Where is the Bride???

The sun was hot that Saturday afternoon in Ikeja but inside Prudential Bridal Store, the air conditioner hummed gently. The room smelled of lavender and fresh satin, wedding dresses in every shade of white hung neatly on racks glittering like stars. This day was orchestrated for Tope to get married to the love of her life Tunji, it was supposed to be a peaceful and memorable day until the bride locked herself in the fitting room. The Bride's name was Tope Owolabi, a 29 years old events planner, well known on Instagram for her classy decorations and perfect weddings but now, it was her turn to walk down the aisle. In one hour, her makeup was done by a pro and her bridesmaids were waiting in the car outside but Tope stood inside the store’s dressing room wearing a full white gown with tears silently rolling down her face. Right then before we could say Jack, she did something strange, she locked the door from inside.The staff tried to open it but to no avail. “Madam, your time is going!” “Your husband is waiting o!” “Tope! What’s going on?” She didn’t answer.  The bridal shop manager, Aunty Kemi began to sweat and lament. “What kind of bad luck is this?” she said while dialing the wedding planner’s number but the planner was already at the venue in Surulere setting up chairs. Meanwhile, a crowd gathered outside the shop. Lagos people love drama and someone had already started a Facebook live video saying “Bride don lock herself inside o!, na spiritual attack?” “She no wan marry again?”. The time for the wedding to commence was already up and everyone was also worried at the venue including the groom and the bride's mother, they were calling, asking Aunty Kemi "Where is the Bride?" However, inside the dressing room, Tope sat on a small white stool staring at herself in the mirror, she looked perfect but she doesn't feel perfect, she didn’t want to get married but not because she didn’t love her fiance Tunji, she really love him. He was kind, handsome, stable and respectful. However, deep down Tope was scared, she was scared of losing herself, scared of becoming just a wife, scared of leaving behind her dreams because society expect her to settle down maritally. For years, she had been the girl who made things happen for others, fortunately now it's her turn but she feels like a prisoner in white lace. While she was still there lost in thought, she heard a soft knock.“Anita, it’s me Mama B”. It was the store’s oldest staff, a retired schoolteacher in her 60s. However Tope whispered saying “I’m not coming out,” Mama B answered and said “I know my dear but can I talk to you for just one minute?” Tope went silent for some moment then the lock clicked. However Mama B didn’t enter, she just sat on the floor outside the door and started her story, “You see, when I was your age, I got married in a borrowed gown and second-hand shoes. I wasn’t sure either but I took a step. It wasn’t always easy but I didn’t lose myself I grew in it". “I’m scared,” Tope finally said, Mama B answered “Good, that means you are thinking but don’t let fear tie you tighter than marriage ever will" Tope laughed softly then cried again. Ten minutes later, the door opened slowly and Tope the bride of the day came out, she stood in her gown looking perfect, makeup smudged but shoulders straight. “I’m ready,” she said. The staff clapped, her bridesmaids screamed even the Facebook Live guy shouted “SHE DON COME OUT!!!” everyone was happy. Tope got into her car and headed to the venue. The wedding started late but nobody cared, as she walked down the aisle holding her father’s arm, she wasn’t just walking toward Tunji, she was walking toward herself with all her doubts, dreams, fears and faith.  They say a hostage is someone held against their will but that day,Tope broke free from the pressure of perfection and walked into love on her own terms. Note: All pictures are generated on Meta AI