As Tanti's wedding drew near,I had to go to her home and help her with the jewelry selection, wedding bath etc .
Zire's family was wealthy and their pre- wedding gifts were generous as well. I was amazed at the gold and silver jewelry that was sent to Tanti.
"I bet you will be the most beautiful bride" I said as I selected some jewelry for different dresses.
" Not as beautiful as you,I heard from my mother that many men in Muni wanted your hand in marriage but were denied by your father.". Tanti said.
I was not surprised,after Sima's wedding,my father vowed that only a man, more rich than her husband would ask for my hand in marriage. I had long given up on finding love,I had to show gratitude for the care that my father showed me and pay for it somehow.
" Why don't you just refuse such orders! Go with the man you love just like me!" Tanti angrily said. I gently smiled without care.
" You also know my father,his temper can't be provoked" I said.
"Dwanti! That old man has always been so hardheaded,he is like a bull!" Tanti rebuked. I suddenly laughed,my father would probably shake in furry if he heard Tanti's words.
"I see you girls are having a time of your life here" Tanti's mother said as she brought us the locally made coffee.
"Thank you auntie" I said as I helped her place the coffee tray on the nearby table.
"This girl Tanti,her father and I couldn't stop her from the choice she made,she was so adamant on marrying Zire that boy." Tanti's mother said with a gentle smile.
"As long as Tanti is happy,that's all that matters" I replied while turning to comb Tanti's hair.
"Zire has been living overseas for such a long time,I am worried that Tanti will not adjust well" Tanti's mother worriedly said.
"What are you indirectly calling me? A country bumpkin who knows nothing? I will have you know that I completed my studies and know more of the outside world!". Tanti declared. Tanti's mother and I simply smiled.
"Okay,okay,you are well knowledgeable and informed. Okay?" I said
Evening approached,my mother was already informed that I would spend some days at Tanti's house for her wedding ceremony so I didn't have to go home.
That night,I slept with Tanti in the same bedroom as we talked about our childhood days and elementary days. I hadn't finished my studies so Tanti tried teaching me some new words people who stayed overseas used.
"You will surely adjust well with Zire,you know more and are well educated. I just pray that my partner will be from Muni so that I can at least fit in with his family " I sighed as I said.
"What are you worried about? You are beautiful,kind, loving and any man would be lucky just by having you in his presence. Let's have some sleep, tomorrow is another hectic day". Tanti said,we immediately switched off the lights before we went to bed.
During our Muni wedding ceremony,the bride and other bride's maids would meet in the woman elder's compound for guidance and then dance together to celebrate the bride's blissful journey to marriage.
The elder's compound was a stone away from Tanti's home so we dressed ourselves in the best garments before heading there.
After the guidance,the dance started and we all gathered around Tanti singing and dancing lively. It was a very joyous moment for everyone.
"You have always been a great dancer Shiba,I can't keep up!" Tanti said. I laughed,when our Muni country had any traditional dance competition with our neighbouring countries,I would always compete and I have been undefeated to date.
"Your wedding is finally taking place tomorrow,aren't you scared and shy" I tentatively asked.
"Of course I am shivering as we speak" Tanti jokingly said. I snorted before preparing her a plate of food. Her nails,palms and hands had been manicured so she couldn't do any work now.
Finally, Tanti's wedding approached, her wedding dress was well put together and the fabric was magnificent. Her jewelry magnified her already beautiful face.
"I was right,you are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen" I said as I attached her face veil.
"Thank you,I promise to be at your wedding when the time comes!" Tanti declared.
I quickly put on my own bride's maids dress and allowed the hired makeup artists to do her work. I then attached my veil too.
"Wow,you look fabulous Shiba!" Tanti's mother exclaimed.
"Thank you but Tanti takes the trophy today. " I said
"She surely does,her wedding dress was custom made by the Dinas" Tanti's mother said. I was once again overwhelmed,the Dinas were the town's most expensive cloth store,they only made clothes for the top 1% in Muni. I was marveled at Tanti's luck once again.
The wedding ceremony was grand and different wealthy families were in attendance. I saw some government officials that I could only see on Tv.
My father was also in attendance,he always strived to carry favour with those government officials ever since his last incident,I shook my head as I turned around to lead Tanti to sit in the bride's chair.
Wedding vows were exchanged and I was able to see Zire after so many years. He was tall and strong with a big smile,he seemed happy with his choice.
Tanti had requested me to dance at her wedding,she said that non of those hired dancers compared to me. She also didn't want dancers from other countries to be exported when I was here. I was so overwhelmed but agreed,there is nothing I couldn't do for my friend.
I had already choreographed the dance so everything was smooth.
I put all my effort into making Tanti's wedding memorable for her.
"Mr Dwanti,I heard that is your daughter?she is a great dancer" A man that suddenly sat besides Dwanti said.
When Dwanti saw who it was,he was shocked and flattered.
"Mr Musa Charpil! It's an honor to meet you. That is my daughter Shiba Ada. She has been Tanti's friend since childhood" Dwanti slowly explained
Mr Charpil simply nodded before turning his gaze towards the dancing Shiba on stage with a pensive look.