51~I do #4
"Remember, I know your address now. I'll come to Lagos myself and kidnap you."
Hanan burst into laughter.
"Haha! Funny. You're unbelievable."
She wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes before opening her suitcase.
This time, she chose comfort over elegance.
She carefully folded away her wedding gown and changed into a simple brocade dress. After removing her makeup, she wrapped a matching scarf neatly over her hair and slipped into a pair of comfortable sandals.
When she was finally ready, she took one last look around the room.
This room had witnessed the reunion of two sisters at heart.
Smiling softly, she reached for Jamila's hand.
Together, they stepped out to find everyone waiting outside the palace entrance.
Before their departure, the King joined them one final time.
He raised his hands in supplication, offering heartfelt du'as for the newlyweds, praying once again for them.
After the prayers, he reached into the folds of his royal robe and handed Hanan a beautifully decorated envelope.
"This is a small wedding gift from me." He said warmly.
Hanan accepted it with both hands.
"Thank you so much, Your Highness. May Allah reward you abundantly."
"Ameen." The King smiled. "I wish you both a safe journey back."
"Ameen." Grandma replied with a grateful smile.
"And thank you, Your Highness. I will forever remain grateful for opening your palace to host their wedding."
The King waved dismissively.
"Please, Hajiya, don't thank me. They are like my own children." His gaze shifted lovingly to Hanan and Najib.
"The palace doors will always remain open for both of you. You are welcome here whenever you wish to return."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Najib smiled.
Grandma smiled again. "We'll be taking our leave now. Kindly extend my regards to Sarauniya when she returns and also the land I wish to purchase for them, that will be finalized soon."
"I certainly will and consider any available land yours."
"Thank you once again your highness."
Grandma then turned toward Jamila.
"And Gimbiya Jamila..."
Jamila stepped forward.
"Yes, Grandma?"
"Thank you for being such a wonderful host. May Allah bless you, your marriage, and your unborn baby."
Jamila smiled warmly.
"Ameen. Thank you, Grandma."
She embraced Hanan once more.
"Don't forget your promise."
"Never." Hanan smiled. "We'll keep in touch."
"In sha Allah."
Outside the palace gates, a convoy of royal vehicles waited to escort them back to the airport.
This time, however, Hanan and Najib were seated together alone in the same car, with only their driver in front, while the rest of the family occupied the remaining cars.
Jamila stood at the palace entrance, waving as the convoy prepared to leave.
"Till we meet again!" She called out.
"Have a safe journey!"
Hanan rolled down the window and waved back.
"Bye, Gimbiya Jamila! I'll call you!"
The convoy slowly drove out of the palace.
Hanan kept watching through the rear window until Jamila's figure gradually disappeared from sight.
For a brief moment, sadness settled in her heart.
She was leaving home once again.
Leaving the village.
Leaving Jamila.
Leaving behind the memories she had just rediscovered.
But the sadness didn't last long.
A warm hand gently rested on hers.
She turned to see Najib smiling at her.
And suddenly... She no longer felt sad, rather everything felt complete.
She wasn't leaving alone this time.
She was leaving with her husband.
Her forever.
A soft smile spread across her lips as she leaned against his shoulder.
Without hesitation, he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer.
After a comfortable silence, Hanan looked up at him.
"I honestly didn't expect a trip to Saudi Arabia to be part of my dowry." She laughed softly.
Najib grinned. "It was meant to be a surprise."
He brushed a strand of hair away from her face. "Did you like it?"
Her eyes sparkled.
"Like it?" She whispered.
"Walahi, I loved it."
She smiled emotionally. "Visiting Makkah... seeing the Holy Ka'bah with my own eyes has always been one of my biggest dreams."
She squeezed his hand.
"Thank you for making that dream possible."
Najib smiled. "Anything for you, Habibti."
She tilted her head. "So... when are we going?"
"Next year." He smiled. "For Hajj In sha Allah."
Her eyes immediately lit up.
"In sha Allah!"
She laughed happily.
"You have no idea how excited I am."
Her voice softened.
"Thank you... for making one of my biggest dreams come true."
Najib looked at her with so much love that it almost stole her breath.
"And thank you..." He whispered. "For giving me a second chance."
He gently kissed her forehead.
"Thank you for becoming my wife... all over again."
Hanan smiled, her eyes glistening with happiness.
She snuggled deeper into his embrace, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat as the convoy drove farther away from Kano.
This time... She wasn't running away from her past.
She was driving toward the future she always prayed for.
.
.
.
***
A/N