This chapter is dedicated to halimatsdy16 I'm sending my akkant number right away and I want nothing less that 10 billion 😂

1st DECEMBER 2016

Adamawa Nigeria

Everywhere seemed quiet as everyone had retired for the night. She was alone in the cool dark night, standing in the balcony with a glass of water in her hand. This is the last day in her father's her and she's going to mark it as one of her worst night after the night everything started.

*FLASH BACK*

She could remember being on the phone with Hamza planning on how to live a happily ever after when Ammie stormed in.

She quickly tucked the phone under her pillow and sat up looking for her scarf.

"Abbie is waiting for you in his parlour" she said and walked out.

"Hello baby! I'll have to go and answer Abbie's call" she whispered into the phone.

" Take your time baby. I love you" he said huskily before ending the call.

She exited the room after wearing a very long long hijab and rubbing some oil perfume. Thank God for long  hijabs if not,she would have been forced to change her nighties or wear something like an abaya over it and that, she doesn't plan doing.

Her heart skipped a beat the moment she entered the living room. Whatever Abbie has to say had to be really serious. The Ibrahim's were present and surprisingly, Jay was seated on the floor beside Abbie.

"Assalamu alaikum " she said and walked slowly towards where Mama sat muttering silent prayers.

"Azizah. " Abbie called few minutes after she had greeted everyone and eyed Jafar as quick as she could.

"What do you intend doing with your life now that you've acquired your degree?" He asked.

"I'll do my youth service Abbie" she replied drawing circles on the rug. She stole a glance at Jay and he was also staring at her. He gave her an encouraging smile and looked away.

"What about marriage? " he asked.

Azizah swallowed the lump in her throat. Oh! Her Hamza. Your dream has finally come true. He has been talking  about their  marriage but she made him understand that she wouldn't talk to her parents about it. They will have to talk about it first.

"Jafar informed me you have someone already" he added.

Ya Salam! I'm so going to strangle this guy. She nodded unable to utter a word.

"Why didn't you inform any of your mothers about it? " He asked. She suddenly started sweating having no idea  what to say. What is she going to tell him? That she doesn't share her personal information with her Ammie and Mama. Oh Jay! Help me out.

He cleared his throat and began. "I won't beat around the bush Azizah. I called you here to inform you that I've gotten a husband for you. Don't get me wrong. I didn't call to ask for neither your opinion nor permission but to inform you. "

There was shocked written all over her face and that of Jay. She has never ever expected this from her parents.

"Azizah"Baba started.

"We are your parents and we want nothing but the best for you. Have it at the back of your mind that we won't do anything to hurt you." Baba  added.

Azizah looked at her mothers with teary eyes hoping they would say something in her favor but none did.

"But Abbie...." Jay started.

"Kai Jafar. Neither were you called here to object or say something. Your presence here is enough" Mama blurted angrily.

"This is injustice! Haba Dan Allah (for God's sake). Allow this poor girl to choose her husband. It's her life. She's the one that's going to be in the marriage  and.... "

The sharp pain in his mouth forced him to swallow the rest of his words. Baba threw his phone at him and before he could recover from the pain and shock , he reached over and hit him hard on the face.

"Ba Kada hankali ne? (Are you out of your mind? " he asked kicking him. "When did you learn to talk when elders are talking?"

"I'm sorry Baba but I won't just sit and watch you ..."

"Shut your mouth or I'll do it myself." Baba was so angry that he could do any thing to shut Jay at that moment.

" Azizah is getting married to someone we considered the best for her. Stop this marriage if you can Jafar. Get out! "

Jay didn't move an inch. He was till on the floor with his eyes fixed on the rug. He was crying.

"Are you deaf? Get out of my sight! "

Azizah watched  Jay walk out of the living room angrily not forgetting to bang the door.

"Shameless boy! " Mama muttered.

"Azizah. It's better you stop crying because your tears won't make us change our minds" Ammie said.

Azizah lifted her head slowly to look at her mother. To her surprise, Ammie's words didn't match the look in her eyes. Her eyes said it all. Hurt was dancing in her eyes but her lips and the words that came out from it contradicted it.

"Mama why are you doing this when it's obvious you also don't want it?" Aziz ah asked herself wishing she could gather the courage to ask her mother directly.

"No! Leave her to continue crying. All I know is that, she'll be the one to suffer from the headache and she's going to end up in his house" Abbie added.

Their words made her cry harder. She felt something drop on her when they were leaving the parlour.

