04/09/2025
CLASSIC NOVELS
BENEATH THE SURFACE
Episode 81
Decorated with flowing white drapes, the wedding venue glowed in the rays of sunlight. Rows of chairs sat neatly in the hall, with garlands of roses weaving across the pillars. The scent of local delicacies filled the air, mingling with the sweet fragrance of petals.
At the front,AbdulRofiu’s family were seated with pride glistening in their eyes as they watched their son prepare to take his bride. They wore deep emerald green, a regal complement to the warmth of the ceremony.The groom himself stood at the front, dressed in an elegant cream agbada, embroidered with gold threads. His turban sat perfectly, crowning him like a royal prince.
Yasir and his mother, Madam Salma, had arrived early. He wore a soft smile and sat beside Baba Agba and Mrs. Giwa, representing the bride’s family. Baba Agba, beaming like a proud grandfather, leaned lightly on his cane.
Then, the bride appeared. She was dressed in a beautiful creamy gown, her hijab flowing gracefully behind her
Gasps of admiration rippled through the crowd as she joined AbdulRofiu at the topseat.
The cleric began the ceremony with the recitation from the Qur’an. He reminded all that marriage is not just a union of bodies, but of souls, destined by Allah SWT which goes beyond human's imagination.
Then he raised his hands and prayed “Barakallahu lakuma wa baraka ‘alaykuma wa jama’a baynakuma fi khayr.
أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ إِذَا رَفَّأَ الإِنْسَانَ إِذَا تَزَوَّجَ قَالَ: بَارَكَ اللَّهُ لَكَ وَبَارَكَ عَلَيْكَ وَجَمَعَ بَيْنَكُمَا فِي خَيْرٍ
"May Allah bless you and send blessings upon you, and bring goodness between you two."
Emotions ranged from pride and contentment to nostalgia and bittersweet sentiments, as the parents were called upon to give heartfelt prayers for the couples.Before Mrs Giwa could reach out for a piece of handkerchief, a few drop of tears had betrayed her. The gathering became a solemn one.
Witnesses signed the papers, du’as were made, and the couple were officially husband and wife.
Food was abundant. The guests were treated to a sumptuous feast,with an array of delicious meals and refreshing drinks. They all ate and drank to their satisfaction.
When Maghrib call echoed, the ceremony ended with the distribution of gifts and recitation of prayers for the success of the union. It was such a memorable event, one that would remain evergreen in the memory of the families.
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Zahirah felt enthusiastic and fulfilled .
The joy of finally being with the man her heart had quietly leaned toward for so long , was indescribable. She was treated like a queen in the household and lived on in beautiful harmony.
However, a part of her still ached for Yasir. Not in the way of regret, but of genuine concern. He had sacrificed his feelings and let go gracefully.
"He needs a perfect match like him, someone who would bridge the gap and make him her crown" she thought to herself.
Then the name, Layla surfaced in her mind
She was her best friend right from university days , intelligent, witty and God-fearing. Layla had a way of making people feel good, just like Yasir. They had met on several occasion and one could tell they had things in common.
Zahirah tried to convince Yasir,so he decided to make the first move.
It was a warm evening , and the sky cast a soft glow over the restaurant where Yasir and Layla sat beneath a modest canopy of vines.
Their hangout was Zahirah’s idea. A casual link-up, she had said. But Yasir’s heart had other plans.
Layla sat across from him, her pink dress flowing gracefully in the rays of the sun. She was calm, too calm. Yasir adjusted his watch nervously, stealing glances at Layla who was focused on stirring her tea, a small playful smile at the corner of her lips.
He cleared his throat and began
"Layla... I want to thank you again for agreeing to meet me today. I have been meaning to have this conversation for a while."
"Of course. You’re a good friend of Zahirah, and… well, I suppose we know each other by name for quite some time. It is good to finally meet you again"
To be continued 🙏🙏
One more episode to go🥹... Don't forget to comment,like and share with your families and friends
Jazzakumullahu khayran for reading 🥰✨✨
Loads of Love 💜🤍💞
