🌈🌈 RAINBOW WEB (BAKAN GIZO) 🌈🌈
By Hadiza D’Auta
Taurari Writers Association
Page 3–4
Amrah was in the bathroom, taking a bath, lost in thoughts of her groom-to-be — her wedding was the day after tomorrow. In her heart she kept imagining how their married life would be — a life full of love, joy, and closeness.
The sweet tune of her phone ringing interrupted her beautiful thoughts. Quickly, she wrapped a towel around her soapy body and rushed out. She knew right away that it was her fiancé calling — the ringtone she assigned to him was unique.
Her friends, who filled the room, looked at her suspiciously, while she only smiled without saying a word. With trembling hands, she snatched the phone from one of her friends, her heart racing. Without even waiting to hear his voice, she spoke first, full of excitement:
> “My love! I was just about to call you. Send the car, Zee and the girls are here — we’re only waiting for you so we can go to the henna party!”
On the other end, Salis frowned deeply, as if he had just heard the announcement of his own death. Her calling him “My love” pierced his heart, and in a cold, bitter tone he said:
> “Who is your love? Let me tell you why I called. I called to inform you that I have canceled our wedding. The dowry and gifts I brought you — I’ve left them for whoever comes next to marry you. I wish you well with him. But listen carefully — don’t ever try to call my number again. And if anyone dares to bring up your name to me, I’ll disgrace that person. Don’t come near my house or my family again.”
Before she could even respond, he hung up.
Amrah froze, her body trembling violently. Her legs failed her, and she dropped to the floor with a thud. Terror and confusion swept across her face, tears pouring like rain. Each of his words struck her like thunderbolts. Pain and disbelief choked her chest until she let out a heart-wrenching scream and threw the phone to the ground — it shattered to pieces.
Her friends rushed toward her in panic, followed by relatives and neighbors who were around for the wedding preparations. The house was full of people, all now confused and frightened, asking what happened to the bride.
Amrah only wailed louder, struggling in their arms, crying and shouting, “He called to cancel the wedding!” Her towel began to loosen, and they struggled to cover her again. Her mother, overwhelmed, slapped her sharply across the face and scolded:
> “Amrah! Come back to your senses! Tell us what happened! Who said the wedding is canceled? Are you just trying to cause a scene?”