51~I do #2
Foundation was blended carefully into Hanan's skin, soft shades highlighted her eyes, lashes framed her gaze beautifully, and a glossy nude lipstick completed the elegant look.
When the artist finally stepped back, everyone stared in amazement.
"Masha Allah..." Jamila whispered.
"Wallahi, this is the most beautiful bridal makeup I've ever seen."
Amira nodded enthusiastically.
"I completely agree."
She turned toward Hanan with sparkling eyes.
"You look absolutely breathtaking, Amarya."
Amina smiled proudly. "Ya Najib is definitely going to lose his mind the moment he sees you."
That earned another shy smile from Hanan as she caught the beautiful glimpses of herself in the mirror throughout the makeover, but hearing everyone's compliments somehow made her more conscious of how gorgeous she was looking.
"Now..." Amira rubbed her hands together dramatically.
"Time for the dresses."
She unzipped the large suitcase containing their outfits.
With the help of Jamila and several palace maids, Hanan carefully slipped into her sparkling white wedding gown.
The fitted bodice shimmered beneath the morning light, while the flowing skirt trailed gracefully behind her.
Once her jewelry, veil, and accessories were added, she looked every bit like a royal bride.
The room fell silent.
Even Hanan couldn't stop staring at her own reflection.
For a brief moment...
She hardly recognized herself.
"This deserves pictures." Amira declared, already reaching for her phone.
Jamila laughed.
"No need. Sarki hired professional photographers. They've been waiting outside since morning."
"Perfect." Amina smiled.
"Because this beauty deserves to be remembered forever."
Hanan lowered her head shyly.
Before long, the distant sounds of traditional drummers, praise singers, trumpets, and royal musicians echoed through the palace courtyards.
The wedding festivities had officially begun.
Jamila glanced outside the window.
"It's after nine."
She smiled brightly.
"All our guests must have arrived."
Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
The door opened.
Grandma and Nanny Ann stepped inside, both dressed elegantly for the occasion.
Nanny Ann froze the moment she saw Hanan.
Her eyes widened.
"Wow..."
She hurried toward her.
"Hanan... is that really you?"
Hanan laughed.
"Yes, Nanny Ann."
Nanny Ann gently held both her cheeks.
"You're absolutely beautiful."
"Thank you."
Grandma walked over slowly before taking Hanan's hands.
Her eyes glistened with emotion.
"Alhamdulillah."
She smiled warmly.
"Allah has allowed me to witness this beautiful day."
She squeezed Hanan's hands gently.
"May He bless your marriage with endless love, peace, happiness, righteous children, and a lifetime of companionship with your husband."
"Ameen."
Hanan hugged her tightly.
"Thank you, Grandma."
Grandma smiled before speaking again.
"Come, everyone is waiting."
She looked around the room.
"The Chief Imam who will conduct the nikah has already arrived."
Nanny Ann nodded.
"And the palace is filled with distinguished guests, traditional rulers, respected Imams, politicians, business leaders... even the former governor of Kano State and his deputy are here."
Amira's eyes widened.
"Seriously?"
Jamila smiled proudly.
"Sarki has built strong relationships over the years. Whenever he invites them, they honored him by coming."
"That's incredible." Amina smiled while carefully adjusting Hanan's bridal veil before gently taking her hand.
"Come on, Amarya."
She smiled.
"It's time."
Surrounded by the people who loved her, Hanan took a deep breath.
Together, they stepped out of the guests chamber and made their way toward the King's chamber, where blessings, family, and the beginning of a new chapter awaited her.
As they approached the king's chamber, a wave of nostalgia washed over Hanan.
The palace... the crowd... the anticipation...
Everything reminded her of her first wedding.
Back then, she had been nervous about meeting the man she was forced to marry.
Today, she was about to marry that same man again.
Only this time... She loved him.
Yet somehow, she felt even more nervous than she had years ago.
Amina, noticing the sudden change in her expression, gently nudged her.
"What is it?"
Hanan forced a smile.
"I suddenly feel nervous."
Before Amina could respond, Grandma glanced at them.
"What are you two whispering about?"
Amina smiled innocently.
"Nothing, Grandma."
Just then, they arrived at the King's chamber.
Royal guards stood at every entrance while security personnel monitored the surroundings. The palace was busier than ever.
They were ushered inside the King's sitting room, where the King was already seated alongside his distinguished guests, most of whom were respected elders and prominent men.
Before Hanan lowered herself to the carpet reserved for the women, her eyes instinctively searched the room.
And there he was.
Najib.
