Married To You?

Finally!

So this is the day I get married.

The fifteenth of May in the year 2014.

Oh that makes it sound so serious.

The day I move to my husband's house and assume the roles of a wife completely.

To say I was terrified would be an understatement.

I woke up shivering maybe because the window was open but I believed it was because of the spirits trying to tell me I shouldn't have to marry so soon. I told Abid this and he laughed for three minutes straight. I woke up because of him; he rang me because he couldn't get a hold of my dad and Naveed whose phones were both on charge whilst they were both having breakfast. Charming, right? Don't ring anybody but the bride.

When I handled his phone call I got up ready to take on the world. No I wasn't ready to even go in the shower, take on the world my ass.

Humaira was tossing around in bed so I threw a pillow at her at least my make-up artist will be awake then, right?

She groaned and flipped the bird at me, I laughed, "I'm getting up."

"Better be lad."

I walked out in my onesie only to be pushed back in my room by Haleena.

"We have to go to Hala's house (Humaira's house) because there's too much people here."

"What about my shower?"

"There. Now get out."

I groaned out loud and grabbed a scarf off the door, "Hey what about my clothes?"

"They're already in the car, so is Humaira's and mine."

"Okay and what about my breakfast?"

"Let's get something from McDonald's or something"

"Okay."

Humaira got up and grabbed her clothes and shoes in a stupor the same ones she discarded last night on the floor opting for my Minion onesie while I put my own shoes on and grabbed my car keys and phone and the charger, of course.

I legged it to the car once I was outside because it was freezing, don't judge so did the other two.

We got some food from McDonald's, I got a muffin and a hot chocolate but I didn't have more than half of either because my stomach couldn't take it as the butterflies were acting like gorillas stamping in there. I probably looked like a right mug in a One-Direction onesie with a black scarf and some black flats on sitting in McDonald's sipping on a hot chocolate but oh well.

After filling our stomachs we got out of there and headed to Humaira's house. On the way there Humaira was messing around with music and I kept slapping her hand away to which she hissed about. Getting into Humaira's house I rushed into the shower once I was sure there was shampoo, conditioner, body gel and a towel present. I didn't have to worry about any men rushing in because they were all at my house helping my dad and Naveed sort final decorations and things like that.

My shower was nice, warm, relaxing to be honest. I didn't want to get out of there but the show must go on. Mustn't it?

Getting out I went to Humaira's room where she just exited her ensuite with trails of steam following her, we grinned at each other. I grabbed the hair dryer whilst Haleena got in the shower. Drying my hair I plugged my phone in on the charger, I didn't need it to die on me on my wedding day. I was wearing something I grabbed off Humaira's door; a long frock with matching trousers. Once my hair was dry I wrapped my scarf around me and quickly prayed Fajr, it was 6 o'clock. Once I prayed I went back out to my car and grabbed our outfits so we could at least get a move on with getting ready.

Humaira gushed at the clothes as if this is the first time she was seeing it which earned a glare from me and Haleena who just exited the shower. I grabbed my outfit and put it on with some help from my two bridesmaids.

"Oh by the way, we have to collect Umar as well."

"When?"

"At ten."

"Oh that's okay. Humaira can go"

"Yeah I'll go." She murmured in response.

"Great"

After getting my dress on I wandered off to look at myself in the mirror whilst the two put their clothes on.

I stared back at my reflection and I was glad I picked these colours, green and red. My lengha was red with green and gold embroidery everywhere. It was quite heavy. My blouse was green with red and gold embroidery. My dupatta with the outfit was red with green and gold embroidery outlining the border. I would wear a green pashmina under it.

Qasim was going to wear a gold and red sherwani to match with me while his best boys (Abid and a few of their cousins) would be wearing purple sherwanis and gold shimmery duppatas. His sister would be wearing a purple dress with gold embroidery, gold churidars and a purple dupatta sequinned heavily. Aunty was wearing purple salwar kameez with gold embroidery and uncle would be wearing a cream salwar kameez with a purple waistcoat matching with a gold handkerchief.

My bridesmaids would be wearing the same except their dresses would be mint coloured and the embroidery would be gold paired with a mint dupatta that flowed with gold embroidery. My brother and some of my male cousins would be wearing mint kurta paired with a white salwar, they would also be wearing gold waistcoats. My mother’s outfit was mint coloured paired with gold jewellery; my father would be wearing an off-white salwar kameez with a mint waistcoat to match my mother.

I looked at my reflection, scrutinizing every angle I could. This is what Qasim wants. Me.

My outfit made my body look good, I had to admit. The lengha was open at the bottom like a ball gown; it was cinched tight at the top making my waist look small. My blouse had long arms and were tight at the cuff making my arms look pretty elegant. The dupatta was going to be draped across my blouse with countless pins and over my hijab so basically I was going to have an embroidered crown.

I went back to Humaira's room ready to get my face dolled up; she promised to do minimum make-up. I sat down with her laptop beside me, the web page for YouTube already open so I could blast some music out as she attacked me with make-up brushes.

She was planning on an oh so natural look with eyebrows filled in and on fleek, foundation, contour so sharp you'd think I used a knife (her words not mine), blusher, bronzer, a gold cut crease, falsies from the one and only Huda Beauty and my very own Christian Louboutin lipstick, Rouge Louboutin Silky Satin . Very natural indeed. I just winced at the amount of make-up she had out. I think she puts more out just to piss me off even though not even half actually go on my face but oh well.

Playing nasheeds I closed my eyes as she began to work her magic.

I could feel my heart beat pulsing through my chest. It was so rapid. That has got to be unhealthy. I'm getting married today. It's not the person I'm afraid of but rather the process.

I love Qasim, I know I do. But I'm scared. I don't know everything about being married, what if I mess up? I voiced my concerns to Humaira, Haleena, Zohrah, heck even my mother.. All four ladies expressed their support and gave me advice which was easily translated to; it's hard to know a person properly until you've lived with them and seen them through every feeling under the sun and even then you can't predict everything, the best you can do is remain someone he can come to everyday for support and love and care. The only thing I could really do was pray to Allah that everything would be full of everything good and that Qasim would remain as amazing as he is.

I hadn't spoken to Qasim since our last conversation which was almost seven days ago. It was a long time for the two of us but you know what they say distance makes the love stronger. I've just spent the past few days been rushed off my feet always out and about, just yesterday I didn't look at my phone the whole day from 8am till 11pm and when I did touch it I had just tucked it under my pillow and conked out. And he's the groom; he's got more stressful things to take care of so it was understandable.

