Better Late Than Never

28

The traditional wedding began at exactly 4:30PM.

As tradition stated, the Adeolas were already seated when the Bellos arrived, led by the Alaga representing them. The reason for the Bello family coming to the event to meet the Adeolas was stated and then they were led in after paying an entry fee.

From that moment, everything moved colourfully and beautifully. Khadija, Ibtihaj's sister, read the proposal letter presented by the Bellos. Once the acceptance letter had been presented by the Adeolas and prayers had been said, Adil was ushered in with all his groomsmen. He and his men prostrated just as they'd been personally taught by Ibtihaj and it warmed the hearts of both families who watched everything play out in pride.

Ibtihaj's arrival, just like she promised, was just like a scene of a high budgeted Nollywood movie. She danced as though there was no tomorrow, completely in her element while surrounded by her family and friends. Adil became even more of a goner as he watched her, his smile never leaving his face.

For Ayman, he spared Ibtihaj a minute long glance before he searched for Ayra. When he didn't find her after scanning the hall twice, his brows furrowed. It took everything in him to stay quiet rather than asking Adil if he knew where Ayra was. It took even more to stay seated and not leave just to find her.

He breathed in and out as Ibtihaj knelt in front of her parents, keeping her head bowed as they prayed earnestly for her. When they finished and Ibtihaj moved to kneel in front of Malik and Bisan, Ayman looked around the hall again. Just he reached out to tap his cousin, Ayra hurried in through one of the side doors.

The white feathered fan she held was enough to tell Ayman and everyone else she was late because she'd gone back to get the fan for Ibtihaj but Ayman barely noticed. He wasn't even sure he cared; not when he could barely breathe at the sight of her and how beautiful she was, especially when she smiled brightly at one of Ibtihaj's cousins who took the fan from her to give it to the bride.

He'd gone through the fashion designer's page over and over, and he'd come up with mental images repeatedly but nothing...nothing came close to seeing Ayra in real life and seeing just how well Yoruba traditional clothes fit her. He didn't notice anything else and he didn't want to.

He watched her, like she was his favourite movie, as she took her place some feet away from Ibtihaj. When she smiled so brightly that her dimples got deep and her teeth were put on display, Ayman felt the urge to cry. He was once again reminded that it wasn't fair for one woman to be so beautiful, radiant and an embodiment of all his favourite things. It wasn't fair at all.

Ayra, who'd missed out on the entrance, made sure she didn't miss anything else. The beauty of the Yoruba tradition awed her repeatedly. She watched alongside everyone else as Adil's parents finished praying for her best friend.

Ibtihaj rose to her feet and the Chantilly veil that had been used to cover her face was removed, putting her in full display. She stood tall and proud, facing Adil and returning his smile with a dazzling one of hers. The Alaga Ijoko who represented the Adeolas decided to spice things up. She had them hand Ibtihaj a microphone before she told the bride to repeat after her.

Ibtihaj gladly did, ensuring her attitude came out in full display much to the love and amusement of Adil and everyone seated. She gesticulated too. "Adil Séyéoluwa Bello, I will not labour for another woman to inherit."

Adil shook his head, his smile much wider. "Never In Shaa Allah."

More gingered up, Ibtihaj continued, repeating the words of the Alaga. "You will buy me a Bugatti." She nearly laughed at the choruses of Amen that came from her side. "You will buy me a Ferrari, and you will make my house as comfortable as ever; even more than I had ever dreamed of."