Destined

09.

*Nora's POV*

Omar tried to help me calm down and explained that it'll be fine because he'd already got everything set, the flowers, the venue, the food chef, the decorations, and everything else. "Why didn't I have any say in this?" I asked, agitated. I'm the bride! I should also be involved in the selection of these things! "Please don't tell me you've already chose the dress as well, I really want to choose it." I said, biting my finger nails in frustration, nervous, as I waited for his answer. "Oh don't worry Nora, the dress is of course all yours to choose!" Omar replied. I let out a heavy sigh of relief. We discussed a few other basic matters about the nikkah then ended the call.

"What did Omar say to you that made you look so anxious?" Asked Amir. I ignored him and kindly requested the taxi driver to drop me off right where we were. But obviously, my brother just HAD to say something about every little move I do. "Are you crazy?! Nora, we have to go home!"

I slammed the door shut, walking forward to a store full of stunning dresses and gowns. *Ring!* I was greeted by a bell when I entered, then a worker. "I'm looking for an elegant, off-shoulder, green gown to wear for my nikkah." I smiled. "I've got the perfect thing! Follow me!" Said the friendly lady.

It was a bit tricky to put it on, but after a few minutes, I was finally able to fit in it. Geez. I've gotta lose a couple pounds for this dress to fit like a glove. The gown was gorgeous. Everything I was looking for. But one problem, it was way too tight for me. I was extremely saddened that there also wasn't any larger sizes so I accepted to try on a navy blue one with the same design, but a different colour. My eyes widened in suprise. "This one looks even better! I'll take it!" I know that shopping for something so important meant that it needed to involve at least one close person. But who? Oh, right! Hafsa!

*Bringgg bringgg!!* Ugh why wasn't she picking up? I held the phone to my ear and waited nervously. After several attempts, I finally gave up. I just hoped I was making the right decision to buy the dress without anyone's opinion or input. "You'll be a beautiful bride, enjoy your dress!" The cashier smiled. "Thank you so much!" I replied.

The sky began to darken a bit, it's warm, purple hues painting it like a canvas. *Ding!* It was a message from Amir. Ugh. "Everything you need to know."

All of a sudden, countless screenshots and photos of what seemed like some sort of 'evidence' were sent.

Me: Um, what the hell is all this?
Amir: Just take a look at each pic, and read the screenshots of the chats

So I did. My stomach felt twisted and nauseous as regret flooded heavily throughout my mind.

Amir: The screenshots of the chats were sent to me by the girls played and used by Omar. Not so 'hafidh Omar' of him. And get this, see the one where he sent photos of himself shirtless to the insta model, happened a little over a year ago, to me, that's recent and no one can change that quickly.

I had so many questions and emotions spinning my mind, making me dizzy. Feelings of hatred, enmity, and disgust that I never felt towards my fiancé were introduced to me at that moment. I should've believed my brother after all, that he deceives people into thinking that he's a righteous muslim, when in reality, he is the total opposite.

Amir: U there?
Me: How did you get those screenshots.
Amir: I've got my ways.

And with that, I shoved my phone in my tote bag and got in a bus to Hafsa's. It's become a habit of mine, confiding in my best friend.

*Bringggg Bringgg!*

Getting this much calls and messages in one day put a scowl on my face. What and who is it this time? I searched for my phone which was buried deep beneath two books, a snack, and lots of other things on top of it. 

Got it. 

HUH?! Omar?! I guess it's perfect timing, now I can confront him. But my mom wouldn't let me end things with him unless I have a solid excuse. I quickly sent all the screenshots of his chats from last year with a short, straightforward message. 'Mum, I'm ending things with Omar.'

*Accepts Omar's call*