Abid had been in contact with me so had Aneesah, they were both just very good at annoying me. Every time I was on the phone with Abid he immediately sensed Haleena was in the room and though of an excuse to cut the call which was bloody hell because Haleena was always with me, especially when I was discussing wedding details. Aneesah, however, would just continuously send pictures of Qasim because I 'apparently' miss him a lot so now my gallery was full of Qasim.

Once Humaira was ready she let me take a quick glance at my face and I can guarantee it wasn't so natural but I looked beautiful if I do say so myself. I smiled up at her, she grinned back, "Oh no dear, we have your nails left."

I groaned because they had all insisted (my mother, Zohrah, Humaira, Haleena and even Aneesah) that I wore acrylic nails and I just gave in because I was tired and it was past 12 (Aneesah was on the phone; speaker, she was very very loud) which I realize now was a foolish idea but oh well. I trusted Aneesah who loved nails. She decided to push it seeing as I gave her permission to pick and choose them because I now had square blood red fake nails stuck on my own beautiful nails, she even stuck silver diamanté (fake obviously) herself. Over the top is a good description. I could still use my phone with them because they weren't too long and I could pray because all I had to do was take them off and do Wudu. That would be difficult with the make-up. Eh. Just wash it off and start over again.

Once I was done with make-up and nails, I told them to do my hijab which caused a number of groans from the two girls because they had spent all week arguing about how 'it's my wedding' and I shouldn't 'wear my scarf for one day' and I obviously ignored all that crap. My hair is covered for a reason and will remain covered. Qasim can survive waiting one more day to see my hair so that's irrelevant.

They complied with my request and did my hijab in the simplest way they could as you wouldn't be able to see it as the dupatta would be placed over it and draped my scarf (with my lengha) over it and around me and pinned it to the bottom of my blouse making it look like a wrap-around.

Once I was ready,I got off the bed away from their hands which seemed as if they were itching to do tiny touch ups every two seconds. I sat down on Humaira's computer chair while Haleena sat down where I was so she could get ready.

I had the laptop in my hands so I was focusing on what to play but my nerves were frustrating me to no ends because I kept changing the song before it even got to the middle which resulted in Humaira screaming and grabbing the laptop off me which made me pout at her but she ignored me oblivious to my face. She played one of her favourite songs, ' Ed Sheeran- Thinking Out Loud' which coincidentally was my favourite song.

I began singing along because... I don't know why I felt like it...

"When your legs don't work like they used to before

And I can't sweep you off of your feet

Will your mouth still remember the taste of my love

Will your eyes still smile from your cheeks

And darling I will be loving you 'till we're 70

And baby my heart could still fall as hard as 23

And I'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways

Maybe just the touch of a hand

Oh me I fall in love with you every single day

And I just wanna tell you I am

So honey now

Take me into your loving arms

Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars

Place your head on my beating heart

I'm thinking out loud

Maybe we found love right where we are"

The song was perfect for the scene, getting ready on my wedding day. The day we basically admit we love each other by accepting each other and beginning to live as wife and husband and I have to admit my nerves were high, my fingers were tingly, the butterflies were fluttering around like there was a zoo in my stomach.

It was amazing right!! NOT.

My phone started vibrating like it was dying so I grabbed it from the charger.

It was Qasim.

Qasim: salam

Qasim: how are you

Qasim: don't answer

Qasim: cause

Qasim: im nervous

Qasim: if u answer I'll probably be worse

Qasim: urgh

Qasim: I love you lad

Qasim: can you ring me

Qasim: calm me down

Qasim: please

I rang him straight away ignoring my body's nervousness.

"Assalam- u -alaikum"

"Walaikam- a -salam"

"What's wrong?"

"I'm nervous"

"Why?"

"Cause you might just decide not to come."

"Why would you think that?"

"Because Abid and my cousins were winding me up all night and I was going to text you but I thought you might be asleep so I didn't"

"Oh"

"Oh? What is that meant to mean?"

I took the phone off charge and got off the chair and wandered downstairs walking around with my lengha trailing after me as I thought of what to say.

"Khadijah?!"

"Yes sorry I'm here. Okay..."

"Okaay what?"

"Alright listen, shut up. I'm coming so can you take me off to your house. Okay? So calm down. Breathe. It's okay so breathe, please. You think you're nervous. Dude I find it hard to walk right now and I haven't even got my four inch heels, yes I'm planning on being taller than 5 foot four today. It's scary isn't it? Knowing you can't be the same and yeah yeah, everything will be the same but you know that ain't true at all. Things are going to change but I hope it doesn't change me and you. It won't right?" I ranted.

Turning around to face the door, I saw Humaira standing at the door half way ready, her make-up was ready and her hair but she still had to change. I'm guessing she's going to collect Umar. She smiled at me and whispered "girl power". I laughed silently and high-fived her before she walked out the door.

"Okaay. 'Take you off to my house'? It's your house too now you know? And I'm breathing. You should stay short today. I find you cute when you're short."

"That's all you got from that rant? I'm out of breath you know!" I screeched.

He chuckled in his deep voice making me shiver.

"No, I got more. You just didn't wait to listen." He took a deep breath and launched into his own rant, “It will change, I can't deny that any more but the thing is I know me and you? We can take it. I mean look at us. We can't live without talking to each other every day apart from this past week, which killed me by the way. I missed you so much it hurt. I had no time to even text you and I bet you didn't either. Right now though, we're talking to each other and being stupid. You're screaming at me to breathe. I seriously love you. We can take this and change it the way we want. It's already changing the way I want anyway because tonight? Tonight I get to sleep with you beside me, my arms around you. Your head on my chest. That's all I want. You. Beside me whenever I want and need you. I get to see your hair and wrap it around my fingers and pull your beautiful face closer to mine so I can see your face turn red within five seconds."

I didn't say anything for a second as he finished and was basically breathing down the phone.

"I love you Qasim."

"I love you too Khadijah."

"Are you okay now?"

"I was okay the second you said salam"

"Oh yeah" I teased.

"Woman you could stand in front of me doing nothing and I'd be fine straight away" he replied cockily.

"Stop being cocky"

"Only for you, my dear"

"Ha-ha" I sarcastically replied

"Are you ready?"

"Ish, I need to put my heels on but I'll do that later."

"Oh okay."

"What about you?"

"I've just got to put my sherwani over the kurta. Khadijah?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you"

“It's okay."

“I love you so much”

“Uhuh, you should. Bye now."

He laughed.

"Bye cutie."

"Urgh, go away." I cut the call almost immediately.

He gets me feeling some type of way. Some type of way...

I went back upstairs where Haleena and Humaira were struggling to dress Umar in his sherwani. Guess they were back then!

