HAFSAT (chronicles Of A Nigerian Bride)

chapter 2

Hafsat's POV

I reluctantly prepared for sai'd, salamatu picked out an Ankara dress and a matching veil. I sat by the mirror looking at myself and imagining myself as a bride. ''Not bad''I thought
My thoughts were interrupted when maimuna walked into the room giggling
'' Amarya Amma is calling you ''
''Am coming "
I grabbed my veil and wrapped it around myself. I walked into the kitchen and found amma dishing tuwo shinkafa and Mia Kuka.
''Amma''
''hafsat take the tray to the dinning , our visitors have arrived. Inform them that lunch has been served kiji kwo''
''yes''
I carried the tray and tried smiling, I gently placed on the dinning and made my way to the sitting room
''Assalamualakum''
''Walakumsalam"
"Baba, lunch has been served"
"Thank you hafsat"
Abba led the visitors to the dinning and called me to serve them. I served them trying so much to keep my gaze down. I hurried out of the dinning room .

Salamatu was in the room when I walked in, not minding her I sat down on the bed.
"Hafsat what is the problem"
" nothing, I was just feeling flustered "
'' Did you see him "
"Yes, he is an epitome of beauty Mashallah,"
" Haba, Amarya take it easy "
" see stop teasing me "
" ok Amarya"
Salamatu left the room to go clear the table. Thinking of sa'id I imagined him as my partner.
I imagined how my courtship would be, praying silently that everything goes well.
I have hardly been in a relationship in the past so I couldn't imagine how I would cope especially when he is going to be My husband soon.
'' Hafsat, Abba is calling you ''
''Okay''
I walked in quickly
''Abba, naam''
''Hafsat, i called you here to tell you a very important news. Sai'd is here to seek my consent and yours as well in his decision to court and eventually if everything goes well marry you.
So hafsat,is there someone already that I am not aware of or do you give your consent to this courtship''
'' Mashallah, I don't have a suitor in mind and I give my consent to the courtship'' I lowered my gaze as I could feel my cheeks heating up from nervousness
''Subhanallah it's decided then'' Abba replied with happiness evident in his voice.
I stood up and walked towards the balcony to receive some fresh air and relive myself . I removed my veil as I sat and said a quiet prayer
''Ya Allah, direct my heart towards what's right ''
My prayer was cut short when I heard shuffling of feet ''Subhanallah, you look beautiful''
I hurriedly looked for my veil and wrapped it
''wasalam, thanks for the compliment but you scared me''
''Am sorry pardon my manners, I was just touring and I didn't know I will find you here''
''Ok''
He faced the city and it was obvious he was enjoying the sight of sunset and the cool breeze.
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Amarya- new bride