So close, yet so far

02

02
KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA.

Sighing for the umpteenth time, she smiled at herself with a blush that seemed to be permanent, making her cheeks rosy ever since she met Sa'eed, Hauwa kept her phone aside. She still hadn't accepted to be his girl but he wouldn't lie. He was funny, kind and gentle, he knew how to make her laugh and make butterflies fly in her stomach. Most of all he made her go crazy with all his teasing. She was always smiling like a fool whenever she was chatting with him. Just his 'hi' or 'hello' through messaging was enough to make her whole day.

After two weeks of persistent begging she had finally agreed to go on a date with him but she had told him they were only going as friends but that didn't dampen his excitement of finally going to date with the lady he had been dreaming of ever since he became fortunate enough to see a beautiful creature like her. She was surprised when her parents had allowed her to go on a date with him around 7:00 PM.  Because first of all, it was a rule everyone knew in her house that going on dates with their boyfriends wasn't allowed and the moment the clock struck 6 PM then it automatically meant late night for the girls in her house.

They were four in number, three girls and one boy. The eldest is a girl called Aisha happily married with three children, Hanan, Muhammad and Aliyu haidar.  Then Aliyu married with a wife and one daughter, Afra. Followed by Hauwa and then the last born Firdausi Jannah. They were a happy family, her father was well off and he made sure they lived comfortably. They didn't lead the lavish lifestyle like the Mato family but her father ensured they had whatever they ever asked him for.

As the warm glow of the setting sun cast a golden light on the room, Hauwa began her preparations for the date, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She had finally agreed to give Sa'eed a chance, and now she was determined to look her best.

She started by slipping into her mustard yellow maxi gown, the soft fabric rustling against her skin as she moved. The dress was a beautiful shade, reminiscent of sunflowers and bright days. Delicate white flowers danced across the fabric, adding a touch of whimsy and romance to the overall design.

Next, Hauwa carefully wrapped a white veil around her head, skillfully twisting and tucking the fabric into an elegant turban. The veil added a touch of modesty and grace to her overall appearance, and she felt a sense of comfort and security with it in place.

Her eyes sparkled as she slipped on her white flat shoes, the glittering embellishments catching the light and sending tiny shivers of excitement down her spine. She loved shoes, and these were a particular favourite – the perfect combination of style and comfort.

Finally, Hauwa reached for her trusty white Charles and Keith handbag, the soft leather creaking as she opened it and slipped her essentials inside. She was a minimalist when it came to makeup, and tonight was no exception – she wanted Sa'eed to see her natural beauty, unadorned and unapologetic.

As she finished getting dressed, Hauwa took a step back to survey her reflection in the mirror. She felt a sense of pride and satisfaction wash over her – she looked beautiful, and she knew it. The mustard yellow gown brought out the warm tones in her skin, and the white veil added a touch of sophistication to her overall appearance.

With a final flutter of her eyelashes, Hauwa declared herself ready. She took a deep breath, feeling the soft fabric of her gown rustle against her skin as she moved. She was ready to face whatever the evening had in store, armed with her natural beauty and a sense of quiet confidence.

Just as the clock struck 7:00, Hauwa heard the loud and annoying voice of her younger sister, Jannah, calling her. She rolled her eyes and pretended she didn't hear but Jannah opened the door panting like she had run a marathon and she said.
"Ya mai-Jidda, I know you can hear me. Anyway your boyfriend is here." That seemed to have done the trick because Hauwa immediately sprang up as if she was being chased by a ghost and ran down the stairs. She stopped abruptly and her breath got cut in her throat as she took in Saeed's appearance.