Get your popcorn. Get your chilled Pepsi. Lay back, cross your legs and get ready for this one. It's a long one! Thank me later! 5000+ words. I highly suggest the song up above, it gave me the chapter's vibe!

THE DAY BEFORE BILKISU CAME...

"Here" Suhad said as he handed the water bottle he picked up to Jameela.

Jameela sniffed and wiped her tears with the sleeves of her top, "Thank you" she replied. She opened the water bottle and brought it up to her lips to take a sip of it. She then placed the bottle on the table beside her and leaned back on the couch she's sitting on.

Suhad folded his arms and waited for her to say something, anything! But she didn't, "What are you doing here Jameela?" he asked trying to not let the anger in his tone show but he couldn't help it.

Jameela looked at her brother and raised a brow, "What? Am I not allowed to visit my own brother's house?" she asked making him sigh.

"I told you to not come now"

Jameela scoffed, "It's a good thing I did. Your wife is mad" she said as she rolled her eyes.

"Okay let's make this clear" he said, his voice coming out low as he glared at his sister, "Never, and I mean never insult my wife ever again"

Jameel stared at him in disbelief as she stood up, "Are you angry at me for insulting her?"

"Yes!" he half yelled, "I'm angry at both of you because you two are grown ass adults yet you're acting like five year old brats!"

Jameela stood hands akimbo, "How can you even say that? She held a knife against my throat! You should do something about it"

Suhad stared at her suddenly calm, the crease between his brows disappeared, "You know what? I will"

This made Jameel grin, "Good"

Suhad smiled too, mirroring her expression, "Great. Now get out of my house"

"Huh?"

"Leave and unless you learn some respect towards my wife, don't ever come back here" he said, his voice coming out low as the smile disappeared.

"You can't be serious right now Suhad" She said as if she couldn't believe her ears.

"Do I look like I'm joking?" he folded his hands over his torso.

"Are you serious?"

"I am. Now get out" he maintained eye contact with her, daring her to say something that'll irk him again.

She lets out a small humorless laugh as she nodded. Without another word, she stomped out of the house.

~*~

By the time Jannah was done talking to Bilkisu, she had tears streaming down her face.

She tried to hold it in but she couldn't. It was simply too much.

"I'm sorry Jannah" Bilkisu said, meaning every word she uttered.

But her words only made Jannah cry more. She ducked her head and slowly brought up her legs to her chest. Suddenly everything reminded her of her parents, and the thought of them only made her cry more.

How can this be? She wondered.

The sight was simply enough to make one tear up, and in this case, Bilkisu actually did as she stared at Jannah break down in front of her. But, she quickly wiped the tear away. She couldn't afford to cry when Jannah is crying too. She didn't come here just so that the two of them will cry. Heck she didn't plan on making Jannah cry. She should've known the girl is under enough emotional stress as it is.

But, she had to tell her this.

But she also understood that Jannah needed some time alone, and so, she put her hand in her back and pulled out a paper with something written on it. She raised her head up and looked at Jannah who has her head buried in between her knees. The girl's body was slowly shaking a she cried, hard. Her whimpers were the only thing heard in the living room as she had tried her best to muffle them but she couldn't.

Bilkisu stood up from her position and walked towards Jannah. She looked at the paper in her hand once more before she leaned down and placed it beside Jannah, "Here, thought you might need it in the future" she said.

Jannah slowly raised her head up and looked at the paper, she then closed her eyes as another wave of tears came crashing. She sniffed, her face slowly becoming red.

Bilkisu gulped, she was having a hard time watching Jannah that way and not tearing up too, "If you've made up your mind, give me a call. I promise, we'll work this out" she didn't wait for Jannah's reply knowing that it won't come. She stood up and slowly walked out of the house leaving Jannah all alone.

Jannah didn't know how long she stayed like that. Eventually the tears stopped but the pain didn't go away. Her face was no longer red from crying but pale having shed so many tears. She was still in the same position Bilkisu left her in only that she had picked up the paper the girl left and is holding it in her clenched fists.

She wanted to hold everything in but it hurts. Somehow, she didn't want to believe it, but if Bilkisu was really willing to tell her that, then it must be true. On normal days, she wouldn't believe the girl but the sacrifice she made only made Jannah believe her.

Jannah unclenched her fists and for the first time, gazed at what's written on the paper. Her swollen eyes closed as she clenched her fist again. She continued staring at the brightly painted walls of her living room but her mind was far from there.

Normally, she found the house too big but that day, she felt as if it's much bigger than she'd like. Especially then that she's all alone.

And with what she just found out, how could she find interest in anything and not feel lonely?

It was simply impossible.

