Chapter 17: The Dan-Musas.

It was a sunny Saturday. Upon this sunny day, amid the bonny waving winds, crepuscular visions evaporated into white brilliant cloud, there comes real space for dreaming.
Through her bedroom window was the ever-changing art of the sky, the clouds that brought infinite images of beauty. There was something in that feeling of gratitude, for all those gifts given so freely, all for spending a moment gazing into the blue. So, in those autumn mornings, as she rested in bed, waiting for the perfect time to get up, she watched the cloud patterns no eye has ever seen before or will again. Come the dawn it was the same, such a casual beauty, transitory and eternal, changing and constant.
Today was the day she meets the Dan-Musas – her in-laws, if she'd admit. Whenever the thought crosses her mind, she grimaced and her heart drops to her stomach. What if she wasn't the type they want for their son? What if she doesn't reach their standard? How'd she even fit in with a rich family like that?
Those questions are the reason why she hasn't even told her parents about Mahir yet. She wanted to meet his family first – make sure they accept her before she goes ahead and announce it to her parents.
She couldn't bare going through embarrassment twice – his family rejecting her and her family shaming her for lying to them about Mahir the son of Adam Sani Dan-Musa proposing to her. She knew they'd flip if they find out he's the one looking for her hand in marriage. Maybe they might not even believe her until they see him.
'Bestie!" Madina exclaimed, walking into the room. Her smile dropped when she met Bushra still in bed. 'Why are you still in bed, Bushra? It's past 12noon. I thought you're meeting the Dan-Musas at 2pm?" She moved to the bed and dragged the quilt away, exposing Bushra's body.
Bushra whined and covered her face with one of her pillows. 'I don't feel like going anymore," she mumbled under the pillow. 'I mean, what if I am not what they expect? What if I don't reach their level of standard?" Madina rolled her eyes as she mimicked Bushra with her hand. 'Boring!" She grabbed Bushra by her wrist and pulled her out of the bed.
'You're worth being committed to. Never let anybody make you feel like you are less deserving than another. And you're beautiful. I don't want you to ever forget this. You are far more loved than you could ever imagine. Now go take a shower and come get ready to meet your in-laws." Madina pushed her towards the bathroom door.
Madina brought out some dresses from her closet to try on. She stared at them intensely – she wasn't sure if Bushra was going to like any of the three. The first one was a blue-black and golden skirt and blouse lace – second one was a purple and silver mix lace with atamfa – and the last one was a boubou white lace with pink flower patterns.
'What's all this?" Bushra asked when she sauntered out of the bathroom, all cleaned up. She looked at the outfits Madina brought out. There wasn't a single outfit Bushra didn't like. She beamed just as she looked at the outfits. 'Which one should I wear?" Bushra asked her eyes still glued to the three outfits.
'This – it will make you look more classy and beautiful." She pointed at the pink boubou. Bushra shrugged and moved to her dressing mirror. She was okay with whichever Madina chose.
'How do I even approach them? What do I say? Or do I start the conversations?" She was sitting on the vanity stool, anxiously gaping at Madina for answers. Madina chuckled softly – whenever Bushra was nervous, it was unquestionably something colossal.
'No, Bushra. You don't do that. Firstly, you greet them with full of respect – secondly, you do not make the conversation, that kind of rich people don't talk much while they eat or whatever. If they don't say a word, you're expected not to say anything. Just eat your meal and enjoy it. And be careful with your chosen answers, okay?" Madina pointed out Bushra nodded hesitatingly.
They prayed Dhuhr before Bushra got dressed in her outfit and settled down to get glammed up by Madina who forced her into it. 'I told you it's just going to be a simple glam," she assured her as she unboxes Bushra's makeup kit. Bushra rolled her eyes, mumbling under her breath and that didn't stop Madina from doing what she intended to at the first place.
Shortly, Madina was done with her face. It was a simple makeup that you could go anywhere with without having the fear of people looking at you cumbersomely. Bushra looked at herself in the mirror. She shoulder-shrugged and got to her feet. She didn't want to admit that she liked her makeup to avoid hearing ‘I told you so' from Madina.
