Muhammad draped his babban Riga over his arm as he stepped out of his car along with some of his friends. A triumphant smile spread across his face as he looked at their house. My wife is behind these doors. He thought adjusting the placement of his Zannah Bukar cap.

He looked beside him and found his friends talking, laughing, and admiring the house. Just good vibes everywhere. Five of his friends were with him along with Abdallah who insisted on tagging along, to meet the bride some of them do not know. "Let's go." Muhammad gestured to them to move forward.
"Aaah! Ango calm down," Sadiq laughed throwing his arms around Muhammad's shoulders. Muhammad eyed him playfully and walked to the front door. They started passing teasing comments but that didn't bother him at all, nothing will wipe this happy smile he has. Haisham pressed the doorbell and waited for it to open. A few seconds later, the door clicked open.

"Assalam Alaikum," they salaamed removing their shoes inside the house and placing them in a cute shoe rack by the door as they came in.
"Oh no," Muhammad whispered as soon as he looked up and found the bride's maid standing in front of them with a kinda creepy smile on their faces. He had wanted to see Maryam the instant he came in, but now this.

"What?" Farhan asked closing the front door behind him as he walked in. He looked up and also saw them. A smirk replaced his frown, and then the room resounded with his distinctive laugh. He found it funny. The bridesmaid laughed.  Siddiqa stepped forward saying, "Ina wunin ku."
"Ina gajiya, ya gajiyan biki?"
"Alhamdulillah. Ya naku gajiyan?"
"Alhamdulillah."

They all sat around on the couch and waited for the bridesmaid to settle before saying, "Toh where is our bride? Bring her out for us." Sadiq said. Ummita chuckled drily, "we're gonna have to talk first."

"Toh we're listening." He said leaning back on the couch. Jannah looked at the girls and smiled saying, "maganan kudi zaayi, you need to pay before seeing the bride."
"Just bring her out for the groom as you can he is very eager . . ." Sadiq glanced at Muhammad who threw him a look, and laughed. "We'll then pay."

Muhammad looked around the parlor hoping to catch a glimpse of Maryam somehow even though deep inside him he knew that was close to impossible, as she might be in the room as they speak.
"No, no, we must see alert first." Lola stood with arms akimbo.

"Someone should close that door seff," Siddiqa said motioning towards the door that leads to the hallway leading to Maryam's room. ". . . Maybe then they'll know we're serious."
Muhammad chuckled at that.

"Ok talk." Yasir, one of his childhood friends, said removing his cap and keeping it on the center table. She smiled smugly to herself. "You know our bride is an expensive one, so naturally the price is also you know . . ." She trailed off cockily. "Isn't that right, Ango?"
Muhammad grinned at them, "of course." He said earning a few looks from his friends. His bride sure was an expensive on and she deserves every penny spent on her.

"So how much do we have to pay now?" Farhan asked, looking directly at Jannah who visibly flinched unable to hold eye contact. She masked the nervous feeling with a smile and said without missing a beat, "Two million."

Hafeez, the laidback one amongst them looked at them with both brows raised. "Two mil in this era?" He asked. "A dan raga mana."  Abdallah chipped in. Jannah eyed him muttering something under her breath.

Siddiqa looked at the ladies and raised her eyebrows, they all nodded before she turned and said, "1.5 million."
"What was that secret communication thing you had going on there?" Sadiq asked imitating her. "We need to be doing that." He said to his friends. They all laughed and shook their heads at his childishness.

"One million," Lola said. "We can't go any lower than that." Jannah dismissed turning her face so they wouldn't even try to do anything. Farhan nodded, rubbing his hands together, "fair enough. To whom do we send the money?"
They looked at each other and did that communication thing again before concluding. "Me," Siddiqa said.

•     •     •
After Maryam had finished praying Isha, she changed into a sage green ankara sown into a skirt and blouse. The color flattered her golden-brown skin well.

She was seated on the bed overhearing the conversation taking place in the living room, and she just couldn't stop laughing. Mahnur that was in the room with her was busy shaking her head. "Wallahi su Jannah basa ji." She muttered sorting through Maryam's luggage to get the veil she was going to wear today out.

She brought out a beige veil and kept it on the bed "Jannah is going to suck them dry ita da Siddiqa, those guys know how to negotiate." Maryam said picking the veil. She draped it around herself and closed her eyes as Ummita spritzed perfume over her. When she finished, she leaned back smiling, "you look really good you know,"
"Thank you," Maryam said chuckling. She slouched against the headboard, nervously fidgeting her ring. "I am so nervous, and scared for some reason."

Ummita came and sat beside her, taking a hold of her hand. When Maryam looked at her, her eyes were moist with tears. "Hey, it's alright to feel scared, tired, and terrified even. It's a natural reaction. You'd be crazy if you didn't." They chuckled. "But you are doing all right. You have always fantasized about how the first night, how awkward it is going to be, and all that, now you're about to find out for yourself." Maryam hugged her. Ummita has always been the sensible one amongst them. Maryam and Siddiqa are the crazy ones, but they all get each other very well.