She didn't hear when the front door opened, or when he walked in. But even when she did, she didn't pay any attention to him. She didn't have the energy to.

Suhad stopped in his tracks when he saw her. He wondered what she could be doing in the living room. That wasn't her place. She's either in the kitchen with her Pepsi or in the room. He was actually hoping that she was in the room; he wanted to surprise her and apologize for the way he acted when he found about her and Jameela.

However, there was something that was different about her. She didn't even move an inch even when she heard him come in nor did she seem to be in the mood for anything.

He walked into the living room only stopping when was a few feet away from her, "Jay?" he asked as he crouched in front of her. It was then that he noticed her pale face and swollen eyes.

She moved her gaze from the wall to his face without showing any of her emotions, not that she had much to display, but still.

"What happened to you?" he asked as he lightly caressed her cheek with his hand.

Perhaps it was the gesture, or maybe the tone he used. Or maybe it was the fact that whenever such things happened to her, he always seemed to be there.

As much as she'd hate to admit it, deep down, it was what she needed.

She shook her head indicating that it's nothing. She could feel the tears coming back again, but she didn't want him to see her like that. She didn't want to be anyone at the moment; she just wanted to be alone. So, she pushed his hand away from her face and attempted to stand up and walk away.

Just as she walked past him, he took a hold of her wrist stopping her in her tracks, "Jay, talk to me"

Jannah bit her lower lip as the tears fell freely, but she did her best to hold in the whimpers. She didn't want to cry, she's tired of crying as it is. She tried to get her hand out of his without turning around but the two were both stubborn. None wanted to give up.

Suhad wanted to let her have the space she wants but he remembered what happened five years ago. That thought was what ended their relationship back then. He didn't intend on making the same mistake twice. The first one cost him losing her for five years, the second one might just be for eternity. So, he closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into an embrace that she so much needed.

Jannah couldn't hold back the tears in anymore as she cried on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry Jaan. I promise, I won't act that way ever again" he apologized as he ran his fingers through he now open hair as the veil had fell since amidst of her sobs.

Jannah didn't know if she cried more afterwards because of what she just found out or because Suhad believed that he was the reason she's crying when he had nothing to do with it.

Or maybe, it is both.

Whichever it is she cried just like she'd been doing for the past two weeks.

~*~

Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Sarah fixed her sunglass as she walked down a trail amidst of forest surrounding the Island. Her knee-length dress swaying due to the breeze but she didn't pay any heed to it. Instead, she kept walking down the path that leads to a house.

Once the house is in sight, she pushed the sunglass away from her eyes resting it on her blonde hair. She blinked to get her gaze accustomed to the scorching sun and after a while, she continued walking.

She walked past the bulky guards that stood guarding the door all dressed up in a tropical top with shorts that stopped a few inches under their knees. If not that she's on a serious mission, she would've laughed her ass off because of how ridiculous they looked.

The big house is exactly the quietest with maids walking up and down. Her brows furrowed in confusion as to why they are there when they are not supposed to be. "Hey!" she called making the maids look up and rest their gazes on her, "What are you doing here?"

The women exchanged looks amongst themselves as they all kept quiet.

Sarah folded her hands over her torso as her patience began to wear thin. "Well..." she snapped making some of them flinch.

"Boss called us" It was only one woman that mustered up the courage to reply.

Sarah's brows furrowed again. And, without another word more, she walked away from them and headed towards the patio where she has no doubts he'll be. And she was right because the minute she stepped into the patio, he was the sitting on an Adirondack chair with his hand on the table beside him.

She rolled her eyes slightly knowing he can't see her before she moved closer to him, "What are the maids doing here?" she asked sounding as polite as she couldn't. Unfortunately for her, she isn't one of the people that can talk rudely to him and get away with it.

Heck even Daihaah didn't get away with it, and she is his favorite.

Then who is she?

He didn't even look at her when he replied, "The house is dusty. So, I asked them to come and clean it"

Sarah sighed and massages her temples, "How could you even afford them? Who gave you the money for this?"

"Who else?" A voice said from behind her making her swivel her head to look at the woman that walked into the patio. Her platinum blonde hair let to rest in curls resting on her back. She walked with grace and everything a rich woman could posses. A cocktail in her hand as she walked with her head held up high.

Sarah released a small sigh of relief though that didn't ease her worries, "Mom..." she walked towards her mother who embraced her back before she pulled back.

Big Boss watched their little reunion with the typical Nigerian look that screams 'jimin rigima' He then hissed lightly and made himself comfortable on his chair.

