El-Muneer Mansion - 11th January, 2021

After the guests left, Alhaji El-Muneer immediately summoned Shazia and Hajiya Naima to the living room. Fahad was already there since everything happened in his presence.

'Shazia, you already know that in life we plan and Allah plans, but He is the best of planners'. Alhaji El-Muneer began. Shazia's heart skipped a beat as she bowed her head. 'You know I informed you that some friends were coming to ask for your hand in marriage to their son. As God will have it, we ended up solemnizing the marriage'. Shazia instantly raised her head to look at her father. 'Yes, you heard me right. You are now a married woman! They requested for the solemnization, and after consulting with your mother, we agreed to it'. Tears rolled down Shazia's cheeks. 'I just hope these are tears of joy'. Alhaji El-Muneer teased and Shazia burst into sobs. 'Come here!' He pulled her in for a hug. 'You have nothing to worry about God willing, we prayed hard over it for a week before giving our consent for the engagement. I've known his parents for a while, and I also know he's a good boy'. He patted her on her back reassuringly.

'And your father also carried out a series of investigations while praying, before giving that consent'. Hajiya Naima paused. 'He even got special agents to tail him for 3 days'. She chuckled.

'Do you blame me? I have to know the kind of husband my daughter is marrying, it is my responsibility'. He laughed. 'Anyways, I wish you a lifetime of peace, joy and happiness. May Allah SWT bless you and grant you children that will also please you the way you've been pleasing us'.

'Aamiin aamiin'. Hajiya Naima and Fahad chorused.

'God bless you Shazia'. Hajiya Naima voiced.

'Aamiin aamiin. Congratulations darling'. Fahad hugged her.

'Thank you very much Abby, Ummy and Yaya. May Allah SWT reward you with Jannah'. Shazia said, wiping her tears. She gave them a sincere smile, all of a sudden, she felt a certain degree of peace of mind.

'Awwwww, my darling, the married woman'. Fahad teased and everyone burst into laughter.

*****

Later, Laura came to visit and the best friends kept talking about the marriage and how it suddenly happened for almost 30 minutes. Mujaheed crawled to Shazia as soon as he woke up from sleep.

'It seems Mujaheed loves being with you more than me'. Laura teased, smiling.

'Do you blame him? He knows his real mother'. Shazia stuck her tongue out at Laura and she cuddled her baby close.

'Awww, I can't wait to see our little Aadeel'. Laura laughed and Shazia shyly covered her face with her right hand.

'Do you even know what he looks like?' Shazia asked, rolling her eyes jokingly.

'I will, when he visits us. Oh my God! I just can't wait. God, thank you for showing me this day'. Laura shrieked with delight and Shazia simply smiled, imagining what Aadeel Ahmad looks like! 'How many events are we having?'

'None'.

'You are joking, right?'

'No!' Shazia was determined.

'Okay, you can stay at home while we have our events'. Laura rolled her eyes in a very funny way which got Shazia giggling uncontrollably.

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Zayyan's Residence - 17th January, 2021

'I'm thinking of taking a proposal to Husna's family on Naeem's behalf'. Alhaji Zayyan informed his wife.

'Alhaji, don't you think it's too early? I mean he just got discharged yesterday and you know the doctor warned that nothing should disturb his peace of mind'.

'I don't think marrying Husna will cause him unrest'. He argued.

'But Naeem made it clear times without numbers that he wasn't interested in her'.

'That was in the past, but the situation has changed now. The lady he felt he was in love with is already married to his best friend, he has to move on. I am just doing what I feel is best for our son'.

'But please give him time to heal, pain demands to be felt. We can't pretend everything is alright knowing fully well he is hurting'. Hajiya Saudah insisted.

'So what? Are we supposed to fold our arms and watch him wallow in self - pity? What if he plunges into severe depression? And we know fully well Husna has loved him for years and she has been the best choice for him, he just doesn't know that yet'.

'But….'

'I agree to marry Husnah'. Naeem who had been by the door listening to his parents' argument blinked back his tears. 'You can go ahead with the proposal Abba'. He faked a  smile.

'Are you sure Naeem? Please think about it, there's no need to rush' Hajiya Saudah tried to talk him out of his decision.

'I'm certain Umma. I am ready to marry her'. He assured them. 'I just hope she hasn't changed her mind about me, I really mistreated her'. He thought to himself.

'May it be for the best'. She prayed.

'Aamiin Umma. Thank you'.