I helped them by calling him and distracting him. They sighed in relief as they pulled his salwar up and sorted him out. He was wearing a gold sherwani, the embroidery wasn't too much so he wouldn't get bothered with it, which was paired with a white salwar. I gushed at his outfit and took some pictures of him which probably reminded Humaira about her camera.

She pulled hers out and made me sit down and started taking pictures of me at every angle. EVERY ANGLE I SAY. I had to admit though she got some good shots. We then all alternated taking photos so we all basically had a mini photo-shoot. Once we were done with our own photo-shoot we walked back out to my car but Humaira took the keys because I couldn't drive, obviously. We got in the car once we were sure we had everything we needed and had locked up the house. I wore my flats with my heels somewhere in the boot of my car.

Getting home we could tell there was definitely an Asian event, there were so many people rushing in and out the door, it was all a blur of mint, gold and white.

It would be so hard for me to even get in there even if I was the bride.

Even Abid was here half dressed I'm guessing because his dupatta was stuffed in his pocket as he took his camera out of his car. He grinned at me and waved me over. I got out of the car and walked over to him.

"Didn't the spirits help you get away?" He teased

"Oh shut up" I slapped his arm

"Okay okay. Wait can I take some pictures of you?"

"Yes"

"Where's Haleena?"

"There" I nodded at my car.

She stepped out of the car and I swear I heard Abid gulp. I smacked him on his chest.

"Behave"

"Always madam"

He started taking some pictures of me and then Haleena and Humaira came and stood by me. We grinned at each other and posed while Abid went click-click.

After a while I walked off to go inside and find my family members.

I found Zohrah and my mum locking up our bedroom doors.

"Where are dad and Naveed?"

"The hall"

"Oh okay" I began to walk off when Zohrah gasped.

I turned around to see what happened but she was looking at me.

"OH MY GOD KHADIJAH YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL" She screamed.

"Ma Sha Allah" my mother said softly with tears in her eyes.

I glared at her, "Don't you dare cry"

She sniffed, "fine okay"

Humaira and Haleena came bounding in with make-up in their hands ready to attack my mothers and sister-in-law's faces. They sat down reluctantly. While they were getting their make-up done I went to look for my little brat, Umar.

He was with Abid sitting on the bonnet of his car giggling away as Abid was taking pictures of some of his cousins. I went to get Umar but Abid called me, "Hey Baj can we take some pictures? Me and you?"

"Yeah okay."

He grinned and passed his camera to one of my cousins, Ismail it was, anyway. Abid came to me and stood next to me acting tall, I grinned at his antics. I slapped his chest and he laughed, "fine fine."

He hugged me and I think Ismail even took a picture of that too.

He whispered in my ear, "Remember, you're Baj before he's my brother okay? Always"

"Awwh, thank you." I smiled at him and went back inside with Umar latching on to my arms. We went upstairs to our mothers who were currently getting pictures taken of themselves.

After we all took some pictures even Abid joined in, we got a phone call from Naveed who said we should make our way over. I got in our rental for the day, a beautiful sleek black Hummer with my mother, Zohrah, Haleena and the rental company's chauffeur. Umar would be sitting with Humaira in another car.

Before I got in I made sure all my suitcases were placed in a car of someone who's somewhat trustworthy, I decided Ismail who had his mother, father, Humaira and Umar seated in his car was worth my trust with my treasured belongings. He would place them in Qasim's car anyways at the hall.

Ismail grinned at me, "So I get the privilege of handling the luggage for the bride of this wedding!"

"Yes, be glad peasant." I teased laughing.

Humaira was laughing, I think she liked him.

"Are you ready to be his wife?"

"Yes of course."

"You know, if you need any help I'll always be there to help."

I smiled gratefully, "thank you and I'll always remember that."

He nodded.

"Anyway, I doubt you need anyone's help. I've heard your antics for chocolate with Naveed so I reckon you'll be good."

"Hey, how do you know that?"

He blushed slightly and scratched the back of his neck, "A little birdy told me."

"Who?"

I looked at Humaira to see if she knew then I saw her blushing and fiddling, "oooh."

"yeah."

"That’s cute."

"Uhuh."

The car ride went as fast as you could say,”Mum, I'm overthinking this marriage” I got out with my girlies help and headed inside so I could put my heels on. I went to the room we were using for photos and sat down and put my heels on. The door opened and my family entered. Basically, a flurry of mint and gold rushed in.

I grinned at them and gave them all thumbs up.

"Are we ready lads?"

They all organized themselves the way I told them 10 times a day they had to.

My mother and father beside me with my siblings including Humaira and Zohrah behind me. Umer was on Zohrah’s hip and my aunts and uncles would come after us with my cousins.

We stepped out and the camera-man automatically came after us recording us as I walked down the aisle made between the tables and chairs in front of the stage on which Qasim was sitting alone with his family standing behind him. His immediate family that is, his parents and siblings and his closest cousins. The aisle was covered with red roses courtesy of Aneesah's creativity.

I was focusing on my walking. Right-Left-Right-Le... you get it.

But my oh so amazing family were arguing behind me. I didn't understand what happened fully but I got the gist; Haleena accidentally stood on Naveed's foot which resulted in him hissing and saying she was so clumsy which made her reply with snarky comments and me... Oh I was frustrated.

From the side of my mouth I said, "Will you two shut the f**k up please? It is my wedding here."

They both mumbled their apologies which made me grin.

Damn I'm getting everything I wanted including that man up there.

I looked at Qasim and his eyes were looking right at me. He smiled his cute dimpled smile. I wanted to smile back but I'd probably get a lot of nazr (evil eye) and my father was standing right next to me.

Once I got to the stage Qasim stood up and came over to me and held his hand out to me. WHAT IS HE DOING?

Everyone was looking at us so I reluctantly handed him my hand and he helped me get on the stage without tripping over my heels. He smirked at me. I looked behind me and saw Naveed smiling, shaking his head. Guess they knew he was going to do that then. I sat down next to him and we took some pictures of all of us. My family and Qasim's together. Then they got off the stage leaving me, Qasim, Abid, Humaira, Yusuf, Haleena, Aneesah and the photographer.

The photographer wanted to take some pictures of all of us, couples and blah-blah. He took a few pictures of me and Qasim, Humaira and Ismail, Haleena and Abid. I laughed at his match-making schemes. He smiled cockily at me, "Guess I'm right"

"Oh spot on" I replied.

Then he took some cool group pictures of all of us and then he jumped off the stage mumbling something about the parents and other siblings.

The rest of the clan left the stage leaving me and Qasim alone. Almost immediately Qasim shuffled closer and I could feel his heat warming me up. I smiled at the ground.

