49~Fixing a date & Preparations
Grandma had woken up much earlier than usual to personally inspect the preparations for the day's gathering.
The day she had long awaited had finally arrived.
The day she would help choose the wedding date for her beloved grandchildren.
Ordinarily, discussions about a wedding date are held between both families parents. But since both Najib and Hanan had lost their parents, they would have to be part of the discussion themselves.
"Emma, are the meals ready? And have the gifts been arranged?"
"Yes, Grandma. The gifts are already in the grand parlour, and the meals have been set in the dining room."
"Good."
Grandma nodded with satisfaction.
"Everything must be ready. Our guests will be arriving soon."
Just then Emma looked toward the entrance.
"Uncle has arrived."
"Oh, take me to him."
Emma wheeled Grandma into the visitors lounge before helping her onto one of the couches.
The moment Faruk's father saw her, he immediately knelt down.
"Good afternoon, Uma."
"Good afternoon, my dear."
She smiled warmly. "Please, get up."
"I'm glad you came early."
"How have you been? I hope you're no longer grieving."
She sighed gently.
"Let's continue praying for Faruk and leave the rest to Allah, okay?"
"Yes, Uma."
"And Maman Faruk? Have you heard from her? I called several times to offer my condolences, but she never answered."
Faruk's father lowered his gaze.
"Uma... please don't call her anymore."
"She won't answer."
"She has cut all ties with us."
"She even changed her phone number."
"I also heard she closed her restaurant and relocated."
Grandma sighed deeply. "Hmm... May Allah ease her pain."
"Ameen."
He glanced around.
"Where is everyone?"
"They should have been here by now."
Grandma reached for her phone.
"Let me call Najib."
"He went to pick up Habiba himself."
Although Hanan had planned to come with Abdul and Nanny Ann, Najib had insisted on picking her up personally.
Grandma dialed his number.
"Najib, where are you?"
Before he could answer, familiar voices echoed from the entrance.
"We're here, Grandma."
Najib walked in first, followed by Hanan, Abdul and Nanny Ann.
"Your Habiba has arrived."
Everyone respectfully greeted Grandma and Uncle before taking their seats.
"Grandma."
Hanan smiled.
"My Habiba."
Grandma immediately pulled her into a warm embrace.
"How is your leg now?" Hanan asked, gently rubbing Grandma's frail knees.
"It hurts less whenever you're around."
Grandma smiled lovingly before turning toward Abdul and Nanny Ann.
"Welcome... Abdul and Nanny Ann." Grandma's expression softened. "I've wanted to say this for a long time."
She looked at both of them gratefully.
"Thank you."
"You welcomed Habiba into your home."
"You protected her."
"You cared for her when we couldn't."
"Her late mother entrusted her child to us..."
Her voice became emotional.
"Yet the responsibility was fulfilled better by you than us."
"So, thank you."
"May Allah reward both of you abundantly."
"Ameen."
Abdul smiled.
"Grandma, you don't have to thank us."
"She's family."
"And family looks after one another."
Grandma nodded happily.
"Very well."
"Since everyone is here, let's discuss what brought us together."
The moment those words left her lips, Hanan lowered her head shyly.
Talking about her own wedding suddenly made her feel embarrassed.
"As salamu Alaikum."
Everyone turned toward the doorway.
Amina and Amira walked inside together.
Hanan's face immediately brightened.
She didn't expect either of them.
"Wa Alaikum Salam."
They greeted everyone before sitting down.
Amina joined Grandma and Hanan on one couch while Amira sat beside Nanny Ann, directly opposite Najib, Abdul and Uncle.
From where she sat, Hanan caught Amira and Abdul secretly stealing glances at one another.
She couldn't help laughing.
The laugh escaped louder than she intended.
Amina turned to her.
"What are you laughing at?"
"Nothing."
Hanan quickly shook her head after noticing everyone looking at her.
She cleared her throat. "I wasn't expecting you two."
Amina smiled. "How could we miss this?"
"We're discussing your wedding."
"Of course we had to come."
"Thank you." Hanan smiled warmly.
Grandma nodded approvingly.
"It's good to have everyone together."
She looked around the room.
"Najib and I already agreed that the wedding should take place this month because of his work schedule in France."
She turned toward Uncle.
"So, dear, why don't you suggest a date?"
Uncle thought for a moment.
"What about next Friday or Saturday?"
"They're the last available days before the month ends."
"It also gives everyone enough time to prepare."
Grandma nodded.
"I prefer Friday."
"It is a blessed day."
She smiled.
"What do you think, Najib?"
Then she looked at Hanan.
"And you too, Habiba."
Hanan's head remained lowered.
Her veil covered part of her face as she shyly smiled to herself.
After a few seconds she answered softly,
"Any date is fine with me."
