CONNECTED HEARTS

43: Brides -To -Be Bash

Kaltoom's POV

The weather was perfect today quiet and breezy, a gentle courtesy of winter's arrival. I loved this time of year. We were all gathered at Aunt Sabreenah's rarely used house, a stunning Italian-style mansion that oozed luxury from every corner. The place was so pristine it felt like stepping into a dream.

They were what you'd call "Crazy rich Nigerian", they had multiple houses scattered across town, and because Aunt Sabreenah was usually away, this one looked brand new. I had always been fascinated by its grandeur honestly, it was my dream house.

We were hosting a pool party that day, and I'd convinced Aunt Sabreenah to let us use her place because of the massive pool in the yard. It was perfect for pictures, even if none of us planned to swim. Amani had offered to host at their house, also pool-equipped but I was set on Aunt Sabreenah's.

The girls were all gathered around Noorah, Amani, Laila, and a few of our cousins. Amani had brought her two cousins, and Afeeyah's friend Hanan had flown in all the way from Egypt. Maa had invited her ,not Afeeyah typical Maa. Bilkees, Amani's cousin and a gifted makeup artist, was working her magic on my face. I loved her vibe and her skill; she was smooth and confident.

We had a big crowd about twenty of us, including Nidhal and Raudha, who was four or five months pregnant and had come all the way from Maradi. It was around five o'clock, and our event was set to start at eight. Bilkees was doing my nails now, which was perfect since it was that time of the month and I wasn't doing henna yet. I adored the design she chose, classy and chic.

The henna session was scheduled for tomorrow our Sa Lalle/Kamu day. Aunt Sabreenah and Ammi had already handled everything, so I was stress-free for once. Meanwhile, Amani and Laila were squealing over the lefe that had arrived that morning, sharing videos from home. I hadn't seen them yet, but I was curious!

The sitting room was buzzing hairstylists everywhere, laughter echoing, the smell of hair spray and food mixing in the air. The stylist was working on Afeeyah's long, silky hair, while Laila was on the phone arguing with the caterer. Raudha was face-painting the girls, and Amani and Maimoona were outside directing the decoration team.

After my nails were done, I headed upstairs with Noorah. On our way back down, I froze there he was. Yaseen. Standing by the hallway, flowers in hand, looking unfairly handsome.

It had been ages since I'd seen him, and he somehow looked even better. I couldn't help myself "Iyye dan Balaraben Aunty..." I teased, calling out playfully. He smiled that same smile that could make a girl forget her own name which Alhamdulillah I've got passed now... I have Adyan! My priced possession

Noorah squealed and ran into his arms, and I just stood there, watching their sweet reunion. They looked so alike same sharp nose, same smile and suddenly, I missed my brothers. My chest tightened.

"Amarya! Great to see you! Assalamu alaikum," Yaseen greeted, handing me the flowers. I swear my cheeks burned. "Wa alaikumus salam, Yaseen. Long time! How've you been?" I replied, trying to sound casual. He chuckled, teasing me about how grown up I'd become.

Just then, Khaireeya appeared, looking slightly frazzled. "Where have you been? Bilkees is waiting to start your makeup!" she said, barely glancing at Yaseen. I introduced them quickly "Khaireeya, this is Yaseen, Aunt Sabreenah's son." She gave him a brief wave before dragging me away.

Once we were out of earshot, I whispered to Noorah, "Hey, any idea why Yaseen's here? Aunty said he'd be staying at a hotel with his dad." Noorah's smile was suspiciously knowing, but she shrugged.

When Nana overheard that Yaseen had arrived, she screamed in excitement. The girl still had the biggest crush on him  I'd always thought it was childish, but judging by her reaction, she wasn't over it. When I told her he'd already left after realizing we were using the house, she pouted like a kid denied ice cream. Poor Yaseen, he didn't know what kind of chaos was waiting for him.