"Hello Mrs Qasim"

Oh damn, I was melting. Not because I'm a witch (but I could be) but because he sounded so dreamy...

"Hello lad" I replied

He laughed at my response.

"How are ya?"

"I'm good how about yourself?!"

"I'm good too, you see I'm allowed to take my wife home"

I played along. "Oh are you?"

"Yes"

"That sounds nice"

"It is, but it's gonna be amazing..I'm planning on going sleep with her in my arms and her hair wrapped in my fingers."

"Oh is that it?"

"Oh no. I'm going to tease her as much as I want to."

"Oh. Are you happy she's going with you?"

"Yes a lot. I can't put it into words."

I smiled at his cheesiness.

"How cute."

"I know right" he replied cockily

"And oh by the way Mrs Qasim"

"Yes Mr Qasim"

"I love you"

"I love you too"

We stopped talking for a while as I pulled my phone and looked at all the images that had been sent to me from loads of people, they were loads of 'Congratulations' type of photos. I ignored them and looked back up at Qasim who was looking at me, his hazel eyes dark.

I cleared my throat; he shook his head as if he was thinking bad thoughts and looked away to everyone who was eating,

I looked away too and saw Haleena and Aneesah talking to Abid who looked like he was blushing, he kept tip-toeing. I think he was shy. Bless him.

I continued on my search for familiar faces and found Humaira talking to Abdullah and Ismail was standing beside him, he was blushing too.

So why were all the guys blushing but my own husband wasn't?

I stared at Qasim, he noticed my stare and glanced at me, "What?"

"Why are you not blushing?"

"Why should I blush?"

"Becauseee..." I trailed off knowing as soon as I asked that it was a bit of a stupid question

"I don't need to blush"

"Why not?"

He looked at me and smirked. He looked around before coming close.

Whispering he said, "Because I have the girl right next to me and she calms me down not sends me into a bundle of nerves."

"Oh."

"Yeah."

"You always know what to say" I complained

"Only because you're in front of me"

"Ha-ha."

He grinned cheekily.

I ignored him and looked back at my fans.

He did the same.

My clan were coming towards the stage.

"You have to come off the stage to eat."

"Oh okay, where?"

"That table."

Humaira nodded at the table that was beside the stage, the table was beautifully set with a gorgeous vase of mixed flowers and candles on either side of the vase, plates were being placed around the table now as the servers had finished serving others and focused on getting this table organised.

I made my way to the table as Humaira helped me off the stage and helped me in the chair infront of the place card on which 'Bride' was written in gold cursive font, the 'Groom' card was placed in front of the seat on my left. We all sat down and were being served by the waitresses, Qasim was on my left side and Haleena was on my right, Abid, Aneesah, Humaira, Zohrah and Naveed were also sitting with us, our parents were sitting with the rest of our relatives allowing this table to be a bit loud as we all eased into conversation. Abid began teasing Haleena as he was sat next to her, “So your sister is mine from today!”

“Oh really? Don't come crying to me when you realise all she does is give chores” Haleena rolled her eyes making me laugh

“Excuse me, I don't give you chores”

“Tell that to my wasted Saturdays cleaning out your room and washing dishes”

Abid laughed, “maybe I can call you for help?”

“I don't think so”

“So you wouldn't wanna help the guy who...” he trailed off realising he said too much

“The guy who, what?” she questioned with her face turning even redder over the blusher she had applied on her face

Naveed's ears were glued to this conversation as his eyes darted from Abid to Haleena, he glanced at me and I shook my head slightly trying to let him know today wasn't the time to play overprotective brother. He rolled his eyes as if to say, “Really, Dida, really?”

Abid didn't speak instead he looked at me and Qasim as if we were supposed to fly him out of the embarrassing situation he threw himself in. I rolled my eyes at him and Qasim just smiled as if under this innocent smile was a hundred curse words aimed at Abid, “Abid, don't worry the chores start off easy”

From my random sentence the table threw themselves in another conversation discussing the food which was delicious thanks to my father and father in law's finalised choices, I didn't eat much as the nerves attacked my stomach yet again which earned me a few concerned looks from Qasim, Zohrah and Humaira who all gestured with their eyes to eat some more I just returned their concerned looks with a smile, “I'm waiting for the cake, relax”

As I was just watching everyone stuff their face full of food even Qasim was eating as if he's kept a fast all day, Umar popped up from behind my chair poking at my lengha which made me laugh as I turned, “Hey cutie”

“Halloo” he chimed

I grabbed him and placed him in my lap where he sat feeling slightly important as he waved at everyone around the table then turned around to focus his affections on me as he hugged me. I hugged him back tighter as all the feelings of me leaving my home, my family and my life finally crashed into me at once as soon as my adorable nephew wrapped his small arms around me as if that was what I needed to trigger all the locked up feelings. My eyes welled up with tears as I burrowed my face in his hug feeling all the warmth of the baby I've spoilt since the day he was born into our world, our family's king.

“Are you okay, Deeds?” Haleena whispered putting her hand on my back

“I'm fine,” I muttered, “just hugging my baby”

She removed her hand after ten seconds, “Deeds”

I looked up and realised everyone was staring at me, “What? A lady can't hug her nephew anymore?” I joked trying to make the situation slightly less tense which I epically failed as Umar wiped a tear from my cheek

“Deeds” Naveed muttered

I threw a weak smile at him as if I was caught with my hand in his chocolate drawer. Nobody said anything as I stared in space with my arms tightly wrapped aroud Umar who didn't move an inch as if he knew how I desperately needed this hug.

Two or ten minutes later, I didn't really notice, my mother and mother in law came to tell us we needed to get back on the stage for a few last tradition. I nodded and released Umar from my hug who reluctantly went to his mother, I grabbed my bridal bouquet and phone and made a move to stand up but I was stopped by Haleena's arms as she wrapped herself around me.

“Why, Deeds, why?”

“oh baby..” I muttered, hugging her back

I could feel her body shake as she sobbed silently into my arms giving my own tears the welcome it needed.

“It's okay baby sis, I'm always going to be here for you” I whispered

“But you're not, everything's going to change, you're being so selfish, you're leaving me all alone.”

I didn't say any comforting words back to her as I had none to offer as everything she said was true.

“Haleena I promise you, your sister will always be your sister first and everything else second” Qasim spoke as he put a hand on my shoulder giving me the support I needed in just a five second touch

“Haleena get off me now. My makeup will get messed up and the Rukhsati (pakistani wedding ritual) hasn't even happened yet.”

