Too Little, Too Late

13 (Part II)

Ayra's entrance into the living room had people gasping softly and she smiled a little with the rosiest of cheeks. Most of those who had a good view of her were women. Only a few men got a good view and like she'd already planned, she gave them very little attention.

Salama led her to the other side of the floral partition and Ayra's heart decided then to pick up its beating pace as she drilled it into her head that Ibrahim was right on the other side. Once her daughter was comfortably seated on the cushion, Salama smiled and stepped back, easily finding her own cushion which sat beside Falilat's. Ibtihaj, Bella, Anneth, and Ayra's cousins who'd all been up with her easily found their spots and sat as comfortably as they could.

Breathing in and out, Ayra raised her head. Through the little gap between the flowers she got a glimpse of Ibrahim and found him staring back at her, a smile on his face; a smile meant solely for her. Blushing further and being unable to bring the flutters in her stomach to a stop, Ayra smiled back. The officiator – an imam at the National Mosque – cleared his throat as he sat, getting the attention of everyone in the room, including the bride and groom. Saying Bismillah, he began the ceremony.

Ayra couldn't remember the one time her heart had beat so fast. She listened with the galloping organ in her chest as the Imam spoke about the reason they were gathered and how marriage was a sacred union that bound two lives together for eternity unless – which he prayed against – something happened along the line that caused both people involved to separate. His voice was soothing and it was easy for everyone present to listen. He spoke about the beauty of a union and how both people involved were to do everything possible to please each other with Allah's pleasure as the main focus in whatever they were doing as one always had to put Allah first, no matter what.

When he finished, he asked for those giving their children away in marriage. On Ibrahim's side, Salim and one of Ibrahim's uncles – Assad – moved forward. On Ayra's side, Muhsin and his brother – Harun – stepped forward. The imam asked for their consents, especially Muhsin and Harun, to join Ayra and Ibrahim in matrimony and both sides gave it with firm nods. Satisfied, the Imam turned to Ibrahim and went on to ask if Ibrahim if he wanted to take Ayra as his wife; to care for her, to protect her, to be a shield and a pillar of support for her, to provide for her, to love her, to be patient with her, to guide her at times when she strayed, and then to forgive her when she made mistakes.

Ibrahim's reply echoed in the room. "Yes."

Ayra released a breath she didn't know she was holding. Behind her, most of the women present did the same thing. The Imam then turned to Ayra and asked her the same thing. She swallowed and nodded, her voice a soft – but firm – whisper when she replied. "Yes."

There were more relieved breaths and some whispered Alhamdulillah. The Imam went on to complete the formalities, advising both Ayra and Ibrahim as they had stepped into a new phase of their lives. He prayed for the couple and those present happily said Ameen. The Nikkah certificate was then signed and with a beautiful smile on her face, Ayra signed last. She made sure her signature was extra pretty.

She'd barely let go of the pen when a weight was thrown on her and she nearly fell. She laughed, hugging her best friend back. "Ibty, do you have to be dramatic right now?"

"I must hug you before you go and hug man." Ibtihaj tightened her embrace. "Barakallah, Ayra. May Allah bless your union."

"Ameen, Ibty. Thank you, for everything."

"And like I said yesterday, if you forget me because of man, I'll kill you and throw you over the bridge leading towards Raven Isle so that the sharks can feast on your remains and erase every evidence."

Ayra laughed, pulling back. "Yes ma." She sensed movement on the other side of the partition so she pushed Ibtihaj away. "Shoo! Lemme meet my husband."

Ibtihaj glared but moved back. "I don't blame you. Me too I'll get husband one day."