'So it's settled. I'll talk to her father tomorrow In Shaa Allah'. Alhaji Zayyan was excited.

'Thank Abba'. Naeem only wanted to please his parents. He wasn't sure how he felt about Husnah, but one thing was certain, he wasn't in love with her.

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Alhaji Ahmad's Residence - 21st January 2021

Alhaji Ahmad, Aadeel's father is a renowned businessman in Kaduna State, 3rd to Alhaji El-Muneer. He has been married to Hajiya Batool for over 40 years. They were blessed with 4 children but 2 died in a car crash 2 decades ago, on their way to Bauchi to visit their grandparents.. The twins (Aadeel and Adila) were supposed to go along on the trip with their siblings and cousins but Aadeel woke up sick and kept crying till Adila agreed to stay home with him.

Aadeel and his parents were in the family living room talking after breakfast. It was a Saturday.

'It's been about 10 days since your marriage was solemnised and you are yet to visit Shazia'. Alhaji Ahmad reprimanded. Aadeel looked down, scratching the back of his head. 'Get ready! We are going to Alhaji El-Muneer's house immediately after Asr Prayer. But you know your uncle is out of town, so only the two of us are going. We leave at 4pm God willing. I'll call and inform El-Muneer so your wife will be informed'. Alhaji Ahmad concluded without waiting for his response.

'Okay Daddy'. He replied eagerly, unable to contain his excitement. At first his parents were scared that he would not be happy with the union but being the kind of son he was, he'll pretend to be happy so he doesn't hurt them. But he proved them wrong, he was genuinely happy!

'Hajiya, see these children of nowadays, so this boy has just been waiting for me to tell him we were going'. He said, laughing.

'You know he is a very shy boy, Alhaji. I know he has been waiting since the day of the solemnization'. Hajiya Batool responded.

Alhaji Ahmad called Alhaji El-Muneer and informed him that they were coming at 4:30pm.

'How did it happen?' Aadeel asked shyly, in a very low tone after his father hung up the call. 'The marriage daddy, how did it happen please?'. He repeated his question, not sure his father heard him the first time.

Alhaji Ahmad smiled. He knew Aadeel was eventually going to ask him about that - after fighting his shyness of course. 'I begged Alhaji El-Muneer to pity you and marry his daughter to you'.

'Daddy!'.. Aadeel called, with eyes wide open.

'I am just kidding. Alhaji El-Muneer has been a business associate for a while now. I wanted to seek his only daughter's hand in marriage for you so I prayed to Allah for a week about it then spoke to your Uncle and he didn't object. He discussed it with Alhaji El-Muneer and Alhaji El-Muneer told him to give him time to consult her mother. After a week, he got back to us, expressing their consent to the union'.

'So does that mean Shazia wasn't consulted, her parents made the decision for her?' Aadeel sounded really worried. 'What if she rejects me after meeting me?' He added, recalling what transpired between them on Isa Kaita road and also at her office.

'That won't happen In Shaa Allah (God willing). Shazia closed her heart to love 2 years back so her parents felt they should make the decision for her. She wasn't consulted, but she is a very obedient girl just like you. There won't be any problem In Shaa Allah'. His father assured him.

'I hope so'. Aadeel was still worried.

'Aren't you worried that you might reject her after meeting her?'. His father asked jokingly. Aadeel shook his head, scratching it shyly. 'I need words, not gestures'.

'No Daddy. I trust your choice'.

'Trust my choice or love Shazia in particular? What if it was another girl?'. The parents burst out laughing at his awkward expression. Though they knew if it was another girl, even if he didn't feel anything for her he'll still accept their choice. And from Aadeel's reactions in the past few days, they could tell he was already in love with their choice. 'Anyways, back to the story. Alhaji El-Muneer gave your Uncle and I a date for the formal introduction and it was a day before that that I asked you again to confirm if you had started seeing someone. As God will have it, we went for the formal introduction but the marriage itself was solemnized that day'.

Alhaji El-Muneer, Fahad, Alhaji Muhammad (Late Amir's father), Alhaji Ahmad (Aadeel's father), Alhaji Suleiman (Khaleed's father) and 3 other friends were seated in the El-Muneer living room.

'Alhaji, God did not destine for my son Amir and Shazia to end up together, but today I again seek Shazia's hand in marriage for another son of mine, Aadeel'. Alhaji Muhammad started. 'Aadeel is just like Amir to me and I can vouch for him anywhere. I trust with Allah's help, he'll discharge the trust and duties placed on him, take good care of her and also keep her happy forever In Shaa Allah'.

