Life is beautiful (A muslim story )

Chapter -32- Blessed union.

"Good intentions are the most beautiful of secrets" - Hazrath Ali ( R.A ).

SANAM'S POV.

Flowers bloomed scarlet on the summit of the thorny rose trees, shadowing the ground.I gazed around for a means of diverting my thoughts.On one side of my balcony rose a stunted oak, the strong wind blew it nearly horizontal.On my right I could see the breeze rocking swing.When I was a toddler, I used to lie on it, watching birds with dad and singing nursery rhymes,happier than words can express.And here I was today half thinking, half dreaming in a heavily embroidered bridal gown.

Things have changed drastically, perhaps for better .But I'd still love to be the four year old Sanam who was cradled by her father.I'd be happy musing by myself among pebbles, on the green mound unaware of what life holds tomorrow.

" MashaAllah! You look beautiful than words can express.May Allah protect you from evil eyes," mom said, caressing my cheeks.She turned a few degrees as if looking at our family pic by the bed side.From the side of my eye, I could detest her raising a hand and brushing tears off her cheek.

"You will never feel alone dear daughter.My blessings are with you.And you have Allah in your life."

Surah Al-Baqara, Verse 152:

فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ وَاشْكُرُوا لِي وَلَا تَكْفُرُونِ

Therefore remember Me, I will remember you, and be thankful to Me, and do not be ungrateful to Me.

Listening to her recitation, a wave of relief passed over me.I was leaving her but I knew that Allah is watching over me always.

"Come on.We need to start for the mosque," mom said, taking me by the arm and half forcing me towards the door as I lingered, viewing with teary eyes the place I called home.I was leaving my treasure, her words would be an aid that could bequeath to guide me.

I had no idea how life would change, how dreary my world would be when I'd be away from my family.I had at length broken my resolution of never getting married.I didn't mean to anticipate worse but I had my own insecurities.I've tried being optimistic about today but shaitaan kept barging in my thoughts.Astaghfirullah!

Mikael drove us to the mosque where Shiraz and his family were waiting for the nikaah.On my way I stared at road side rough banks where hazels and wild blossoms looked melancholy like never before.I had prayed often for the approach of what is coming and now I began to shrink and fear it.

The mosque was a few miles away from home.I went in along with my sisters and mom followed by.I had wished Mikael to read my nikaah and he obliged with immense pleasure.

"Do you,Miss Sanam Akram,daughter of Hashim Akram accept your nikaah with Shiraz Haroon,son of Khidr Haroon under islamic laws with the agreed mahr?"

The question brought me back to my senses.I tightened my grip on the green and maroon gown I wore.

"Do you accept?" The question was repeated by Mikael.Mom passed me a worried look and Shaila held my hand.

"I do."

My voice was no less than a whisper.My approval was celebrated with exchange of hugs between my siblings and Shiraz's family.Masarrath was very happy but Mrs.Heena didn't show much excitement.Granny embraced mom for the longest.Mom got teary eyed but they seemed more like tears of pure happiness.

"Mabrook! You are a married woman now.I just can't believe it! " Urwa chanted.

Mikael made me sign a few papers and silently left for getting the car out of the parking.He wanted to drive me directly to the marriage hall.I could feel the gloom in his silence.He has never confessed how much he loved me as a brother but his face said it all.