Collision of hearts

Chapter 14

It's Eid 🌙🎉

We went to the mosque for Eid prayers, came back home, ate, and then changed from my beige abaya into my casual baggy clothes and jumped straight into bed because I was tired. Labiba and Imade prepared a lot of snacks and drinks today. I didn't let Mami do anything because she still looked worried and tired. I drifted to sleep after setting my alarm for 2:00.

I took a long, nice bath, applied my lotion, and did a light makeup. Then I went into my walk-in closet. I was dressed in a red lace fitted gown with a touch of black, along with a matching veil, shoes, and bag. I looked beautiful, Masha Allah. I went downstairs, where I saw Mami, Baba, Nene, and Ya Muhammad. "You look pretty, princess," they complimented. "Thank you, loves. Ya Muhammad, can you drop me at Ammi's? Then by 4:00, we can go out as you promised," I said, reminding Ya Muhammad about his promise. "Okay, muje," he said, and we left.

"Ammi, Ina yini? Barka da shan ruwa, Allah ya karba," I greeted. "Lafiya lau, Nadia. Alhamdulillah. Amin," she answered. We talked for a while, and then Zarah came in wearing a blue Ankara gown. "Wow, in-law, you look beautiful, Masha Allah," she complimented. "Thank you. You look stunning too," I said. "Ammi, is Ya Zaid around? He should come see his wife's Sallah look," she said, nudging me, but I just ignored her. She sat down, and we continued talking before standing to snap pictures.
(Ammi, how are you? Greetings, may Allah accept your worship)

We were about to leave when Ya Muhammad called and said something came up and he wouldn't be able to make it. We decided to go to Laura's and then go out together. When we reached Laura's, we completely forgot about going out. We danced, ate, and just had fun. At 7 pm, we decided to leave. Ya Muhammad picked us up. He got ice cream and chocolates for us as an apology, then dropped Zarah off. Throughout the drive, his attention was on her, and I felt like a third wheel. When we returned home, it was almost 8:00.

"Mamiii, I'm back," I shouted and then went to my room first to drop off my stuff. I was on my way to Mami's room when I heard soft sniffs coming from her room. I entered, and she quickly wiped her eyes. "Mami, were you crying? What's wrong? Are you having problems with Baba?" I questioned. "Nadia, I don't know how to tell you this, but your wedding is tomorrow morning," she said, looking at me with pity in her eyes. My heart dropped, but I managed to smile and said, "Is that why you were crying? I'm getting married in a month anyway, and you told me Zaid is a good guy who will treat me right. It doesn't matter if it's tomorrow or next month; it's all the same." I tried to comfort Mami and not break down. "My baby girl, when did you grow so mature? I'm sorry, I know you didn't plan for things to be this way, but trust me, we meant no harm. I told you, if you ever feel unhappy or unappreciated, you can always come home," she said, her voice cracking. I nodded, reassuring her that it was okay, then bid her good night, saying I wasn't feeling well.

Third Person's POV

Nadia stayed strong until she reached her room and entered the bathroom, turning the tap on. That's when she broke down. She cried so hard, not knowing what to do. She was getting married tomorrow to a man she wasn't even on good terms with, someone she barely knew, and who was in love with another. Since that day he left Katsina, she hadn't seen or talked to him again. She got up and retired to bed, crying herself to sleep.

Next Day

Nadia woke up at 11:00 and started crying when she remembered that she was getting married to Zaid today. She cried until her head started hurting, so she slept. Labiba woke her up, saying they were looking for her downstairs.

She wore a long hijab and went downstairs. A henna artist was there waiting for her. Nene had stopped her from doing henna the day before Eid. "Come and get your henna done," Mami said, and Nadia shook her head. "No, I don't want to—okay, let's do this." Nadia complied easily when she saw Mami's face.

The henna took about 4 hours. While it was being done, they braided her hair. She washed the henna, showered, and prayed Maghrib. Mami knocked at the door before coming in. "It's almost time. Nadia, please be patient with your husband, obey him, and do not disrespect him. Do not expose his secrets. I know you are a good girl; please keep being the good girl you are. Don't disappoint me. They have set a bath for you. When you are done, I will send someone to get you ready, okay?" she said. Nadia nodded, saying, "Insha Allah, Mami. Thank you."

Nadia's POV

The water was scented. I loved it. After I finished showering, I stayed in my closet for a while until I heard a knock at the door. I answered, and a lady came in. I guessed she was the one Mami was talking about. I greeted her, and we got started. She was all about scents. After she was done, Mami came in with a light blue lace gown and veil. "Go and wear this," she said, handing me the clothes. I nodded. The dress was beautiful and fit perfectly. I kept it natural and simple. "Masha Allah, you made a beautiful bride, Nadia. Allah yayi miki albarka," Mami said when I walked out. I started to tear up. "No, no, don't cry. No tears," Mami said, but she was crying too.

"You too, no tears," I said. She held my hand and led me downstairs. I saw Zaid for the first time in 40 days. He looked at me for almost a minute, then looked down. Baba and Mami called me for the Nasiha, and Mami gave me sets of gold jewels as a gift. I couldn't believe I was leaving my home to live with someone. Ya Muhammad hugged me, whispering he would come visit me soon.

Baba took me to Zaid's house, my new home. I couldn't believe this was happening. I cried, begging Baba not to leave me, but he left anyway. I cried like there was no tomorrow until I got tired. After some minutes, I heard a knock at the door. I answered, and Zaid came in.

"Go get ready, let's pray," he said. I walked to the closet, opened my luggage, and took a hijab and my usual sweatsuits as I proceeded to the toilet. I cried for 30 minutes before doing what I had to. I was surprised to see Zaid waiting for me with two prayer mats on the floor. We prayed.

After we finished praying, It was quiet for some minutes until Zaid broke the silence. "Nadia, I know this is not what you want, and we didn't plan things to be this way, but as you said, it's just one year. I will provide you with whatever you want and will respect you and our marriage. I expect the same from you. Don't disrespect our marriage. For other things like house chores, there is someone to do it," he said.

"I can take care of my house by myself," I replied. He nodded. "I know, but you need help. If you want anything, you can tell me," he said. I nodded. He stood to leave but stopped for a second and said, "You have been crying so much that your eyes are so swollen. Is it that bad getting married to me?" he asked. I felt a wave of guilt and shook my head. "No," I said, and he nodded, leaving as I retired to bed, crying again. I didn't sleep until after Fajr. Zaid came to wake me up, but I was already awake, so I prayed, did my morning azkar, and drifted to sleep, accepting everything.