Just the two of us (EDITING)✔️

Chapter Eight

As we drove to the bridal fitting, Adda ummi looked radiant, her happiness was contagious. Her wedding preparations were in full swing, and everyone was busy with their roles. I couldn't help but smile, knowing how important this day was for her.

"So, tell me, Afrah," she began, "how's everything going on your end?"

I smirked, thinking about the recent events in my life, including the encounter with Afaan. "Everything's pretty much the same," I replied nonchalantly.

"Really?" Adda ummi raised an eyebrow. "I've heard some interesting stories, you know."

I glanced at her, a hint of curiosity in my eyes. "Stories? What kind of stories?"

She chuckled, clearly enjoying teasing me. "Oh, you know, rumors about you and a certain someone."

I feigned innocence, pretending not to understand. "Someone? Who are you talking about?"

She burst into laughter, seeing through my act. "Afrah, you can't fool me."

I sighed, finally admitting, "Okay, fine. I did meet someone recently."

Adda ummi smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Tell me more. I want all the details."

So, I recounted the story of the unexpected meeting with Afaan, from our meeting in class to the awkward exchange in Zara's room.

"Sounds interesting," Adda ummi said, "so what do you think of him?"

I paused for a moment, contemplating my feelings. "Well, he's... different. He's always catching me off guard, I feel he has a big ego and I'm not sure what to make of it yet."

She nodded, understanding my hesitation. "Take your time, Afrah. Relationships aren't easy, and it's okay to be cautious."

"Adda , it's not even a friendship, I don't like him like that, he pisses me off" I replied bewildered.

Adda ummi nodded with a 'you're-not-even-fooling-me' smile , she always had a way of making me spill and feel better.

My thoughts drifted back to Afaan. I couldn't deny that he intrigued me, although our interactions had been annoying there was something about him that pulled me in, even if I wasn't sure what it was.

We arrived at Amshar's wedding dress shop, and the praise people had bestowed upon her was immediately justified. Her dresses were works of art, and seeing Adda ummi step into her wedding gown was a heartwarming moment for all of us. The tears welled up in our eyes, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness.

Lolo, as I affectionately called her, was about to start a new chapter in her life.

Adda ummi was tempted to FaceTime Areef and show him her dress, but Amshar intervened. She explained that it was considered a taboo in her culture for your fiancé to see your wedding dress before the actual wedding.

Ya Aisha, in her beautiful dress, kept expressing her insecurities about her body. Despite our reassurances that she looked stunning, she sought validation from Ya Ibrahim, her husband. She had given birth recently, and her insecurities were relatable. I admired how patient and understanding Ya Ibrahim was with her.

Hari's dress was next, and she looked absolutely stunning in it.

Finally, it was my turn. The dress was exquisite and I couldn't wait to wear it for Adda ummi's dinner. My plans were elaborate – I'd dazzle everyone, dance my heart out and then enjoy the feast ! I had it all figured out.

After the fitting, we headed to the caterers to discuss the menu for the wedding.

"Afrah , I want everything on this menu , what do you think?" She asked passing the menu to me.

Ya Aisha intervened before I could utter a word "Sannu Ummi of people it's Afrah you're asking for "food advice", a foodie"

"I am a food enthusiast and I have an insatiable appetite, that's it , I don't even eat like that , you people exaggerate everything" I replied laughing.

With the menu sorted out, we returned home, and I was starving. I rushed to my sanctuary – the bathroom – and enjoyed a long, comforting bath.

After praying , I changed into my pajamas, descended the stairs, and found Adda ummi watching "How Do I Look" on TLC.

"Where's Ya Scarlet?" I asked as I gobbled down my deliciously prepared jollof rice, coleslaw, and fried chicken.

Adda ummi replied, "Ya Ibrahim came fifteen minutes ago and picked them up while you were drowning in the Red Sea." She turned her attention back to her show, clearly not in the mood or maybe just uninterested.

I savored my chicken and scrolled through my phone, spoke a little with Zara and Munira on WhatsApp and checked my Wattpad for story updates. The day had been a very long one, and I needed to rest my weary head.I said my good nights to Adda and mommy then headed to my room.

I knew tomorrow would be another busy day, filled with preparations for Adda ummi's big day.

"My Girlies , we are beautiful just the way we are. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You don't need to change anything for anyone."