'We consent to Aadeel's union with Shazia'. It was Alhaji Suleiman that responded. 'The kids can understand themselves and the wedding will be fixed at a later date'.

'I crave your indulgence for the marriage to be solemnized now'. Alhaji Muhammad pleaded.

'Now?' Fahad was shocked. How can his sister be given out in marriage to a man she knows nothing about. However, he decided not to say anything against it. It was between the elders, and he wanted to allow them sort things out themselves. Alhaji El-Muneer and Alhaji Suleiman exchanged glances.

'Let us have a word with Hajiya Naima first please before finalising issues'. Alhaji Suleiman informed them. He and Alhaji El-Muneer excused themselves politely. As Shazia's mother, the duo felt Hajiya Naima had the right to be consulted on issues regarding her daughter.

Hajiya Naima did not object to the request so the duo went back to the living room earlier than expected. 'It is settled. The marriage will be solemnized now'. Alhaji Suleiman announced. 'But we feel since Shazia just returned back to the Country some days back, it is only fair that she is given time to settle before the wedding ceremony takes place. 2 months will be okay'. He added.

The groom's family didn't object to the condition. The marriage was solemnised, a dowry of ₦200,000 was paid and the wedding was fixed for March 2021. Alhaji Ahmad wanted to pay ₦1,000,000 as dowry but Alhaji El-Muneer rejected it so they later settled at ₦200,000. Everyone present was excited and glad that things worked out the way they did and they all prayed for the new couple. Well everyone was wholeheartedly happy, except Fahad who had mixed feelings. He wasn't against the marriage, but he felt Shazia should have been consulted first on a life changing issue like her marriage.

'Shazia was Amir's fiancée?' Aadeel couldn't believe his ears.

'Yes! You were close to Amir, how can you not know this?'. Hajiya Batool wondered.

'He always addressed her as "Noorie (my light)", I knew that wasn't her real name but I never asked him the real name. And when the invitation came, since I knew I was missing his wedding because of my examination that was scheduled around that period, I didn't delve into the details of the wedding to avoid hurting myself more. I was already hurt that I was missing the most important day of his life'. His parents could understand how he must have felt about missing Amir's wedding. Aadeel was more 10 years older than Amir, but Amir was a part of him - a very important part. When Amir died, everyone's first thought - Amir's parents included - was how Aadeel was going to cope with the loss. 'Allah is indeed merciful. He answered Amir's prayer'. Aadeel said, wiping tears off his face.

'Yaya Gentle, if I don't end up with Noorie, I hope Allah replaces me with you. You are my perfect replacement, and you'll be perfect together'. Amir would always tell Aadeel on the phone.

'Stop this Amir! How would you think of your fiancée and I ending up together? Don't you love her anymore? Don't you even feel jealous saying that? Aadeel finally asked him one day.' Your wedding is in 2 weeks time, please stop all these'.

'Yaya, I love Noorie more than I love myself but death is inevitable. We have to plan and try to be prepared for it'.

'You are not leaving anytime soon, I'll see your grandchildren God willing'. He chuckled.

'He's in a better place In Shaa Allah'. Alhaji Ahmad told him.

'Yes daddy. In Shaa Allah'. Aadeel responded, then paused as if trying to remember something. 'So that was what Adila meant when she said God has destined that Shazia will still be a part of our family. She was at their wedding, so of course she knew'. The parents nodded.

They all talked for a while before leaving the room.

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El-Muneer Mansion - Same Day

The family were in the living room discussing when Alhaji Ahmad called. Alhaji El-Muneer immediately answered the call and they spoke for a while before hanging up.

'That was Alhaji Ahmad'. Alhaji El-Muneer informed. 'They'd be coming at 4:30pm today In Shaa Allah. Shazia get ready to meet your husband'. Shazia nodded shyly, her heart beating fast.

'What are you making for my brother in-law?' Fahad teased.

'Yaya, please stop'. She whispered.

'Wait, we need a makeup artist. What are you even wearing?'

'Yaya!!!' Shazia uttered in a quavering voice.

'I am actually serious.. If I am meeting a lady who is my wife for the first time, I expect her to go all out for me'.

'Aadeel isn't like that' .

'How do you know that? Do you know him?'

'No, I don't.. But that's just what I feel'.

'Ahh ahh!! Aww! See love'. Fahad teased.

'Yaya please'. She covered her face shyly.

