Nilefa: The Union

CHAPTER 38

The groom's team was leading in the first three chukkers, with three goals to none. The players were entertaining. Their skillful technique in scoring the goals back-to-back kept the crowd booming. They cheered loudly, waving their mini-flags and whistling.
 
The bride's team took over during the second half, beating the groom's team 4-3. It couldn't be more thrilling when the umpire blew the final whistle in full force. The players rode off the pitch to take the ponies to the grooms.
 
The bride's supporters ran onto the pitch in celebration, waving their pink mini-flags vigorously. Baby was the team's bride. She threw confetti as all the girls danced to the music the DJ turned on.
 
Yasmeen stood up from her chair, clapping in excitement. Abdulsalam just watched her. She turned and stuck her tongue out at him, rubbing his nose at his team's defeat. Abdulsalam smiled, knowing she wanted him to react. Seeing how happy she was, the defeat was worth it.
 
They sat in a row with the other spectators, next to each other. It was just as he imagined—only she had gloves on and her hair was fully covered. It was a relief that no man got to see her in that state because he would be forced to disfigure any man who stared.
 
Yasmeen didn't pay attention to him. She seemed to be engrossed in the match. He'd tried a few times to initiate conversations, but they eventually died down. At one point, he prayed that it would begin to rain so he wouldn't have to endure the rest of the time.
 
"Well congratulations. I lost, you won." Abdulsalam extended his hand for a congratulatory handshake. Meena hesitantly took it, her eyes not leaving Kolo's glaring ones. 
 
It was the second time he'd held her hand today. First when he was helping her off the car, and now.
 
"We won." She flashed him a melting smile. "Let's share the victory."
 
Abdulsalam begrudgingly let go of her hand when Kassim came to invite them to come up to the platform for the award presentation. 
 
Abdulsalam was asked to decorate the champions with gold medals. The cameras flashed as he did. He was then asked to present his bride with the trophy. Yasmeen was asked to make a speech.
 
"Assalamualaikum. Um, I don't know what to say," Yasmeen laughed. Her voice was shaking. "My days! This is my first time watching Polo, and I cannot believe how exciting it was. I may not be an expert or someone who's been watching this kind of sport, but I think this is the most entertaining match ever, and I am glad it was held to honor our wedding." She said this, glancing at Abdulsalam, who was standing next to her.
 
"I would also like to thank all the players. Both the team bride and the team groom. You have entertained us greatly. You made this day for us. I would also like to give my special thanks to the champion of the match. My champion, Kassim, who did everything to make this a success, scored two of the bride's goals. Thank you so much."
 
Kassim nodded in acknowledgement, his right hand on his chest. Abdulsalam glared at him, to which he responded with a provocative wink. He called on Abdulsalam to say something too. He refused at first, but Kassim insisted.
 
"Okay. It is a beautiful experience being here with you today." He gestured to the crowd. "Kassim, you did a great job. Thank you. The players, the ponies, and everyone who is with us today that saw to the success of this game, I cannot thank you enough. I wish the players all the best in the forthcoming championship game. Thank you."
 
Kassim came forward and took the mic. He delivered a brief speech, thanking the players for coming and dedicating the match to the soon-to-be newlyweds. He then moved on to present the grand prize to the bride. 
 
A beautiful Palomino, leashed and saddled. Its long blonde mane is tossed to one side. It stood tall, taking all the glory on the field for itself.
 
There was no word—word enough—to describe the look on Yasmeen's face. She was in awe of the creature's size and beauty.
 
Kassim led Yasmeen to the horse. Abdulsalam was behind her. She leapt off the platform before she was warned not to frighten the horse.
 
"She is the finest of her breed in Arabia." Kassim grinned. 
 
"She's beautiful."
 
"Come on. Say hello."
 
"How do I... what?"
 
Abdulsalam stepped forward, stood behind her, and took her gloved hand in his.
 
"Touch her."
 
He guided their joined hands to the horse's muzzle. It responded by bumping back against them. Yasmeen jerked her hand away, frightened. Sensing her fear, Abdulsalam stepped closer behind her, holding her hand in place.
 
"Don't be afraid. She likes you." He whispered. He felt her hand relax in his.
 
Kassim moved away to give them more room. He grabbed the leash and stood on the side.
 
Everything went quiet for a moment. Yasmeen was lost in the beauty in front of her, which she was now in possession of. She wasn't aware of his proximity until he let go of her hand. She bumped against his chest as she stepped backward. The horse nudged closer. Her heart raced as her fingers grazed the horse's red coat.
 
"Don't frighten her. Ease her in." He said. He did not move an inch. Her back was flush against his. She could feel his warm breath fanning her face. Yasmeen tensed her muscles to prevent any form of movement. 
 
The crowd continued to clap and take pictures. They were in the perfect stance for a portrait. With the horse standing gracefully with them, they looked like royalty.
 
