Everything I Could Ever Ask For

Chapter Twelve.

"And one of His signs is that He has created for you, spouses from amongst yourselves so that you might take comfort in them and He has placed between you, love and mercy. In this there is surely evidence (of the truth) for the people who carefully think." (Surah 30, Verse 21)

Adnan's POV

The day I've been dreading is finally here. The day I'm going to get married. The day when I'll have to live with her for God knows how long. The day which brings lots of buried memories crashing to the surface wanting to burst in excitement. Trying to remind me of things I've lost and I'll never get back. The memories of her. It should be her that I'm spending a life with. It should be her that I'll be eager to meet. But because destiny has its own sick ways,because it thinks playing with my feelings for its amusement is worth my pain that it took her away from me in the most cruel way. In a way that hurts my soul when I think of her. I don't think I'll ever love again and I really feel sorry for Bambi because I'm not the guy for her. She deserves someone much better than me. Someone who'd appreciate her unearthly beauty. Someone who'd stare into her eyes and see his world. Someone who'd knees would fall weak just because of her smile. I don't deserve her. And not lying to myself,I know that I'll never be that guy. I know that I won't treat her right,the way she deserves. She deserves to be treated like a Queen because she is. Too bad she isn't my Queen and will never be.

I snapped out of my thoughts as we arrived at the mosque. It's a Friday so after the Friday prayer, the wedding would be finalized. I came out of Waleed's Benz and we made our way to the entrance of the mosque. In his words 'Today's your day,so I'll pamper you.' Like hell I need pampering. I just want out but there's nothing I can do. We went inside the National Mosque and sat at the front row. The khutbah(sermon) was ongoing and we listened intently. I looked around for Abba and some of my relatives that came all the way from Adamawa just to witness my so called wedding but I didn't see them. Maybe they're running late.

The khutbah was concluded and it was time for prayer. I noticed Abba at the far corner of the mosque. I didn't even notice when he came.

The prayer was concluded and the time I dreaded the most came. People had started going out. The Imam called for their attention. He arranged his cap and started to speak.

"Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barkatuh." When everyone chorused the response,he continued. "We're gathered here today on this blessed Friday to join in matrimony Adnan Muhammad Nur and Ikram Sa'eed." Shouts of 'Allahu Akbar' echoed in the mosque. "I call on the groom and his guardian to come forward." I stood up slowly with all eyes on me and sat close to the Imam. I could see Abba from the corner of my eye coming forward also. Someone wake me from this nightmare.

After Abba was seated. The Imam called on the representative of the bride which was Alhaji Sa'eed her father and asked if he has accepted the proposal. With a smile on his face he replied with the affirmative. Then the Imam turned to the audience and asked if they've witnessed and they all chorused yes. The Imam turned to me with a smile on his face and finalised the wedding.

"May Allah(S.W.T) bless your marriage. May He provide you with righteous offsprings that will be raised into the Deen of Islam." The Imam prayed. I whispered an Ameen while the audience shouted Ameen. Everyone stood up and was congratulating me.

"Mabrook mabrook Adnan. Allah ya sanya alheri." That's how it continued till I got out of the mosque with Waleed beside me. The sun shone in all its glory. I looked above and squinted my eyes shut at the blazing Sun above me. Maybe this is a good sign?

I took out my phone and sent Bambi a short text. It's official. And put my phone back in my pocket.

Waleed looked over at me and smirked. "Officially a groom." I punched his shoulders lightly and said. "I still can't believe it."

"Well,you better do."

I nodded my head and whispered to myself. "I'm married."

***

Ikram's POV

I sat in front of the mirror as I watched Zahra expertly do my make up. I'm getting married today. Wow,this is all so overwhelming.

Yesterday was so stressful. Our house was bustling with activities since the call for subhi prayer. Immediately after the prayer when I was about to go back to bed,Mama called me letting me know that the henna artist just arrived and I should go get started. I looked at her in shock. It was too early. I went reluctantly and the henna artist started her work. She was really an expert. I couldn't help but admire how beautiful and intricate the designs were.

Immediately the henna was washed off, I ran to the comfort of my bed when mama called again. Time for dilka application she said. I groaned internally. Marriage is too stressful. I went and sat down and the local women started their work,rubbing the smooth yellow paste all over my body. After they were done,I left it for a few minutes and washed it off and oh my God my skin was as soft as a baby's. Subtle and glowing,what kind of magic is that?