She laughed in between her sobs, “Ha-ha”

Once she released me from her vice-like grip of a hug she looked up at Qasim, “Please look after her, she may be annoying and everything else bad but she's my sister and she's an awesome person who will never hurt people on purpose and I love her and I don't ever want her to be upset even though she is very irritating, please look after her”

Qasim looked speechless and as if he had nothing he could say to her that will give her request any justice, “I will do my best to treat her like the queen she is, I promise”

“Okay” She muttered standing up after wiping her face and double-checking she looked okay in her iPhone camera

I sighed, how will I get through the Rukhsati if I've already cried twice and also have a headache just from these two mini sob-fests.

I stood up with Haleena, Humaira and Aneesah beside me as they did some mini touch ups to my dupatta placement and then they stepped aside to let Qasim stand with me so we could make our way to the stage together.

“Are you okay?” he whispered as we walked side by side

“I'm okay” I muttered smiling at the family watching us

“Promise?”

“I promise” I stared at him feeling his eyes on my face as they searched my face as if I was lying and the truth was evident on my face, I smiled at him which made him return his own handsome smile making him sigh out of relief

Once we were back on the stage we were busy giving attention to the people who wanted photos with us and/or give us money as is the norm in our culture, yes we get money..

This custom didn't take long if you don't count one and a half hour fake smiling at people you most certainly despise due to their judginess but hey, that's life!

It was time to cut the cake.. It was a beautiful three-tier heart shaped Victoria sponge with the most delectable jam and the airiest whipped cream used for the filling (trust me I know, I tasted it first), the cake itself was covered with white fondant and decorated with red sugar roses and petals and edible gold lace was used to tie a bow on the last tier. The cake was topped with a topper of our initials 'Q' and 'K' in gold cursive font with small gold heart toppers surrounding our initials. It was just gorgeous and I was in love with it. There was a gold knife with red lace tied in a bow around it, the knife had our initials engraved on one side of the handle and our wedding date 15/05/2014 engraved on the other side.

We stood in front of the cake and smiled as our camera-man and all our fans (Haleena, Aneesah, Humaira, Zohrah and even Abid,Naveed) were creating magic with their cameras as they took pictures and pictures of us standing this way, that way, holding the knife this way and that. It was hectic with ten people telling us which poses to go for when only one of those voices was an actual photographer.

Cutting the cake was a breeze as we just had to make one cut for the cameras and then we just took a back seat as an aunty took charge of distributing the cake amongst the relatives. I sat down as soon as I could as my heels were taking its toll on my poor feet and also I was craving cake..

Qasim was stood beside the cake table so when he finally looked at me after me trying to get his attention for five minutes, I rolled my eyes and gestured if he could get me some cake which made him laugh which in turn made nearly everyone near me and him stare at the two of us.

I blushed and looked down embarrassed at the stares however the stares didn't seem to have any visible effect on Qasim as he strode over with a plate in his hand and two forks poking out at too which I stared at.” What? I want cake too.”

“Get your own plate” I muttered taking the plate out of his hand and oh so gracefully stuffing a forkful of cake into my mouth being careful of my lipstick

“Me too” Qasim said grabbing the second fork of the plate

I reluctantly handed him the plate aware of the stares we were receiving, “Khadijah”

“Yes” I stared at him as he placed another bite in his mouth taking his time to savour and swallow

“Stop being so focused on their opinion, it's me and you for life Insha Allah (If God is willing)”

“Insha Allah” I whispered

“There you lovebirds are” Aneesah teased

Ahh there they are, my amazing bodyguards!! Aneesah, Humaira, Haleena,Zohrah, Naveed, Abid and even Ismail came and joined us with their own plates of cake, “Where were you lot?”

“Oh we were sorting out Baj's luggage and getting it put in our cars”

“Oh” I muttered quietly though it didn't escape Qasim's sharp hearing as he looked at me which I just returned with a smile.

As we all sat together enjoying the yummy cake and joking around I stared at my family and my new world getting on so well and it gave me so much joy yet so much sadness to see this scene in front of me. It felt the minutes were being slowly counted down to when I had to leave them behind and move forward. Yes with Qasim, an amazing man but it meant so many changes to my life and my world. May Allah guide us.

It was finally the Rukhsati time!

My mother and Zohrah came to stand beside me as they placed a red net dupatta over my face and placed a Qur'an in my hands which I kissed and pressed the heavy blessed book against my forehead sending a dua up to my Lord, “Ya Allah, please protect us and guide us to be a righteous couple” They took the Qur'an from my hands and guided me to where they would read the dua.

My father and Naveed were waiting for me as they whispered a few words to let me know they were right next to me, my mother was on my right side and my father the left, the rest of my family were beside me somewhere, I assume, I couldn't see much through this net dupatta.

I was stood near my dad's uncle who was going to read the dua (he was the oldest family member) my heart began racing as sobs tried to escape my throat. I so desperately tried not to let the sobs out as I focused on everything I was praying for, my hands clutching my parents so forcefully I was sure their hands were numb.

The second he said 'Ameen' was the second my heart couldn't take more as I released my sobs using my parents hands to support me, the same hands that helped me stand after I fell down so many times when I was younger, the same hands that fed me, that clothed me, that massaged my head when I had a headache, these same hands that bought me up through life.

My father was the first to hug me and I could feel my brave resolve crumble as I wrapped my arms around him and cried. My father in law was the one to break our hug up, “Khadijah, beta be brave for your parents”I breathed in deeply, nodding to let him know I heard. I could hear my mother crying and someone was muttering empty sentences in Punjabi to her, “She will be okay, she's a big girl, don't cry, Allah will look after her”

It was heart breaking hearing my parents cry and all because of me. Naveed was the next one to meet me and as he hugged me I could feel his body shaking as a result of his crying making me sob loudly all over again, he kissed my head and stepped back releasing me from his hug only for my mother to step in.

My mother's hug was one of sadness, maternal love and unspoken words all in one. I didn't let my mother go even when my mother-in-law came to my side to tell me how it will all be okay, how I will be okay and how I need to be strong. When my mother finally let me go, Haleena jumped on me crying so much it made my heart hurt. I tried to stay strong for her but I gave up almost immediately releasing everything from within my heart as we hugged. Someone hugged us and from the sniffling sobs I could tell it was Humaira as she cried with us, it must have been a sight to see, three grown adults crying as if they were children. Naveed finally dragged Haleena away from me and she was sobbing into his hug, “Why does she have to leave us? I need her”

“I need her too, Leeno, I need her too” He muttered

“Then why is she leaving us? What am I going to do without her?”

“I don't know but you need to be strong for her, she needs that right now”

“I can't,” she muttered between her heart-wrenching sobs as she struggled to breathe and speak “I don't want her to leave me all alone, I have so much to tell her, so much to do with her, what will I do without her?”

