FATE

Chapter 13

Badriyyah

No emotion could describe exactly how or what I'm feeling right now. What I can tell however is that I'm in the middle of a life threatening situation. My whole life flashing before me. I can't even begin to process all this or know exactly what to do right now.

I'm glad Deejah and Fa'iza are here with me even though they're not of much help right now but their company mean something. I just can't afford to be alone right now. It's shocking and scary how things take drastic turns.

We were told two days ago while having dinner that Bassam's representatives will be coming to formally ask for my hand and if possible to set a date for the wedding.
I didn't say anything though. I mean how could I? The rest of my family however kept discussing the topic amongst themselves.

Friday is my favorite day of the week. I always look forward to Friday. What's there not to like about Fridays? Well except for the fact that most often than not, Fridays are always a bit sunnier than other days. But from what I gathered, the weather is always a bit extreme on Fridays. If it were to rain, it'll rain much and even during the winter or harmattan season, Fridays are exceptionally cold.

There's also the blessing of the day and the custom. Seeing men and women looking good going to the mosque for Jum'at prayer, sending greetings and reminders to family and friends, Qur'an recitation and supplications.

However, there's something about this coming Friday. I have a feeling that I can't explain. It is close to dread. Something I can't exactly put a finger on but I can't shake the feeling that something is going to happen. Call me a psychic but I can feel it in my bones.

It's Friday already. The day I'm finally going to be betrothed. The day started like any other day. I did everything I usually do on a Friday. Cut my nails, used miswak, freshened up, recited Suratul Kahf and did a lot of supplication. I also prayed to Allah regarding the whole betrothal thing and sought His blessings.

I recieved a call from Fa'iza telling me she was on her way over to mine. I hung up and went downstairs where I met Ammi, Deejah and Aunty Zuwaira Ammi's sister, one of the few that genuinely liked me.

"Nice of you to finally join us amarya" Aunty Zuwaira teased.

I just laughed and greeted her telling her I didn't hear her come in.

"I came not long ago, I just had to make sure that the food and snacks were delivered because it's my responsibility." She said.

"What food?" I asked.

"Oh you know the food that my caterer friend did. The one for the guests and probably your lunch and dinner because your Ammi here said she's not cooking anything today not even boiling water."

"Ohh" I said as we all laughed about what she said especially the last part. Just then, there was a knock on the door and Fa'iza came in. She greeted the elders and said hi to Deejah and I.

We helped in dishing out the food in fancy warmers and the snacks on trays. Everything ranging from appetizers, main dishes and dessert because there's a lot of food that could feed the whole area.

We took some with us to my room surprised that Deejah decided to hang out with us today. We heard the gate being opened and cars coming in. Deejah and Fa'iza decided to peek through the window while I stayed glued on my bed eating a samosa.

Few minutes later, I heard Abba and Ya Bukar came in. Abba asking where Ammi is. My heart began racing and I can't tell why. All I could hear was Ammi asking "Alhaji are you sure? Isn't this too soon? Everything is going fast."

Before I had time to wonder what was too soon there's a knock on my door.

"It's opened" Deejah answered.