February 28

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JULY, 2020.
YOLA, NIGERIA.

"I'm so happy you've finally agreed to move on, Safna." Innah, an elderly woman in her mid-sixties, said with a bright smile.

"Thank you, Innah," Safna replied with a coy smile.

"He's a friend of General's, you say?"

"Yes, Innah, they've been friends since childhood."

"I heard you say he wants to marry you before you both leave Yola?"

"Yes, Innah."

"Have you discussed the children with him? Is he willing to take on their responsibilities?"

"Yes, Innah, he considers them his own and has promised to care for them fully."

"Mashaa Allah, but a written agreement should be made, Safna. I don't want anything to happen to my grandkids."

"Yes, Innah, everything has been finalized. We've both signed the agreement. I can't risk their well-being."

"That's good. May Allah bless you both. I'll consult with your uncles, and we can proceed with the marriage tomorrow."

"Since he's been friends with General for so long, there's no need for further investigation. I trust General not to keep bad company. May his soul rest in peace."

"Ameen. Innah, he's here and wants to greet you."

"Sure, please bring him in."

She met him in the car on a phone call and waited for him to be done before they both headed inside to Innah's.

"Assalamu Alaikum," they both greeted as they entered the parlor.

"Wa Alaikumusalam," Innah replied with a bright smile.

"Good afternoon, Innah," General ElKabir greeted respectfully.

"Afternoon dear, how are you and the family?"

"We're all fine, Alhamdulilah. How's Yola?"

"Yola is fine. Safna told me all about the situation. Are you truly willing to take care of her and her children?"

"Yes, Innah, In Sha Allah. General Majeed's family are like mine. I will never let any of you down, In Sha Allah."

"Mashaa Allah, that's good to hear." Innah said before continuing, "Safna told me you're also a four-star General like her deceased husband. Is that correct?" Safna knew that the man was in for it for Innah could be a mini detective at times.

"Yes, Innah. I'm also a businessman, dealing with import and export of raw materials."

"That's good. May Allah bless your endeavors. How many wives and children do you have?"

"I had two wives, but now only one. I have been blessed with eight children."

"That's great. What happened to the other wife? Did she pass away or was she divorced?" Safna face-palmed her self. What was wrong with Innah? She gave El an aplogetic look and he nodded with a smile.

"She passed away sixteen years ago, Innah."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. May her soul rest in Jannah."

"Promise me you will take care of my daughter and her children?" Innah's voice carried a firm tone.

"I promise you, Innah, In Sha Allah," he assured with a smile.

After a series of questions, Innah finally gave her blessings, and the next day, Safna's uncles and General El's wards tied the couple in marital knot with twenty sisiin gold as her bride price, leaving the Dikko family and other witnesses impressed by the husband's apparent wealth.