“Haleena beta, be strong” my father spoke

Listening to them both made my heart break as I realised what me being married meant to everything in my life and that's when it was Zohrah's turn to say her last goodbye she bought Umar along who was hugging me and moving the dupatta aside so he could kiss my cheek which made me bawl all over again.

“You'll have a beautiful life, my princess” Zohrah kissed my forehead and hugged me once more and let go of me.

My aunties and uncles also hugged me and said short duas to which everyone muttered an 'Ameen' too. Once everyone had their chance to hug me and say their final goodbyes, my parents hugged me once again.

Qasim stepped forward to stand beside me as he shook my father's hand, “I promise I will look after your daughter as best as I can, no one can take care of a daughter better than her father but I promise I will put all my efforts in to ensure her smile is always on her face”

My father hugged Qasim and then stepped back allowing my mother to hug me and kiss my cheek, “May Allah protect you both and always keep you happy, my jaan” she turned to Qasim and smiled at him. He returned her smile with a small smile and hugged her.

We were walking to Abid's car now it was a black Mercedes,I wasn't sure what model it was. Qasim was walking beside me on my right and my family were close behind, as we got closer to the car I felt my legs weaken and my hands were clutching my bouquet so tightly I could feel my fingertips go numb. Qasim opened the car door for me and stepped back as Humaira and Zohrah helped me into the car they removed the net dupatta for me so I could breathe and they also did some mini touch ups for me as I was sure to look a state. Haleena came forward and gave me one last hug and kiss, her hug was bone-crushing as she held me tightly and sobbed into my hijab, Humaira guided her away with soothing words and a hug. Qasim was stood beside the car with a pained facial expression, his eyes were on me as I hugged Humaira and cried into her arms, “Look after my baby sister please” Humaira consoled me one last time then she stood back and shut the door.

I was alone in the car for two minutes trying to control the sobs emitting from my mouth but I was failing epically as tears streamed down my cheeks. Qasim walked around to the other side of the car and let himself in, he didn't speak or try to console me, he held his hand out for me to hold onto which I gratefully took for support. Two minutes later Abid got in the car and we were off, I stared out the window and waved at my family, I saw Haleena crying in Naveed's arms, Humaira crying with her mother and my parents and Zohrah were waving at me with tears rolling down their face.

When we turned a corner on the road driving further and further away from my family, Qasim shuffled next to me still holding my hand, he let go only to place his arm over my shoulders, I placed my head on his chest and cried, "Why do I have to leave them to stay with you?"

He rubbed my arms and held my hand with his free hand, "I'm sorry"

Kissing my forehead he rubbed my back as I breathed in and out trying to regain control over my sobs,after a while of trial and error, I stopped crying. He looked at me, his eyebrows were crinkled,unsure if I was okay. I smiled weakly at him as I looked at his face full of concern for me.

Abid glanced back, "You okay, baj?"

"Hmm, yeah I'm okay."

“Are you sure?”

“Yep thank you, Abid” I sighed

“Wanna stop for a McFlurry?” He smiled in the rearview mirror

I just laughed, “As if that's possible”

“Why not? I'm the driver and fortunately there's a Mcdonald's coming up.. Say the word, baj..” He teased

“Yeh I want icecream too” Qasim agreed

“Are you guys okay? There'll be guests waiting at home”

“So what? They're waiting for us anyways so let 'em wait a few more minutes, no rush”

“What about Aneesah?” I felt guilty for her as she had to leave early to arrange things so she wasn't with us

“Erm, the same Aneesah who snapped me a Happy Meal an hour ago? Yeah I'm sure you don't have to worry about her” Abid laughed

“Fine, lets do it”

Three Dairy-Milk McFlurries and fifteen minutes of banter later we were finally outside my new home, my heart beat was beating faster than ever before, my hands were clutching Qasim's so hardly and my legs felt as if I won't even be able to stand let alone get out of the car. Qasim got out of the car first as Aneesah, her parents and various members of their family came outside thanks to Abid's ten horns alerting them we were home..

I stayed in the car unsure what I should do but thankfully Qasim came to my side as he opened the car door and held his hand out for me to hold onto as I finally stepped out.

“I've got you always” Qasim said kissing my hand making Aneesah and the ladies gush out loud

“Promise?” I stared up at him

“I promise,” he looked at me with an expression full of pure love and respect, “welcome home, Khadijah”

I didn't say anything as we walked hand-in-hand towards my new family and home.

They covered us with party poppers and Silly String which made me laugh at the fact that this is exactly what I imagined Aneesah get up to, even Abid had a can and he was mostly focusing on Qasim who was scowling at him as he tried to get it off his clothes. My mother in law and her sisters/sister-in-laws helped me into the hall where they made me sit down on a sofa as Qasim followed closely behind. As we sat down the camera began rolling as the adults took a seat beside us and fed us sweetmeats (totally weird random Pakistani culture), the feeding us ladoos part was pretty boring as Aneesah stood beside the camera-man and began chatting with us about random things making the aunties look at her like she's a weirdo which she is..

Once the adults had taken part in this ritual Abid and Aneesah was left to feed us sweetmeats I was sure they would do something to prove themselves which was evident in their cheeky smiles as they both took a seat, Aneesah was sitting beside me and Abid was sitting beside Qasim.

“So brother, finally tied the knot?” Abid smirked at Qasim who just rolled in response

“Abid, shut up and pick the mithai (sweetmeat) up and do what you're meant to” Aneesah got straight to the point as she glared at him

“I agree” Abid smiled and picked up the biggest ladoo there was on the plate that Aneesah had set up in the shape of our initials

“Really?” Qasim groaned as Abid bought the ladoo closer to Qasim's mouth, it was if he was doing it in slow-motion to irritate Qasim even more

In less than five seconds the ladoo was stuffed into Qasim's mouth and smeared around in his face, we were all laughing except Qasim who was glaring at Abid, “Run for your life.”

Abid did as instructed, he ran straight behind his mother who didn't even know what happened as she was focused on one of her relatives. Abid stood behind aunty teasing Qasim, “Come and get me, don't let me embarrass you in front of your wife”

Aunty whacked him on the shoulder, “Abid.. behave”

“Sorry, ma!” he laughed sticking his tongue out at Qasim who was stood in front of aunty ready to whack Abid which I'm sure he would have done if uncle didn't speak up, “Qasim.. take a seat beside our daughter-in-law there's one more ritual left, I'm sure me and you can sort Abid out when there are no guests around”

“Erm dad, define 'sort out'”

“Oh I assure you, you will be very familiar with the term within the hour son” Uncle smiled at Abid

Me and Aneesah began laughing at Abid's face as he gulped realising his joke was sure to take a bad turn for him. Qasim returned to his seat after wiping his face of any remains, “I won't forget you laughed” he whispered to me

I looked at his face as he stared at me smiling , “I thought it was funny”

“Of course you did” he rolled his eyes

I didn't get a chance to reply as uncle and aunty came to take a seat next to us inevitably kicking Aneesah off the sofa who grumbled at the fact that she didn't get a chance to feed us, they just ignored her as they took their seats.

