So close, yet so far

11

KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Alhaji Muhammad Gimba stared at Alhaji Sa'ad Mato with his younger brother Alhaji Bashir Mato and his best friend Musa Bilyamin in shock. His wife had started talking to him about Sa'eed's relationship with Hauwa but he didn't think it was something serious. She was 21 and rightly he was supposed to get her married if she had a husband but he couldn't bring himself to send her off and let her live with a man alone. She was his favourite daughter and had a special place in his heart because of what happened 14 years ago. She had endured enough and no child her age was supposed to go through that trauma. Seeing her mother— Alhaji Muhammad cleared his throat to stop himself from reminiscing about the painful past of his daughter and wife, may her soul continue to rest In Peace.
"I don't want to make any rash decision, I'll have to talk to Hauwa about her decision before I get back to you." Alhaji Muhammad said and Sa'ad nodded his head in understanding.
"We will await your feedback but from what Sa'eed has told me, he and Hauwa have great love and understanding for each other so we shall expect a positive feedback." Alhaji Sa'ad said with a smile. They soon diverted towards politics and late in the evening the three guests who had specially come from Abuja to Kaduna to ask for Hauwa's hand in marriage left.

Alhaji Muhammad sighed tiredly as he removed the zanna bukar perched on his head and used it to fan his head, the AC was on but he was sweating profusely. He hated that he couldn't protect his daughter Hauwa from seeing that gruesome side of her mother's incident and he hated himself that he wasn't able to protect his first love and the mother of his children. How could he not have noticed what had been happening to the woman he claimed to love? He didn't notice anything until it was too late and she had finally died.
"Muhammad." Hauwa's mother, Hajara, called out and he looked up at her with a weak smile.
"Are you thinking about Adda Firdausi?" She asked and when he nodded his head she smiled and sat close to him.
"I also think about her a lot, I miss her but I can't begin to think about how her children, especially Hauwa who had witnessed how gruesome her death was must miss her. "

"You are their mother Hajara so I don't know what you're saying." Hajara smiled and nodded her head but decided to let the topic go.
"Alhaji Sa'ad came earlier to ask for Hauwa's hand in marriage for his son Sa'eed." Muhammad said after a while and Hajara immediately beamed.
"Masha Allah, that is wonderful news. Finally my Kulu is settling down." She said with a beautiful smile, Hauwa was also her favourite because of what had happened. In fact, anyone who knew about what Hauwa had witnessed 14 years ago at a young age would pity and dote on her.
"But you don't look happy." Hajara said when she noticed Muhammad's sore mood.
"How can I be happy when someone is trying to take Mai-Jidda away from me."
"That someone is who your daughter is madly in love with." Hajara said and air quoted someone. Muhammad hissed before saying,
"I'll call Hauwa and talk to her about it tomorrow."
•
ABUJA, NIGERIA

Hauwa's eyes widened as she unwrapped the delicate package, revealing a stunning, modest gown that seemed to whisper secrets of a special night. The dress, a soft, ivory hue, cascaded down like a gentle waterfall, its intricate lace and embroidery evoking the beauty of a moonlit garden. A delicate veil, attached to the dress's subtle headpiece, framed her face, casting a mystical aura around her.

As she held the gown against herself, Hauwa's thoughts drifted to Sa'eed, her heart overflowing with love. Memories of their laughter-filled moments, camera lenses clicking in unison, flooded her mind. She recalled how Sa'eed's eyes sparkled when he captured the perfect shot, how his smile could light up a room, and how his gentle guidance helped her discover new perspectives through the lens.

Over the past few months, their shared passion for photography had woven a tapestry of cherished moments – sunrise shoots, golden hour strolls, and cosy editing sessions. With each memory, Hauwa's love for Sa'eed deepened, and now, as she gazed at the dress, she sensed a new chapter unfolding. The gown seemed to whisper promises of forever, its modest elegance reflecting the beauty of their love.