The Juju Lady Next Door (Completed)

24. Untitled I

Seven days later

The Naming Ceremony was a huge one. Not based on attendance but on the Barka (Blessing) that was showered upon us that day; the happy and smiling faces we welcomed; the fun stories we shared and the peace in bringing people together.

I was putting on Baraka's floral dress for her-as she laid quietly on the bed-when Meena came up behind me, "Did you hear?"

"What?" I asked.

Meena sat on the bed to play with her. "Oga Sa'id wants to take a second wife." She said, adjusting the veil over her shoulders, which complemented her blue and pink satin gown.

"Seriously, he just got married recently na. " I paused, eyes wide in surprise.

"Apparently Isma'il is now a role model for successful polygamous marriage." She stated as I burst into laughter. Barakah's lashes were drooping, so I moved her to the cot beside the bed before joining Meena.

"Seriously, now everyone wants to be like him."

My eyebrows rose in surprise. "As if it's easy." I said and she shrugged.

The door opened and Hidaya strutted in, attired in a white and blue atampa skirt and blouse similar to mine. "Sannunku." She greeted, craning her neck to catch a glimpse of Barakah.

"She's sleeping already?" She asked, pouting.

"Ehen, with all the stress you were putting her through. What do you expect?" If not that she's a very patient baby that doesn't cry when carried by strangers."

"Ah ah na, we were just playing dress up games, if you see the pics we took, you would know how big this is." She said,

Walida came in behind her. "Aunty Hidaya what's up na, the photographer is waiting for you." She said, then saw Barakah's sleeping form. "Oooooooh." She frowned and stomped her foot."

"Ah ah, what is it na, somebody cannot sleep again." Meena said.

"Yaya Kauthar, are you sure you didn't give her sleeping pills? There're a lot of dresses waiting for her to try on o." Walida muttered.

Meena and I shared a look before bursting into laughter. "Sleeping pills, to a baby abi? Gaskiya ne."I narrowed my eyes at her. "Oya come and wake her up na."

Hidaya and Walida frowned some more before leaving the room in defeat.

These people are not serious o. I shook my head.

Then I remembered that I was supposed to wake Salsabil up, as she had been sleeping for three hours now.

Meena and I vacated the room to meet more women and children that came to witness the Barakah in our midst. And perhaps, take some home with them.