9 The Grand wedding

For the first time in several days I slept peacefully, Ummy cuddling me all night was all I needed to feel secure. she woke me up for fajr prayer telling me to get some sleep afterwards it will be a very hectic day and I definitely won't get time to rest.

I awake to vigorous shakings from someone and I slowly peeled my eyes open to see who it was. I come face to face with a desperate looking Muna and I mentally curse her. Astaghfir-Allah. (God forgive me)

"What is it..?"; I asked tiredly.

"Ummy sent me to wake you up so you can have breakfast before heading to the saloon" she spoke softly, For the first time I see Muna serious while talking. The playfulness is nowhere around. she was almost to the door leaving the room.

"Muna is Everything okay"

She brushed me off with a nod to walk out of the room quietly.

Something was up with Muna it's not her regular behaviour to be so quiet and out of words. Wasn't she thrilled and happy that I was getting married just yesterday. what changed her mood so abruptly?.

I walked out of the bathroom to prepare myself. I settled for a black burka with a matching scarf and a nikaab since I was a bride to be I couldn't roam around with my face in view.

Mom and eimty Raya escorted me to the car. the dress and other stuffs were already loaded in the car. I took the back seat and waited for them to enter too. To my surprise they told the driver the address. As if sensing my confusion mom peeked from the passenger seat's door to clarify themselves.

"We still need to arrange your bags and other stuffs, so we'll come later on... I've spoken to Zena already"

I raised the nikaab above my face to answer her.

"Okay... Ummy but Please come early"

she smiled reassuringly at me.

"I understand, Habibty"

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I stared at my reflection in the mirror, to find a lost Man. That's what I've become these past few weeks. Everything went by so fast and today... Today I was getting married.

The time on my watch reads, 7:15 Pm in twelve hours system. that means I have less than fourty minutes and I'll be married to Layla Reeds.

I felt someone patting my shoulder and I turn to meet the older version of myself with the exact pair of blue eyes staring up at me. I release a fake smile. He pulled me in for a side hug and I gave in to him.

"This is the righteous decision you've ever made" I nodded to his revelation and despite the disagreeing part hidden inside of me. He ushered me to make haste so we won't be late for the pre activities before the salat and the function.

We arrived at masjid Abbu Dharri one of the main mosques in the city. A lot of people were invited judging by the packed lot of the mosque. They picked the community mosque because it was a bit close to the Reeds' home and uncle Abdullah was an active member of the community of course it would only be fair if her daughter's wedding would take place here.

We settled in at the front row (saaf). A few minutes later we saw uncle Abdullah approaching us greeting my father with an excited hug and a fresh mood. If my father was not over the moon himself.

He looked at me with a promising smile eyeing my designer white thobe with a baby blue turban over my head with a matching one around my waistline. It was a pure arabic attire for a groom, a top it a black arabic cloak.

"You look so handsome my son" He said with so much admiration to his face.

"Thank you uncle.."

"What uncle you can call me Abbui.."

He the pulled me in for a tight hug..

We arranged ourselves ready to recieve the adhan for Isha prayer. Afterwards a small contribution from both families and the imam recited the Iqama ready for jamaa.

I was now sitting face to face with uncle Abdullah as he stretched his hand in a hand shake manner. I stretched mine to lock with his in a firm hold.

"Bismillah Rahman Rahim....Asad Osman Abbassi...Do you accept Layla Abdullah Reeds to be your lawful wedded wife for the mehr the both of you agreed on...?"

I could feel the sadness hiding behind uncle Abdullah's straight tone.

"I agree..." the same question was paused thrice and I repeated the same lies.

"I Abdullah Hussain Reeds is handing over my daughter to you for a dowry the both of you agreed on and she is yours to care for today and even in the hereafter InshaAllah ".

I looked up to his eyes to see the wetness on his cheeks it's evident he loves his daughter dearly and my heart broke at the sight before me and I did the last thing I could.

I engulfed my father-in-law in a heart warming embrace.

"She'll be fine..I'll take good care of her."

Layla Abdullah Reeds is now My spouse. We are officially married.

The guests were served with coffee and Halwa and there were food parcels for everyone in the mosque. I was okay with one cup of coffee and I awaited the short ride to the brides house.

So many people were coming to shake my hand to congratulate me others brushing me with side hugs. Khalifa my youngest sibling was helping out with accepting gifts disposing them in one place.

It was time to leave the mosque as we bid farewell to the heads and the Imams of the building.

The ride home was less nerving, we were currently parking the car at the driveway I pulled the door open and a series of cheers and praises from The women inside erupted before I even made it inside.

I walked in with khalifa by my side while Abbui and Abdullah uncle followed suit.

"Assalam alaykum.....welcome my son"

Aunty Zakiya the brides mom welcomed me with a bright smile. She looked beautiful if I may compliment her.

"Thank you ummy.."

"This way...please come in.."

I followed her to a decorated bedroom door with a sign 'Layla weds Asad.'

Muna the last born of the family held the handle tightly as if blocking me entrance.

"Ohh No Akhuwy... not soo easy like that"

She said playfully, I digged in my pocket removing a hundred dollar bill handing it her way. She squealed and jumped away from the door the women behind erupted in a guffaw laughter.

I pulled the door open, the room was lit by natural light of the moon and several candles neatly displayed all over the room.

For a second I almost missed a figure on a double bed sitting at the edges of a well made bed.

She was covered with a veil on-top of her head. I walked slowly towards her and slowly raised the veil above her head to reveal the most beautiful bride I've ever seen. Layla looked different I almost didn't recognize her.

Father walked in followed by the sheikh and uncle Abdullah.

"Bismillah place your right hand on her head and lift your right foot and slightly step on her right one..." the sheikh said calmly.

I did as I was told and we finished the last rituals to complete the marriage.

I was then told to sit beside my wife for wedding pictures. The exercise took hours and eventually it came to an end and it was time for us to leave going to prepare for tomorrow.