Within these walls

Chapter 34

After the men left, there was a little walima and then we had to all go and start preparing for the dinner, which was by 8.

So, let me backtrack a bit. During the wedding planning, Jay said he didn't want a dinner because he doesn't want anything that will put him on the spotlight. Dinner that I have been planning for way before he came along, I just indulged him but knew I will convince him, so, we went ahead with the preparation.

Few weeks to the wedding, I brought up the issue again and he said, he really doesn't want a dinner and won't show up. Let's just say I cried a lot and accused him of not loving me and how he doesn't want me to be happy, hence, not wanting to show up for the event.

My tears, they always work like magic on him and alas, we are having a dinner and he will be there. Jay 0: Lee 1.

For the dinner, Khadijah went for an easy eye look but an over the top coloured lip. I was worried about the outcome, however, it turned out really good and I am glad I trusted her.

My dinner dress was made from a lilac fabric, it was v-necked with a bishop sleeve, fitted from the waist down to the knees and a mermaid bottom. My head was tied in a silk black turban and I had a matching lilac veil. I had minimal accessories because a lot was going on with the fabric. I looked elegant and felt gorgeous.

With the help of Ini and Basma, we walked out to where the cars were waiting to join the men. When I got to AbdulJalal, he held me at an arm's length and twirled me.

"Look at you, you look so good. This colour looks so nice on you," he complimented.

"Thank you Babe," I smiled.

The dinner was okay, it was supposed to be fun o but I don't know how all the older people decided that was the time to advise the couple. They said a lot of things that I honestly didn't pay attention to because I was too overwhelmed. The advice I didn't take weeks before my wedding, it is not during the dinner that I will take it. Jay and I spent the whole time gossiping. The after-party though was lit, we danced so much and I got to eat. It wasn't the dinner of my dream but it was not all that bad.

"Salima, it is time to leave." Said my aunt as she poked her head into the room.

I was dressed in an ankara skirt and blouse and wrapped up in a veil, my face devoid of any makeup.

I was taken to my Dad's living room, where my parents sat. My Dad asked everyone to excuse us before asking me to come and sit between him and Mum.

"Salima, I was against this marriage because of your circumstance, I am still sceptical but I trust you and your judgement because of how we raised you and Alhamdililah for funds that Allah has provided us with to help you guys through the medical process. I know you guys want to do everything yourself but whenever the going gets tough always remember that you have us, we will always be here for you. May Allah bless your marriage, guide you and protect you from evil forces." He prayed.

"Amin Daddy and Thank you for all you did and all you keep doing. May Allah bless you and mummy with good health and long life. May I be able to make you proud." I said and hugged him.

"You have made us proud already Salima. I don't have much to say may Allah bless you and Allah ya bada saa." Said my mother and she also went in for a hug.

All that didn't make me cry until we walked out of the living room to the waiting cars, my parents flanged beside me. Daddy helped me in and said "Allah ya bada saa Salima." Then closed the door.

My waterworks started and I felt like I was stolen from my parents. Although Jay and I will be living in Abuja, his parents are in Kaduna, so, the journey to Kaduna started.

An hour into the Journey, Jay called me.

To be honest, I was annoyed with him at that point because I felt like he stole me from my parents. I grumbly put the phone to my ear without saying a word.

"Hello, Babe. I heard you were crying, what is wrong? Are you having second thoughts?" I heard the panic in his voice.

That voice that does things to my inside, " I am okay I said," annoyance flung out of my mind.

"Are you sure?" he asked again.

"Yes! I am, just a little emotional moment. All good now."

"Alright then, see you soon. Love you."

We got to Kaduna around 11:00 a.m. We went straight to his mother who welcomed me with open arms. Did I tell you that Jay's mother and I are practically best friends? So, here is the thing I wanted to be able to cultivate a relationship with her outside of AbdulJalal. So, I involved her in my shopping for the unveiling event that will be happening later today. We went fabric shopping together, she was there for my first fitting and she was so happy. Our relationship has bloomed since then.

"Welcome home baby," she said and hugged me to her chest.

After that exchange, I was taken to Jay's chalet to start preparing for the unveiling event that was by 3:00 p.m.

The unveiling event went well, it was all good vibes and Jay's family were very loveable and the best part I got plenty of money.