*********

4:10pm

By the time Alhaji Ahmad came to the family living room, Aadeel was in hausa traditional clothing (a beautifully gold designed black babbar riga - agbada) pacing up and down, waiting for him. Alhaji Ahmad smiled to himself.

'We can leave now'. Alhaji Ahmad ordered, getting Aadeel's attention.

'Sorry daddy, I didn't see you there'. Aadeel couldn't look up.

'Uhhmm…!!!' He paused. 'By the way, you look handsome'. His father complimented. Aadeel was happy but shy. 'We are going in different cars because I am leaving earlier than you'.

'Why daddy?' Aadeel asked, his eyes wide open.

'So you can have time to discuss with your wife. This is the first time you are meeting, you should get to know each other better'. His father explained. Aadeel nodded respectfully. 'Let's go, we wouldn't want to be late, would we?' Aadeel shook his head. 'Good'. Alhaji Ahmad said, leading the way out of the room. El-Muneer Mansion is only 7 - 10 minutes away.

********

Alhaji Ahmad and Aadeel arrived at the mansion at 4:28pm and each got a space to park before they proceeded into the main mansion. Alhaji El-Muneer, Fahad and Alhaji Sulaiman were already in the family living room waiting for them.

After pleasantries were exchanged and Alhaji Ahmad introduced Aadeel to his inlaw, Alhaji El-Muneer ordered Fahad to call his mother and sister and he instantly left the living room.

Fahad met his mother in the kitchen first and notified her of the guests' arrival before going to Shazia's section.

'Oh my God. Ma Shaa Allah. You look stunning darling'. He complimented as he stepped into the parlor. Shazia was elegantly dressed in a Black Silk Kimono Abaya Green River by Chi-Ka Collection with a gold veil which covered her face.

'Thank you Yaya'. She responded shyly.

'The guests are expecting you in the living room'.

'Okay, I'll be there in a moment'. He left. 'Laura, let's go'. She called and Laura came out of the black and white room. She wasn't prepared for Fahad's cold attitude so she ran into the room when she heard him knock on the door.

Fahad returned to the living room some minutes later to inform them that Hajiya Naima and Shazia were both coming.

Hajiya Naima walked into the room with three servants behind her carrying 3 big trays of water, drinks, food, small chops, cups, cutleries and plates which they gently placed on the centre table. The servants greeted the guests and left. Hajiya Naima greeted their guests and Aadeel was introduced to her. She liked him instantaneously. At first glance, whoever knew Amir would know Aadeel was related to him because of the striking resemblance.

Laura held Shazia's hand, guiding her steps as they walked majestically out of the elevator. The duo stopped at the door of the living room. 'Calm down Shazee, it shall be well In Shaa Allah'. Laura whispered. She could feel Shazia's throbbing heartbeat. 'Take a deep breath, okay?'. Shazia breathed in and out and she felt a lot calmer. 'Now let's go meet my brother'. Laura voiced, smiling.

Aadeel couldn't take his eyes off Shazia as she walked into the living room with her head bowed - she looked breathtakingly beautiful. Laura respectfully greeted the guests and Hajiya Naima gestured to her to get Shazia seated directly opposite her husband, on the soft rug. Laura sat on the rug, beside Ummy. The couple could perceive each other's scents.

Alhaji Sulaiman cleared his voice before he began talking. 'Assalamu alaikum (Peace be upon you all)'. He greeted and they all responded with Wa alaikumussalam (And upon you be peace). 'Alhamdu lilLah for Allah's Blessings and for sparing our lives to see today'. He continued. 'We seek Allah's Blessings for the couple and we ask Allah to bless them with faith, love and happiness in this world and the Next. May this union be a source of untold blessings, happiness and joy for them and us all'.

'Aamiin'. Everyone chorused.

'Laura, please uncover Shazia's face so the couple can see each other'. Alhaji El-Muneer directed. Laura did as she was told. Aadeel stared at his wife intently and silently thanked Allah for the gift. 'Shazia, raise your head up please!'. Alhaji El-Muneer further directed. Shazia shyly and slowly raised her head up and the couple's gazes locked. Seeing Aadeel made her heart skip a beat. 'This!! This is my husband?' she kept asking herself. They both bowed their heads with different thoughts running through their minds. From their facial expressions, Alhaji Ahmad could tell they had met before.

'Please have something to eat'. Hajiya Naima offered.

'Thank you'. Aadeel responded. 'What will you have daddy?' He asked. Everyone present was impressed, they