Adja and cheick Ahmed ❤️

06

As Salam AleykoumThe Next Morning

I woke up around 6 a.m., took a shower, and performed my prayer. Afterward, I went to check on little Noor. She's so adorable when she's sleeping—it makes me want to cuddle her forever. I gently woke her up.

Me: "Wake up, sweetheart."

Her: "Good morning, Mama."

Oh my! My heart melted when she called me Mama. It stirred something deep within me.

Me: "Good morning, my baby. I hope you slept well?"

Her: "Yes, very well. And you?"

Me: "I did too. Come on, let's get you showered, and then you can have your breakfast."

Her: "You'll stay with me now, won't you?"

Me: "Yes, my love. I'm here, and I'll always be here."

Her: "Yay!"

She started dancing. This little one loves me so much. I helped her shower and dress before we went downstairs to the dining room. My mother-in-law was there, along with two women, two men, and a little girl.

Me: "As-salaam alaikum."

Them: "Wa alaikum salaam."

Mother-in-law: "How are you, dear? I hope you slept well and feel rested."

Me: "Yes, thank you, Mama. And you?"

Mother-in-law: "I'm well, alhamdulillah. Let me introduce you to your brothers-in-law and their wives. This is Isaack, and that's his wife, Ami. And here's their daughter, Aicha. This is your sister-in-law, Kady."

Me: "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Kady: "Likewise. You're very beautiful, Adja."

Me: "Thank you, my dear. You're gorgeous too."

Isaack: "The pleasure is ours, dear sister-in-law. Please make yourself at home—you're part of the family now."

Ami: "I'm delighted to meet you, Adja. I hope we get along well."

Me: "Me too, Ami."

Mother-in-law: "And this is Zakaria, and his wife, Awa."

Zakaria: "Welcome, sister-in-law. My brother is lucky to have such a beautiful wife."

Awa: (gives me a look I don't particularly like) "Welcome."

Me: "Thank you all. I'm very happy to be here, and in sha Allah, I hope our time together will be harmonious."

After that, we sat down to eat. Once the meal was over, the driver took Noor to her summer classes. I offered to cook even though my mother-in-law initially refused. I don't see the issue—I'm here to help. I decided to prepare a Senegalese tiep, as my aunt, who married a Senegalese man, taught me how to make it during summer vacations. I cooked a delicious tiep with fish and all the vegetables. Once it was ready, I served it in a large dish and informed my mother-in-law. I knocked on her bedroom door.

Her: "Yes?"

Me: "Mama, lunch is ready."

Her: "Alright, dear. Call the others."

Me: "I'm not really hungry. I think I'll rest for a bit."

Her: "Okay, my dear."

I called everyone else and went to lie down.

I woke up around 3 p.m. feeling really hungry, so I went down to reheat the rice. I love tiep—it's my favorite dish, especially the Senegalese version. I served myself a generous portion, carefully plated it, and placed it on the table. My phone rang—I'd left it in the bedroom. When I went to get it, I saw it was my mom calling.

Me: "As-salaam alaikum, Mama."

Her: "Wa alaikum salaam, my dear. I hope you're well and taking good care of your in-laws."

Me: "Yes, Mama, I'm doing well, and I'm looking after everyone."

Her: "Good, I'm glad to hear that. Do you know when your husband will be back?"

Me: "Not really."

Her: "Hmm, okay. Listen, we need to have a mother-daughter chat soon."

Me: "Mama, please don't start now. We'll talk later—I'm starving."

Her: "You can't escape me, alright? Take care of yourself and everyone else. Love you, my dear."

Me: "Love you too, Mama. Give my regards to Dad."

After hanging up, I was all smiles. Talking to my mom always makes me happy. I headed back to the dining room to enjoy my beautifully plated rice, only to find someone eating it. My rice! The rice I had lovingly reheated and decorated. I approached the person, who had their back to me.

Me: "Excuse me, sir, who gave you permission to eat my rice?"

When he turned to face me, I almost choked. Oh my God, what is he doing here?

Both of us at the same time: "What are you doing here?!"

At that moment, my mother-in-law walked in.

Mother-in-law: "Ah, you've already met. Ahmed, this is your wife, Adja. Adja, meet your husband, Ahmed."

This has to be a joke. Of all the men in the world, he's the one I married? I should have done more research. I'm doomed. I was blinded by my love for Noor and Mama's kindness.

Him: "Mama, of all the women on this earth, you chose her for me? Please, Mama, not this one."

Me: "What makes you think I'd want a husband like you? Tchrr."

Him: "Mama, do you hear how she talks? Watch your tone, or else—"

Me: "Or else what? You'll slap me like last time?"

Him: "You slapped me too."

Me: "You started it."

Him: "Well, if you hadn't—"

He didn't even finish before Mama cut him off.

Mother-in-law: "Enough! Aren't you ashamed of yourselves? What is this? Listen, you're married, and that's final. There's no divorce. The sooner you accept it, the better for both of you. Tchrr. Nonsense."

And with that, she walked off. I love my mother-in-law—she doesn't waste time. But I have no idea how I'll endure this man. (Not that he's entirely unbearable. Shut up, self.) I often talk to myself like this. 😂