The Perfect Union

Chapter 17 - Congratulations

Aliyahs POV

I stood facing the full length mirror admiring myself. It had been a very long day. I had woken up early to get ready for the most important day of my life. My friends and family had been all around me as they got me ready as a princess because today was the day I would be going to my husbands house.

Although I had dreaded this day for a long time now that it was here I was actually happy and excited for the new chapter of my life to start.

I sent one last glance along my long red lengha. I had decided to go traditional when it came to my outfit. Everybody told me how beautiful I looked but the true approval came when Ahmed first saw me. I could tell from the look he had given me that he was happy.

He is too good for you said the niggling doubt at the back of my head. I just smiled and pushed it right away just as I had been doing for the last few months.

I gave my room one last glance. A few more minutes and it would be time to go. I closed my eyes and said a last prayer. Just as I was about to move there was a knock at the door.

'Aliyah' came the soft voice of my mum as she opened the door. I could see the tears she was trying so hard to hold back ' Beta are you ready? Ahmed and his family are ready to leave' she said walking over to me. She pulled me into a tight hug and I could hear her queit sobs through my veil. 'I pray Allah SWT looks after you my duaghter. You have been through too much. Now it is time for you to be happy Inshah Allah' she said as cleared away the runaway tears that were flowing down my cheeks.

Slowly she led me downstairs to where my family were waiting. Ahmeds family had left and were waiting outside. They didnt want to intrude on my last moments with my family. My mum and sisters were saying their emotional goodbyes while my dad and Haider were making sure to have their last talk with Ahmed before they finally give me away.

Before I knew it, it was time to go and I was being led towards the car. I sat down barely registering where I was sitting or who was with me. I gave my family a final wave and with one last glance I said Goodbye to my home.

Ahmeds POV

I was so glad I had decided to get a seperate car for me and Aliyah. We had left her house about 20 minutes ago. The day I had been waiting for was here now and in a flash it was nearly over. I couldnt believe it I was finally taking Aliyah home with me. I hadn't said anything to Aliyah because I was sure she was appreciating the silence. She has just left everything behind, I thought it would be best to let her talk when she was ready.

Another half an hour passed and she was still quiet just watching the passing landscape outside the window. Hmm guess its time for me to take charge I thought to myself.

'Aliyah' I said softly as I reached out to touch her arm. She turned slowly to look at me. 'You ok??' I asked full of concern as I could see she looked really worried. Finally a small smile broke out on to her face as she nodded her head.

'Yeah I am ok....just abit tired' She said as she began to turn back to the window and in a spur of a moment I reached out and held her hand giving it a little squeeze. She seemed startled but didnt say anything.

'Dont worry. If you have any problem just tell me.....thats what I'm here for' I said and I finally saw her relax as she smiled once again. Just as she was about to turn away she looked at me for few seconds before saying 'Thank you Ahmed'.

'What for' I asked as I genuinely didnt know what she was thanking me for.

'For everything. Erm how long is it before we get home?? Its just I was up really early and Im starting to get abit sleepy...' She said.

'Its another hour and a half' I told her as I checked my phone.

'Ok' she said as she rested her head on the window and closed her eyes.

Aliyahs POV

I slowly opened my eyes. From the jerky movements around me I could tell we were still in the car. But i was no longer leaning against the cold car window. As I got up the realisation hit me. I had been leaning on Ahmed's arm. I could feel the heat rising in my face as I quickly tried to mask my embarassment. As I moved I heard him say something.

'You have already reached home?? Yeah we are about 20 minutes away now. Just left the motorway. Yeah. Shes fine. Ok see you soon Inshah Allah. Salaams' he said putting down his phone and turning towards me.'Sorry I didnt mean to wake you up buts its good you have woken up because we are nearly home. Did you have a nice nap' he asked smiling at me.

'Yeah. I feel alot more refreshed.....thank you. I hadnt realised I was leaning on your arm. You should have just woken me up' I told him.

'Well' he said as he ran his hand through his curly brown hair and then stopped to scratch the back of his neck nervously as he looked anywhere but at me 'Your head kept knocking into the window with the movement of the car so I kind of moved you to lean on my side. I hope you dont mind I just thought you would be more comfortable" he said finally turning to look me straight in the eye.

As the feeling that my personal space had been violated started to bubble up inside me I tried to calm myself down as I told myself He is your husband, he didnt do anything wrong so theres nothing to panic about. I took a deep breath and then put a smile on my face quickly as I saw Ahmed was feeling agitated with my silence.

'Of course not, why would I mind. Thank you that was really sweet of you' I told him. No matter how hard it was to say that to him I knew the only way I would survive would be to say positive things only or not say anything at all.

Seeing as we were nearly home I decided to check on my makeup. Surprisingly it was still immaculate.

When we reached there Ahmed got out from his side and came round to open the door for me. As we walked into his house all his family were waiting to welcome us with confetti.

Ahmeds family wasnt as interested in the cultural traditions as my family so the formalities were quickly over. We just sat there for half an hour as I was introduced to the various members of his family. Before we knew it, it was 10 oclock. As everyone started to leave Ahmeds mum told Aaminah to take me upstairs.

When we got to the room Aaminah gave me a quick overview of where everything was. After a few minutes she told me it was time to go and we would see eachother in the morning.

I looked around the huge room. Then my eyes fell on a glass of warm milk placed on the bedside table. I cringed as I had forgotten the part that was coming next.

A few minutes later there was a knock at the door. I knew it could only be Ahmed so I said come in. He walked in gave salaam and slowly came and sat next me.

We sat in silence for a few minutes when he finally said ' So.......' I looked up and said back 'So.......here we are' and with that remembered the glass of milk.

I got up and brought the glass of milk back to where we had been sitting. I slowly passed the glass to him and my hands were shaking slightly. He took a few sips and passed it back. I took a small sip. Thank fully he took the cup from my hand and put it back on the table before I spilt it on my dress.

'Aliyah....look this' he said pointing between us 'Is new for both of us. I know its going to take time to get used to eachother. You dont get comfortable with someone over night. I understand that and thats why i think its best if you sleep here and i will sleep on that ever so comfortable couch over there. Anyway im shattered and I know you must be too. Best get ready for bed' and with that he grabbed some pjs from the dressing room and went into the bathroom.

I couldnt believe it. He was so understanding I didnt even have to say anything and he was already doing everything to make me comfortable. He really was too good to be true. I decided to do the same as I got some pyjames and started on the mammoth task of sorting out my hair, makeup, jewellery and above all get out of my outfit.

Finally Ahmed came out of the bathroom and went downstairs to check something and he took the milk glass with him. After I finished in the bathroom I came out to find Ahmed was still not back. I saw the pile of duvet and pillows on the side and thought I might as well set up Ahmeds bed.

Just as I finished I heard my phone vibrate. I picked up the phone and saw it was an unknown number. At first I decided to reject the call but considering the time I thought it might be important so I answered the call.

'Well Aliyah I hear congratulations are in order. So you finally got married' said the voice. As I finally recognised who it was I just froze. It was Raihaan.