'I'll just pretend like you didn't like the makeup," she uttered and smirked, her arms folded over her chest. Bushra chuckled – how could she not give her credit?
'You did an amazing job, Madina. I appreciate you for always being here for me and supporting me. You're such an angel." She embraced her best friend in a tight embrace. What would her life be without Madina? Madina giggled and hugged her back. For one thing, Madina loves taking credits, especially from someone like Bushra.
Bushra secured her head tie and sprayed a usual amount of perfume on her outfit and veil, and anywhere she's believed to. She walked over to her full-length mirror which was by the window. She looked at herself and did a little twirl. 'How do I look?" She asked gleefully. She was feeling all sorts of pleasure in her. But deep down, the edginess was there. 'Like a billion-dollar coin. Priceless!" Madina commented, grinning from ear to ear. 'Thanks?" Bushra muttered quizzically.
Her phone chimed from her side drawer. Her stomach dropped when Mahir's name popped up. 'He's calling," she mouthed, staring at the phone. 'Well… pick up!" Madina urged her. Her heart did a somersault as she picked up the phone from her side drawer and received the call.
'I believe you're ready because I'm already at the gate waiting," he said from the other end of the phone. 'I'll be out in a minute," she retorted and he ended the call. That was insolent; Bushra mused to herself.
'Where are you going to tell Aunty you're going?" Madina asked inquisitively. 'Oh, aunty went to a naming ceremony and also Yasmin's house and Baba is out with Sadiq to his poultry farm in Kuje. So, basically they're all busy throughout the day… I hope." She explained, heading to her bag hanger and choosing a matching color. Madina shrugged and got to her feet.
They both headed out of Bushra's room and moved out. 'Call me as soon as you come home and I need details!" Madina exclaimed and gave her a quick side hug before hopping into her car and leaving. Bushra heaved a sigh and walked over to the gate. His car was parked right out the gate.
He looked up from his phone and settled his gaze on her. His face softened as a smile escaped his lips. She looked stunning, he thought. He couldn't argue with the fact that she was attractive but he was never going to announce that to her apparently.
She opened the car door and entered. He looks at her for a moment. 'Shall we?" He voiced out and she nodded without glancing at him.
Bushra let's out a shaky breath to calm the panic. She was anxious about meeting his parents. Maybe she overdressed. Maybe she should've gotten them a gift – how could a pitiable person like her possibly get them anything when they could afford everything they wanted? Why did she even agree to meet them at the first place? She should've said no and wait till after the wedding.
Her stomach churned and she felt sick for the brief moment.
'Nervous? Don't be," he spoke with a voice of comfort and assurance. 'I don't know what you did but my mother loves you already – it's weird, because she has never gotten excited about any of the girls my father wanted me to marry like she is about you."
'Well, maybe because she knows you chose your own spouse without your father helping. And maybe because she thought you're in love with the girl you chose," she told him despite the fact that she was trying to keep herself sane.
He chuckled softly – he agrees with what she said. His mother thinks that he has finally fallen in love because it was something rare, not since university. And it has been almost 10 years since he bought a girl home. It was something to celebrate about, but only except the part where he does not have an ounce of feelings for Bushra and he sensed she doesn't like him also. He was okay with it, it was even much easier for him. No strings attached – get married, find the one he truly loves before the end of the contract, split and marry the one he wants to spend his life with. Not Bushra…
'Andd… we are here," he announced, swerving the steering wheel towards the enormous ironed-black gate. Bushra watched as the security man opened the gate and a mammoth mansion came into view. It was all concrete and tall glass windows. Huge car space with so many cars she never thought to see in real life, water fountain largely sitting in the middle of the house compound. Bushra's eyes couldn't stop wandering around the loveliness of the house. It has so many things that she had seen on tv or maybe had seen it elsewhere before.
'You can admire the house after you meet my parents, but for now, let's head in. They're waiting." He alights from the car, leaving her in awe. If she had resisted herself from gushing at the house, he wouldn't have said such bunkum to her.
She came down from the car and followed him into the house, her head ducked.
