Everything I Could Ever Ask For

Chapter Thirteen.

Ikram's POV

We arrived at the Sheraton Hotel where the dinner was scheduled to take place. We entered into the hall and I gasped at how beautiful the hall was decorated.

It was a huge hall decorated with the simplest yet fancy decorations,the chairs were arranged accordingly. The plates,cups and cutleries were placed neatly on top of the beautifully clothed table in the right order. A bouquet of flowers on every table to make it look more assorted. The dim pink light that added a fun vibe to the hall and candles lit on each table placed magnificently. In one word,the place was absolutely and breathtakingly beautiful.

We walked inside and I was told to go and sit with Adnan at the stage while the rest of them made their way to various seats labelled with either family,VIP and so on. I was making my way to the stage and a heated gaze followed me. I looked up and it was Adnan giving me a look I wasn't comfortable with. He looked handsome in his kaftan and babban riga that I couldn't take my eyes off him.

I noticed every single thing about him. His beard had grown a little bushy but he still looked perfect. I can't believe I'm getting married to this handsome greek god. I was about to climb the stage when he stood up and gave me a hand. I reluctantly grabbed his hand and we went to sit at our designated seats. The first time I made contact with a non-mahram who isn't my brother or father. I felt the electricity that I always read in novels jolt through my whole being. Immediately we sat,I released my hand but his grip only tightened. He leaned over to my ear and whispered. "Welcome to my world Bambi." Making me shiver in God knows what. Just then I heard the 'click' of a camera. The photographer was just snapping shots of us and I just kept blushing.

The hall was full and the event began. The m.c was Uncle Ahmad,baba's younger brother and Ya Ahmad's namesake. Since the event started,I haven't gotten a glimpse of Zahra. I wonder where she was. Just then it was time for speeches,normally it's the best friends that give speeches but I saw ya Ahmad climb onto the stage giving me his killer smile. I smiled back and he started.

"There goes my sister,the beloved bride,as she holds hands and embarks on her new life." He says looking at my direction."My emotions are at bay as I bid goodbye." He continued. I promised mama that I wouldn't cry and I'm trying to hold on to that promise. Ikram we grew up together fighting and laughing,unaware of the time passing. We were best friends since the day you were born. I admired how you always looked up to me. You said I was your role model. That you wanted to be just like me." He chuckled at the statement and I wiped the tears that started free falling from my face. "You were also my place for help,you always put me before yourself. From advice about girls,to the way I dressed and holding me when I was stressed. And now I can't believe my sister is all grown up and starting a life of her own. I pray Adnan here loves you as much as I do." He said looking at Adnan. "But I doubt he'll go 30% to how much I love you." The audience laughed but I just smiled through my tears at the irony of knowing he'll never even come close to loving me the way ya Ahmad did. "You're going into a new family and also a new home,and my prayers are always with you so you are never alone." He concluded wiping a lone tear from his face. I didnt know when I burst out crying. His little speech was so emotional that it finally hit me that I'm leaving home for good. That I'll have my own home,build my own family.

Zahra came over and consoled me warning me not to smudge my make up that she spent hours doing. I cheered up a little and asked where she's been since and she just shrugged her shoulders and said 'around'. I gave her a suspicious look and she just brushed me off and went over to make her own speech.

"So,where do I start from?we've been best friends for close to two years now and I feel like I've known you forever." She turned looking at me and smilling. "You were always there for me. Advised me when I went wrong,stood by my side at my roughest time and I don't know how I'll ever repay you. And now,from best friends we're officially sisters. Do you know how long I've been waiting for this day? I guess you don't. Let me not bore everyone." She said laughing and the audience laughed with her. "All I'm wishing for you right now is the best and the most happiest married life. May Allah s.w.t bless you and make you patient in your new life. And Adnan,no speech for you." She said laughing. "Today I look at you as the guy marrying my best friend,we'll talk later." She said winking at him and he just rolled his eyes.