"Yaa, Yasmeen, can I get a ride?" The baby cried, drawing the couple's attention. She was holding her phone up, obviously capturing the moment on camera. Yasmeen nodded in response, flashing her a smile. With an abundance of eyes on them, she struggled to keep herself from fleeing the scene.
 
Yasmeen's face was flushed. The look on her face was priceless; Abdulsalam couldn't help but enjoy it. He took a step back, asking if she would want to ride on it.
 
"I would, but I am not dressed for it."
 
"We can get you something to change into or-..."
 
"It's okay. I can take her riding her another time."
 
Abdulsalam nodded, his eyes not leaving hers. When Kassim asked if the horse could be taken back to the stables, he just gave him a brief nod. 
 
They watched the horse as it retreated reluctantly. Yasmeen was already longing for it. It was the first animal she'd gotten as a present. She didn't know whom to thank for this wonder.
 
"I can't believe Kassim won me a horse."
 
Abdulsalam gave her a sullen look, and Yasmeen wondered what the cause of his displeasure was with what she just said.
 
"What is it?" Yasmeen was concerned. "Does it bother you that..."
 
"The horse is my gift to you." He crooned out.
 
Yasmeen was dumbstruck. Abdulsalam had been acting differently lately. She was not complaining, but if she were to be told three months ago that Abdulsalam would get her a horse as a gift, she would strike the person right across the face.
 
This wasn't the rude Abdulsalam whom she'd blackmailed before he'd taken her out. It wasn't the man who'd always yelled at her who had come into her home to warn her about his girlfriend.
 
This was the man she'd met at that family dinner. The man she'd lost herself in. His eyes were deep and demanding as they bore into hers, just like the other night. He'd just given her a horse. He didn't have to, but he did. 
 
Yasmeen opened her mouth. " Why?"
 
"I thought you liked it."
 
"I do," she sang. "I don't understand. Nevermind. Thank you."
 
She said, smiling, before looking down at her shoes, which were now stained with mud.
 
"Yasmeen." Her name sounded appropriate on his lips. "I want us to be friends. 
 
"We are friends." Yasmeen faced him. "You do not have to buy me a horse to prove that."
 
"I know." He said," I am asking you to be my friend. Not the kind of friendship we've shared before where we take everything funny. I want us to be serious about this friendship. I want you to stand by me through thick and thin."
 
Yasmeen was sure she heard him right. She hoped this wasn't real, but it was. It couldn't be more real when his hands were on both her elbows. She could feel the depth of his words, and his heart was bare in front of her; she could not unsee it. 
 
"Days will come when being with me will be insufferable, but I want you to have faith in me. Trust in me, for I will never hurt you on purpose."
 
It was a reaffirmation in advance on Abdulsalam's end about the possible alliance with Kubra, but it was far from that for Yasmeen. He just vowed never to hurt her. Not on purpose. It felt serious to her. Almost sacred. She could see the severity brimming in his eyes.
 
When he dropped her off at home, she couldn't help but dwell on what Abdulsalam had told her. She'd barely recovered from his overboard gesture with the horse, and now this.
 
She suddenly felt guilty about the basis of her consenting to the marriage. She didn't know what she was signing up for when she said yes. She knew she needed to go back to Leeds. She wanted to meet her best friend's baby, attend the professor's farewell party, come back to Nilefa, and continue living. It was supposed to be easy, but she'd just realized that it wasn't. She was so desperate to leave that she'd forgotten that another person's feelings were involved in it.
 
Wasn't he supposed to hate her at this point? A while ago, he hated the idea of this wedding. He'd tried to cancel it on more than one occasion. That was the plan—to be in a hateful marriage with boundless freedom. What changed?
 
She was at her lowest when reality hit her. She stood in front of the mirror and looked at herself. She was a bride. The henna, her glowing skin, and the way she smelled—it all screamed, bride. Being a bride didn't only mean looking like one; it meant actually being one. And she'd just realized that it was too late to go back.
 
"What have I done?" Yasmeen covered her face with her henna-dotted palms.
 
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Hauwa Sadiq sat in the hall with the rest of the women. She'd brought gifts with her for the Kare Sap (traditional bridal shower). The gifts were kept on the veranda, where all other gifts were kept for people to see, as per tradition. 
 
She saw Ruwaya roaming about the hall, and when she asked for Aishe, she was shown to the room where she was upstairs. She went in, greeting Aishe first, before moving on to greet Hajju and Aishe's sisters.
 
"Is there anything you would like me to help with?." Hauwa asked, ignoring the murmurs from the other women.
 
"I am afraid everything's being handled. You can find somewhere to sit among your fellow aunts."
 
Hauwa watched Aishe walk out of the room. She went after her into the kitchen. Aishe just stood alone in there, doing nothing. The door was open, so Hauwa just went in.
 
