Several motorcycle taxis with passengers and LPY are traveling along the bustling streets of London Road in the city of Minna. Everyone knows London Road. It's a bustling area, especially for traders.
At the entrance of a residential compound, the motorcycle taxis neatly parked. And all the signs are new, not yet faded by the sun.
The motorcycle taxi riders begin to dismount. The passengers then alight from the motorcycles. Most of the passengers are women with distinctive headscarves of yellow and brown colors. They also wear shoes with pointed toes.
As they finish disembarking, they start inspecting a car parked nearby. One of them, a mature woman of about fifty years old, steps out of the car with elegance. Another woman emerges from the front passenger seat, carrying a basket full of fruits.
The older woman skillfully helps the younger one out of the car, holding her hand as she steps down. I assume they're all familiar with each other's routines.
With careful steps, they head towards the gate adorned with a unique black and red henna design.
At one point, some of the passengers start giggling loudly, attracting attention to the noisy scene. Then, I realize what's happening in this new place.
In quiet observation, I notice their stylish outfits: one woman is wearing a maroon lace blouse with exquisite embroidery, while the other wears a peach-colored dress adorned with delicate peach-colored patterns and shiny sequins. It's evident that this woman has a great sense of style.
Two women get out of one motorcycle taxi while the other stays behind, securing the vehicle. They quickly make their way towards the house, followed by other women carrying various items.
In the midst of all this, one woman reads a prayer aloud, seeking blessings for their gathering. They all then enter the house, with some lingering around the spacious courtyard.
Masha Allah, what a beautiful sight it is. The elderly gentleman who owns the house appears, greeting everyone warmly with his worldly possessions. They all express their admiration for the well-maintained house, especially the upstairs bedroom, which they eagerly inspect. Some women sit in the shaded areas while others explore the kitchen.
Meanwhile, the bride-to-be enters the bedroom, surrounded by her companions. She sits on the edge of the bed, adorned with lace and silk cushions. Her expression betrays a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Only she knows what lies ahead in this new chapter of her life.
Indeed, she can rely on Alhaji Baba's guidance for this occasion, as he's the trusted advisor for such matters. However, the absence of her fiance's presence is noticeable. Perhaps he's busy with preparations elsewhere. Some men whisper among themselves, speculating about his whereabouts and intentions.
As dusk falls, the crowd disperses, leaving the bride to reflect on the day's events. Before leaving, they offer prayers and good wishes, hoping for a bright future for the bride. It's clear that their hearts are filled with joy and anticipation for what lies ahead.
As the night deepens, I watch from a distance as the lights in the house gradually dim, signaling the end of the day's festivities. Yet, the memories of this eventful day will surely linger in the hearts of those who witnessed it."
