Kano, 7/2/2010. The house was filled with family and friends who had come from various places to attend my wedding. My father's relatives, who were the pillars of the wedding, all attended. Outside, where the men were gathered for the wedding rites, my uncle Sulaiman, my father's brother, was my representative for the marriage contract. The entrance of our house was packed with people for the ceremony. I was inside with my friends, who were all married women or widows, as I had delayed marriage and was now thirty-five years old. People had come from all over because I had invited many. My colleagues from the hospital also attended, as I work in the maternity ward. The joy I felt that day was indescribable. I was dressed in a skirt and blouse made of green Soso fabric with cream-colored patterns, looking very beautiful and smelling of luxurious perfume. My friends kept teasing me.

My best friend and neighbor, Amina, entered the room where I was with my friends, panting. Surprised, I asked, "What's wrong with you, panting like a horse?" She didn't reply, just grabbed my hand and called my friend Hadiza, who had come from Katsina for the wedding. We went outside to the women's section of the event. She said, "Sadiya, there's a big problem again." I forced a smile, as my heart already knew what Amina wanted to say. "The wedding has been called off again, Amina?" I said with a smile, but my heart was burning with anger. Hadiza said, "Amina, we're all adults here. We can handle the truth. Tell us what's happening."

Amina swallowed and handed me a calendar. My hands shook as I took it and slowly opened it. What I saw made my heart pound harder, and tears streamed down my face. The calendar showed a picture of Ahmad, the man I was supposed to marry today, with my friend Fatima. The date on the calendar was the same as our wedding date today. I looked at Amina and asked, "Where did you get this calendar, Amina? Have Ahmad and Fatima been in a relationship? Is he planning to marry both of us, or has he canceled our wedding?" These questions tumbled out in a frenzy of confusion and heartbreak.

Amina, looking downcast, said, "My mother attended a wedding yesterday where these calendars were distributed. When I arrived today, I saw that my mother wasn't home; she was at the venue. I found the calendar on her bed. That's all I know, Sadiya." I closed my eyes, feeling my love for Ahmad deepen despite everything. I said, "Thank you, Amina. Whatever Ahmad's intentions are, I'll find out soon, as the wedding is happening now." I left them and went back inside, feeling dizzy and feverish. I lay down in the room where my friends were still enjoying food and drinks. I, on the other hand, felt like a mute, constantly checking the slim wristwatch on my arm. My friend Zainab asked, "Sadiya, where exactly does Ahmad live?" I replied weakly, "He lives in Dorayi, but I don't know the exact street." Hadiza then said...