𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬

Chapter 9: Family support

-Rahaf's pov-

As I sat nervously on the edge of the bed, the layers of my bridal attire seemed to weigh heavier with each passing moment.

The room, adorned with delicate decorations for our wedding night, exuded an air of anticipation mixed with a hint of apprehension. The soft flicker of candles cast dancing shadows across the room, adding to the ambiance of the moment.

My eyes wandered around the room, taking in every detail-the intricate patterns on the walls, the elegant drapes framing the windows, the delicate arrangement of flowers adorning the bedside table. Everything seemed to be a reflection of the significance of this night, of the union that had just taken place.

The door creaked open, and my heart skipped a beat as Aydin entered the room. He was in his nikah attire and don't ask me how good he was looking. His presence commanded attention, yet there was a distance in his demeanor that I couldn't quite decipher.

Our eyes met briefly, a fleeting moment of connection, before Aydin averted his gaze, his expression unreadable.

He's made of a rocks, probably.

He came towards me, his movements deliberate, his voice cold and distant. "Wuzu karo, humein 2 rakat shukrana nafl ada karni hai," he said, his words cutting through the silence like a knife. (Perform ablution, we need to offer 2 units of voluntary prayer of thanks.)

I nodded silently, my heart racing as I followed him to the bathroom. We performed ablution in silence, the sound of running water echoing in the small space. As we stood side by side, preparing for our first prayer as husband and wife, I couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.

As we stepped out of the bathroom and into the dimly lit room, Aydin motioned for me to take my place behind him. I joined him on the prayer mat, the weight of the moment settling over us like a heavy blanket.

Together, we bowed our heads in prayer, our voices blending in perfect harmony as we recited the words of gratitude and praise. In that moment, as we stood before our Creator, I felt a sense of peace wash over me-a feeling of contentment unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

I've always dreamt about this moment, to offer my first salah with my husband and yet I was witnessing my dream. It all felt like a dream to me, who knew my life will take a turn suddenly.

As we completed our prayer, I felt a sense of joy and gratitude welling up within me. Our first salah as husband and wife had been a moment of profound connection, a testament to the bond that we shared.

After we were done, he rose from the prayer mat and grabbed his clothes from the cupboard before disappearing into the bathroom to change.

After he was done, the quiet of the room broken only by the sound of Aydin emerging from the bathroom, changed into casual trousers and a black tee which hugged his body perfectly.

He moved towards me with measured steps, his voice cutting through the silence like a knife.

"Tumne apne kapde kyun nahi badle?" (Why didn't you change your clothes?)

His words hung in the air, heavy with disapproval and expectation. Hint of coldness in his tone, and I felt a knot form in my stomach. I searched for the right words to explain.

"Aunty ne kaha tha ke main nikah ke kapde mein hi rahun, muh dikhai tak," I replied, my voice trembling slightly with uncertainty. (Aunty told me to be in my nikah attire until muh dikhai.)

But Aydin seemed unmoved by my explanation. Without another word, he slipped into the bed getting comfortable, to sleep.

I scoffed in disbelief, is this man for real? Ya rab give me sabr. What is wrong with him? Did he forget my muh dukhai? He was testing my patience now.