"Oww." I cried as Zahra hit me with a brush snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Serves you right. You were moving your face anyhow and you were gonna smudge my hard work." She said scowling.

"Whatever." I said rolling my eyes. She didn't answer me and continued with the make up. We're here preparing for the dinner. The knot has finally being tied. Adnan texted me after Jumuat prayer to inform me. There's no turning back now. We agreed on just a wedding fatiha and dinner with close family and friends. Both of us didn't want an extravagant wedding and that's the only thing we agreed about without argument.

I was facing the other side of the mirror because Zahra said I'm not to see the make up until she's done. This is torture. We've been here for almost an hour and a half and the dinner is in an hour.

"Now you can look." She said making some finishing touches on my face. Finally...

I looked into the mirror and I was 'wowed' if that's even a word. This doesn't look anything like me. I kept looking at the mirror and waving my hands just to make sure that I was looking at my reflection and yes I was. She did an absolutely amazing job.

"So...what do you think?" She asked biting her lips nervously.

I stood up and hugged her real tight. "I look absolutely beautiful,thanks Zahra'uu." I said releasing her from my grip.

She exhaled a breath. "Young lady,how many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me Zahra'u....." And the blabbing continued.

"Now here's your dress. Go get ready as soon as possible." She said handing me a bag after finishing her rant. I meekly collected it and went to Mama's room. I opened the bag and gasped at how beautiful the dress was.

It was a milk colour dress which the top was covered with a divine lace that added elegance to the look. It was simple yet beautiful. How could I ever thank Zahra enough for all she's done for me.

I wore the dress quickly and went to Zahra to tie my head gear. She took charge of getting me ready for my 'special day'.

She promised to show no emotion till I was all dolled up. She's doing a pretty good job at that. I watched as she tied the golden head gear into steps. When she was done she passed me my jewelries which were pure gold. I wore them and looked at myself at the full length mirror all ready. My reflection screamed 'Elegant' and I looked really good. I still can't believe that this is me.

When I turned to look at Zahra,she tried keeping the water works at bay but she couldn't as she burst into a fit of tears. Mumbling something I didn't quite get. I was about to join her when she gave me a death glare.

"If you dare let any tear smudge this make-up...." I didn't let her finish as I ran to hug my best friend. Who has always been there for me and I tried my very best not to let any tears fall but it's getting hard every second. She tightened her grip on me as if I could disappear if she lets go.

She finally let go. "But damn babe,you look breathtakingly beautiful." And that's how her mood changed and she's back to the normal chirpy Zahra that I know.

She decided to go back home to get dressed promising to meet me at the hotel the dinner was taking place in. I walked shyly to the parlour as the women there started yodelling and calling me.

I watched the tears that threatened to spill from mama's eyes as she looked at me but I guess everyone is keeping their emotions at bay till when I was leaving for good. Ya Allah,I'm already dreading that moment.

My eyes went over to Khadija and Najmin dressed in a peach fitted gown with their own head gear tied lightly and their necks adorned with matching jewellery. They looked sad and I know that no matter how much they tend to disrespect me or claim that they hate me,I know that deep down they love me and me leaving is gonna be a great deal for them.

I walked over to them and gave them a group hug. They hugged back tightly and Najmin being the youngest started crying.

"Ya Ikram please don't go." She said in between sobs. "I promise I'll do everything you ask. I'll always wash my clothes when I come back from school. Please ya Ikram,I don't want you to go." She cried.

Oh my heart. I didn't know how to console her. Khadija been the enclosed one refused to cry. She's good at hiding her emotions but today I could clearly see how her eyes were red. Unshed tears threatened to spill and I was holding all my power not to break down into sobs. And this isn't even the hardest part.

"Haba Naj dina(my Naj) don't cry. I'm still here and even if I go I'll come visit you every time and you can come have sleepovers at my place anytime you want if mama allows you. Don't cry autan mu (our last born) I'm not going anywhere, kin ji koh?"

She nodded but still held me tight sobbing silently.

"Yalla,it's time to go." Aunty salamatu called out. Well this is it. Do or die.

We all sauntered out. Because we were kinda much,two cars were used. Soon we arrived at the venue and I braced myself at how disastrous this dinner could go or how amazing.