Capítulo 99: The Wedding Day
Maraah looked round the restaurant. She did not want to make a scene there. “You don’t know me.” She said. “But you would do that very soon.”
“Thank you very much.” Petra said and Maraah got up and left.
Petra got up and left the place angrily. She got outside and dialed Jubril’s number. “I am in front of the restaurant. We need to talk now.”
“What is ….” He began but she cut the line. He came down about two minutes later.
“Maraah just left.” She said. Jubril sighed. “That girl….”
“That girl, what? What does she know that I don’t? She said a date has been fixed.”
“What? You did not know?”
“Are you saying it is true? I know nothing about it and how come I am hearing it from her?” “Because her father told her. Her father knows my father.”
“Who fixed the date?” Petra asked.
“Your father of course. I only begged for a date and they agreed.”
“You begged for a date?” Petra questioned in surprise.
“Do I have the right or power to choose a date? I made a suggestion, and my father agreed. He and his friends went to your father who sent them to your Uncle, Dr Abbas and the date was fixed.” Jubril responded.
“What is the date?” She asked.
“10th of March. Just a month away. I see no reason for wasting time. We are all ready……”
What did he just say?
“No, Miss Sunshine.” Justin had said. “I am just nineteen. We will get married on 10th of March, four years from now, insha Allah. Mark that.” That was four years ago. Why the coincidence? She did not get it?
“Who are you?” she asked.
“I am confused now.” He muttered.
“How did you know that date?” she asked again.
“Know what? Wallahi it was my idea. I never heard it from anyone and no one suggested it. What is wrong?” She sighed.
“That is the exact day my Justin prayed that we would get married.”
“Well, I had this idea for long. I have a reason for the date. It means a lot to me.” She did not bother to ask him what the day meant.
“I understand your feelings but please do remember that I am also human. I can never stop you from loving him but remember that I have a heart too. Can you please do me the favour of not calling him Hayati in my presence? Can you just pretend a little to have feelings for me? Just act like a friend at least.
If I had the power to leave you, I would have left because of the things you told me but I am imprisoned by my feelings, captured by your powers and not ready to face facts. I want to be your slave, not because I lack freedom; be your fool not because I am foolish; Be your servant not because I lack a job but for love.
All I ask of you is just that respect for my feelings. You have told me about him but I would appreciate it if you tell me no more about your feelings for him, or call him by his pet name.
Can we even stop talking about him? I am not saying you should take him off your mind but keep it because it hurts me.” She nodded.
“I will try but I am not making a promise. Sometimes, I don’t know when I say them but I will try. I am sorry if I hurt you. I never intend to disrespect you.” She said.
“Thank you. I have to go back to work.” “Same with me.” she said.
“Can I know your shoe size?” “We don’t have to go through that. Just the nikkah is okay.” “You talk as if we are in control. These things are inexorable so we better embrace it.” “
I will talk to my mother then before you ask of the size of other things.”
“I will be so glad. Hope Maraah did not threaten you?” He asked.
“She said I did not know her but I was going to do that soon. Whatever that meant, I don’t know.” “I will handle it insha Allah. Shall we?”
“You can go back. I want to get sweets.” He grinned. He knew that was just an excuse to part with him. It was all about time. She would change. He left her there.
She walked to her car, opened the car door, slid in, bent her head and cried.
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March 10
*************
It was 10th of March. It was Petra’s wedding day. A grand wedding she had not hoped for. Abuja Central mosque was filled with the crème la crème; powerful and rich men.
Alhaji Usman was an important figure in the society who spent years with the core of government circle. His elder brother, Dr Abbas was more powerful than him and Jubril’s father happened to be an international business man, and had people trooping from middle-east like a swarm of bees.
A place filled with men of various political parties, views and known sworn political enemies. But as they met in person, they embraced, cracked jokes and one would wonder what was going on, yet the poor man on the street who calls himself a supporter would be killing himself while the men at the top, their children rocked.
Alhaji Usman’s house was filled with women and children and the bride was undergoing kunshi (a traditional rite, designing the brides body). Aunty Faiza, Petra’s aunty came into the large room and fixed her phone on speakers which was put close to a microphone which was connected to an amplifier.
Petra was sitting in midst of the women, and her beauty was ethereal. The women who did her make-over and designs were experts from Borno State.
Who could have believed that her flamboyant wedding dress which was a combination of expensive satin, tulle, and chiffon was made in Abuja by Susha Styles owned by an Ibadan-based renowned designer? It was said the dress cost three million naira.
Her jewellery was Chopard, one of the most expensive jewellery brands in the world. She looked so radiant, smooth, chic and breathtaking. “Toh….”Aunty Faaiza said.
“I am connected to Abdul’s phone. They have finished prayers and about to solemnize the marriage. I want us to listen to this historic moment live.” “Ayiriririririiiiiiiiiiiii!” Gwago Saude started and two more women echoed. Petra was calm, trying to imagine it was Justin, and the thought sent her into a reverie, a fantasy world and she felt a soothing feeling, as she imagined him holding her hand, his cosmic smile on his face, and he says, “remember I told you it would be today insha Allah, a day when you and I realize our dreams, become a tag team and see a new world.” She smiled absentmindedly and Mercy took it for acceptance of Jubril.
With the thought of Justin, she felt at ease, and began to feel the glamour and splendour of the day. The brightness and sophistication of things began to manifest, and she let her soul flow, like nothing mattered anymore.
“Sunana Alhaji Hassan Malunfashi, nine wakilin Jubril Salat, ( I am Alhaji Hassan Malumfashi representing Jubril Salat), Ya turo ni na nema masa auren Petra Usman (he asked me to seek for Petra Usman’s hand in marriage).”
They heard another voice. “Nine Dr Abbas Babangida waliyin Petra Usman (I am Dr Abbas Babangida, standing for Petra Usman), Ya nema kuma anKachai (He seeked and it is given).”
“Na amsa kuma zan kai masa ( I collect it on his behalf)” Alhaji Hassan said. Then a third voice came up. It was the voice of the imam. “Jama’a a sheda daurin aure tsakanin Jubril Salat da Petra Usman ( I want the gathering to witness the wedding solemnization between Jubril Salat and Petra Usman), bisa sunnan Manzon Allah salallahu allihim wasalam (based on the tradition of the holy Prophet , may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).
a bisa sadaqi naira dubu hamsin kuma Jubril ya biya naqadan ba ajalan ba ( the bride price is fifty thousand naira and Jubril paid in cash and not on credit). From now onwards, the responsibilities of feeding, housing, clothing, knowledge and healthcare has been shifted from her father to Jubril.
We pray to Allah to bless the union, void of satanic influence and grant them blessed children. They must fear Allah in their actions and inactions, know that this is a sacred institution which can lead someone to aljanna (paradise) or hellfire.
May Allah protect us all and make us end with faith…. Petra Usman is now Jubril Salat’ wife.” “Aaaaaaayiririririiiiiiiiiiie!!!”
Petra felt something settling down her heart. This was it. A transition that is big. She was no more a bachelorette, but now a married woman. She bowed her head as Mercy came to embrace her.
Other girls were there to congratulate her, the elders doing theirs. She was leaving that house that day, her things had been set. Leaving with hope of not coming back. Then the big question, what next?
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