Two men standing by a mahogany wooden French door opened the door as they approached. Bushra raised her head to look at them – they must be their butlers, she thought. They sauntered into a large living room that made her to wonder if she was still stepping the ground of her country.
It was a huge living room that has a modern design. A modern fireplace that stands out perfectly. Huge, floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
'Wait here," he told her and walks towards the hallway. She heaved a sigh and settled down on the soft royal chair. Her heart was beating as though it would fall out of her chest. Bushra was terrified, not only because of what his family might think of her – the thought of meeting them alone was haunting her inside. She exhaled, releasing some of the tension that had built up in her chest.
She slowly shifted her head up for the first time since she settled down. She gazed at the wall frame of Mahir and his parents. She couldn't help but smile – his mother was beautiful, her warm smile alone could assure Bushra the woman was nice. She hoped they get along just as she wants it to be.
'Salamu Alaikum. Ah, Masha Allah – is this my daughter in-law? So beautiful, Masha Allah." Hajiya Aisha approached her. Bushra looks at her as her stomach did a somersault. She slowly got to her feet, her knees almost giving up on her due to anxiety. 'Come please." Hajiya Aisha engulfed her in a warm embrace. Bushra felt relieved.
'Good Afternoon, Hajiya." Bushra went on her knees. She had almost lost her ability of speech.
'Oh, please get up. And call me Mommy, okay? You're now part of us, All right?" Hajiya Aisha assured her with a smile. Bushra had her head ducked. She smiled sheepishly; never dared to raise her eyes and look at the woman.
'Mommy, where's Abba?" Mahir asked as he walked back into the living room. He looked at them, brows crooked. 'He's in his guest room with some guests but he'll be here soon. Bushra, please sit down I'll be right back, okay?" Hajiya Aisha couldn't contain the contentment she was experiencing at the moment. Envision when her only son finally gets married.
She excused herself and left the living room. Mahir made sure she had left before turning his gaze to Bushra. He smirked as he approached her.
He settled down on the three-seater she was sitting on, keeping a sensible space between them. 'I told you my mother likes you—lucky you." He spoke awe-stricken. Bushra smiled as she gazed at him. He didn't return a smile, and she wasn't bothered. She smiled because of his comment after all. 'I'm glad she does," she mouthed and averted her gaze from him.
'Do not be proud yet, wait until my father meets you." He rose to his feet and exited the living room. She looks at his retreating back in awe. He always finds a way of ruining her happy moments. What a cruel man, she mused to herself.
For all she knew, fathers don't usually have problems with their daughter in-laws. It was always the mother in-law, Bushra could say she has passed the test – almost.
Few minutes later, Hajiya Aisha walks back, together with a man in his late 60s that looked so much like Mahir. It was his father, she mused. Alhaji Adam gave her a welcoming smile. 'You must be Bushra, Mahir's fiancée?" His voice also sounded like Mahirs'– they were the exact description of copy and paste.
'Yes, Abba. Good afternoon," she greeted just as she got to her knees. Her heart was hammering so loud, it made it hard for her to focus. She felt lightheaded – there was fifty percent chance she might pass out.
'Get up and sit down please. I hope you're doing great." Bushra did as he said and nodded her head, she couldn't raise her head to look at them nor could she speak. Was it normal to be that nervous when meeting your In-laws for the first time?
'Abba, you're here. I was just from your guest house and Garba told me you came here. Good Afternoon." He approached them, smiling. He looks at Bushra that was timidly fiddling with her hands. 'So, you've met Bushra already."
'Indeed, I have. You do know how to choose a beautiful wife, just like your old man," Alhaji Adam teased as he patted Mahir's shoulder. Mahir scratched the back of his head as he smiled sheepishly. She's beautiful, he admits. And it was one of the reasons why he chose her to be his wife.
'Common, Bushra, don't mind these two. Let's go to the dining hall, Lunch is ready. When you two are done bragging about whatever it is that you're bragging about, you can join us at the table." Hajiya Aisha left the vast, modern living room together with Bushra.
They walked into the dining area which had a huge glass-top table paired nicely with plexiglass chairs. Bushra couldn't fight the urge to keep her head down – she looked around the elegant room. Two maids were standing by the end corner of the room waiting to serve them. Above them was a glimmering chandelier that was as big as the one Bushra spotted in the living room and other sitting rooms they've passed before getting to the dining area.
