Chapter 20

They arrived at Abuja past 6PM. She was taken to his parents house before she was taken to her own house. "Say Bismillah and step into your house with your right leg," Aunty Sa'adah whispered to her. She did just as she was told. They recieved a warm welcome from his relatives. She was taken upstairs to her room. She felt relieved when she heard that she'd be staying with her cousins and maybe her best friend.

Ivy and ferns grew through the crevices of the old winding stone path, which led directly to the colossal structure. The mansion loomed proudly behind creaky iron gates, flanked by rows of skeletal trees crowned in crimson, swaying gently to the chilly autumn wind. At its threshold stood the delicate marble fountain, the soft gurgling of the clear water melodic as it resonated in the surrounding silence.

She was taken upstairs to her room. The room was uncomfortably large. She was left alone with Manahel, Bilkisu, Aliya and her best friend Aisha. She scanned the room through her veil. The floor is well polished, the walls white and the furniture. Scandinavian designer. "Your house is awfully big and beautiful," Manahel started. Ameenah let out a loud sigh. "Can I open my face please?" She whined. "No madam there are still people around. And your husband would be here to see you in an hour." Aisha informed her. Her heart skipped a beat, "why? He... he's coming?" She stuttered.

"Why are you such a scaredy-cat? Mine no one slept over. Calm down girl he just wants to see you that's all."

After everyone left, Bashir and his friends came in. Adam, Aisha's husband called and informed them they were outside. The ladies sauntered out of the room. Ameenah was dead scared of meeting him even though her face was fully covered. "Salamu Alaikum," she heard his voice booming all over the four walls. She got the courage to reply him.

He stood still looking at her petite body on the bed, she hugged her knees. She heard his footsteps coming closer to her. She hugged her knees tighter. He sat on the bed facing her. "Can I see my wife's face, please?" He teased a bit. She shook her head no making him to chuckle. "How was the journey to Abuja?" He asked. "And how's the new place?" He asked again. "Fine Alhamdulillah." She replied. "Masha Allah."

He rose to his feet keeping a white leather on the bed beside her. "This is for you. Please make sure you eat and take some pain killer. I'll call to check up on you later before you sleep." She slowly nodded after he finished talking.

She heaved a sigh when she heard the door being closed. She opened her face to give the room a close look. She even has a mini living room in the room and also a balcony. She looked around not knowing she was smiling. Aisha and her cousins came in few minutes later.

"Oya, come sit! Your husband ordered me to make sure you eat." Aisha dragged her to sit down on the bed, right when she was about to enter the bathroom to check it out. "At least let me pray first please," she said. "Okay madam, you can go in and perform wudhu."

She removed her veil and sauntered into her bathroom. She looked around the beautiful place. Everywhere beautifully shining and looking stunning and new. She performed ablution and came out. After she offered her Maghrib prayer, she waited a bit for Isha. After she was done she sat back and made Dua for her new home, her husband and her new life.

Xx

"I have to find a way to poison that girl. That's the only way I won't be suspected. I have stopped chasing him so he'd think I've given up..."

"Why won't you give up for real? Can't you see? Obviously he does not like you, not one bit. You stand no chance as long as that girl is there..."

"Exactly! That's why I'll end her worthless life and get him! And don't ever tell me to give up on him, cause I will not. I will never give up on our love. Aidah you fucking know how much I love this guy. I can't stand a chance of losing him. I'll go crazy."

"Malika you are already crazy. I sometimes think if you really have a heart. What will you do with a guy that hit you because of another woman? He clearly doesn't want you in his picture so why give yourself a headache. Malika if only you know how a beautiful shuwa Arab girl you are. You're so good looking, you have a lot of guys chasing you so why bother yourself about one guy that does not..."

She screamed on top of her voice, "enough Aidah!! I've heard enough of this bullshit. If you won't help me get him, fine. I don't need you anymore." She cut the call. Through gritting teeth. She threw the phone on her bed. She can't let go of him, no. She's not crazy, no.