“Khadijah beti, we know this is a new environment and it won't be the exact same as your parents home but me and your aunty will do our best to take care for you as we do for our daughter Aneesah.” Uncle held my hand and smiled at me, “you are an addition to our family and this home, these family members are all yours to claim, you are an important part of our family.”

“Yes Khadijah, any problems you have, any requests, anything you want to discuss, we are always here for you and will always listen” Aunty smiled

Uncle took a rectangular paper out of his waistcoat and placed it in my hand and as I looked down at it my eyes widened and I gasped at what was written on the paper, “Uncle, you don't have to do this”

It was a cheque for ₤10,000 which was signed towards me, I handed it back, well I tried, Uncle passed it back, “don't be silly, this is my wedding gift to you”

“And me” Qasim muttered making me laugh

“No, I'm afraid not son, this is just for Khadijah, it is up to her where she spends it, preferably though, she doesn't blow the whole cheque on handbags and shoes or make-up, is that what girls are into?” He looked at Aneesah cluelessly, who laughed, “Diamonds are a girl's best friend, dad”

I handed the cheque to Qasim, “look after it”

“Is that wise, baj?” Abid smirked standing in front of us

“Ha-ha Abid, so original”

“Just looking out for ya, baj, also I wanted to discuss a buisness proposal for you..”he trailed off laughing

It was nearing the end of the evening as guests began leaving slowly, just the remaining few relatives who would be staying as they had stayed during the 'Wedding Week', as they all got settled in I decided to take some time to take a look at my phone, Qasim had gone upstairs to change into something comfy, Aneesah had gone to get some drinks and snacks for the guests with aunty and Abid and uncle had gone to arrange something for dinner.

I had loads of messages from Naveed, Zohrah, Humaira and Haleena.

Naveed: miss you dida

Naveed: love you

Naveed: you made me cry today, i'm going to miss you so much my baby sister

Naveed: may Allah keep you both happy inshAllah

Me: InshaAllah, I miss you too big bro, love you too, see you soon inshAllah

Zohrah: the house is so empty without u

Zohrah: I miss u & ur weird onesies

Zohrah: wish u didn't have to go

Me: I miss u & ur lectures too, me too :( look after mum baj she's gonna need it tonight

Haleena: I love u Dida

Haleena: I'll see u soon inshAllah

Haleena: take care of yourself and come home soon it's empty without u

Me: love u baby sistaa, I'll see u soon inshAllah, look after mum and Humaira okay baby?

Humaira: I love u

Humaira: I miss u already

Humaira: why did u have to go

Humaira: I hate you for leaving me

Me:ily too I'll see you soon I promise look after urself & haleena pls

Me: when you get some time go to my room and in the wardrobe there's gonna be two presents. 1 is for u and the other for haleena it'll be labelled, love you loads. I’m gonna miss you b x

Me: I wanna know about Ismail BTW xxxx

After five minutes of scrolling through i********: and replying to all the congratulatory wishes I got bored and looked around finding someone who would be interested in talking to me. No-one was really bothered but aunty's sister came to sit beside me and gave me a warm smile, “You are a beautiful bride, mashAllah”

“Jazak-Allah aunty”

“May Allah protect the both of you and guide you to be a couple that turns to Allah every-time you need to”

“Insha-Allah, are you aunty's older sister or younger sister?”

“I am the younger sister, I came to stay for the wedding, remember when you all went to Manchester?”

“Yes I do..”

“Qasim came to pick me up then”

“Oh yes, I remember”

“I have three kids; two girls and one boy”

“Oh, are they here to stay?”

“No no, they just left for home, my eldest daughter did not attend the wedding though”

“Oh why not? Is she okay? Are they all married?”

“Yes Alhamdulilah she is fine but she is in Pakistan at the moment to visit her mother-in-law, my husband's sister, she was not well so she has gone to visit her with her kids”

“Oh right right..” I muttered unsure of what to say next

“Yes” she sighed, “May Allah protect all you daughters, you all are the reason why mothers can stand tall and proud”

“I hope my mother feels this way too”

“She does, I assure you. I was talking to her at the hall, she is a wonderful woman”

“Alhamdulilah, she is an amazing mother” I muttered, tears stinging my eyes as I remembered just how much I missed my mother and how much I took her for granted, my dearest mother.

“Oh dear, I didn't mean to make you upset, I'm sorry beti”

“No no, it wasn't anything you said” I reassured her as I tried to blink back my tears without whipping my lashes off.

At that very moment Aneesah got free and finally came to my rescue, her smiling face quickly turned to one with full of concern as she saw my tears “Baj, are you okay?”

“Yes I'm fine, I'm fine” I muttered

“Are you sure?”

“Yep, don't worry”

“Okay...” she muttered unsure

I threw a quick smile at her as I looked around trying to will Qasim to come back, from wherever he escaped to leaving me here, and help me out of this sobfest that I was about to slip into.

Aneesah looked slightly unsure of what she should do so she hugged me, “I'm sorry you had to leave them but I'm not at the same time because we get to experience having an amazing older sister”

She then held my hand and helped me up, “Let's get you into some comfortable clothes”

Once we were outside Qasim's (don't want to say mine because that is way too premature), she knocked on the door and waited for a reply, “Yes come in”

I felt so awkward standing behind her as she opened the door, I stood in the doorway so Qasim couldn't see me just yet, “Yes Aneesah, what do you want?”

“Nothing from you, thanks” she muttered sarcastically making me laugh as I stepped forward, “ just needed some clothes for baj”

“Huh?” he sounded so confused as he'd forgotten he got married today

“What? I need some clothes for baj” Aneesah said irritated with his confused approach to her self-appointed chore

“Yeah yeah they're in her drawer, knock yourself out”

“Okayy..” she muttered dragging out the 'y' opening the wardrobe as I just stood beside the door feeling awkward as I had no clue what to do

“Come in Khadijah, it's your room” Qasim looked up at me from where he was sat on the bed putting his socks and trainers on

I began looking around the room to notice any changes. There were none apart from the fact that the room was neat and clean, there was a chocolate box -with a jar of Nutella beside it -sitting on one of the bedside drawers. I grinned mentally at the jar; I'm definitely going to be having some.