Sarah's mother noticed this making her glare at him as she made her way to the chair opposite him. She crossed her legs thanks to the slit of her maxi dress and took a sip of her cocktail before she talked again, "He's leeching off my money of course. Why else will he be here in my house?" she said as she rested her gaze on him, daring him to say anything to irk and see if she will not hesitate to throw him out of her mansion.

Big boss rolled his eyes, "You say that as if you're doing me a favor? Are you not my wife after all?" he turned to look at her.

She scoffed as the corners of her lips tilted up into a smirk, "You didn't think of that when you were chasing after your Nigerian bitches"

Jabeer opened his mouth to say something when she raised one of her perfectly red manicured nails to stop him.

"Uh-uh" she shook her head, "If I were you, I wouldn't say anything that'll irk me now else I'm throwing you out"

Big Boss stared at her in disbelief, "Are you serious?"

She returned the look with a blank look, "It shock you?" she asked without batting an eyelash.

Somehow the Irish potato he married enjoyed the fact that since he has nothing, he has now decided to come back to her. She enjoys making him do whatever he wants.

Instead of replying her, he turned to look at his daughter, "What did you find out Sarah?"

Sarah nodded as she remembered the reason why she went there in the first place. She placed her hand in her bag and pulled out a brown envelope before placing it in front of her father, "I spoke to your doctor in Dublin and just as you thought, the CIA visited the hospital and looked into your medical report. They figured out that you have cancer"

Big Boss chuckled as he removed the files she gave him and looked at the contents.

Sarah's mother scoffed as she glanced at her husband and the folder in his hand, "Now that you've successfully fooled everyone into believing that you have Cancer, what do you plan on doing?"

Big boss's lips stretched into a grin as he ignored his wife, "Who knew that I'm such a good actor?" he chuckled as he sat up. He reached out to take a champagne flute that rest on the table taking a sip of it. "Sarah, how's Saheeb?"

Sarah sighed, "He's still in police's custody. Should I get him out? He's learnt his lesson don't you think so?" she asked hoping that he'll give her the go ahead. She can get him out even before she arrives at Nigeria.

Big Boss shook his head as he brought the champagne flute down, "No"

"What do you mean no?" This time it is Sarah's mom that questioned as she placed the cocktail on the table and sat straight, "How can you let my son rot in jail you despicable human?"

Big boss massaged his temples in irritation. The Irish potato is slowly getting on his nerves but he has to bear her attitude before he executes his plan.

"Sarah" she looked at her mother who called her name, "get your brother out of that place now!"

Sarah glanced at Big Boss for confirmation. He is in a staring contest with her mother who refused to back down. After a while, he waved her off, "Fine. Get him out. But get him back on track before he returns. He's already a disappointment as it is"

Sarah nodded.

"You followed Suhad and Jannah the other day right?" he asked making her nod again.

"Yes I did. But I think they noticed me"

"Then lay low for now. Get Saheeb out of jail and wait for my next order"

"Alright dad"

~*~

ABUJA, NIGERIA.

The long awaited day to Mamita came.

The long dreaded day to Suhad finally came.

The day that Suhad and Bilkisu will become husband and wife soon came.

Jannah woke up earlier than she had ever done in her entire life. The day before, the maids had arrived per Mamita's orders who apparently want Bilkisu to live with them. Jannah welcomed the idea with open hands though she didn't want to cause any more drama.

She went downstairs and ordered the maids on what to do. The house was filled up with noise from all the moving, preparation, cleaning and whatnot. Though the house is new, she wanted to outdone herself. Ad, she did. She also made sure that the work was done accordingly and that the house is spotless from top to bottom. By the time Suhad woke up, the house heavily smelt of Bakhoor that would have one swooning.

When Jannah returned back to their room, she heard the sound of shower running indicating that he's taking his bath. She then walked to the walk in closet and picked out the outfit for the nikah. A nice pearl white outfit with a heavily brocade babbar riga.

She put out everything for him. The ironed outfit lay on the bed along with his cufflinks, wrist watch, and cap. On the carpet are the brand new shoes she pulled out for him to finish off the look.

She picked her outfit and moved to the room opposite theirs to take a shower. She took her time and once she was done, she made her way to the vanity table and dried her hair. She stretched it out and tied it into a low bun.

She did her makeup without a glitch. From the minute she started down to the minute she finished it off, everything is perfect. Makeup isn't something that's new to her. It's something she did on a daily base but today...today she wanted to impress. As usual, she loved her lipstick the most because the matte garnet color always compliments her skin tone.

She then moved to put on a red atampha sown into a gown with a faux wrap, comfort sleeves embellished with floral embroidery appliqué and pearls. She then tied her head tie before she slipped into her M. Gemi the East suede garnet heels. As she stood in front of the mirror, her lips stretch into a smile as she took in her outfit.