"How can I end this girl's useless life?" She questioned. Thinking of a possible way to end her without being suspected. "I know what to do," she let out a hysterical laugh.

Xx

It was 8PM dot. Everyone enjoyed the budan kai organized by the grooms family. She was loved by everyone. She was over the moon seeing how much his family loved her and showered her with gifts. She felt really loved, like she hasn't even left home. It took her hours before she gathered the courage to call Aunty Just because she was shy.

She was beautifully dressed in a red and black Ankara sewed into skirt and blouse. Aisha helped her with her headgear. Her hair beautifully made in tiny two step braid. She wrapped her red veil around her body. "No, no Ameenah you're supposed to cover your face, they’re coming in any...." Ameenah’s phone interrupted her. "You see," she handed her the phone. "I know they're here."

He informed her they were in the living room. "Aisha I'm really scared." She muttered removing her veil from her face. Aisha fixed it back, "I trust my best friend, she's strong. You can do it okay? You'll be fine and I'm hundred percent sure he will take good care of you." She assured her.

They all walked downstairs where the groom and groomsmen were waiting. Bashir couldn't take his eyes off her even though her face was covered. He chuckled softly, lowering his gaze before anyone noticed.

Adam cleared his throat before starting to talk. "Well, Alhamdulillah the day we have been waiting for has finally come. I'm very happy that my close friend here had finally left the bachelorhood. And I'm happy he has found the girl of his dreams. My advice for you is be patient, especially you Ameenah you have to be patient with him. And you too Bashir. When imam Ahmad bin hanbal's passed away he said, 'wallahi I lived with her for forty yes and we have never had an argument.'

He was asked how?

He replied, 'when she's upset and tries to argue I keep shut and when I'm upset and try to argue she keeps quiet.

My advice here, Whatever the circumstances: happiness or sorrow; health or sickness; wealth or poverty; comfort or hardship; trial or ease; all events are to be confronted together as a team with mutual affection and respect. No matter how wealthy, affluent, materially prosperous and "better-off" another couple may appear, one's circumstances are to be happily accepted with qanã'at (contentment upon the Choice of Allah S). Ameenah, you should happily accept your husband, his home and income as your lot and should always feel that your husband is your true beloved and best friend and well-wisher in all family decisions. You too Bashir you should accept your wife as your partner-for-life and not cast a glance towards another. May Allah SWT make your love to be stronger and brighter. May your marriage be filled with happiness and love. May Allah bless your new home. Ameen."

"Ameen." They all chorused.

After they paid the bridesmaids sum of 150k, they did a closing prayer before leaving. Even after they left she couldn't stop the tears. She went back to her room and waited for him, wiping her tears before he came. Her heart beating again her rib cage.

She heard the door knob got squeaked open. "Salamu Alaikum." His husky deep voice said. She composed herself. "Wa'alaikumus Salam," her voice so sweet to his ears. He slowly walked to her and knelt down in front of her. Her hands on her thighs, he took them and kissed both her hands. "Alhamdulillah we are finally here, together and married. You came into my life and totally changed my world. I have lost total control of myself. I am a changed person. My heart does not belong any more to me. It's given away to you. I am deeply and madly in love with you Ameenah." And then he moved further and unveiled her. "MashaAllah," he smiled. "Each time I look at your gorgeous face, I feel my heart melt in your love. I'm so happy to have you as my beloved wife." He leaned in and place a soft kiss on her forehead.

His kiss still lingering there. She looked at him and lowered her gaze, smiling sheepishly. He chuckled softly and stood up. He looked dashing in his white kaftaan. "You should go and perform wudhu I'll go to my room and do it there." She slowly nodded and rose up. He left for his room while she sauntered into the bathroom to do what he asked her to.

Before he was back, he spread two mats for them. She sprayed some perfume on where he will place his forehead for sujood. After he came back, they Recited two Rak'at Salat, with the intention of having a happy and peaceful marriage. Praying and seeking the pleasure of Allah SWT. And shower His blessings upon them.