"Guess you're going to let us know how it's going to be." She wiped Maryam's tears and helped her adjust her head tie. "Now stop crying, you don't want to scare him with your . . . Oh so big and swollen eyes."
"Stop," Maryam pushed her lightly laughing. "Haha."
They chatted a bit more. It helped Maryam relax a lot. They were in the middle of talking about Ummita's sister's siyan baki when Siddiqa and Aisha walked in.

They had this huge smile on their faces indicating they have achieved their goals. "Toh Amarya let's go." Maryam felt the butterflies again. She got up and slid her feet into her shoes. "Masha Allah you look beautiful," Aisha commented. She pulled the veil over her head and smiled saying, "thank you."
Asmau barged in saying. "Muje muje, ya Muhammad can't wait." She stopped in her tracks when she saw Maryam. "Iyyeh Amaryan ya Muhammad, you look ravishing," she gave her a thumbs up smiling widely.

"Aww y'all, I'm flattered." She blushed, palming her cheeks. "Thank you so much, for everything." She opened her arms and they all fell in hugging her.

"Now let's go." Ummita pulled out and clapped her hands. "Let's go." Siddiqa flattened her veil from behind and walked with her out of the room. Aisha and Asmau were standing in front of them, and Siddiqa and Ummita were beside her.

When Muhammad heard the door open and saw them walking out of the room and down the hallway, a smile completely enveloped his face and he got up. Maryam looked up and met his eyes, a soft smile playing on her lips. He watched her until she came and stood before him. And suddenly it was as though they were the only ones in the room. The people and the noise swirled around them as he wrapped his arms around her waist and hugged her close to him, inhaling the sweet scent on her. "You have no idea how happy I am to see you," he said into her ears.
"I think I can guess." Her head rested on his chest for a second until she pulled away. He chuckled, looking down at her. "You look fantastic."
She smiled, "thank you, you look great also." "As always." He winked. She shook her head, her eyes twinkling. Everyone was staring, awestruck at the sight before them.

Ya Amma cleared her voice peeking her head out, "Uhmm . . .we're still around," Both Maryam and Muhammad pulled apart still holding hands. "Just thought I should remind you because you were so . . ." She trailed off trying to find the right words.

"Lost in each other," Abdallah said grinning. Maryam blushed crimson with embarrassment. "Toh you all should settle down, let's pray," Haisham said taking a sit. They all sat down, prayed, and advised them on marriage.

After finishing, they had a little conversation where they joked around and Muhammad's friends embarrassed him a little. It was fun until they stood up saying they had to leave. It just occurred to Maryam that they were leaving. Maryam got up looking at them aimlessly. "Why are you all leaving? Are you not supposed to stay over?"
Ya amma came up and hugged her, "no, we're staying over at Aisha's house."

Her eyes welled up with tears as different emotions hit her. "But. . .please stay." She begged holding her hand. When Ya amma looked away wiping her tears, Maryam let her go and held siddiqa and Lola's hand. "Please," she asked hopefully, maybe her friends will stay. They are supposed to be with her, aren't they?

Siddiqa, Ummita, and Lola came and hugged her. "We wish you a happy marriage life, Maryam." Lola said. Maryam descended into stammering incoherence, tears streaming down her face. Her heart was hurting as though it was set on fire. Even though she was going to be with the one she loves, they were all still leaving her. Her lashes grew heavy with tears as they all came and hug her, one by one.

"Please." She sobbed.
                           •      •      •
Muhammad was feeling like some sort of loser as he just stood watching her bawl her heart out, unable to do anything. He hated it when she cried like that, he wanted to wrap his arms around her and comfort her, but he knew that was the last thing she'll want at the moment. "Maryam please," ya amma pulled her back. "Allah ya bada zaman Lafiya."

They all turned, eyes full of tears and walked out closing the door behind them. Maryam looked at the closed door, a cry ripped out of her piercing through her like a sharp knife. "Please," she whispered clutching her chest. She cried for a couple of minutes, Muhammad let her cry to her content before he moved closer to her.

"Hey." He tapped her shoulder. She looked up at him her brows furrowed in confusion, face swollen. "Do you want a hug?" She looked at him as if he had grown two heads. A grin had taken over his face as he stood with his arms wide apart. She laughed but it came out half like a sob. He wrapped his arms around her, enveloping her in a warm hug. "I am going to miss them." She sobbed weakly. Muhammad nodded, repeatedly patting her back. "I know, I know."
She closed her eyes and buried her head in his chest, her tears and kohl staining his shirt. She snaked her arms around his waist and pulled him closer hoping it will make her feel better, and it did. Muhammad kept muttering comforting words.

They stayed like that for a couple of minutes, each one of them enjoying their warmth.

