Over and Over

Freeda

ABUJA,
NIGERIA.

NARRATOR'S POV

"Mashallah" was the whispered chorus that filled the room, the awe in the voices of Layla's family members evident as their eyes widened in astonishment.

Those who had come with the intention of indulging in amebo, their curiosity barely concealed, found nothing to criticize.

Even the most scrutinizing eyes were silenced by the flawless presentation.

Four elderly women from Hakeem's family, draped in regal attire, entered carrying the lefe, a symbol of tradition and unity.

Their presence commanded the room, their authority unquestioned.

"Where is our daughter?" one of the women, Habiba, inquired, her voice carrying a tone of affectionate impatience.

"She will be here right away," replied Goggo Nana, Layla's aunt, as she began her ascent up the grand staircase to retrieve Layla.

Zee and Asmi, Layla's cousins, trailed closely behind, their faces alight with excitement.

---

LAYLA'S POV

Upstairs, I  paced my room, my heart a tempest of nerves.

I recited Ayatul Kursiy under my breath, seeking solace in the familiar words.

My hands trembled as I clutched the fabric of my dress, the weight of the day pressing down on my shoulders.

"Layla, are you ready?" Goggo Nana's voice called from the other side of the door.

"Eh(yes)," I answered faintly, my voice barely audible.

Goggo Nana entered the room, her presence a calming balm to my frayed nerves.

She adjusted my lafaya with practiced hands and sprayed a fragrant Arabian perfume, its scent enveloping me in a soothing embrace.

"En dila(let's go)," Goggo Nana said gently, taking my hand with a reassuring squeeze.

Just as i was about to step forward, Zee grasped my other hand, their support grounding me.

---
EL-BAAZ EMPIRE,
KANO,
NIGERIA.

NARRATOR'S POV

Meanwhile, in Kano, the atmosphere was one of jovial camaraderie.

"Dude, pass me the ticket," Hashim said, nudging Hakeem's leg playfully.

"I'm a groom now, so you have to respect me," Hakeem replied with a mischievous smirk.

"We are doomed, the cold-hearted lion is in love!" Hashim exclaimed, tearing open a pack of peanuts with exaggerated dramatics.

"Keep it down," Hakeem admonished, retaliating with a playful kick.

"See this guy fa, you'll get escorted outside," Hakeem joked.

Suddenly serious, Hashim removed his glasses and asked, "Ehe, guy, does your bride have a younger sister?"

Hakeem fell silent, a familiar stillness settling over him.

It was the kind of silence that always accompanied questions he preferred not to answer.

"Guy, answer please," Hashim urged, his curiosity piqued.

"Yeah, she has a sister," Hakeem finally replied, his attention returning to the book in his hands.

Exasperated, Hashim leaned back on the couch. "Is this how you behave with Layla? No wonder she doesn't like you."