MINE (EDITED)

Chapter 22

It's just two weeks until the wedding—my wedding. Ibty and Norah are busy distributing the remaining invitation cards, Ya Meena is following up with the event planners and caterers, while Nabeel is overseeing the photographers. Everyone is making sure everything is on track.

And here I am, sitting in the guest room with Bintu, the mai gyaran jiki. She just finished applying kurkhum to my body, her hands moving with practiced precision as she explained the benefits of the mixture. The earthy scent fills the air, mingling with the faint aroma of scented oils she used earlier. I've been following this ritual for a few days now, and though it's exhausting at times, I can't help but feel a sense of calm and anticipation. It's all part of the preparations for the big day, ensuring I look and feel my best when the day comes.

The lefe will be brought in four days, in sha Allah. Honestly, I can't even begin to describe how I'm feeling right now. It's a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. Everything feels so hectic, and it's as if there's no moment to catch my breath. As much as I'm looking forward to the big day, a part of me can't wait for all of this to be over so I can finally relax.

While waiting for the kurkhum to dry, I picked up my phone and noticed a message from Ni'imah on iMessage.

Ni'imah Yerima: Hey Gelin... how's the preparation?

Me: Hey girl, it is hectic mehn, your side? Na dade ban ganki ba.

Ni'imah Yerima: Ayya, sorry! We have been busy too here wallah... ikr, it's been two weeks since I saw you last.

Me: Wallahi... perks of being a bride. Right now I'm covered in kurkhum... to be honest, I'm so tired of this gyaran jiki. I can't wait for it to be over.

Ni'imah Yerima: Don't worry, it's only a matter of time. In two weeks, you'll be free and officially become my brother's Mrs...

I couldn't help but smile at her words. As exhausting as this process was, moments like these reminded me of the love and support surrounding me.

And that's how Ni'imah and I kept chatting, our conversation flowing effortlessly until it was time to remove the kurkhum after thirty minutes. Bintu expertly scrubbed it off my body, her hands gentle yet firm as she worked. Once she was done, I headed to my room for a warm, soothing shower, letting the water wash away the remnants of the ritual.

Afterward, I slipped into a soft pink bubu that felt light and comfortable against my skin. I gathered my hair into a messy bun, the easiest style I could manage in my current state of exhaustion. Feeling refreshed, I decided to check on Anne. First, I went to her room, but she wasn't there. Thinking she might be in the kitchen, I made my way there to look for her.

"Anneciğim," I said softly, wrapping my arms around my mother in a warm hug.

"Hi, güzellik (beautiful)," she replied with a gentle smile, planting a kiss on my cheek. "How are you doing?" she asked, her tone full of concern.

"I am so tireddd, Mommy," I pouted, drawing out the 'd' dramatically for effect.

Anne raised an eyebrow, giving me her classic are you okay? look. I couldn't help but grin cheekily. "But I'm also fine, Elhamdulillah," I added with a playful smile, hoping to reassure her.

I opened the fridge and grabbed an apple to snack on, taking a quick bite before pecking Anne on the cheek and heading back to my room. I craved some quiet time away from all the commotion.

My room is my favorite place in the house. It's so beautiful and incredibly cozy—everything I could ever want. I still can't believe I'm about to leave it all behind. Oh, my bed, the decorations, the soft lighting... it's like heaven on earth. Goshh!! I'll miss it all. And my little walk-in closet... I will miss that so much! But I tell myself that my matrimonial home will be just as beautiful, especially since I trust Ya Meena's judgment. I'm sure my new house will be stunning.