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Jadwa was woken up by the sounds of her sisters entering the room.

"Jadu! Jadu!" They woke her up, their voices filled with urgency and mischief.

"What, oh my God! I'm sleeping," she groaned into her pillow, snuggling deeper into her blanket, trying to escape the daylight.

"Get up, Jadu, it's past 2 in the afternoon," Zara said, her tone a mix of impatience and amusement.

"If you don't wake up, Ammi will literally have your head today," Hanan said seriously, making Jadwa groan even louder.

She threw her pillow at Zara, hitting her squarely on the chest, and reluctantly got up. Zara burst out laughing. "You look dead," she said, shaking her head.

Jadwa didn't pay heed to her sister's teasing. She lazily got out of bed and trudged to the bathroom. Once inside, she took a long, hot shower, letting the water wash away her grogginess and the remnants of her swollen, tear-streaked face. Her voice, hoarse from all the crying she did, echoed softly against the bathroom tiles. She washed her hair, detangled it, and braided it into two neat plaits.

When she finally came out, she hoped her sisters wouldn't be there. But they were, sitting with drinks in their hands, both engrossed in their phones.

She sat in her towel at the edge of her bed, oiling her body and spraying her favorite perfumes. Her eyes, however, were unwaveringly fixed on the bouquet of flowers and the box sitting on her nightstand now. Her sisters noticed her gaze but said nothing. Jadwa sighed, got dressed in a plain black bubu, and sat back down.

"Are you going to talk to us now, or...?" Hanan asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Who said I was ignoring you?" Jadwa replied defensively.

"Well, you were avoiding us," Zara countered, making Jadwa roll her eyes.

"Are you feeling better?" Hanan asked, concern evident in her voice.

Jadwa shrugged. "Yeah."

"What do you want to eat?" Zara asked, trying to be helpful.

"I don't have an appetite," Jadwa replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"At this point, you are harming yourself. You are on your period, haven't eaten or drunk anything since yesterday morning," Hanan said, lying next to her sister and stroking her hair gently.

"Please, you people should let me be. I need some alone time," Jadwa sulked, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

"We won't leave you alone. Get up," Ammi said sternly, entering the room with a tray of food.

Hanan and Zara sat quietly, watching the unfolding drama.

"I said get up," Ammi raised her voice, making Jadwa sit up immediately.

Ammi sat by her leg on the bed, settled the tray, and picked up the plate of rice and chicken stew with salad that sat beside a fruit bowl, samosas and brownies. "Eat," she commanded, and Jadwa scrunched her face, receiving a stern look from Ammi in return.

Reluctantly, she picked up the spoon and took a bite. The first taste of food felt like heaven, but it was short-lived as Ammi began to speak.

"You are still the same, Jadu! Unless you are being scolded, you can't listen or do the right thing. You can never think right or do the right thing unless someone gets harsh with you. You are so stubborn, and it won't get you anywhere!" Ammi scolded, but Jadwa continued eating.

"You've been crying for God knows how long, didn't eat, didn't talk to anyone, just isolated yourself as if you weren't the one saying you trusted your father's decision and you were going to give him a chance! Or is your definition of giving a chance this nonsense relationship with men?" she asked, and Jadwa took a sip of the ginger drink instead of responding.

Hanan and Zara kept quiet, listening to Ammi's outburst. They had been worried about Jadwa since yesterday afternoon, and they knew better than to say Ammi was being harsh. This was the only way to get Jadwa to think straight. She had been like this since childhood, almost like a baby who threw tantrums and didn't listen until she was scolded and set straight.

"Get me the phones on my table," Ammi ordered Zara, who obliged immediately.

Ammi kept quiet, watching her daughter eat slowly. There was a lot of food on the plate, and it was clear Jadwa wouldn't finish anytime soon, but Ammi vowed to stay until she was done.

"I raised my children to have tawakkul, to be positive, to be grateful to Allah and their parents, to respect their parents, not to act like this," Ammi continued, and Jadwa's eyes filled with tears.

Ammi snatched the spoon from Jadwa's hands and started feeding her herself. Jadwa's tears rolled down her cheeks, and she wiped them away continuously as Ammi fed her.

