Life Without You✔️.

17: Bound

WARNING: use of multiple POV's. You may proceed💗.

Bibi's POV
Abuja, Nigeria.

The dreaded day had finally arrived. I'd never wished for a night to last longer than I did today. But it was inevitable, and I had come to terms with it—this was part of my destiny.
A test from Allah, from whom I ask strength to endure and succeed. It's happening for a reason, and I'm at peace with it now, whatever the outcome may be.

Aunty Shafa walked into our room and flipped on the lights, earning herself a chorus of groans and mumbles from the exhausted girls. But that didn't stop her.
She took it a step further and flung open the curtains. Ha! Whoever stayed up late last night—serves them right. I got up and walked to the bathroom, brushing my teeth and washing my face quietly.

Afterward, I padded back in to shower. By the time I came out, the girls were already seated and having breakfast. I joined them, and we ate together.

Once breakfast was over, the others started getting ready. Aunty Ramla began working on my makeup. Thank goodness this whole dressing-up saga ends today—my patience can't handle another day of this. I made sure to perform ablution before she started, so I wouldn't mess it up later.

I asked for something simple, and she delivered exactly that. My gown was already laid out on the bed, complete with matching heels and a head tie.
Leena helped me get dressed. Once the sea green gown—adorned with pearls and beads—was on, I looked... well, beautiful. We sat and chatted as the others had their makeup done.

The nikkah was scheduled for after Dhuhr, so I had less than an hour left. I kept glancing at the clock, each look making me more anxious—as if my own thoughts were swallowing me whole. And when I heard the ādhan, I knew... it was only a matter of minutes.

Those minutes felt endless. To calm myself, I turned to prayer. I wrapped my hijab around me and faced the Qibla with a heavy heart. As I said my final salam, the door burst open and an older aunty rushed in.

"An daura auren Nadia da Ayman. Allah ya sanya alkhairi, ya basu zaman lafiya."
(The wedding of Nadia and Ayman has been finalized. May Allah bless it and grant them peace in their marriage.)
She yodeled joyfully, then closed the door behind her.

I heard everyone in the room respond with a unified "Ameen," but their voices felt distant, even though they were just beside me. I turned instinctively, searching for the one person who wasn't here. Then I remembered—she was at home. It was also her brother's wedding. My husband.

Before I could say anything, the teasing began. Everyone laughed and joked, but it only intensified the storm inside me. Leena came and gently pulled me into a hug.

That was it. I couldn't hold it anymore. The tears poured freely, and the room fell silent.

I cried with everything I had, and Leena just held me.
"Haba Bibi, with the way you're crying, someone would think you didn't consent to this marriage. Ki daina kuka, stop crying. I know you'll miss your mother, but she'll always be here, don't worry."
Yaya Nana said softly, handing me a tissue.
If only she knew...

With their help, I stood up. My makeup was fixed—so much for not ruining it. My scarf was retied, and we headed downstairs to take pictures before the groom arrived.

Ayman's POV

After the nikkah was done, we took a few photos at the mosque, then drove to the venue for the men's reception. Knowing the photos would hit social media soon, I sent a quick message to Bilkisu.

"I know this isn't how you thought it would end between us, but no matter what pictures you see today, or what people say in the comments, my heart still belongs to you. And when it's your turn, I promise it will be even bigger than this."

I hit send and leaned back in my seat.

The reception was brief just an hour. Afterward, Munir, Fahad, Yasir, and Yusuf drove straight to Nadia's house. Calling her "my wife" still felt blasphemous.
The moment we pulled up, the women outside began yodeling so much for a low-key wedding. Might as well get this over with.

Yusuf parked the car and we all stepped out. I threw on my babban riga as we made our way inside.

Munir, Fahad, and Yasir my day-ones. We went through university together and now co-own a business. Munir's got a kid, Fahad got married two years ago, and Yasir? He's just not ready yet.
We entered and were directed to the photo area. As we walked in, the crowd parted, revealing her seated, silent, and tiny. The opposite of what she actually is.

The girl I just married. For the sake of the cameras and the people I forced a smile.
I approached her, standing directly in front of her. Her veil blocked her face, so I gently lifted it and set it behind her. The room erupted with squeals and flashes.
I raised her chin slightly with my hand. Her eyes were red and puffy crying. As they should be.

Still playing the part, I smiled and asked, "What did you girls do to my wife to make her cry this much?"
More squeals. She turned her head away. I leaned in and whispered, "Don't worry, Nadia. Your tears mean nothing to me. Cry a river for all I care. But right now, put on your best smile and act like you're happy. Your father might have people here or be waiting for these pictures."

I straightened up, kissed her cheek, and she visibly shuddered. Knowing her, it wasn't from the kiss but from disgust. The feeling's mutual.
We posed like professionals. When it was over, everyone cleared the room.
"You've got ten minutes," Nana joked, closing the door behind her.

I didn't say much. Didn't need to. "We both know we don't want this marriage. So for now, let's just sit quietly. I'll leave in ten minutes, and I'll see you later tonight."
She said nothing. And neither did I.

When Nana returned, she smiled. "Toh ango, time to go! You'll see your bride later. Save the mushy lines for then." I glared playfully. "Kisan Allah ki kiyaye ni, Nana you better mind what you say to me."
With that, I left the room. Back in the car, Yusuf kept eyeing me through the rearview mirror. I ignored him.

I already knew what he was thinking. My acting skills? Impeccable.

السلام عليكم
ATP wallahi Ayman is beyond me, I've handed him over to you guys so as you please with him. More drama coming your way guys🤭🤭 hold on tight. Can't believe their married already. I've said too much as usual 😂💗 don't forget to VOTE, COMMENT AND SHARE XX 💋.