10 First Night with the Abbassis’

The clock on the wall reads 18:50 only ten minutes to seven. My make up artist did a great job indeed I looked beautiful and simply elegant in the Emerald green Palestinian ithyab extravagant and exquisitely embroided. The golden color hijab she paired with the dress accentuated the light make up. She's naturally blessed even on her wedding day she needed little to no effort to look drop dead gorgeous. Not my thinking Muna's

Already prayed maghreb as the women who raised me came inside the room I was kept to wait for Asad. My grandma began reciting a few ayah from the holy Qur-an before the talk.

The women went on and on about how my access to Jannah (heaven) will be under Asad soon after my Dad hand me over to him. They reminded me that I am going to be the most important idol in my house. Being an auspicious wife to Asad and daughter-in-law to the Abbassis'. By the time they were done tears were threatening to fall down my both eyes, I bit back the swelling to keep them hostage under my lids.

The Adhan for isha prayer soon was recited and for the first time I am startled by the holy calling to prayer.

I knew what followed after the petition. I was more confused by everything and to make it worse my phone had to beep signaling a text message. I didn't dare touch it because I knew who sent it and I wasn't going to read it, I just couldn't, things have gone too far anyway.

I sat quietly at the edge of an embellished bed, the dim light and the small Christmas lights adorned the windows and doors, the petals on the floor and the candles hanging around the spacious yet fully decorated room remind me of my doom.

Suddenly loud cheering erupted outside of the room I could hear faint murmurs from outside before the door busted open to reveal a really amused Muna.

"Maqbool.."

she said with a slight nod and a lone tear escaped my left eye before she closed the gap engulfing me in a sisterly hug.

"No ukhty, don't shed no tear, Allah (s.w) will guide you just ask for guidance"

"I am now Married.." it came out more like a question than statement. I still needed to convince myself that this was for the best but still fail to accept.

All my relatives walked in screaming the same phase 'Mabrouk Habibty' loud cheers erupted and wedding songs began playing with a normal volume not to bother the neighbors.

Pinky my best friend walked in, if I wasn't too caught up I would have noticed the light pink dress with a white hijab she had on.

"My besttyy is Maaaarrrriiiieedd..! And.. and what is that you say in arabic huhhh... maabook! Yess mabook!!"

My mom and the other ladies walked in laughing at her misspelling. She was the liveliest person I had ever met in my life. No matter how bad the situation may be, she'd still come out with a reason to lighten the moment.

"No Pinky Dear its Mab-rouk, there's an R there" Aunt Raya interjected sweetly.

before they could talk more the several honks outside the house filled the room.

"There here, come on let's go Welcome my son-in-law" my mom practically squealed at the idea. I have never seen my family this happy and the sight of it brings a little satisfaction.

After a few minutes, I heard some shuffling outside the door before it pulled open revealing a shadow in white. My heart started thumping in fast pace.

ASAD! ASAD! ASAD!

I don't know why but being in his vicinity I happen to loose the pace of my beating heart. As if his movements are controlling it.

Slowly pulling up the veil, I couldn't bring my eyes to look at him. At this moment I was rephrasing the talk I had with Asad a couple of weeks ago. I know he'll keep his word because if incase he forgets I will remind him at the earliest.

It felt as though it was just me and him and the rest of the world had vanished. My breathing became slow and heavy I didn't notice the other people in the room until they made themselves noticed.

He finished the last rituals of the Islamic nuptials and we were to pause for wedding pictures.

It was time for me to leave, long gone were the cheers and laughters replaced by tears and sadness. I walked out with Asad holding my hand leading me outside in a slow pace. He suddenly stopped and for the first time he said something my way.

"I'm waiting..."

Again for the first time since he came in I looked up locking our eyes together and he clearly got my confusion until he elaborated.

"Go say your farewells, Take your time."

Muna came to me and she was in tears, no longer the cheerful girl she hugged me tightly while sobbing on my shoulder.

The tears I was holding back were now flowing freely. I was going away from my home my parents and my only true close friends Pinky and Muna.

I began weeping as well, Mom pulled away my sister before I pulled them both in my arms.

I lift my face and my Dad's teary face came to view.

I briefly pull him in for a hug before cupping Muna's face.

"You're the big girl now..take care of ummy and Abui.. huh make sure Abui takes his medicines on time. I'm so proud of and Wallah I'll miss you.."

the last phase came out a whimper and quickly pulled away from them, I went to grandma and grandpa holding their hands and kissed both,kneeling before them.

"Gramps, you have always showed me the right path, even when I used to hide the remote so you won't watch the evening news, you knew exactly it was me and you never let Abui punish me. Instead you'd ask me and I'll lie about it..." I stopped for a bit weeping over the memories before continuing.

"You'd tell me that I'm lying, when I asked you how you knew you'd tell me a huge lamp appears on my forehead each time I do so, so I'd lie again but this time covering my forehead with my hand so you won't see the lamp. I have so many memories with you. I'll miss you all.. I'm carrying you in my heart"

"We are one phone call away habibty.." my grandma picked me and hugged me.

Pinky also emerged from the crowd to say her goodbyes. Aunt Raya soon tagged at my arm leading me to the exit.

"You're husband is waiting Layla.. you must go"

I was waving at them each time looking back until I reached the car where Asad was seated inside.

The car started rolling out of our driveway and to the curb speeding to the main road.

The three hours drive came to a halt, no one tried to speak to the other during the drive and it was a relief.

We pulled into a huge gate which was slowly peeling open to reveal a long driveway to a three story Mansion.

I already knew the family was rich but this is way out of my expectations.

We walked out of the car and the whole family was eagerly waiting outside it was past midnight but the house was too live.

I met Asad's elder sister who engulfed me in a bone crushing hug. His mother, Aunt, nephew and a couple of cousins but one specific member didn't look thrilled at all or I was just trying to infect my sourness to someone else.

Uncle Osman ushered everyone to let us free to retire to the room prepared for the newlyweds because it was late already and we had a Walimah function tomorrow.

The room was remarkably lavished. It was a spacious bedroom bigger than our living room. The colours were a simple shade of peach with a marbled floor. The huge glass doors leading to a balcony outside.

There were two dark brown doors, I wasn't going to look past them.

I was the first one to get into the room Asad was still down stairs having a word with his father.

I picked my suitcase pulling out a long decent dress to change into.

I walked to the first door and it was a walk-in closet. Pulling the handle to the next door it was indeed a bathroom.

After the shower, I walked out already dressed incase Asad came in when I was in the bathroom. My wet hair cascading down to my waist to air dry.

Without notice the door pulled open and Asad walked in, I was about to pull a hijab when he spoke to me while walking to the bed to pick a pillow. I was watching his every move like a predator.

"Make yourself comfortable, I'll sleep on the couch... and you don't have to cover your hair when I'm around...at least not all the time."

I didn't utter a single word, he snuggled to the couch beside the bed and I sat at the edge of the huge king sized California bed.

I sat against the headboard slowly sliding my feet to lie down not before giving Asad one last look did I put my head against the pillow.

The first night with the Abbassi's surprisingly less stressful and awkward. I guess he does remember our talk. He honored he's words.

Dad was right Asad is an honorable Man and I can't deprive him that.