Over and Over

Yamal

EL-BAAZ MANSOR,
KANO,
NIGERIA.

NARRATOR'S POV

The night air was thick with anticipation as the bus rolled to a stop in front of the sprawling Mansor.

One by one, Layla’s aunts, uncles, and cousins stepped out, their faces lit with awe as they took in the grandeur of the mansion before them.

The towering white walls of the Mansor, illuminated by soft lights, seemed to stretch endlessly into the night sky, its arched windows casted long shadows over the manicured gardens.

They stood in stunned silence for a moment, as they absorbed the magnitude of the place that would host the family gathering.

Domestic helpers, dressed in crisp uniforms, appeared almost immediately and offered to carry their luggage and lead them inside.

Some family members allowed themselves to be guided, while others lagged behind, still marvelling at the Mansor's grandeur.

The sound of their voices, hushed with excitement, filled the air.

Inside, the family waited in their private chambers, prepared to receive their guests.

Layla watched from a distance, her heart beating faster as she saw her relatives ushered in to Malik’s chamber before moving on to see Ummu and Ammi

This reunion, although filled with joy and warmth, carried with it the weight of the wedding.

After the formalities, the guests were shown to their rooms, each as luxurious as the next, with rich tapestries and sprawling beds, the air thick with the scent of jasmine.

Later that night, a secret guest arrived.

Rayhana had flown in from Doha, and instead of alerting the family, she called a driver quietly, as she wanted to surprise them.

Her presence was always a whirlwind of energy. It was a welcome distraction from the building tension of the upcoming festivities.

LAYLA'S POV

I was seated in my room with my aunt, Goggo Nana, the comforting murmur of her voice, which provided a sense of calm.

We were discussing the family, old stories, and teasing jokes when the door burst open.

“Lalla!” Rayhana’s voice cut through the room, full of excitement and mischief.

My face broke into a wide grin as i leapt from the bed, and ran towards Rayhana, who stood grinning at the doorway.

We collided into a tight embrace, laughter spilling into the air as we held each other for a long moment.

“You didn’t tell me you were coming!” i exclaimed, my voice filled with joy.

Rayhana shrugged with a smirk. “I wanted to surprise you. Besides, what’s a grand family event without a little dramatic entrance?”

We both laughed, and the room suddenly felt lighter.

Rayhana settled onto the bed beside me, and soon we were deep in conversation with Goggo Nana, reminiscing about  childhood and giggling at old memories.

Our reunion was soon interrupted by the soft sound of the door creaking open.

Zee and Asmi shuffled in, both dressed in matching pajamas and clutching pillows under their arms.

“Ray!” Zee’s voice rang out, her face breaking into a grin.

“Zed!” Rayhana called back, just as excited.