Romance in Kitalo City Book 2
He believes in all the clichés about love and thinks that true love is worth taking a few risks for.
She's recently stopped believing in true love and thinks love isn't worth the risk of a broken heart.
Who will win t...
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Jua Street was littered with honking cars and dancing, ululating women dressed in colourful tribal prints as the sleek black Range Rover drove into my mom's front yard. My cousin Temwani beat a rhythm onto his African drum as a few women danced around the car. I took a moment to take in the smile on my sister's face as she stood off to the side, her face a mix of excitement and nervousness.
My younger sister squealed beside me when she caught a glimpse of our sister Nella's fiancé coming out of the car with his dad.
"They're here! This makes everything so real!" Ketura said, pure joy oozing out of her. "Nella's really getting married! Can you believe it, Aisha?!"
I gave Kay a weak smile and a nod, hoping they would suffice. Only I would be sad on the day of my sister's bride price negotiation ceremony. This was a happy day and I should have been in a celebratory mood, but there I was pretending my way through all the day's festivities.
Two of my aunts ushered Hasani and his dad into the house as his uncles and grandfather followed closely behind them. I turned to go in as well, hoping I'd finally get to sit down now that the groom had arrived with his family.
Inside, Nella was being presented to the groom's family. She was the most beautiful bride I'd ever laid my eyes on. She looked absolutely stunning in the traditional gold and brown blouse and skirt combo she had on, the matching head-wrap making her look like an actual African princess. She knelt shyly in front of the men, the ring on her finger glistening from the light streaming in through the window as one of our uncles introduced her. I noticed she and Hasani stealing cute glances at each other and my heart swelled at the pure excitement and affection pouring out of them both. Two years after the two of them met in Rwanda, they were getting married. Apart from a small bump in the road a few months into things, their relationship had been smooth sailing and I could tell Hasani adored my sister. He was good to her and he was good for her. I couldn't think of anyone better for Nella to spend the rest of her life with.
Once my uncle finished introducing Nella, he shifted his focus to Hasani, saying, "This woman we present to you today is healthy and whole. We have taken care of her and she has grown to be beautiful inside and outside. As we commit her to your care, do you swear to love and cherish her, protect her and keep her healthy and happy?"
"I promise, malume." Hasani said respectfully, never once taking his eyes off Nella from the moment she knelt down before he and his family members.
With the presentation portion over, the women dispersed to let the negotiations begin. I followed Nella, Ketura and Namiko—Nella's best friend—into Nella's bedroom and convinced myself to cheer up, especially in her presence. She needed to be surrounded by positivity.
