The Perfect Union

Chapter 14 - The Nikah

Aliyahs POV

'Hey shorty its your wedding, we r gonna party like its your wedding........' what the hell. I woke up to a crazy version of 50 cents rap which had been set on my phone by my crazy sisters. I quickly turned it off and turned to the other side of my bed thinking another 5 minutes wont hurt. I was wrong. My sisters plus Samaa decided to gatecrash my room and do a live version of their rap while jumping on my bed.

'You three are so mean' I moaned 'and there was me thinking brides got special treatment. What did I do to deserve such t*****e' I wailed.

'Check out bridey. Here we are putting on a special once in a lifetime show for her and shes maoning. Come on girlies lets go, our talents are wasted here' Sam said pretending to be sad.

'Oh cut the emotional blackmail and come give me hug. Thank you so much, all three of you. I dont think I could do any of this without any of you' I said pulling them in to a group hug.

'Okay okay before the waterworks start we got to start getting you ready. It 0700 hours. Bridey shower now and get downstairs for breakfast at exactly 0730 hours on the dot. Beautician will be here at 0800 and we need you ready for 1000 hours' Rabs said.

'Yes Sir' I said giving her a salute.

5 hours to go and then I would be married. Go away butterflies in my stomach I havent got time to deal with you today.

Ahmeds POV

I opened my eyes and could hear the loud snores of Ali from across the room. It was early just after dawn. The sun was shining the birds were singing and I had a feeling today would be awesome. Oh my god Im getting married today I thought as my mind went back to the telephone conversation I had with Aliyah yesterday. Finally after all these years my dream would be coming true.

Aliyahs POV

I looked around me. Everyone was talking and laughing and running from here and there. It had just turned 10 o'clock and I had been ready about 15 minutes. I was very happy with my hair and make up. It was simple and elegant just how I wanted it. Plus my beautuful white outfit looked amazing.

Samaa, Sam and rabs were all wearing matching baby pink outfits and everybody looked really beautiful.

As I looked around I was so happy. This is all I needed my friends and family here on my special day.

All of a sudden Rabs ran to my window. 'They are here' she shouted excitedly as everyone ran downstairs to welcome Ahmed and hes family. They left me completely alone with the company of the two sleeping little babies. I looked up, it was 10.15am. Only 45 minutes left I thought to myself as I smiled at my reflection trying to reassure myself.

The plan of the day was nice and simple. Ahmeds family had arrived with just hes grandmas, aunts and uncles. My family had also just invited my mum and dads immediate family.

The plan was first to serve some brunch, Followed by the nikah at about 12.30 just before all the men went for Jummah namaz. Upon returning lunch would be served. Then once all the formalities were completed they would leave and I wouldnt have to go with them until sunday. Everything would be nice and simple just how I wanted it.

I heard footsteps on the stairs.

'Oh my god Aliyah you need to see Ahmed he looks so handsome. Mashah Allah you both are going to make a gorgeous couple' Rabs said as everyone else agreed with her.

'As long as he is a good person who loves Islam as much as me, thats all that matters' I said.

'Inshah Allah I am sure he really is your knight in shining armour' Samaa said as she checked up on the babies.

'Anyway not long to go big sis' rabs said giving me a hug 'I have to go help out and i shall be back soon' and with that she left the room.

The rest of the morning just went past as a blur. After brunch was served it was time for the nikah. I was all covered up in a white veil so didnt know who who was present but I knew for sure that my dad and Haider were there. After I gave my answer and signed the marriage papers I felt my dads hand on my head followed by a kiss. It all happened so fast I didnt know what to think or what to feel.

After the nikkah happened Ahmeds mum, sisters and other female members of his family came to see me. I gave salaam, smiled and thanked them for their compliments but I felt like I was in this bubble where everything was happening around me yet I still didnt know what to think or what to feel.

Before I knew it the men had returned from Jummah and they had already had lunch. All the men were then moved to the tent outside so the ladies could eat.

Samaa came upstairs with some food for me. I couldnt believe that I wasnt hungry considering I had only had a small breakfast at 7.00am. It was now nearly 2.00pm. I couldn't really eat.

The stress and anxiety of what remained before the day was over had completely taken over me. Soon Ahmed would be making hes way to see me, hes wife.

Ahmeds POV

Nobody can prepare you for your wedding day. From the time we had reached Aliyahs house to the time it was for me to finally see her everything had gone so smooth. All day I had been quite relaxed but now I couldnt wait any longer. Every time someone walked into the tent I looked up expectantly hoping they would call for me.

I was talking to one of Aliyahs uncles when Haider called me.

'Sorry chachu but I have to steal the groom away for a few minutes' he said as hes uncle understood what he meant and gave a small smirk to me whilst I followed Haider out of the tent and back into the house. I was so glad that the men were outside and most of the women were inside the dining room eating because I didnt want to stop to make any small talk.

Before we knew it we had reached the second door landing and were standing outside Aliyahs door.

Haider knocked on the door and a voice from inside said 'Come in'. I thought to myself Finally.