"I'm warning you, we're not scared of divorce and we don't care if she gets one. If you don't live up to your wedding conditions then she has a right to leave you" dad spoke halting them at the door.Andrei stopped, his eyes locked onto mine. A glint of promise lingering within them.
"Never again" He spoke before leaving the room.
"Ya Allah, Ya Allah" I heard Shazia yell from beside me, dad instantly grabbed her arms worriedly.
"Shazia baby are you ok?"
"One hour?! Her dress! Her makeup! The food, Ya Allah help me" she whisper yelled rubbing a hand over her scarf.
Before I could attempt to comfort her in my panicked state the door was slammed open.
I ran towards it to see Jamal, ray and Finn storming inside slightly excited.
"Your getting married?!" Finn yelled grabbing my shoulder and shaking me around, if he's trying to knock sense into me I'm afraid it's not going to work.
"Yes"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes she's sure, cause she knows if man fucks her over big man Jamal would be there to commit murder"
Finn smiled slowly and nodded his head as did Ray.
" my g! You made that fucker weak, WELL DONE" Ray screamed running up to me,
" Call me Queen Storm you peasants"
"Acha chalo, boys go and buy your suits, Storm and I will go get her dress" Shazia spoke pushing Jamal and the rest of the boys towards the door. They all left hurriedly, holy shit I'm getting married in an hour. (Ok go)
It's like the panic was finally starting to set in. I'm going to DIEEEEEEEEE.
" Storm what kind of dress do you want, there's 2 bridal shops in the area. 1s a white one and ones an Indian one" she asked grabbing her phone and purse. I can see an unimaginable amount of panic written across her face.
" jaldi jaldi"
(Quick quick)..........
It's been 30 minutes, dad and the boys have already bought their suits and I picked out my dress. We went to a studio across the street to get my hair and make up done whilst the tailor quickly adjusted the dress.
Glancing in the large mirror I couldn't help but smile, my hair and make up look elegant. The low sleek bun with a single curled strand framing my cheek and the light make up look makes me stand out.
Finally the dress. I love it.
We went to the typical bridal shop but I genuinely didn't like anything there. Shazia then took me to the Indian one and I fell in love with the first dress the showed me. It's a beautiful maroon 2 piece with a velvet scarf. The colour stands out against my skin.
I was a little worried at first because of today's climate. People might start screaming cultural appropriation but this is appreciation. I absolutely love her culture, I've grown up around Pakistani, Arab and Caribbean culture my whole life.
When I was a child the local neighbours would have an Eid party and invite everyone in the building including us. Rehma's dad would buy me an outfit and if he didn't dad would pop down to the local bazaar and buy me a Pakistani dress.
I've experienced a multitude of cultures throughout my life and enjoyed every single one of them. In our building we celebrate each other's cultures. On Christmas the Muslim families come to our local party and on Eid we all go to every bodies houses to eat.
Well this year will be different since Shazia and dad will be doing Ramadan and having their own Eid party, I'm so excited.
A + is the fact that Shazia almost cried seeing me in it. Sealed the deal for me.
The maroon colour bought out my pale complexion, aswell as my eyes.
Shazia stood behind me and gently pinned the scarf on my head, her teary eyes meeting mine through the large mirror.
" I don't mind if you say no, this was my mother's wedding jewellery, it's supposed to be passed down to the daughters" she mumbled opening a small red box. My eyes widened instantly.
A gold necklace with small pearls and circular earrings sat in the box. It's literally the most beautiful jewellery I've ever seen. She's giving this to me, her husbands daughter. Turning around gently I ran my hand over the intricate designs.
" me?"
" who else pagal" she spoke tapping my head lightly, oh God I love her so much. She's given me such happiness, I've never felt a mother's warmth before, it's like being protected by a giant bubble of care. (Stupid)
" yes" I mumbled wiping the corners of eyes.
Her eyes lit up, she gently tied the necklace behind my neck before slipping the earrings in, glancing at the final product I couldn't help but smile in excitement and happiness, this is it.
I gently turned back towards Shazia and she began guiding me towards the door before giving me a once over.
Her face filled with adoration as she fixed my hair.
" thanks- mum" a gasp escaped her lips as soon as I said it, it's about time. My mother.
I should have been calling her mum from the start but I didn't have it in me. I've never had one before, how was I supposed to know what a mother's love would feel like.
But now I know, she's shown me what a true mother is.
She pulled me in for a tight hug, I could feel her body shaking with gentle sobs " mari puther"
(My daughter)" Storm come out, we need to get to the hall" dad yelled whilst pounding down on the door. I couldn't help but giggle.
" sabr kar!!" She yelled back, they're literally made for each other.
(Have patience)She grabbed the handle and opened the door before moving to the side so dad could see me.
His eyes widened adoringly.
" my little baby looks so beautiful"After dad made me tear up a little we slid into a G-Wagon. We reached the hall within 15 minutes, I expected a small hall since this was very last minute but what stood before me had me gobsmacked.
In front of me stands a gorgeous rustic mansion, everything perfectly symmetrical only making me feel better.
I have a thing for symmetry.
Before I could get lost in the design dad pulled me forward.
" ok the boys are already stood by the officiant, let's hurry before they cry" nodding my head I held dad and mums hands, walking in 6inch heels isn't normal for me.We stumbled along the gravel until we reached the main door.
Glancing at my parents I smiled, everything finally setting in.
This is it.
YOU ARE READING
He Needs Me (Wattys 2020)
Action" Fucking hell Storm, I swear to God!" he seethed, before Andrei could finish his threatening sentence I interuppted loudly. "I'm sorry God can't answer your call at the moment, please try again later. Leave your message after the beep. BEEP BEEP GO...