AFTER 168 HOURS [BOOK 2,168 HOURS SERIES]

Chapter 51: Humaira's Wedding

It was very early in the morning when the drummers came to the Bala's compound for entertainment. The started drumming to Zainab's euology and singling wedding song for the new, Amarya.

That morning, the makeup artist had started applying the necessities; foundation covering every pimple and dark spot on her face, eyeliner, eyeshadows eye-pencil, and mascara to brighten up her eyes. Lastly, the makeup artist applied red, lipstick and lipgloss to match her auburn, burnt orange outfit. Everything was complemented with the powder, blush and light-golden bronzer to transform the whole makeup look into perfection.

"Wow! You're looking so gorgeous!!" Zainab cried immediately she saw her sister.

She just woke up, so, she had to take her bath and get ready. The makeup artist therefore, make Zainab's makeup as well as Star's Gift's and Theodora's make-up to look as flawless as possible. Of course, they were the bridesmaids. Only the four of them. Too bad Habeebah wasn't around, she would have attended.

Well, next. Humaira's outfit. It was an exported, custimized sari from India. Hadiza, who happens to be Doctor Zayn's cousin bought the wedding outfits from India where she works and resides with her family. Humaira wore the beautiful, gold-glittering flowing skirt with a matching blouse, a head wrap and also a veil over her head. With red henna designs on her hands and feet, Humaira looked like a crown goddess when the abaya was placed on her perfectly body. She held her golden purse and put on her golden shoes before walking into the car designed with... Bride on its plate-number.

The husband's family were already seated outside the canopy right in front of the Bala's compound.

The wedding was planning according to Islamic laws so, it was simple, less expensive and traditional. The husband's family were already seated, so was the Ango himself.

Zayn wore a well designed Baban Riga made of golden shadda. His shiny Hulla bought from Borno state stood like a crown on his shaved head. On his feet were brown, laced up, shiny leathery shoes that made his every look, magnificent.

Zayn's aunt, her husband and other elderly members in the groom's family, formally asked for Humaira's hand in marriage. They paid the bride bride price, Rubu Dinar along with two cows, bags of kolanuts, rice, clothes, salt, sweet etc.

However,  the hunaira along with her family accepted the groom's hand in marriage. The couple were tied with quranic verses and the teachings of the holy Quran as they were now pronounced by the Imam as husband and wife.

Everyone rejoiced the Humaira and her new husband, doctor Zayn as they presented the wedding gifts. There were about 500 guests present at the wedding party. Many well wishes from Zayn's hospital as well as The Maikuddi's. They also attended the wedding.

After the presentation of the wedding gifts followed the next in line, entertainment and merriment. Various foods and drinks were served as the couple thanked their well recognized guests for attending their wedding party. Hausa wedding songs were played, also entertainers made funny displays on the stage. The couple were called to the stage to dance. It was a romantic sight indeed. Later, other close family and friends joined the couple Some of the guest took pictures and videos of them.

Later that day, the programme ended with a closing prayer by the Islamic scholars after which everyone went back to their various destinations.

Humaira was accompanied by Zainab and Mrs. Bala to Zayn's house. All the gifts presented too were taken along with her lugagge and all.

***

2:00 a.m,

After the wedding.

"So... Where should we go for our honeymoon?" Zayn brought up.

"Honeymoon?"

"Yes... Don't you have plans for our honeymoon? Don't tell me you want to stay here in this boring house. I mean... Don't you have any plans at all?"

"Ummm.... I was just thinking since we just came back from Saudi Arabia three weeks ago. Why don't we stay in Nigeria instead. I mean we could explore best sights in our very own country instead of going through all the stress." She stretched out of bed lazily and turned to her husband. "Perhaps, Hajia Fati said she wants to sponsor our honeymoon. But I told her that I'll get back to her whenever I make up my mind."

"So what's your decision wifey?" he held her closer.

"We should visit either Jos or Lagos."

"Awwwwn... You have eyes for good things dearie. I'm fulfilled to have you as my wife... You're the woman of my dreams dearie; you've made a right decision and your wish is my command. We're going to spend our honeymoon in one of those places but... Let's think about it and give Hajia Fati a reply tomorrow morning. Okay?"

"Okay love." She placed her head on his comfy chest as he turned off the lights.

***

Words and Translations

-Amarya: Bride.

-Ango: Groom.

-Baban Riga: long flowing gown worn by Hausa men.

-Hulla: Cap.

-Abaya: Robe.

-Borno: A northern state in Nigeria.

-Rubu Dinar: A quarter kilogram of Gold.

-Quran: The Muslim/Islamic Holy Book.

-Imam: An Islamic leader of a mosque.

***

Guys... Let's imagine it's an Indian story, who would Zainab dance with?

🤭🤭🤭

Definitely, Khalid in Idris's parents house. How perfect!🤣🤣🤣

Omg! Too much Indian movie is making me write stuff.😂😅