Aaliyah to the World

31 | The Dinner Party [2]

•Aaliyah

"Babygirl today is your day. Please smile. Being the fourth wife doesn't matter. It's how he treats you that matters and if he respects you."

"Thank you Ally." Yusra said as she wiped a stray tear before it flew down.

"Be happy fa. At least you won't be living with wasu tsofaffi." I smiled, happy that the joke made her less tensed.

"Thank God I won't be living with those old women. But their kids are probably my age. I'm scared wallahi. That's how they'll feel they can disrespect me."

"That one is from their father. If he shows you respect, they'll show you respect. Just try to happy."

"Aaaah Aaliyah the all too optimistic child. You always have an explanation for everything."

We shared a hearty laugh before a sudden silence had us lost in our own thoughts. Safiya on the other hand, was asleep on the other side of the room.

Yesterday night held a sleep over to remember. It was our bachelorette party of sorts. Similar to a mocktail party with different drinks and foods. To top it all off, we binge watched Theo James movies and did our own version of karaoke with a mix of Hausa, Latin and Indian songs.

The bridal shower was two days ago. We went for a girls day out for an all body spa treatment with ten of our other friends then the next day was the Kamu. I think that was my favorite part because I'm terribly obsessed with henna. Then today is...the day of nights as me and Safiya put it.

Today, will be one of the best days of my life. For one reason only. Aunty Raliya will finally get what she deserves.

A karma dish best served frozen.

The court hearing was by 10:00am this morning which was a huge problem because I had to find a way to attend and still be back for Yusra.

I decide I'll start getting ready now since it's already 08:00am.

For some reason their mother and Zahra were absent so all the activities had to be managed between me, Safiya, Fadila and a few aunties that came all from Dukku and Gombe. I handled the decorations inside the house and legislated orders to the  workers whenever they were absent.

It was a miracle how I managed to work without coming in contact with Hamza.

Or was he avoiding me?

Her aunties were quite easy to talk to but it took a little while to get over the teasing. They all said I was Hamza's wife-to-be. No wonder they were receptive from the start and never directed any ill feeling towards me.

Not that they acted differently to anyone.

Another girl who I got to know as Ilham was also here to help me too as we put the incense round the house.

Turns out, she was another girl who got her heart broken by Hamza. I wouldn't have known but thanks to Safiya the minister of information I was up to date with his scandalous past since she was crushing on him too.

I left them to complete the rest of the tasks as I had a commitment that was to change my life completely.

I took a rushed bath and wore a pair of jeans and a blazer to look a bit professional.

"Hanty! Where you dey go?" Yusra asked.

"I have a meeting with the company that wants to buy my shoes." I lied.

Something I didn't mention before.

This happened right after I got the money from the bank. I used all the connections I had and set up a brand of shoes I named 'Lilly Puts'.