So close, yet so far

24

ABUJA, NIGERIA

Hauwa got dressed in a stunning maroon abaya from the renowned designer brand, Elie Saab. She styled her hair into a low bun before wearing a black under cap and doing a wrap round with her maroon veil. The elegant outfit accentuated her beauty, and she felt like a queen.

She looked at her room one last time before she smiled and left. Since morning, the maid had helped her pack all her clothes, and they were already in her matrimonial house.

As she walked out, she squealed excitedly like a teenage girl drunk in love as she jumped on Sa'eed. "You're here," she said, her voice filled with excitement, as she hugged Sa'eed tightly.

He was clad in a light green kaftan, and a tangaran cap sat perfectly on his head. His caramel skin shone in the sunlight casting through the windows, making him look even more handsome.

He chuckled huskily as he wrapped his hands around her waist. "Yes, Mi Reina, I'm here," he said, hugging her to himself. "You look beautiful, love," he added, his eyes admiring her.

Hauwa winked at him, feeling playful. "You clean up nicely too," she teased.

They held each other's hands as they walked towards the main house, ready to face the day ahead, together.

As they prepared to leave, Hauwa and Sa'eed bade everyone goodbye, with Mama and Baba wishing them a happy married life. Safira and Safina, still energetic and playful, wanted to follow them, suggesting that the driver could bring them back later. However, Mama intervened, smiling knowingly. "You two need to finally have some privacy as married couples," she said, causing Hauwa to blush deeply.

As Hauwa hugged Adda Bahijja, the older woman took her to her room and handed her a small paper bag containing turaren wuta, a traditional Hausa perfume. "It will make Sa'eed go mad when you use it," Adda Bahijja whispered, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Hauwa's face turned bright red as she held the paper bag, rushing out of the room before anyone could notice her embarrassment.

Finally, Hauwa hugged Safar, promising to visit her the following week. Safira and Safina, excited at the prospect of a visit, declared that they would tag along. Fahad, meanwhile, had already left for an early morning meeting at the office.

With their goodbyes said, Hauwa and Sa'eed entered the convoy of five black cars, each bearing the logo "M" for Mato. The luxurious vehicles, comprising a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a Bentley Continental GT, a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, an Audi A8, and a BMW 7-Series, gleamed in the morning sunlight as they drove away from the mansion.

As they made their way to Maitama, where they would start building their new life together, Hauwa felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. She knew that this was just the beginning of their journey, and she couldn't wait to see what the future held for them.

As they arrived at their destination, Hauwa's eyes widened in awe as they pulled up in front of a black luxurious iron gate. The gate swung open, revealing a majestic mansion that screamed opulence and wealth. The exterior of the house was a masterpiece of modern architecture, with sleek lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a facade that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight.

As they stepped out of the car, Sa'eed took Hauwa's hand, leading her to the entrance of the house. The white tall doors swung open, revealing a living room that took Hauwa's breath away. The room was a symphony of luxury, with creamy white walls, dark hardwood floors, and furnishings that seemed to have been plucked straight from the pages of a designer magazine.

The room was filled with natural light, pouring in through the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. A sleek, modern chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. The furniture was plush and inviting, with oversized sofas and armchairs arranged around a massive, stone fireplace.