BE MY GUEST

CHAPTER SEVEN

K H A D I J A✓

KADUNA, NIGERIA

The early morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the room. I stirred, reluctantly pulling myself out of bed. My mind drifted back to the strange encounter with Rayan last night. The haunted look in his eyes and the quiet vulnerability he showed lingered in her thoughts.

After a quick shower, I headed downstairs to find Ama bustling around the kitchen. "Ina kwana, Ama," I greeted, grabbing a piece of bread from the counter.

"Good morning, Khadija. You're up early," Ama replied, glancing at me with mild surprise.

"I couldn't sleep much," I admitted, thinking about the video I had been filming and the unexpected interruption. "I have some ideas for my next video, and I wanted to get a head start."

Ama nodded, preoccupied with her own tasks. "That's good. Just make sure you're ready for the family meeting later today. You know how your aunties can be."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Yes, Ama. I won't forget."

As I left the kitchen, my thoughts returned to Rayan. I wondered what had driven him to Kaduna and why his nightmares seemed so intense. Despite my initial apprehension, I felt a strange connection to him, a shared understanding of battling unseen demons.

In my room, I set up my camera and began filming, my passion for creating content a welcome distraction. But even as I spoke into the camera, my mind kept drifting back to the man who had quietly entered my life, bringing with him a sense of mystery and unresolved tension.

The day stretched on, filled with family obligations and preparations for the upcoming wedding. Yet, amidst the chaos, I couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had shifted. The encounter with Rayan had left an imprint, one I couldn't easily ignore.

~*~

The Kyari household was abuzz with activity as everyone prepared for the sixth wedding in the family. The air was filled with the aroma of spices and the sounds of laughter and chatter. I helped Ama arrange the elaborate bridal gifts, each item meticulously chosen and arranged.

"Make sure everything is perfect," Ama instructed, her tone brisk. "Aunty Hajjo will have a fit if anything is out of place."

I nodded, trying to focus on the task at hand, but mu thoughts kept wandering back to Rayan. What was he doing now? Did he manage to get some rest?

"Are you listening, Khadija?" Ama snapped, breaking my reverie.

"Yes, Ama. I'm sorry," I replied, quickly adjusting a ribbon on one of the gift baskets.

As the hours passed, the house filled with more relatives, each bringing their own brand of chaos and excitement. I tried to sneak out of the parlour , but Ama kept pulling me into conversations and tasks.

The day of the wedding arrived, and the family gathered at the groom's house for the celebrations. I found myself swept up in a whirlwind of activity, Ama constantly hovering, making sure everything was perfect.

"Khadija, go help with the decorations," Ama ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument.

I sighed but complied, weaving through the throng of guests to find her assigned task. The decorations were indeed beautiful, a testament to the family's taste and status.

As the evening wore on, my feet ached, and my head throbbed from the noise and the relentless socializing. I longed for a moment of peace, a chance to escape the crowd and clear her mind.

Finally, the event began to wind down. Ama Aunt's piled into the car, leaving no room for me. I stood by, feeling a mix of relief and frustration.

"Khadija, you can ride with Rayan," Ama said nonchalantly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

I looked at her mother in disbelief. "Mama, why did you have to call him?"

Ama shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "It was Falmata's idea," she said, feigning innocence.

My frustration grew, but before I could protest further, Rayan arrived, looking slightly puzzled but willing. "Hey, need a ride?" he asked, his tone polite.

"Good evening," I muttered, reluctantly getting into the car. Internally, I felt like screaming at the betrayal from Ama.

The drive home was quiet, the tension palpable. I stared out the window, my mind racing. This day had been a whirlwind of emotions, and now I was ending it in the most unexpected way.

"Rough day?" Rayan asked, breaking the silence.

I sighed. "You could say that."

He nodded, not pressing further. The rest of the ride was spent in silence, both of us lost in their own thoughts.

When we finally arrived, I got out of the car, feeling a strange mix of exhaustion and relief. "Thanks for the ride," I said quietly.

"Anytime," Rayan replied, offering a small smile.

As I watched him drive away, I couldn't help but feel that this was just the beginning of something new and unpredictable.

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