Zahra finished her speech and I stood up and hugged her real tight. "Thank you Zahra'u." I whispered. "Anytime." She replied. I let go and went back to my seat. The speeches continued and I was so emotional. Everyone was just giving me sweet words and wishes. I'm so happy I have such wonderful people in my life.

The dinner came to an end around 10:00pm and all the guests came to give their wishes and went home.

***

We arrived at my new home with Mama and my siblings in the car and other close relatives. My eyes were puffy from so much crying,at some point I couldn't even breathe. Khadija was sobbing really hard now,I guess she finally figured that I was going and things were never going to be the same again. Najmin was already tired of crying I guess because she just sits quietly. She looked over at me and I gave her a small smile which she didn't return.

The other women were just chattering oblivious of the gloom atmosphere. To them it's nothing. Don't they see? Mama's eyes were red. She wasn't crying but I know she could start any minute. I never knew getting married and leaving home could bring so much pain. I know I'd see them occasionally but it'll never be the same again.

We exited the car and walked inside the house and my God how my eyes went wide. The black and white linoleum floor of the entrance glowed,obviously had been cleaned before we arrived. Stairs lay across the room,climbing toward the ceiling. A doorway was on either side of the room. One admitting you into the kitchen,the other into the living room. The walls were a dark blue with silver brush swipes crossing over it,creating a shimmer effect. The furniture were also dark blue and silver. The irony of every thing having a dark colour because the owner himself has a dark personality. Everything was so breathtaking. The chattering women continued,praising the house and Adnan. Mama led me to one of the rooms upstairs and sat me down.

The room was exquisite with a dark pink colour paint. The curtains were a lighter shade of pink with glittering silver streaks on them. There was a large walk in closet by the opposite side of the room facing the bed. A dress mirror and a bathroom. The room was beautiful. I'm guessing it's mine.

"Ikram." Mama started. "Na'am mama." I said my voice hoarse from too much crying.

"There's nothing much I can tell you if not just to be patient. Sabr my dear daughter. Aure ba wasa bane (Marriage is not a joke). There are times when things can go hard,times when you'll feel you just want to end everything but you see my daughter,all that's normal. The only thing that can keep you going is your patience and Allah. When things go bad,turn to Him alone,don't come running home every single time you have an argument. Marriage is an act of ibadah,so perform your duties diligently and seek your reward from your Lord alone. Do not raise your voice at your husband,if he raises his voice at you,reply him with a soft voice and that's better for you. Know that Allah will lift you up when you're down,He'll make you strong if you're weak and He'll guide your path when you lose your way,so have Faith in him. Allah ya sanya alheri kuma yayi muku albarka. Ameen." (May Allah bless your marriage)

Mama finished and I held her tight and cried my heart out. She patted my back and I could feel her tears which made me cry even more. I don't know how long we stood that way till Khadija and Najmin came along and joined the hug. I couldn't even say a word,I just held them tight wishing I could never let go.

Mama finally broke the embrace and said it was time for them to go. I held her veil and sobbed harder. "No mama,please stay with me,don't leave me here alone. Please mama."

She just smiled at me sadly,took both Najmin and Khadija's hand and that's how they left me all alone. The house was so silent you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was gone leaving me. I wiped my tears and and went to the bathroom to take my bath. After I was done,I opened one of my boxes and pulled out my favourite sponge bob pyjamas. I dressed and climbed on the bed and tried to sleep.

I don't know for how long I slept but a sound woke me and I opened my eyes to find Adnan walking into the room silently. I quickly closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep. I could feel him getting closer. He came and stood just above me.

He used his fingertips to brush a lose stray of my hair and I felt a tingle in my spine. "Do you detest me so much that even asleep you cry and look so much in pain?" He whispered and I stilled. I didn't know I was crying. I wanted to open my eyes and assure him I'm not sad because of him but I didn't. I just lay there and he continued. "I'm sorry Bambi that I can never be the man you deserve." He said and kissed my forehead then left the room. I felt a surge of emptiness wash over me as he left. I wanted to scream at him and tell him he could be the man I deserve. He is the man I deserve but I couldn't. I lay motionless till sleep overtook me.