Grandma smiled.
"And you, Najib?"
"As long as it's before the month ends, I'm happy."
"Excellent."
Uncle smiled.
"Then next Friday it is."
"Settled."
"Alhamdulillah." Grandma replied happily.
She then turned toward Abdul.
"Abdul, have either of you planned anything for the wedding?"
He smiled politely.
"No, Grandma."
"That's entirely Hanan and Najib's decision."
Nanny Ann leaned forward excitedly.
"So... How are we celebrating?"
Najib smiled.
"Grandma and I have already discussed it."
"And Habiba agreed... We've decided to keep it simple."
"No extravagant ceremony."
"No media."
"Only close family and friends."
"A quiet wedding."
"And the next day..."
He smiled at Hanan.
"We'll leave for Paris."
Amina blinked. "What?"
"No grand reception?"
"I thought this was going to be the wedding of the year!"
Grandma shot her a look. "Is it your wedding?"
The room burst into laughter.
"No, Grandma..."
Amina laughed.
"But at least there should be a reception."
Najib sighed gently. "There won't."
He remembered the conversation he had with Grandma.
Originally, he had dreamed of a lavish celebration.
A wedding that would make headlines across Nigeria.
But Grandma had quietly reminded him...
"Faruk hasn't even been gone for a month. Would it be right for us to celebrate so extravagantly while the family is still mourning?"
The words had immediately changed his mind.
He simply nodded.
"You're right. We'll keep it simple."
Amina finally surrendered.
"Fine."
"It's your wedding."
"So I'll support whatever you both decide."
Grandma suddenly turned toward Amina.
"Instead of worrying about their wedding..."
She smiled mischievously.
"Why don't you give me a great grandchild?"
"Grandma!"
Amina cried out, her cheeks turning pink.
"What?"
Grandma laughed.
"You've been married for almost a year now, I deserve a great grandbaby."
"Fine."
Amina grinned.
"You'll get one soon."
"How soon?"
Grandma narrowed her eyes playfully.
"In about..."
She smiled.
"Eight months."
Silence.
Then Grandma blinked.
"What?"
Amina laughed. "I'm one month pregnant."
Grandma stared at her. "You aren't teasing me, are you?"
Before Amina could answer, Amira laughed.
"She's serious."
"Uma already knows."
"So does everyone at home."
Grandma's eyes instantly filled with joy.
"Oh, my child..."
She opened her arms.
"Come here."
Amina immediately hugged her.
"May Allah bless you."
"May He grant you a safe delivery... and bless you with twins."
"Ameen."
Amina laughed.
"But Grandma... One baby is enough for now."
Grandma waved her hand dismissively.
"Keep quiet."
"One is never enough."
"Give me five."
"So this family will continue to grow and multiply."
The room erupted into laughter as everyone gathered around to congratulate Amina.
"I can't wait to meet my nephew or niece." Najib smiled warmly. "Congratulations on becoming a mother, Mimi."
"Thank you, Ya Najib." Amina replied shyly.
"Abdul." Grandma suddenly called.
"Yes, Grandma?" He answered with a smile.
"When are you going to start your own family?" She asked, making Hanan bite back her laugh while Amira's smile grew noticeable.
"Do you intend to remain single forever? If you don't have a girlfriend, I know plenty of beautiful, well mannered girls I can introduce you to."
Abdul chuckled.
"That's not necessary, Grandma. I already have a girlfriend."
"You do?" Grandma's eyes lit up. "Who is the lucky girl? I hope she's a decent young woman."
"She's sitting right here." Abdul replied, pointing directly at Amira.
Every head turned toward her.
Amira instantly lowered her gaze, unable to stop the smile spreading across her face.
Grandma beamed. "Masha Allah... what a beautiful choice."
She stretched out her hand toward Amira.
"Welcome to the family, my dear."
"Thank you, Grandma." Amira replied softly, her cheeks flushed.
"May Allah allow us to witness your wedding as well."
"Amin." Everyone answered together.
Grandma smiled in satisfaction before returning to the main discussion.
"So, our bride and groom's wedding has officially been fixed for next Friday."
She clasped her hands together.
"Since they both want a simple wedding, there's no need to book an event center. We already have enough space here at the mansion."
"I agree." Abdul nodded. "The compound is spacious enough."
"And since it'll only be family and close friends, it'll feel much more intimate." Amina added.
"Good." Grandma nodded. "The venue is settled."
She turned to Amina.
"Now, who will handle the wedding shopping, bridal fittings, pre wedding photoshoot and every other preparation?"
"I will." Amina answered confidently. "I'll contact the same team that handled my wedding. They're excellent."
"Wonderful." Grandma smiled proudly.
"You and Amira will oversee everything. Especially the photoshoot."
She pointed a finger at them playfully.