Saudah Kaamil Sayhan's POV
Flipping my long black silky hair back, it rested on my back as I ran my slender fingers over my many shades of lipstick letting it linger around matte oxblood, matte carmine and matte puce. The colors are the same but in different shades; I need one that will go with my look for today without any mistake.
After repeating the same action for some time, I finally picked up the shade I want; matte carmine, and applied it on my luscious lips. I tied my hair into a tight bun and smiled at my reflection in the mirror. My hair now looks lustrous raven black because of the gel, and I have to admit it looks beautiful.
My makeup is not too much, just the right amount but a little darker. It sure is representative because in the type of world I live in, image is everything. It all depends on how you carry yourself, whether or not you act with poise and talk with aplomb. It all depends on how you portray yourself to the community.
Don't get me wrong, it's not all snobby but just character.
I push a small button on the vanity table and a drawer pulled out slowly displaying my favorite set of jewelry. I picked out the pearl necklace that I love so much. I put on the studs, then the necklace and lastly the bracelet. I already have on my ring that I never take it off for some specific reasons.
With a satisfied smile on my face, I walked over to the section where my clothes are. The walk-in closet is divided into three sections. The clothes section, bags and shoes section and lastly, jewelry section. Let's just say the bag and shoes section is my personal favorite.
I picked out the gown I'm to wear. It is a mauve mermaid gown adorned with spangles and sequins with a V neck, long lace sleeve and a small train. I just love it so much because of the texture; smooth and silky. I removed the hanger and placed it on the hassock; before I took off the robe I had on and slipped into the gown.
Afterwards picked out my magnolia white veil and wrap it on; I'll maneuver the head tie there, it would be easier. With that, I wore my six inch stiletto to finish off the look. Reaching to where the bags are, I picked out a silver clutch and held it firmly in my hand.
I head back into my room and head to my queen-size bed. I picked up my Iphone 11 pro, not forgetting the keys to my Mercedes Benz which Ya Nabeel gifted me on my graduation day. Ever since then, I had always loved the car.
Walking out of my room, I walked down the spiral stairs carefully not wanting to take any chances in these heels. Immediately reaching downstairs, I head to the kitchen where I saw my mom and Jaleelah, cooking. My mom was so focused on what she was doing that she didn't notice my presence so I walked closer to her and hug her from behind, peeking at what she's preparing.
"Mama Bye, I have to go now" I said while she turned to face me and smiled lovingly at me. My mother is a Fulani woman. Her mother was a Fulani and so as her dad. Basically her entire family is Fulani while my father is a typical Hausa man but believe me when I say the way he acts and carry himself is nothing like how an average Arewa Hausa man would; no offence.
Nevertheless, Mama grew up in Jigawa before she met my dad when he went for Hajj and it was love at first sight. I and my elder brothers always laugh at how cliché their love story was whenever they tell us about it, which is a lot by the way. They might be old, with four children, but there's no day that you wouldn't see the love they have for each other and they never seize to show it. It's beautiful really.
Honestly, I don't believe in love at first sight, but my younger sister Falisha, believes it so much. Her life literally revolves around books and sappy soaps. She's like a younger version of me, except while she's a hopeless romantic, I couldn't care less about love, at least not anymore. Let's just say she still dreams about her Prince charming on a white horse to come and sweep her off her feet.
"Ok sweetheart, take care Ok?" She replied kissing my forehead.
"In shaa Allah Mama" I smiled hugging her one last time before turning to Jaleelah "Jaleelah, bye, I'm going now" I said to her while she flashed me a warm smile.
"Ok Adda Saudah. Adawo lafiya" she replied before I walked out. Jaleelah, or Jaly as I call her is a fifteen year old Fulani girl. Her mother works at my mom's family house so my mum and dad took her and pays for her education. She and her mother were so grateful that her mom said Jaleelah will work for us as a sign of gratitude which my parents declined. But, her mother and she were adamant, so she ended up helping mom around the house; she's like a little sister to me, just like Falisha and we never treat her differently.
Getting too the parking lot, I entered my Benz, made my way down the driveway and drove to my best friend, Hasinah's house. Today is her wedding event; she didn't even want any event at first. Actually she never did, since we were kids, but the groom's family wanted at least one event. So she agreed on today's event, which is the Bridal Party while tomorrow is the nikah.
She is finally getting hitched to the love of her life, Ahmad.
I can't believe this, it seems like it was just yesterday Syna and I were talking about our wedding during our high school days; you know those times when all you do is plan out your wedding that'll happen in the future.
Hasinah and I have been friends since kindergarten. We grew up together, she's my other half, literally, and we studied at the same kindergarten, junior high, high school and university, which by the way was in Southampton.
She and I factually know everything about each other, not to mention we fight a lot; but it's normal for friends to fight. While she always hopes to settle down one day with the one she truly loves, I always wanted to travel round the world, explore, and have as much fun as I want before the thought of settling down even comes to my mind.
So, it's safe to say, I am not getting hitched anytime soon.
I arrived at Syna's house 10min later. Her house is a little far from ours, besides I had stopped by my bakery to see how the cake is. I'm planning a bridal shower later, after the event. It's just I and some of our girl friends. And yes, I have my own bakery.
There are lots of stuff to know about me but the basics are I love travelling and taking pictures of the beautiful places I've been to, I also love cooking and baking, and my family are always my top priority, I'll do anything for my family.
Family is over everything.
I parked my car at the parking lot and entered the house greeting the elders around the house. Most of them are aunts, cousins, and grandparents whom I do not want to get on the wrong side of. I don't know why most old people are just naturally grumpy.
Almost everyone in her close family knows me just like my family knows her as well. That's why some people think we are related but we are really not. It's more of those old people tradition. You know that time when even your neighbor is your family; that's exactly what happened in this case.
I went to her Mom's room to greet her. I entered with a Salaam and saw about three ladies with her; each dressed in some fancy lace. I squat down and greeted them all knowing that if I don't, Mama will skin me alive. Besides, it's just culture and I love it.
"My daughter,ya kike,yaushe kika dawo? Ai kuwa kinga Hasinah bata cemun kindawo ba" She asked me smiling widely revealing her haqorin Makkah. The resemblance between Hasinah and her mother is quite alarming. I mean her mother is just like an older version of her but nevertheless the woman is the nicest.
"I'm fine Mamy, I came back just yesterday. Itama batasan nadawo ba. Ya harkan biki?" I asked politely smiling at her. She has been like my second mom and she doesn't treat me any different from her own daughter.
"Alhamdullilah biki kam, sai haquri. Welcome back my daughter," she turned to the woman sitting next to her who had been looking at me intently.
The woman is beautiful indeed; she was dressed in an ultramarine buba blouse and wrapper. Her head-tie in a simple motif, tied professionally. She's a bit slim and fair in complexion with round eyes, and high cheek bone. Believe me she doesn't look a day over 40."Hajiya Hafsa, this is Hajiya Fatima's daughter, Saudah; the one that was studying abroad with Hasinah"
The woman that has just been addressed as Hajiya Fatima smiled sweetly at me "Masha Allah, Fatima has such a beautiful daughter. Saudah how are you my dear?" She asked and she really seems genuine with her question.
"I'm fine ma'am" I replied bashfully looking down at my fingers. I'm always shy around new people, especially adults. I don't know why though but there's just something about them.
She scrunches her face looking a bit funny "Oh please, just call me Anty Hafsa Ok? Ma'am makes me feel like an old woman on a wheelchair"