Ammi was equally emotional, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears. When her hands couldn't hold the spoon anymore, she held Jadwa and cried quietly. "Ammi, I have accepted everything, I swear. I even told Baba that I would give it my all, I will try my best but I want to stay here with you guys, Ammi. I don't want to go," she cried, her voice breaking.

As silly as that statement sounded, it was the one thing weighing on her mind. She genuinely didn't want to go anywhere, and thinking of leaving her siblings and Ammi tortured her heart. Soon, Hanan burst into tears. Zara, standing there with the two phones in her hands, was unable to console them and cried along with them.

They wiped their tears away. "It's good you want to be a good wife," Ammi said with a smile, making Zara burst out laughing.

For the first time, Jadwa felt herself chuckle as Hanan looked at them with a smile.

"Ahmad got you a new phone. Your SIM card is here, and this is your old phone," Ammi handed her the phone.

"Thank you so much, Ammi," Jadwa said, collecting it with gratitude.

A phone rang, halting their moment.

"It's Ya Imran," Hanan announced.

"I'm sick, please. I can't talk," Jadwa spoke worriedly with her hoarse voice.

Ammi looked at her sternly. "Answer it," she ushered Jadwa, but Jadwa shook her head negatively.

"Hanan and Zara, please tell him I can't speak like this," she pleaded.

"He has called twice since yesterday. You can't keep avoiding him," Hanan said.

"Exactly. Anaya called me earlier asking for you too," Zara added.

The ringing stopped, and Ammi motioned for Hanan and Zara to get up.

Ammi took the phone from Hanan and called him back before handing it to Jadwa and rushing them out of the room.

Jadwa sat there, dumbstruck by the act Ammi just pulled, before she pulled herself together as the phone rang again.

She muted it and cleared her throat aggressively before answering on the fourth ring.

"Assalamu Alaykum," his low voice came through the phone.

"Wa Alaikumus Salam," Jadwa's voice came out soft and raspy.

"Jadwa, how are you?" he asked, immediately recognizing her voice.

"Alhamdulillah, I am good. Ina yini?" she replied, her hands getting sweaty.

"MashaAllah, lafiya lau," he said. "What's wrong with your voice?" he asked, a tad bit concerned.

"I have just been feeling sick... allergies," she lied smoothly.

"Subhanallah, have you taken anything for it?" he asked.

"Oh yes, I have. I feel much better now," she responded.

"That's good, Alhamdulillah. Ai bai kamata amarya tayi rashin lafiya yanzu ba (A bride shouldn't be sick at this time)," he said, making Jadwa cackle shyly.

He always knew how to speak so smoothly. He always knew what to say, and he was always a flirt, she thought.

"Ko ba haka ba?" (Right?) he asked.

"Mmmhm," she murmured, unable to respond.

"That's why you've been sleeping?" he asked.

"Yes. I'm sorry I missed your call. Hanan told me when I woke up, but it was very early in the morning," she half-lied again.

"It's alright. I just wanted to call and talk to you after they announced it, you know?" he said, and Jadwa swore she felt the heat on her neck and chest rising. "I am just glad you are feeling better."

"Sorry," she chuckled. "Thank you so much. I got a phone today. I'll set it up now, and we can talk through my phone," she said.

"Can the day get any better?" he sighed. "It's still your same number, right?" he asked.

Jadwa couldn't help but roll her eyes with a little giggle despite the fear bubbling in her chest. "Yes, it is," she said, getting up and walking back and forth in the room before she stopped at the flowers and opened the ring box, her eyes almost bulging out at the sight of the name on the box.

"Also, thank you so much for the flowers and the... the gift. They are so beautiful, and I love them," she stammered a bit but got her message across.

"You are welcome, Jadwa. Allah ya bamu zaman lafiya," he prayed.

"Amin," she whispered, but he caught it.

"I just arrived in Abuja. I'll come see you when you feel a lot better, maybe later this week, okay?" he said, his voice filled with gentle concern.

"Alright then," she responded, her heart fluttering with a mix of anxiety and excitement.

