

“Sabrina! Where have you been? The MC is back and wants to start,” Anisha called from behind me.

“Oh, Anisha, come over, please. I’m with MJ’s family,” I urged, waving her forward. They deserved a proper introduction, even if it was just a brief greeting.

“As-salamu alaykum,” Anisha greeted them with a polite smile, shaking hands formally.

“She is my elder sister, Anisha, the mother of the celebrant,” I introduced her proudly.

“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Anisha,” Mommy Malika said warmly. “Where is the little princess?”

“She’s at the castle, Ma’am,” Anisha replied. “These two masterminded everything. I don’t even know what they’re trying to achieve,” she added, smiling as she facepalmed.