Fragments of forever

Chapter 3: the countdown of forever

📍Yaya Imany's house:

Fatima arrived at Yaya Imany's house early in the morning, ready to help her elder sister arrange the baby’s room after the renovations. The house was beautiful—elegant and luxurious, with a modern touch in every corner. The soft light filtering through the wide windows made the new space look warm and inviting. As they stepped into the baby’s room, Fatima admired the new design. Everything was sleek, clean, and perfect for her little nephew.

"I love what you’ve done with this place, Yaya," Fatima said as she moved a few baby clothes into the wardrobe. "It feels so warm and cozy."

"Alhamdulillah, I’m really happy with how it turned out. It’s just what we wanted," Imany replied, smiling as she adjusted a little stuffed bear on the shelf. "I think the baby’s going to love it here."

As they continued working together, arranging baby items and folding clothes, their conversation naturally shifted. Imany brought up a serious topic: "Did you hear about Asmau?" she asked, looking at Fatima with concern.

Fatima sighed, nodding as she placed a tiny onesie into a drawer. "Yes. Ten years of that terrible relationship, and only now she’s asking for a divorce. I can't believe she stayed that long."

"I know," Imany said, shaking her head. "It’s heartbreaking. She deserves so much better, but it takes a lot of courage to leave a situation like that. The court proceedings are going to be tough."

Fatima leaned against the crib and sighed. "It’s scary, Yaya. It makes me wonder, what if you think you know someone and then, years down the line, they turn out to be... monstrous, like her husband?"

Imany turned to her sister, a thoughtful expression on her face. "That’s the risk we all take when we marry, Fatima. But we can't live in fear. You know, not everyone turns out like Asmau's husband."

"I know, but it’s still a frightening thought," Fatima admitted. "That’s why I’m scared of marriage sometimes. What if the person you love changes?"

"That’s why you have to trust in Allah, Fatima. And look at the good examples too, like Farouk. He’s shown you who he is. You’ve built something good together." Imany paused, then smiled warmly. "But I get it. It's normal to have doubts. You just have to keep praying and believe in the good."

Fatima smiled, feeling a little more reassured. "I guess you’re right, Yaya."

They continued working in silence for a few moments before Imany broke the quiet with a lighter topic. "Speaking of marriage, what about your wedding? How’s the planning going?"

"Oh! It’s going well, alhamdulillah," Fatima said, her mood instantly brightening. "Aliya and I have been working on some ideas. You know how I’ve always dreamed of a fairytale-themed party, right? So, I want to do something simple yet magical for my friends—something really beautiful, but not over the top."

Imany smiled. "That sounds perfect for you, Fatima. What about the other events?"

"For the Kamu, I want something traditional but elegant, of course. Farouk’s family has been wonderful, too. His friends and family suggested they’ll take care of the dinner. So, that’s one less thing for us to worry about," Fatima explained, her face lighting up with excitement.

"That’s great! It sounds like everything is falling into place," Imany said, straightening up a stack of baby books on the shelf. "Have you thought about the vendors yet?"

"Yes! Aliya and I have been going through options. I’m thinking of using Emgee and la harmosa for the makeup, and we’re definitely going with Dernier Cri for the outfits," Fatima said, her voice full of enthusiasm.