Dressed in an elegant white colored baban riga embroidered with golden threads, he sat beside the King, looking every bit of the dignified groom.
For a brief second, their eyes met.
He smiled.
Hidden beneath her veil, Hanan smiled back before quickly lowering her gaze.
Everyone exchanged greetings before the elders took turns praying for the couple.
The King, Grandma, Uncle, and several respected Imams showered them with heartfelt duas, asking Allah to bless their union with love, mercy, righteous children, and lasting peace.
When the prayers came to an end, the King rose to his feet.
Escorted by royal guards and security personnel, he led his guests toward the royal event courtyard where the wedding ceremony would be held.
Jamila, Amina, and Amira accompanied Hanan to a beautifully decorated tent reserved exclusively for the bride and her guests.
Luxurious royal couches lined the tent, while fresh flowers and elegant fabrics adorned every corner.
As Hanan settled into her seat, countless female guests couldn't help but admire the breathtaking bride.
Not long after...
"Habiba! Gimbiya Jamila!"
Murja waved enthusiastically from another row of seats, surrounded by a few friends.
Hanan smiled warmly and waved back, while Jamila acknowledged them with a graceful nod.
Following palace tradition and Islamic etiquette, the men and women occupied separate sections.
Although divided, the male section remained visible from where the women sat.
Soon, the ceremony officially began.
A beautiful recitation from the Holy Qur'an echoed throughout the venue, filling the atmosphere with serenity.
The Chief Imam led the opening supplications before several respected scholars delivered brief reminders about the beauty, responsibilities, and blessings of marriage in Islam.
Even the King addressed the gathering with a short but heartfelt speech, reminding the guests that marriage was built upon faith, patience, mercy, and mutual respect.
When the sermons concluded, the Chief Imam invited Najib forward.
Accompanied by Uncle and Abdul, he walked confidently toward the King.
Silence gradually settled across the venue.
The Imam cleared his throat.
"In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful..."
His voice echoed clearly through the microphone.
"Today, before these witnesses, we gather to seal the marriage between Habiba Aliyu, daughter of the late Malam Aliyu, and Najib Aminu Garba, son of the late Alhaji Aminu Garba. We ask Allah, the Almighty, to bless this union and make it a source of peace, mercy, and happiness."
He then turned toward Najib.
Najib respectfully handed him a sealed envelope containing the dowry.
The Imam opened it and smiled.
"The groom presents a dowry consisting of a cheque worth a million naira and a fully sponsored Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia."
Gasps and a murmur of admiration spread among the guests.
The Imam then faced Hanan.
A microphone was gently placed before her.
"Habiba Aliyu..."
His voice softened.
"Do you accept this dowry?"
Hanan swallowed nervously.
"Yes... I do."
"Do you accept Najib Aminu Garba as your lawful husband?"
Tears welled in her eyes.
Her voice trembled.
Yet this time...
There wasn't a single ounce of fear in her heart.
Only love.
She smiled through her tears.
"I do."
A broad smile spread across the Imam's face.
"Alhamdulillah."
He raised his hands.
"Then, by the permission of Allah, I pronounce you both husband and wife. May Allah bless your marriage, fill your home with tranquility, increase the love between you, and grant you righteous offspring."
"Ameen!"
The entire gathering responded in unison.
Almost instantly, joyful drumbeats erupted across the palace grounds.
Traditional praise singers began chanting while cultural dancers entertained the guests, transforming the ceremony into a lively celebration.
Abdul was the first to embrace Najib.
"Congratulations, Gee."
Najib smiled broadly.
"Thank you, bro"
**"
Inside the bridal tent...
Amira, Jamila, and Amina surrounded Hanan, wrapping her in a warm embrace.
"Congratulations!"
They chorused.
Hanan smiled through tears she could no longer hold back.
She had promised herself she wouldn't cry.
Not today.
Not after spending hours perfecting her makeup.
But seeing the love in everyone's eyes completely broke her tears.
"Thank you..." She whispered.
Moments later, Grandma and Nanny Ann entered the tent.
Nanny Ann immediately walked over.
"Congratulations, my dear."
She smiled warmly.
"No more tears. Today is a day of joy."
Grandma smiled. "Come here, Habiba."
Without hesitation, Hanan knelt before Grandma who placed both hands on her head and offered heartfelt prayers, asking Allah to bless her marriage with happiness, unwavering love, righteous children, good health, and a home filled with peace.
Nanny Ann added her own heartfelt prayers before helping Hanan to her feet.
Shortly afterward, a royal guard arrived with a message from the King.