Life Without You✔️.

23: Yes To Another

Ayman's POV
Abuja, Nigeria

I was just stepping out of a meeting when my phone buzzed.
Bilkisu: I just spoke with Mama, and she said Baba agreed this weekend is fine for the formal introduction. I'll send you the details after I speak to her again.
For a second, I just stood there, frozen, as the words sank in. My lips curved into a smile I didn't even try to hide. Finally. Finally.

I didn't even bother texting back. I dialed.
"Assalamu alaikum," her voice came through sweet, soft, familiar. "Wa alaikum salam," I replied, almost breathless with excitement. "You're serious? Your dad agreed to this weekend?"

"Wallahi, Ayman, he said it's time. He was just waiting for me to come back home so we could talk properly. He wanted to be sure this is what I want. He wants to meet your family formally."

I exhaled deeply. "This weekend?" "Yes. Mama just confirmed wai, Saturday afternoon. He said that's best. I'll message you the address, okay?" "You're amazing," I said without thinking. "I'll speak to Daddy now and get things moving." "Insha'Allah," she replied, laughing lightly. "I told you he'd come around."

"Alhamdulillah," I muttered as I headed for my office. I ended the call and went straight to dial Daddy. "Ayman," his voice came, steady, calm as always.
"Ina wuni. Good evening," I greeted, taking a seat behind my desk.

"Lafiya lau, Alhamdulillah. I'm fine, all thanks to Allah. How is Bibi doing?" he replied. I almost groaned. This family always wanted to make everything about her.
"She's fine, Alhamdulillah," I replied, eager to get to the point. "So... to what do I owe this call?" he asked.

"Well, Daddy, as we discussed Bilkisu spoke to her parents about us coming over for the introduction. Her father agreed. Saturday works for them."
"Aha, Mashaa Allah," he replied. His tone gave him away he was no longer interested in what I was saying. But I didn't care. I'd done what he wanted; now they had to do mine.

"Are you really sure about this, Ayman? I've seen how you and Bibi are with each other. Would you really want to ruin something so delicate? You're just getting to know each other." "I've thought it through, Daddy, and I still want to do this. Please." "Have you discussed this with Nadia? This is a very sensitive matter. All women—"

"Daddy, who I choose to marry is not her business. They'll live in separate places and have no dealings with each other. I'll try my best to be fair, but this is my choice."

"If this is truly what you want, then Allah ya bada sa'a. May Allah aid you and grant you success. Speak to your uncle Bashir. I'll see if we can come in before Saturday. Sai anjima. Goodbye." He ended the call.

Later, when I arrived at Uncle Bashir's house, he was seated outside, nursing a mug of tea. "Ina wuni, Uncle Bashir. Good evening," I greeted. "I'm doing well, Alhamdulillah, Ayman," he said, offering a handshake and a nod. "What brings you here so suddenly?"

I sat across from him, heart beating faster. "It's about the marriage plans for me and Bilkisu." His brow lifted. "I thought that was on hold."

"It was. But not anymore. Her father gave his consent. He wants us to come for the formal introduction this Saturday." Uncle Bashir blinked, then nodded slowly. "I see. So, you want us to go with you?"

"Yes. Daddy said I should come inform you of the new developments." He sipped his tea, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "You understand this won't be easy, Ayman. Especially because you're already married. This will demand a lot from you. Are you sure you can handle it?"