Perfect.

She quickly sprayed her favorite oudh perfume. Scratch that, suhad's oudh perfume that she loved, before she walked back to their room with the perfume in her hand. There, she met her husband putting on his cufflinks as he had already dressed up. The only thing left is the cap, wristwatch and shoes.

When she walked into the room, he raised his head up and the minute his gaze fell on her, he stood gaping like the fish head he tends to be at times.

"Jaan, you might want to close your mouth else you'll swallow a fly" she chuckled as she stood in front of her husband spared the perfume on him. "Hey" she snapped her fingers in front of him to gain his attention when the guy refused to speak or look away.

"Masha Allah" he hugged his wife before she pulled away quickly. He gave her a confused look which made her chuckle.

"Makeup" she replied, "It'll ruin your outfit"

"I really don't care if it's ruin" he replied. "The way you fine like this bad...God my money will just end on you' he said putting his hand in his pocket before he pulled out a brand new five hundred dollar note and handed it to her, "This is for this fine dressing"

Jannah chuckled as she collected the money laughing as if she couldn't believe that he actually did that, "Guy chop knuckle" she moved her fist up and the two fists bumped like old friends.

The way the two were smiling, you wouldn't say that the man is about to get married to another woman.

After Jannah's little breakdown, she wiped her face and with a determined look, she made a decision that will change her life forever. As for she and Suhad, they had ironed out the grudges and made up. They decided to put the experience behind.

Suhad is still grinning like the goat that escaped the chances of being slaughtered on Eid when he spoke again, "But Jay seriously, this is the reason why I married a designer. Masha Allah!"

"Jaan you are not serious" she shook her head as she placed the money on the bed. She then picked up the wrist watch and held clasped it around his wrist. Next is the cap which she perch on his black coils. "See how fine my husband is please" she said as she took a step back and watched him.

One will wonder if the two really are aware of what's about to happen that they are acting this way.

"Jay" Suhad called out as if realizing something.

"Yeah" she looked up.

"How come you're so calm about this?" he couldn't help but ask. The girl has always been one to surprise with her acts but today...today is a different case entirely.

Instead of replying, Jannah just smiled and gestured for him to put on his shoes, which he did. And while he was doing that, she put on her veil. "Let's go. I'm sure the guys are waiting for you outside"

She held his hand and after the two both picked up their phones, they made their way outside. Suhad had to give out to Jannah though; the woman did an impeccable job with the house and all. Even as the two made their way outside, he could see some maids walking around to finish off everything since the bride will be conveyed there afterwards.

When they reached outside, she spotted Prince along with Daihaah who stood with prince's arms wrapped around her shoulder and a few feet away from them are a few fadawas, and some guys don't know.

"Uwargida komai dozen" Prince Aamir teased making the three chuckle.

"I'd never get used to you speaking Hausa" Daihaah said making her husband look down at her and smile.

Anyone can see how deep in love the two are.

"Let's go?" Aamir said to his best friend who nodded before turning to his wife.

"I'll see you later" he said making her nod as she smile. Before he walked away, the two did their handshake that only the two of them understand before finishing it off with a fist bump. Just as Jannah thought Suhad will turn and leave, Suhad leaned down and pecked her lips.

"Innalilahi wa inna ilahi rajiun, yaran yanze ba kunya" muttered one of the royal guards to his mates who nodded.

"Shi wai aure zai qara ahakan. Amaryar har ta bani tausayi. Kana gani wayennan kasan sun fada rijiyar soyyaya tsundum" another remarked making the others mutter in agreement.

To say Jannah is taken aback will be an understatement. She wanted to react and say something but before she could, Suhad winked at her and walked away just in time Daihaah walked towards her best friend.

The two watched their husbands along with the others drive out of the house before Daihaah turn to Jannah with a knowing look, "Are you ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be"

~*~

Bilkisu stood in front of the full length mirror in her room all dressed up in a Salmon beaded lace with shimmery damask detachable train. Her hair which was tied into a bun covered with a beautiful Sheer tulle veil with hand stitched appliqué and pearls. She had on a six inch heels that only added to hr beauty.

To say she looked beautiful would be an understatement.

Then again, what will you expect from a Minister's daughter?

She only smiled as her friends all gushed about how beautiful she looked and whatnot. After the makeup artist was done, they all left her alone in her room.

Bilkisu smiled as she saw her reflection in the mirror. She then looked down at her phone knowing that they all must've received the message by now seeing that it's already half past 9. The nikah is by ten which means that Suhad and the others are on their way.

She sighed and closed her eyes. She hopes she wasn't making the wrong decision.