She wiped her tears with her hijab and took the card with shaky hands. "Tahir Ahmad Barkindo" she called with a shaky voice. Her husband's name is Tahir Ahmad Barkindo and not her Hamza Aliyu. Ya Allah.

She retired back to her room but couldn't do anything in particular. She promised Hamza she would call but she couldn't even find the courage to pick her phone. She has searched everywhere for her tears but they seem to have vanished. The invitation card was still in her hand and she couldn't help but keep staring at it to believe it was true.

Why are her parents suddenly becoming cruel? They forced her into this marriage without even asking for her opinion and now they won't give her some time. 1st December 2016 is just in less than two weeks time. She buried her face in her pillow crying her heart out before dragging her feet to the bathroom. She performed wudhu (abulution) and began to pray, surrendering everything to her Lord.

"Ya Allah! You are aware of the present situation I'm in right now and also what's going to happen in the future. Ya Allah! Choose the best for me. "

The "Ameen" she heard startled her. She was shocked to see her parents sitting on her bed. Have they changed their mind? Oh Allah. Help me.

"Azizah " her father started. "I know we've wronged you but have it at the back of your mind that we are doing this for the best. The husband I chose for you is my friend's son and he is going to do his best to make you happy In Sha Allah. You're old enough to know the do's and don'ts in marriage. Please Azizah promise me you'll be a good wife. "

She wiped her tears with both hands and swallowed the lump in her throat. "In Sha Allah Abbie. I'll try my possible best and I will make sure I don't disappoint you."

Her words touched a soft spot in her parents heart. Abbie wished he could let her marry the man of her choice but Alhaji Barkindo really needs his help right now. Alhaji Barkindo has done so much for him that he'll never forget.

Everything went worse than expected between she and Hamza. He yelled at her, called her names,cursed and swore not to forgive her. She made several attempts to make him understand but he couldn't.

It took a while for Jay to finally give in as the wedding preparations proceeded. "I wish I could stop this Zizi . I'm sorry" He said two days to the wedding.

She cracked up a smile. "It's alright Jay. I'm fine. Thank you so much" she was trying her best to give him her sweetest smile but he could sense the chaos inside her.

"You can pretend and make everyone believe your happy about this marriage but not me Zizi."

"I'm not pretending Jay. Mama told me he's very handsome. I'm happy."

"I can see everything in your eyes Zizi. You're doing this not because you want it but just to make your parents happy. Tell me I'm wrong Zizi"

She used the hem of her veil to wipe her tears. "I have no option Jay. Do you think I'm doing the wrong thing?"

"No Zizi. Allah is going to reward you abundantly In Sha Allah and don't worry, you have your parent's blessings. And hey! Stop crying or you'll ruin your beautiful henna."

Lord! Jay and his silly jokes. "How am I going to ruin my henna Jay? " she asked. "I don't know " he shrugged. "But all I know is that it's so beautiful. So what are you wearing for the walima tomorrow? "

"Have you forgotten the promised we made to each other?"

"No. Why should I? I asked to know if you've already chosen or waiting for me to play my role. By the way, everything came so fast. My wish was to plan the best wedding for you. "

"Just pray for me Jay." he smiled trying as much as he could not to break down.

"I'm surprised there are just few people in this house" he was trying to change the topic.

"All thanks to Jafar Ibrahim Kalil who never allowed me to make friends" she said sarcastically.

End of flashback

She read the time on her phone after draining the glass of water. What would a bride still be doing awake at 2:45 am she asked herself. Weren't brides meant to be sleeping like a baby with their friends around them. Why is hers so different.

She would be married to a stranger. Someone she has no idea of. Every time her phone rings, she would think it's her groom but she was wrong. He didn't bother to call and made no attempt to get to know her. What does that imply? Was he also forced into this marriage? This isn't going to be as easy as she thought dragging her feet to her room.

"I can see someone is really anxious" Ummi said grinning at her.

"And what are you doing on the phone by this time of the night? " Azizah shot back.

" I'm doing what you were doing just few minutes back."

"Don't worry Zizi. Just few hours remaining and you'll be his" Safiya said whom she assumed was asleep spoke.

She ignored her cousins hoping they'll stop teasing her about the groom she has no idea of.

My people! Don't forget to vote and comment oo. Let's see who will have the next chapter. It could be Nnkechi, Fatima, Indo, Deepika Padukone or even HABIBAH SHEHU. 😂