51~I do #3
The family had been invited to the King's sitting room for official photographs.
It was the first time that day Hanan truly saw Najib up close.
Her husband.
Though she respectfully kept her gaze lowered in the presence of the elders, she couldn't resist stealing occasional glances through the thin layer of her bridal veil.
Every time she looked... She caught him looking at her too.
And every single time... He smiled.
The invited photographers carefully directed everyone into position.
They first took portraits with the King and everyone.
Once those were completed, the King excused himself to continue entertaining his guests, leaving the newlyweds alone with their family.
Grandma insisted on several more family photographs.
Some formal.
Some candid.
Some filled with laughter.
By the time the final photograph was taken, the room had become lighter with laughter, teasing, and heartfelt congratulations.
"Unveil your bride." Grandma said with a warm smile.
The excitement on Najib's face was impossible to hide. He immediately stepped toward Hanan, but just as he reached for her veil, Amina quickly stepped in front of him and pulled Hanan behind her.
She folded her arms.
"Not so fast."
Najib raised an eyebrow.
"Huh?"
"You don't get to see your bride's face for free." Amina snapped her fingers dramatically. "You have to pay first."
Amira nodded in agreement.
"Exactly! Every groom has to pay before seeing his bride."
Hanan lowered her head, trying to suppress her laughter beneath the veil.
Najib simply smiled.
"Good thing I came prepared."
He looked over his shoulder.
"Abdul."
Abdul grinned before handing him two money guns.
The room burst into laughter.
"I knew he had a plan." Grandma chuckled.
Amina laughed too. "Alright then, impress us."
Without another word, Najib aimed both money guns toward Hanan and showered her with crisp ?1,000 notes.
The room erupted with cheers.
"Woahhh!"
"Ma sha Allah!"
"Spray your wife more!"
The notes floated gracefully through the air, covering Hanan from head to toe until both money guns finally ran empty.
Najib spread his hands innocently.
"That's everything I have for now."
He smiled.
"Can I finally see my wife?"
Amina pretended to think for a moment before nodding.
"Permission granted."
A wide smile spread across Najib's face.
Slowly...
Very carefully...
He lifted Hanan's veil.
For a brief moment, time seemed to stop.
Their eyes met.
She looked breathtaking.
The sunlight filtering through the palace windows reflected softly against her face, making her glow.
Najib simply stared.
Speechless.
Hanan, unable to bear his intense gaze, lowered her eyes shyly.
A smile escaped his lips.
"Habibti..."
She barely looked up.
"Yes?" She whispered.
He gently placed a finger beneath her chin.
"Look at me."
She slowly lifted her eyes to meet his.
The moment their eyes met again, he smiled even wider.
"Allahuma barik. Looks so beautiful."
A blush instantly crept across her cheeks.
Behind them, Amina laughed. "Don't be shy. You're husband and wife now. You can even hug if you want."
Grandma immediately turned to her. "Stop making them more shy!"
Amina burst into laughter. "Grandma, these two? Shy?"
She pointed at them dramatically.
"Do you know how much effort I've put into keeping them apart? If I start talking..."
"Mimi."
Najib cut her off with an amused smile.
"That's enough."
Everyone laughed.
He turned back to Hanan and gently took both of her hands.
"Wifey."
She smiled, unable to stop grinning.
"Yes... my husband?"
He looked into her eyes.
"I love you."
Her smile softened.
"I love you too."
Without caring who was watching anymore, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her.
Hanan hugged him back tightly.
The room instantly filled with delighted voices.
"Awwwww!"
Grandma wiped the corner of her eyes.
"Alhamdulillah..." She whispered.
The celebration continued long after the unveiling.
Guests enjoyed the lavish feast, prayers filled the palace with blessings, and souvenirs were distributed before everyone gradually departed for the mosque to observe the Jumu'ah prayer.
By the time the festivities came to an end, it was already past one in the afternoon.
It was time to leave Kano.
And once again, Hanan and Jamila found themselves standing in each other's arms.
Neither wanted to let go.
Amira sighed dramatically.
"Come on, Hanan."
She folded her arms.
"You still have your wedding dress on. We have to leave in a few minutes."
Hanan didn't even respond.
She only hugged Jamila tighter.
Amira looked helplessly at Amina.
"Seriously?"
Amina smiled knowingly before pulling her aside.
"Let them have this moment."
She lowered her voice.
"They've only just found each other again. Of course saying goodbye hurts."
Amira sighed.
"I know... but she can't travel in a wedding gown."
"I'll handle it."
Amina walked toward Hanan.
She gently touched her shoulder.
"Habiba..."
Hanan looked up.
"It's time."
Amina smiled softly.
"Go change into something comfortable. We'll be leaving soon."
Hanan nodded reluctantly.
"Okay."
Once Amina and Amira stepped outside, Jamila smiled through watery eyes.
"Go on."
She squeezed Hanan's hands.
"Don't make everyone wait because of us."
Hanan smiled sadly.
"Promise you'll take care of yourself..."
Her eyes drifted to Jamila's baby bump.
"And my godchild."
Jamila laughed.
"In sha Allah."
Then she narrowed her eyes playfully.
"And if you disappear again..."
She pointed a finger at Hanan.