After they finished reciting some du'as, he turned and placed his right palm on her forehead before whispering, "أَللٌّهُمَّ بِأَمَانَتِكَ أَخَذْتُهَا وَ بِكَلِمَاتِكَ اسْتَحْلَلْـتُهَا فَإِنْ قَضَيْتَ لِي مِنْهَا وَلَداً فَاجْعَلْهُ مُبَارَكاً تَقِيًّا مِنْ شِيعَةِ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ لاَ تَجْعَلْ لِلشَّيْطَانِ فِيهِ شِرْكاً وَ لاَ نَصِيباً."

"O Allāh! I have taken her as Your trust and have made her lawful for myself by Your words. Therefore, if you have decreed for me a child from her, then make him/her blessed and pious from among the followers of the family of Muĥammad; and do not let the Satan have any part in him/her"

He removed his hand from there. He looked at her, her eyes were closed. She slowly opened it and their eyes met. She quickly closed them back. He couldn't help but laugh a bit. "Open your eyes baby it's me. Your husband," he spoke gently. She shook her head no. He chuckled, "if you don't open it I'm going to carry you to bed." And then she opened her eyes. He couldn't help but laugh.

He stood up and offer his hand for her. "Come, lets go and eat. Aisha told me you haven't eaten much today. Let's go, I'll start my duty from tonight." She hesitated before taking his hand and he pulled her up. When they got to the dining he urged her to sit on his laps but she refused. He let her be knowing one day he doesn't even have to ask her to do it.

After they finished eating, they went back to her room. He went to his room to change while she changed in hers and brushed her teeth. Looking at herself in the full-length mirror, she thought of Aisha's words. "When he tries to get close to you don't move away." She sighed loudly.

She looked at her half naked body. The lingerie really fitted her petite body. She didn't notice when he came in and walked to her. She felt his strong arms around her waist. He placed his chin on her neck. He was only on his boxer short. “This nightie looks so sexy on your babes." He softly kissed her neck. She was uncomfortable but remembered Aisha's words and strict warnings.

He turned her around and clashed their lips together. She breathed heavily wrapping her arms around his neck. Caressing her bottom lips, he wrapped his arms around her waist and carried her up to bed. He gentle placed her on the bed and continued to kiss her passionately. His lips brush hers. Not innocently, like a tease but hot, fiery, passionate and demanding. She wanted to pull away before she loses herself but she couldn’t seem to…In that minty moment, her senses have been seduced and she can no longer think straight. They pull apart and take shaky, shallow breaths. “Ameenah,” he called out breathing hard. He slowly traced his finger on her face. ”I’ll go easy on you, I promise.” She bit her swollen lower lip and nodded.

Unable to contain themselves anymore, he held her head in his hands and pulls her into a fiery and passionate kiss. Her hands work their way around his body, feeling each crevasse, each line along his perfect physique. She lies on her back as he matches her body's form. Bashir’s hands venture over her curved body, exploring. They pull apart and open their eyes. They stare at each other, deep into each other's eyes. Bashir’s full of wonder and love, Ameenah’s full of love and passion. No words are spoken but a story worthy of them is communicated.

He leans in a softly kisses up and down her neck. She lets out little whimpers of anticipation. He works his way back to her tender, smooth lips.

He slowly worked his hand to her boob and gave it a squeeze. A moan espcaped her lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck again. Her hand wondered to his soft hair. Her hand went through it as they kissed passionately. He went ahead and removed her bra tracing kisses down to her chest. Caressing her nipple, he removed her panties and slowly shoved two fingers in. She let out a loud moan, feeling the pleasure and pain holding his head while he sucked on her nipple. He slowly moved his two fingers in and out. He moved to her lips and continued to kiss her. After a while he removed his fingers and inserted, right after reciting Dua for sexual intercourse.