WHISPERS OF ENCHANTÉ

31: elegance in tradition

Abuja, Nigeria.

"Aunty Amani, it's time to get ready. Dr. Mariya won't like it if she walks in here and you aren't dressed," Yasmin said for the nth time, sighing.

Bushra Amani Danbazau is the nicest woman she has ever encountered in her life. Everything about her is sweet, kind, and beautiful—even the way she speaks is soft, and Yasmin finds herself drawn to her time and again.

Like when she went to the salon, and they asked her to do her hair too, since she was now part of the bridesmaids. They had been expecting someone older, but because she was young and looked like she fit right in, she joined them.

Amani is a renowned fashion designer whose designs excel in everything. Everyone she's seen at this wedding talks about how Amani inspires them and how her creations always remain unique, no matter how much time passes.

She even overheard the other brides, Kauthar and Fayha, bickering over their dresses, joking that Amani hadn't finished them yet. Even though Amani herself is also getting married with them, they insist that only she can make their dresses.

Yesterday, after the salon session ended earlier than expected, they decided to throw a spontaneous henna party, which Yasmin and her team weren't prepared for. They were only supposed to decorate for the wedding ceremony and the budan kai afterward.

But when you're wealthy, anything is possible. She called Madam Gloria's team, whom she had 'rented' for this, her first time running such an event. Everything felt surreal—that she was now leading a whole team, instructing them on what to do and what not to.

What amazed her even more was how the team, all older than her, obeyed her. They seemed to see the potential that Madam Gloria had recognized.

She confided in the one person she was closest to on the team, Jamil, the one who tolerated her childishness.

"Don't you think it's weird they're all obeying? Did Madam Gloria threaten to fire them or something?" she whispered, watching the others follow her orders.

Jamil chuckled, shaking his head. "No, she didn't threaten anyone. We all know there's creativity in you, Yasmin. Maybe you're the one who doesn't see it. Madam Gloria saw it, and here we are."

She blinked at that, storing the information in her head before returning to work. Her sister had said something similar before. Was she really not seeing how creative she was? Maybe she should sit and reflect on it one day.

"Yasmin, disappear from here. I want to sleep," Amani groaned, hugging her pillow tighter.

Her mother, Dr. Mariya, would have both their heads if Amani wasn't awake and dressed soon. It was already nine in the morning, and Yasmin still had to find the other brides. She was acting as both wedding planner and nanny.

But she loved every second of it!

"Anaan is already dressed," Yasmin said, knowing that would get a reaction from Amani, who hadn't even asked about her daughter.

Amani blinked groggily, sitting up with pursed lips. Her daughter was already dressed, and she wasn't? Another reason for her mother to scold her! She got up and headed to the bathroom.

"You can go now, sleep ruiner. Your job is done here," Amani said with a pout as she entered the bathroom.

"Sure! Thanks for making my job easier. By the way, the makeup artist is on her way. I'll leave the door open for her," Yasmin announced before Amani could close the door.

"If Dr. Mariya walks in instead of the makeup artist, I'll haunt you," Amani grumbled.

"Okay." Yasmin laughed and left the room to check on Fayha—the other bride, who was marrying Amani's brother.