'Sit anywhere you want and make yourself comfortable," Hajiya Aisha urged her. Bushra smiled sheepishly – she felt embarrassed to be caught gushing at their outstanding core. She couldn't resist not admiring the interior. Everything screamed luxury.
She settled down same time Mahir and his father walked in, laughing about something that his father had said. She looks at Mahir and he vulgarly averted his eyes from meeting hers instantly. Bushra ducked her head and scoffed lowly. It was her fault for thinking he'd give her an assuring smile or do something uplifting.
Alhaji settled down on his usual sit while Mahir took a sit beside Bushra and she took a quick glimpse at him. There were about twelve or more extra seats he could take but he chose to sit next to her and make her feel miserable. His cologne made things shoddier for her. She shuts her eyes close for a moment and heaved a sigh – it helped with the panic and the fuzziness she was feeling.
'What would you like to eat, dear? We have shredded chicken with Arabian rice, grilled chicken with pasta in tomato sauce and mixed veggies, and then beef in oyster sauce with oriental rice." The maids opened the food warmers and soon, the place was soon filled with delightful aroma. Bushra's tummy roiled she could already feel her mouth getting watery despite the fact that she was tensed.
'Uh, anything is okay with me," she said politely and Hajiya Aisha shook her head. 'Feel free, Bushra. You are one of us now, okay? Or do you want me to send him out?" She spoke mischievously. Bushra lowered her gaze and chuckled fretfully.
'What did I do? I didn't stop her from choosing what she wants to eat. Or did I?" He uttered, looking at Bushra for confirmation. She smiled again; head ducked. 'no, he didn't. the Arabian rice will be okay," she said in a low but audible tone. All she wanted was to get over with the day and find herself in her bed pouncing over what was happening now.
The room carried a happy vibe interwoven with the aroma of their meal together. The family exchanged words as they have their meal. Bushra could barely take a bite of her meal, her throat was tied up and her taste buds had abruptly gone AWOL.
Mahir nudged her with his shoulder when his parents were distracted. He made a sign with his face and she knew he meant for her to eat. 'Oh, don't force this girl to eat. Mind your business and eat your food," Hajiya Aisha reproached. He didn't realize she had seen what he did. Mahir smiled shamefacedly and ducked his head.
'Honey, eat up your food, okay?" Hajiya Aisha said in her comforting tone and gave Bushra's hand a light squeeze. Bushra smiled as she nodded.
After lunch, they were still at the dining area while the maids cleared the table. All Bushra wished for was to hear Mahir announce they were leaving, but instead, he relaxed and brought out his phone. She took a glimpse at him, feeling the urge to smack his fine face. Hasn't he seen how uncomfortable she was? Or was he doing that on purpose?
'So, where did you two meet? I have been dying to find out this incredible story of my son finding his soulmate." Hajiya Aisha spoke cheerfully. It was still hard to believe that Bushra was sitting before them and she's going to be her son's wife.
The two of the shared a look. Why haven't they talked about that before announcing? What were they going to say? Bushra couldn't lie, she couldn't lie about loving someone she hates. She almost grimaced at the thought of telling someone that she likes Mahir.
'At work… Abba, she… she's our company account manager and we…" he lets the words to fade. That was the only thing he could come up with. He looks at Bushra for help. She was also involved after all. 'Yes, and we worked together and then… now, we're here," she said and let out a nervous chuckle.
Alhaji Adam and his wife shared a look at they smiled. 'Well, that's wonderful. You are doing a fantastic work, Bushra. We really appreciate the effort you're putting on helping the company," Alhaji Adam commented. Bushra lowered her gaze, blushing profusely. Thank you, Abba," she mouthed.
'Mommy, Abba… I have to take her home now because I have a meeting with – some of my friends and we planned to meet up immediately after asr." He got to his feet as he read the time on his watch. It was almost prayer time.