"I am glad Habeeb is back safe. I was worried something-..."
 
"My son is fine; thank God for that," Aishe cut in. "I know you helped in locating him. I cannot thank you enough for that, but that does not mean that you can show up in my house and suddenly assume a role you are not welcome to play."
 
Hauwa observed Aishe like she was a piece of a puzzle she was trying to understand. She was far from accommodating at the moment, but she was calm. Unlike the first time they'd met, when Aishe had barely said a word to her, this encounter was an improvement.
 
"Forgive me if it looked like it. I did not mean to intrude. I just felt obligated to help find Habeeb. He is my son too; I had to do something."
 
"Good. You have done enough." Aishe began to leave the kitchen.
 
"Let me help you with something. I could take the boys off your hands for a few days till you get less busy." Aishe halted halfway through the door.
 
"No thanks." Aishe grounded out, avoiding any further conversation.
 
"I have plenty of time on my hands these days. I will be glad to be with them once more. I've missed them since they've left the house."
 
Aishe came back in, closing the door behind her. She stood less than a meter from Hauwa, facing her. Her expression was not calm this time.
 
"Leave my sons in your care? I have not forgotten how my son was put in danger under your watch. Anything could have happened that night; I could have lost Sadiq."
 
"I did everything I had to do to keep him safe. One of my best men was with him." Said in her defense.
 
"You shouldn't have let him leave to begin with."
 
"I understand how you feel, but believe me, I tried my best. Sadiq refused to"
 
"Would you have let him go if he were your son? You do not know what it feels like to be a mother. How could you possibly understand?"
 
"I am sorry, Aishe. You may not understand, but I know how it feels to be a mother. You might know better than me what it feels like to have a son, but I know what it's like to lose one. I lost my son the same night he came into this world." Hauwa fought the tears surging in her eyes.
 
"I would never wish for my worst enemy the pain of losing a child," Hauwa said in a soft voice, her eyes red. "I love these children. Spending the last Ramadan with them was one of the best times I've had. I would never allow any harm to come to them."
 
Aishe's face was straight; her features had softened. Something broke in her as Hauwa spoke. If it was difficult for her to just listen to her story, she imagined how telling it could be. She battled the urge to hug Hauwa. She almost broke down, but a stronger feeling stopped her. Anger. Jealousy. Pride.
 
She faced the other way as Hauwa carried her handbag, leaving the kitchen. Aishe stood quiet and still. No one had told her that Hauwa had lost a son. It was the worst pain imaginable, and she felt terrible that she'd brought up the incident with Sadiq. 
 
Aishe knew it was not Hauwa's fault. She knew how stubborn Sadiq was; he would only do what he wanted, but she couldn't bring herself to owe Hauwa anything, especially when it involved her children.
 
She refused to admit to herself that Hauwa was right. The children were a handful, and with the wedding going on, she wasn't sure she could keep an eye on Sadiq, especially now that Habeeb was back. She needed help, but not from her.
 
Hauwa was already snatching her place with her youngest son, Amir. He would do nothing but talk about Aunt Hauwa and how sweet she was. She'd replaced her in the family picture last Eid. Hauwa had actively helped in finding Habeeb while she had no clue what to do. Aishe could not give her the joy of feeling like the most important member of the family.
 
Yasmeen was her only daughter, and she was not going to let anyone share her place. Speaking of Yasmeen...
 
Aishe went to Yasmeen's room, where she found her brushing her hair. Kolo was applying incense to Yasmeen's hair while Aunt Ruwaya and Raihan argued about the horse Yasmeen had received. Raihan thought it would've been better if he'd given her a car, while Aunt Ruwaya argued that the gesture with the horse was unbeatable.
 
"It's not like she's ever going to ride it." Raihan shrugged.
 
"And who told you that? Yasmeen already has a car." Aunt Ruwaya looked Yasmeen in the eye. "You are riding that horse."
 
Yasmeen was quiet. She wasn't in the mood to side with any of them, not with the current mental state she was in. 
 
"Mummy," Yasmeen said, cutting the argument short. "
 
"Auntie Would you rather have a car or a horse in this era?" Raihan asked as Aishe stepped deeper into the room. ""
 
"What are you talking about?" Aishe frowned in confusion.
 
"The young man gifted her a horse." Aunt Ruwaya spoke like an excited child.
 
"It's all over social media. See?" Raihan showed Aishe the pictures. "When he could have bought her a decent car with the money,"
 
Aishe had almost forgotten what Yasmeen had gone out for. She saw no excitement on Yasmeen's face while everyone talked about it, but that wasn't what she came for.
 
"Was your aunt here?" Yasmeen knew which aunt she was talking about.
 
 
"No," Yasmeen answered absently.
 
It was a shock to the people in the room that Aishe had just asked after Hauwa, except for Raihan, who tried to revive the unsettled argument.
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