She wiped her tears as she pulled out from the hug, looking down to avoid meeting his eyes. She just cried like one crazy woman in front of him. He lifted her chin smiling when he noticed that. "You hungry?" He asked caressing her cheeks. She nodded pouting a little. Muhammad chuckled and pulled her hand, "Let's go and wash this face before anything."

She smiled shyly and followed him to her bathroom. "Give me a moment." She said and gave him a little push when he entered the toilet with her. She closed the door after him and stood in front of the mirror staring at her reflection. She looked beaten up, face all swollen, kohl and liner running down her face. "Oh God," she groaned and opened the tap.

Muhammad then remembered that he had bought chicken, kebabs, yogurt, and drinks for them, so he went and got them. While waiting for her to come out, he went to the kitchen, got some plates and cups and arranged their snacks on top. He took them to the living room before heading to his room to change into some comfortable clothes.

He quickly freshened up and got in black Nike joggers and a white T-shirt, smiling and humming to himself the whole time. He was so excited to finally be with the love of his life. She must be waiting for me he thought as he spritzes himself with cologne. He went to the parlor first but didn't find her there, so he went to her room. And there she was, seated on the bed bench staring into space.

She looked up at the smell of his cologne and smiled. "You must have waited for long," he said as he lingered in the doorway. She shook her head, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "No, I just came out also."
He nodded and held out his hand for her to take.
                        •       •       •
Maryam hesitated for a moment, feeling a panicky jump in her stomach. Boy was she nervous, what is going to happen next? How is she supposed to react? Still, that beautiful smile on his face seems to calm her a lot more often than expected. 'Just go with the flow, it's going to be okay.' She told herself repeatedly as she took his hand, plastering a small smile on her face.

He switched off the light and closed the door. He pulled a funny face saying, "I'm famished." She chuckled and placed her other hand on his, "let's go eat." She said with a small smile. He tugged her hand and walked side by side to the living room. "Your fingers are so long." She said looking down at their hands. He chuckled and also peered down at their hands, "maybe yours are just short."
"I have normal-sized hands."
"Let's see." He untangled their hands and slid his hands over hers. Her fingers disappeared under his. "See," he said raising their hands to their eye level.

"I think your hands were made just for me. See how they fit perfectly."

Maryam chuckled and nodded. "I think so too."

They walked to the living room and sat down, ate their food in silence each one of them thinking of the same things. Maryam was nervous, so nervous that she could feel her heart rate accelerating and butterflies in her stomach. After they finished eating, Muhammad told her to perform ablution, that they were to pray 2 rakaat to thank God.

She did so and met him in his room where he had already laid out the prayer mat and was seated on his bed, going through his phone. She took that time to look around the absolutely gorgeous room. The color scheme was black and gray. Whoever the interior designer was pulled off designing this house, everything was so beautiful. She was flabbergasted. Just when she thought her room was most beautiful.

Muhammad looked up and saw her, his face morphed into a smile. She looked gorgeous in her hijab. She walked and sat beside him saying, "your room is so beautiful."
"Do you want it, we can transfer all your things here if you do." She shook her head and said, "No...I mean it suits you better."

"I'm sure that's not true. But anyway, tashi muyi sallah." They both got up and aligned themselves on the mat and prayed. Asked Allah to bless their marriage, their home and their life all in all.

When they finished, Muhammad kept his eyes on her. He just couldn't get enough of her. This woman is his, forever and ever, that thought alone renders him speechless. She is so beautiful, amazing, jovial, and lovable. She deserves the best things in life and he is going to give it to her by Allah's grace.

Maryam could feel Muhammad's gaze on her, and it felt like she was on a hot plate. Everything felt foreign and new to her. The attention, being alone with a man she calls her husband and also knowing what was about to happen at any moment.

He wanted her close to him, next to him, and by him. His fingers were itching to feel the texture of her hair, the silkiness of her skin, and the softness of her lips. "May we stay together forever and always. Allah ya barmu tare." He prayed caressing her fingers. "Amin." She smiled.

She doesn't regret her decision to marry him, and neither is she ever. He pulled her into a hug, a hug that somehow felt more intimate than all the ones they've ever shared. She leaned her head into his chest and instantly relaxed. She felt him exhale a deep breath and tightened his grip on her back. She wanted to bury herself inside of him as she snuggled closer.

He caressed her face and kissed her head, nose and when she looked up, her lips. Maryam's arms shakily wrapped around his neck and he took it as permission to carry along. He smiled against her lips and kissed her as though his life depended on it. They only pulled out for air.

When it was going too far, Muhammad got up and picked her up in a bridal style. Maryam looked at him breathlessly as he walked them to the bed. Her heart was beating so hard she thought her chest was going to pop open. She felt a tingle of excitement and fear at the same time. Muhammad on the other hand was entranced by the all-consuming passion they had for each other. He kept her on the bed and caged her in his arms, kissing her with much eagerness than earlier.

When he pulled out to take a breather, his eyes searched hers with glowing intensity as if asking for permission. Maryam meekly nodded.

"I love you," He whispered.
"I love you."