'Oh, so soon? She has barely spent two hours, Mahir. Why don't you just go and come back, you'll take her home when you're back," Hajiya Aisha suggested. She wanted to get to know Bushra more – and she also had so many things she wanted to ask her. One of the many questions was; why did she choose to be with her son, Mahir? She knew how grumpy and bossy Mahir could be. Not any girl could be patient enough to choose to stay with him, no matter how rich or good-looking he was. Some might do it for the money, but she could feel that Bushra was different – her son would never choose her if she wasn't good enough for him. But she still had to make sure.
'C'mon, mommy. We aren't married yet, remember? Wait until that and you can spend as much time as you want with your daughter in-law. But, for now, she's still under her parents, not me. Right, Abba?" He looks at his father for backup. He nodded his head in agreement. Maybe Hajiya Aisha was a little overjoyed with meeting Bushra.
She nodded her head, not conceived. Bushra didn't know she had held her breath ever since his mother asked him to leave her and go. How could she cope when he leaves?
'Well… I guess you're right," she admitted as she looked at Bushra smiling. Bushra got to her feet to bid them goodbye. 'Just give me a minute." Hajiya Aisha told them and excused herself.
She bid Alhaji Adam goodbye and followed Mahir out. He led the way to an entirely altered path to the exit. Bushra wondered how many exits they had. They waited by the exit door as Hajiya Aisha came out from a door, holding a large white leather that had Namshi Shop written on it.
Bushra's eyes widened as she gapes at Mahir. He shrugs and headed out through the exit door. 'This is for you, My dear. It nothing much but please don't say no, okay?" She took Bushra's hand and shoved the white leather in her hand. 'Thank you so much, Mommy. I really appreciate it. And thank you for your hospitality. Allah saka da alkhairi." Bushra could feel her heart melting with joy. This alone could tell her she was becoming one of them.
'Ameen Ameen, my dear. Please take care of yourself. I'll ask Mahir for your number. May Allah bless and protect you both." She pulled her in a nice and tight embrace. Bushra's breath was taken away, not from the squeeze, but from the affection Mahir's mother was showering her with.
She accompanied them to his car before they bid each other goodbye. On their way home, Bushra couldn't stop herself from smiling at the flashbacks she keeps getting. The meeting turned out to be better than she expected it to be.
'Don't tell me you're smiling over a meagre gift. Haven't you ever received a gift before? How did you react when I sent you those gifts?" He spoke unflappably, his eyes glued to the road.
She snapped her head towards him in disbelief. A look of great bitterness swept across her face as irritation rushed up inside her. How could he possibly think that little of her? worldly stuff was the last thing Bushra could worry herself about. 'You know I am the last person that would give a damn about whatever it is that's in your emptied, air head. And it is one of the reasons why you chose me to be your wife. You better shut up and respect yourself because I will not sit and watch you insult me like that!" Bushra bellowed furiously. Her heart was racing as though it was on a marathon. She hissed loudly and glared at him before looking away.
He furrowed his brows and clenched his fist on the wheel angrily. He felt his temperature rising and his face was getting hot. The last thing Mahir would want to hear was someone hissing at him – especially from a girl. A girl like Bushra. It was one of the reasons why he never shows his weakness to a girl or even a bit of feelings. There always has to be disrespect involved. And now he has to sit there and take it from a girl he doesn't even have an ounce of feeling for.
The rest of the drive to her house was a silent one. She left the leather Hajiya Aisha gave her and dropped down from the car, furiously closing the door hard. He looks at her and clicked on his tongue before stepping on the gas.
Bushra saunters through the gate and encountered with her father and Sadiq standing in the mid of the compound.
Baba glared at her silently while trying to keep his level of anger. 'Who just dropped you now? Where are you coming from?" He scanned her from head to toe.
She took two small steps back. Terror sucked the very breath from her mouth. This was bad! Her father's facial expression was everything to panic about.
What if her father changes his mind and calls her uncles to have the wedding nikkah tonight or the next day? What if he disagrees if she tells him about Mahir? She had the intention of telling him tonight but now she wasn't sure how he was going to react if she told him.
'Bushra, tell me where you're coming from before I pounce on you right now!"
She collapsed on the floor, dejected, swollen with emotions and realizations of his fate.