9. KAMU.
1359 Words
Chapter 9 : Kamu (unveiling the bride)
HAFSAT'S POV.
I arrived at the venue of my Kamu earlier than the groom's family so I can hide in a room until they pay to see me for the first time. The room had traditional decoration all around. I was sitting with my friends but my mind was somewhere else. While waiting Rabia joined us in a conference call with Amina. They were also at their Kamu eagerly waiting for their grooms' families. Amina's guests arrived first so we ended the call.
I wore a yellow dress for the kamu. The design was simple and same as that of the other brides. Amina wore red and Rabia wore golden.
My groom's family were already 30 minutes late and all sort of thoughts where running through my mind.
Perhaps did he call off the wedding?
Or did he elope with the girl I saw him with the other day?
About the other day, I gave Muhammad a major scolding for hugging me. He had sent me lots of apology messages since then so I took pity in him and forgave him. Seeing Ammar with that woman shook me. But I thought just as my situation is a misunderstanding his could also be the same. I don't want to start jumping to conclusions.
My thoughts were cut off by the increased noise outside the room my friends and I occupied. Some women where chortling while others just squealed with joy. Tears threaten to fall but i blinked them back..... The family of the groom is finally here!
After much bargain by the women from both families, my friends where finally asked to open the door so my 'new family' could come and see me.
They used some very expensive Cologne on me and a really nice bakhoor. The family showered their blessings on me and tears uncontrollably scrolled down my cheeks.
They took me out and I sat down on the soft mattress facing everyone.
Some people sat beside me and I recognized one as Zainab because she kept teasing me and even though I didn't raise my head to look at her, her high pitched voice was enough for me to identify. I tried to raise my head and see the other person because she joined Zainab in teasing me. I couldn't believe who was sitting beside me..... The girl I saw with Ammar.
" Hafsat, this is my sis Amrah. She's like Ammar's twin" Zainab introduced her sister.
Wait! Sister?
Hahaha
"Nice to meet you. I'm Hafsat " I spoke to her meekly and gave her a sheepish smile.
" I've heard so much about you Hafsa. You are a beautiful. And so adorable. You are blushing! " Amrah exclaimed.
From who? Because I don't think you would hear good things from Ammar. I wanted to say but decided not to.
Sweets and home made drinks were served. As I moved to greet and snap pictures from one in-law to the other I heard some gossips.
She grew up in Saudi
She looks flawless
Can she even cook?
She's so beautiful
See the way she walks. She thinks she's better than us. That was from a young lady.
What does he see in her?
Poor Ammar has to put up with this?
I can't believe Ammar is getting married.
I wonder how long this marriage would last. This one caught my attention the most. And I made a mental promise to make this marriage last forever.
Soon the ceremony was over and everyone left. My friends dragged me to the car saying I should have fun with them cause I would be extremely busy after today. I told them that I had to ask my parents first but they said they have already done that and I should just follow them and not worry. So I obeyed.
My friends were acting really weird so I began to suspect something. I have very few friends here in Nigeria. Most of them are colleagues from the hospital. My Arab friends were present so I was having a greet time. Most of my other friends lived at the other end of my phone screen. I gave my phone to Sharifa so she could snap chat every moment for my snapchat friends. And I would upload some pictures and videos later on i********:.
"Stop having crazy thoughts and hurry up" Reem chuckled and gave me a crazy look.
"Not my fault that you are acting weird and making me think weird stuffs. " I replied
They made me dress in blue denim pants and a pink top that says 'Keep calm And love me' in front and 'Because I'm the BRIDE' at the back.
" Where are we going? Like seriously a bride needs her beauty sleep, don't you think? " I snorted as I wore my Abaya. I pinned my veil around my head and I was ready to go.
" And theseee friends" Abrar said pointing at all my friends that were standing there "need to go out with their friend aka the bride" I sighed and gave in.
" Besides, tomorrow night you will be in traditional henna and all. And Friday you would be at your new home so we only have tonight " Fatima reasoned. Fatima is a junior registrar in gyneacology at Zuma rock hospital. She got married when she was in final year at medical school. She has a very cute son.
I think I know what they are up to. They probably organized a bridal shower for me. Most have been Hala and Sharifa's idea. By the time we reached our destination I was..... Whats the word.... Yeah right disappointed and surprised.
"THE ZOO! O! M! G!" I faked excitement and jumped on my seat "I can't believe we are at the zoo." I growled and furrowed my forehead threatening them all.
"Now there, don't be like that. We are going to have a great time here"
"Don't act like that"
Aida and Samira said at the same time.
" You are with us. And who better to go to a zoo with than your friends?" Reem said from the driver's seat.
"Your family.. Maybe? " Fatima answered skeptical.
And that was how an argument about the best group to go to a zoo with started. We all finally got out of the car we sardines ourselves in.
" Guys! It doesn't matter. Right now we are here to celebrate with our friend and that's what matters" Hana shouted and they all nodded in agreement.
We headed into the National Park and Zoo and I have to admit it was so much fun. We ate snacks and fed the animals. Snapped alot of pictures and played like kids. I have always loved the zoo. There were times I used to sneak out of school with some friends to go to the zoo. It was so much fun.
We prayed isha and decided to head home but Fatima suggested that we eat dinner before going back. Her treat.! Free food for me.
"wow! Fatima this please is awesome. And I can't believe you're buying for all of us. I love you but I love free food more. " I gave her a bone crushing hug as we walked into the restaurant. All the tables were occupied.
" There are too many people here. What are we going to do? I still want my free food. " I pouted with a sad face.
" You see that door? " Abrar pointed at a door by the corner. " It's the door to the courtyard where we are going to eat" Fatima explained.
Abrar kept laughing while typing on my phone. She threw me a few weird glances which I coolly ignored. I simply walked to the door she pointed because all I want is to sit and eat. I opened it and damn! I was scared to death. I turned to run away but Samira held me. And that helped me process what I just saw and heard.
I was scared to death.
Are they trying to kill me!
- Writer