For a good cause...she convinced herself.

After one last sigh, she put on a determined look on her face before she walked out of her room. She slowly walked towards the direction of her father's study where she's sure all the others are waiting with her head held up high.

Just as she is a few feet away from the door, she spotted Suhad walking towards the direction too looking dashing in his white babbar riga, she couldn't help but smile. "You look dashing" she complimented once they were within earshot.

Suhad watched her with slightly narrowed eyes, "What are you doing Bilksiu?" he asked. He couldn't help but feel like she saw up to something shady.

Bilkisu chuckled and shook her head, "For once Suhad, trust me. I told you that I love you didn't I? I will never do anything to harm you" there was a double meaning to her words, and Suhad couldn't help but think that she knows.

"Bilkisu..." From the way he called her name, she knew he figured out what she knew. But, he didn't know the other part.

"Let's go in. They're all waiting for us" she didn't wait for him to answer. She offered him another warm smile before she held the door handle and pushed it open. After she stepped in, she left the door open for him to walk in. And, after a few seconds of cracking his brain, he walked in making everyone to rest their gaze on the two.

Suhad walked in and found a spot to stand while Bilkisu stood opposite them all.

"What's going on here?" Mamita asked, though anyone could tell that she's happy to see the two together. But, that didn't explain to her why she's called from her house to come to Bilkisu's house just a few minutes to the nikah.

"Yeah...what's going on?" This time it was Bilkisu's mother that spoke while Mai Martaba and her father kept quiet and waited for the girl to reply. Fatimah had a bored expression written all over her face. When she received the message, she didn't plan on coming but Mamita forced her so... Prince however, didn't understand why he got the message but nevertheless came to escort his best friend.

Bilkisu sighed as her gaze fell on them all, "I'm sorry to call in a short period of time. I know it's out of the blue but I'm really sorry" her gaze fell on Mai Martaba who offered her a small smile indicating that her apology is accepted.

That calmed her down slightly.

"I know this will sound somehow and might probably caused confusion but..."

"But what?" Mamita urged, "Is something wrong?"

Bilkisu blinked as her gaze on her would be mother in law, "I'm calling off my wedding with your son'

"What"

The place became eerily quiet that a pin drop could be heard. She knew they are all surprised beyond doubt especially Suhad but she couldn't bring herself to look at him.

Mamita scoffed in disbelief, "Bilkisu kinsan kuwa abunda kike cewa? (Bilkisu do you know what you're saying?)"

"Na sani" Bilkisu replied simply.

Mamita shook her head, "You can't be serious. Everything's done—"

"We'll return the bridal gift and money, down to the last cent. The wedding between I and Suhad is off and will never happen" Bilkisu said, her voice coming out stronger than she thought she could sound at the moment.

"What's your reason for doing this Bilkisu?" This time it is her father spoke.

"Dad I have my reasons. You always told me it's better to call of a wedding in the last minute than to make a mistake right?" she used his own words against him, and then she knew she won against him.

Her mother nodded as she offered her daughter a small smile. Since Bilkisu is their only child, they do everything for her and forgive her for anything she does, "If that's what you want then so be it"

Bilkisu smiled back at her mother.

Mamita massaged her temples as she shook her head before she turned and glared at the other family, "You do know that we have a list of events ready for the wedding right? Now you want to leave us without a bride so that we'll waste our money right?"

"Sa'eema that's enough" that was the first time Mai Martaba spoke, "She wants to call of the wedding, so be it. After, it's the happiness of these children that matters"

"But—"

"I'm not leaving you without a bride for your events" Bilkisu cut her off making Mamita throw her a deadly glare that will send her to an early grace.

"What do you mean?"

Bilkisu didn't waver nor look away though, she held Mamita's gaze, "You have a bride already"

Just as she said that, the door opened and in walked none other than Jannah.

Now that is what you call party after party.

~*~

Yoooooooo!

This is why I love Bilkisu!!!!!!!

What do you think will happen now?

Bakin ciki zai kasha Mamita.

And Big boss is Sarah and Saheeb's father. Who knew that Saheeb, as in Mrs. S is related to Big Boss? E shock you?

Man I love this chapter!

Did you add 'Dear Kulsum' to your library? If not what are you waiting for? Daily updates people!

My Maiduguri people where are you?? I'm looking for husband 😂😭 . Who will give me her cousin or brother. I'm not picky o😂😂but be someone as cool as the Waziris and we're solid😭😭❤ pleaseee help this abeg please!!!!😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 Please!!!!😭😭😭😭😭 Come on, let's be in laws now😂😂

Anyways.... Help a girl out.

Love, Jannah.