“I am inside” I muttered

“Yes, I can see that.. come and sit down”

I hesitated aware of Aneesah still going through my wardrobe and very aware of Qasim's eyes following me and my movements, I stepped forward and sat at the end of the bed, the furthest I could sit from Qasim yet my heart was beating so fast, god why does he have this affect on me. He opened his mouth as if he was about to say something but thought better of it, I stared at him wondering what he was going to say but he already looked away busy with his laces.

Aneesah finally turned around unaware of what was going on behind her as she showed me a green kameez on a hanger, it was beautifully embroidered with flare net sleeves, “How's this?”

“Perfect” I muttered

“Okay, I'll just iron it then you can get changed. I'll be back in five” she was gone faster than I could tell her to take me with her closing the door behind her, leaving me and my husband in our room.

I didn't say anything instead I sighed and closed my eyes feeling the continuous sobfests and the extremely long day finally taking its toll on me, as I closed my eyes I finally saw all the things I had tried so hard to keep locked up when I entered this home, my parents, my siblings and the life I left behind to move forward with a new chapter in Qasim's home, his parents, his siblings and his life.

These images released all the tears that I tried to keep under control betraying my self-control, I cried into my hands, I just felt so drained, I felt Qasim stand up from where he was and heard his footsteps coming closer towards me. “Oh Khadijah” he sighed as he moved my hands from my face and hugged me bringing me closer to him, my head on his chest crying silently, his hand rubbing my back and one on my head slowly rotating, “oh darling, why are you troubling me so?” he sighed once more as he hugged me tighter and my arms involuntarily wrapped themselves around him as I gave in and cried harder.

“I can't help it” I sobbed

“I know, baby, I know”

My tears just kept flowing no matter how hard I tried to stop. Qasim just held onto me as I cried my heart out to the man who caused this heartbreak in me yet I still love him. We didn't say a word as my tears slowed and my sobs turned into deep breaths, I still held on to his hug knowing if he let go of me the waterworks would continue. It was so contradicting the tears rolling down my eyes yet I don't want to let go of Qasim who is the reason I've left my family behind, his support was the one thing that I was relying on. I looked up at his face, his eyes were closed as he continued rubbing my back, his face was a sight to look at; clean-shaven, his hair still looked amazing even after the day we had, the facial expression he was sporting right now ranged from sadness to concern as his forehead showed the future wrinkles they would be stuck with in the form of three lines across his forehead.

I didn't say anything as I hugged him tighter, “Thank you”

“For what?” he muttered looking down at me wiping the last (hopefully) of my tears

“For being you” I smiled at him kissing his cheek

“I am pretty amazing, I know” he laughed

“Yep, you really are”I muttered staring at his face and feeling so overwhelmed with what Allah gave me

He kissed my forehead, "I love you Mrs Qasim."

"I hate you Mr Qasim."

"Really?” he smirked

"I don't but I do hate that cheeky smirk of yours so much" I rolled my eyes making him laugh at me and kiss my forehead.

“I really love you, Deeds” he smiled using my childhood nickname,”and I promise you that you will always be a priority and I will always care for you and love you”

I didn't say anything as just that moment someone knocked on the door making me jump away from Qasim who just rolled his eyes at my shyness, “Come in”

“Hi, sorry I took time with your clothes, got busy with some chores”

“No worries” I stood up taking them from her hands

“Are you okay?” She stared at me,it was probably obvious I cried some more

“I'm fine, I promise,” I smiled at her and gave her a quick hug, “thank you for everything”

“I didn't even do anything” she spoke slightly confused

“Aneesah take the gratitude and go” Qasim laughed

“Right right sorry get back to your romancing children” she teased walking off

I took the dupatta off outside as I couldn't really handle the extra weight whilst getting changed and I definitely couldn't take the hundred pins that were sure to be hidden in this elaborate setting Humaira did, Qasim sat back on the bed leaning against the headboard staring at me, I chose to ignore his wandering eyes as I focused on the task at the hand. Once the dupatta was off I folded it neatly and placed it on the futon with the pins on top of it, I walked into the bathroom and finally got changed into some comfy clothes, I took the green hijab off and replaced it with the white hijab, that was with the salwar kameez Aneesah passed to me, pinning it up as there were still random guests around and I wasn't really comfortable without my hijab around me. The kameez was beautifully embroidered with white thread and beads, the sleeves were green but the flare itself was white net, the salwar paired with this kameez was white with a net bow at the cuffs. I was in love, this outfit was beautiful!

Once I was done I grabbed all my clothes, the heels were off too, I was exhausted.. I stepped outside with all my clothes, Qasim was watching a video judging from the sounds emitting from the device in his hand as soon as I stepped outside he smiled up at me and went back to whatever it was he was watching. I continued with my task as I folded the clothes and placed them with the dupatta, I also peeled my eyelashes off thowing them in my clutch, the rest of my makeup was still intact so I left it on for now, my bouquet and clutch were thrown alongside the clothes as soon as I took my phone out I threw my heels on the floor, glad to be finally done with the heels from Hell.

I then turned to the next task, opening my side of the wardrobe I attempted to look for some shoes, “Do you by any chance to know where some of my shoes are?”

“Jee (yes) Khadijah” he teased from his spot on the bed

“the wherabouts of my shoes” I muttered

“They should be in the wardrobe, I remember Aneesah mentioning all your things were there, that you could sort them out yourself”

Finally here are some shoes I could wear, I smiled at the silver pumps and they're in the right size, way to go Aneesah!!

I pulled them on shutting the drawer, “Shall we go?”

“Where do you want to go darling? I'll follow you to the moon and back” he smiled with his hand on his chest

“The moon will have to wait, let's settle with downstairs for today” I rolled my eyes at his flirting

He laughed jumping up from the bed pocketing his phone as he held out a hand for me to hold onto, I gracefullly placed my left hand in his. He kissed my hand looking at me making me blush as I stared into his beautiful hazel eyes, once he kissed my hand he raised my hand above my head making me twirl holding his hand, as I twirled, laughing I knew I loved this man so much. He made me twirl three times until he pulled me close kissing my forehead, “Stay laughing like this always, my queen”

I had blushed so much by now I was sure the blusher on my face would pale compared to how bright red my face was. We both finally left the room hand-in-hand down the stairs where Abid and Aneesah were sitting on the last two steps waiting for us apparently , “Ah, there they are our very own lovebirds” I rolled my eyes at Abid's teasing making the three siblings laugh at me.

We all entered the living room at once taking a seat as we began talking to one another. I stared at all three of my saviours as they continued talking with me making me feel overwhelmed with their support and the joy they bring into my life.

The evening went by as we chatted with everyone and just let the minutes pass us by with laughter.