A comfortable silence settled between them, a growing familiarity they were forming.

"Get well soon. I'll call you, but get enough rest for now," he said, his voice soothing and warm.

"Okay, I will, InshaAllah. Thank you so much, Ya Imran," she responded, feeling a sense of comfort from his words.

"You are welcome," he said before hanging up.

Jadwa sighed, relieved that her fabrications had been believed. There was no way she could ever open up and tell him how she truly felt, especially after the promise she made to her father.

She looked at the ring, then at the box, and back at the ring. She knew this jeweler very well and had been obsessed with his designs for a long time. This designer was very unique and not mainstream there was no way he could have gotten it from them, and that too, her dream ring without someone telling him.

On a normal day, Jadwa would have screamed her heart out in excitement, but now, she just held the ring, admiring the beautiful emerald cut of the diamond. She wore it on her ring finger, marveling at its beauty. What a stunning ring. She couldn't stop staring at it or admiring it, but as soon as notifications started popping up on Hanan's phone, she took it off and placed it back in its box before putting it in a secure spot in her wardrobe along with the card the flowers came with.

She picked up the brand new phone, which she realized was the latest release of the year. She smiled gracefully and picked up her old phone, heading off to Ammi's room where everyone was now gathered.

She passed Hanan her phone, ignoring all the teasing looks Zara sent her way.

"I can't believe you are actually married," Zara fake-cried. "What did he say?"

Jadwa hissed, ignoring her sister's antics, before laying on the carpet. "You need help, Zara."

"When is he coming to see you?" Ammi asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

"Mmmm, I said I wasn't feeling the best, so maybe later this week?" she said, avoiding Ammi's eyes.

"La haula wala quwwata illah billah!" Ammi clapped her hands in disbelief. "Jadu! What is your problem?" she asked, making all three of them burst out laughing.

"Ammi, if he comes , look at me!" Jadwa found a quick excuse so that Ammi wouldn't be on her neck.

"Ohhhh, so you want to look good?" Zara teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"She wants to look good for her husssssbandddd," Hanan chimed in, high-fiving Zara before bursting out laughing again.

"Look presentable! I can't look like what I'm going through! God forbid," Jadwa glared at them, her lips twitching in a reluctant smile.

They didn't stop laughing; instead, their laughter only got louder. Ammi shook her head, signaling Jadwa to let it slide.

When the laughter subsided, Ammi spoke up, her tone serious. "See, I've already called some of my relatives in Maiduguri. Two people will arrive tomorrow so we can start with your gyaran jiki. It's very, very important."

Jadwa gasped, her eyes wide with mock horror. "Ammi! Are you serious?" She fake-cried, covering her face. On a normal day, Jadwa would rant about how she'd start her gyaran jiki months before her wedding, but all this felt foreign and far from exciting.

"Yes, also because you can't get a dress to your standards in a short period. You always said you wanted to wear your mom's laffaya, or do you have something else in mind?" Ammi asked, getting up and showing Jadwa the beautiful fabric that belonged to her mother. It was a very bridal-looking material, a handmade, timeless piece that belonged to her birth mother.

"This is pretty. I really like it, but I need really pretty heels to go with it and a fitted, straight gown for underneath with this neckline "she showed Ammi a picture she had saved a long time ago go. "Please, also a professional draper I don't like it when it looks big or there's too much fabric hanging," Jadwa ranted, her eyes sparkling with a hint of her old enthusiasm.

The girls looked at her, finally seeing the Jadwa they knew returning. How particular she was about everything, especially what she wore. She was a perfectionist who never failed to wow everyone. Even the simplest thing could look like a dream on someone with Jadwa's style.

Hanan noted down everything, and they called their designer home the same day, who took Jadwa's measurements for the inner gown and also booked to drape it on her for the day.

"So it's in a less than a week" Jadwa said, avoiding Ammi's eyes as she fiddled with the edge of the carpet.

"That's a good time. You need to rest and get better first," Ammi said, her tone softening. "And no more skipping meals, understand?"

Jadwa nodded, feeling a mix of relief and guilt. "Yes, Ammi."

"Now, come and sit here," Ammi said patting the space beside her on the couch. "Let's talk about your kitchen wares and other stuff."

Jadwa moved to sit beside her mother, feeling the warmth and comfort of Ammi's presence. Hanan and Zara joined them, creating a cozy circle.

"First, you need to get yourself ready for the visit," Ammi began. "You should rest, but also take some time to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. This is a big step for you, for all of us."

"I know, Ammi," Jadwa said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just... I just want to make you and Baba proud."

Ammi smiled, her eyes filled with love and pride. "You already have, Jadu. We are proud of you. This is just the beginning of a new chapter in your life."

Zara, unable to contain her excitement, chimed in, "And we get to pick out what to wear when Ya Imran comes! It's going to be so much fun!"

Hanan laughed, shaking her head. "Trust Zara to turn everything into a fashion show."

Jadwa couldn't help but smile at her sisters' antics. Their support and humor were exactly what she needed to lighten her mood.

"Okay, okay," Ammi said, waving her hand to quiet them. "Let's focus. Jadwa, you'll need to stay positive and strong. And remember, we're all here for you."

Jadwa nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "Thank you, Ammi. Thank you, everyone."

The family spent the rest of the afternoon together, talking and laughing. Jadwa felt her spirits lift as she realized she wasn't alone in this journey. Her family's love and support would be her strength.

As the evening approached, Jadwa felt more at ease. She set up her new phone, transferring all her contacts and important information. She marveled at the sleek design and the advanced features, feeling grateful for Ahmad's thoughtful gift.

Later that night, as she lay in bed, she couldn't help but think about the future. The unknown was still daunting, but she felt more prepared to face it. With her family's support and Imran's kindness, she knew she could navigate this new chapter of her life.

Immediately after Isha, while scrolling on Instagram, a call came in. In her heart, she knew who it was and she picked up.

His Salam came first, then the regular greetings and inquiries about her health and she walked out of the house to the garden.

"Your voice is clearing up really fast," he commented, his tone warm.

"Uhmm, yes, it is," she bit her lips, thinking no sick voice clears up this quickly. Her voice was almost back to normal. "I feel a lot better now," she said.

"MashaAllah, I am glad," he replied. "So, what are you doing?" he asked, and she could clearly hear he was driving.

"Nothing, just planning here and there," she sighed, sitting on a carved wooden chair.

"Planning?" he asked, and then Jadwa realized what she had said absentmindedly.

"Oh, just for... uhmmm," she stuttered and kept quiet to think.

"For?" he asked again, and Jadwa scrambled to find the right thing to say.

"Eid," she covered quickly.

He chuckled first. "Oh, Lily and Zara were speaking about some designer coming for your fittings for the day we meet earlier, I thought it was that," he said. Jadwa silently gasped, cursing Zara a million times in her head.

"Mhmm, that too," she said, fiddling with her fingers.

"Did it go well?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine interest.

"It was perfect, it went really well," she responded.

"I like the sound of that. Do you want to tell me more about it?"

"You want to hear about all these girly stuff?" Jadwa chuckled.

"Of course, why not?" he replied, his tone playful.

"Hmmm... it's really simple, nothing extra," she said.

"Okay..." he said, waiting for her to continue.

"It's a light shade of gold, champagne actually," she said honestly. "If I tell you everything, it will ruin it," she added, jokingly swinging her legs.

"Don't worry, I am a patient man," he said. "I can wait, I know it'll be worth it," he laughed, and Jadwa's hands ran through her hair.

"I hope so," she said slowly, with a little chuckle.

The phone call went smoothly from there, with them talking about school, his work, and other small talk for a few more minutes before they hung up.

Before drifting off to sleep, she sent a quick message to Imran, thanking him once again for the ring and the flowers. She knew she didn't have to, but this was a way of showing him her acceptance. She felt a sense of calm wash over her as she received his immediate reply, wishing her a peaceful night and a speedy recovery.

Jadwa smiled to herself, feeling a small spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this new beginning wouldn't be as terrifying as she had thought. With a deep breath, she closed her eyes and let sleep take over. The next days came by like a blur, and the time to meet Imran approached swiftly.