𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞 | 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟎𝟏

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟑

FAIZAN

"You grew up so quickly." Farhan says, sniffing dramatically and dabbing a piece of tissue under his eye.

We're at my house right now, ready to leave for the masjid for my and Arzo's nikkah.

At the engagement brunch, it was decided to do the nikkah within the week. Originally, our nikkah was supposed to take place the same day as the rukhsati but that felt too far and after the sudden unwanted appearance of Arzo's cousin, I told mama to do the nikkah within a few days.

She didn't mind. She was thrilled to know my quick decision. This way, Arzo and I will be officially married and the events can take place as many as they can.

"You're not even crying." I say to the dramatic man in front of me.

He drops his hand, "Take it as an expression. I am so proud of you." he steps closer with wide arms but I step back making him drop his arms, "rude."

"You'll ruin my clothes."

"That's such a blatant lie. You're saving your hugs for your wife."

"That too."

"Haye, look at my friend simping already."

"I don't simp."

"Don't worry," he puts his hand on my shoulder, "you will. And I will enjoy every second of it." I shrug his hand off of my shoulder, "geez. Fine."

I open the door, "let's go before you get us late," I say and step out.

"The audacity." I hear Farhan say before the door shuts, "how dare you blame me for being late?"

"We're not late but you might make us."

"How dare you-"

"Just get in the car."

We finally get in the car and drive ourselves to the masjid.

Zahid will come with Hafsah and baba and might already be at the masjid.

The masjid isn't far away from my house or Arzo's. Saeed Uncle, baba and I went to check the masjid for the nikkah and we all agreed on the same decision. It was the first masjid we went to, talked to the imam about the nikkah and he agreed despite having shorter days. We all were relieved to know he will do our nikkah.

Farhan enlightens me with his presentation about being a good husband but I barely listen to him. Not because I don't want to learn how to be a good husband but because I can't concentrate on anything but getting the nikkah done successfully.

Never expected myself to be this impatient.

Farhan's presentation comes to a stop when we finally arrive at the masjid. I spot Zahid's car so he and baba are probably inside.

Farhan and I step out of the car and enter the masjid. The masjid has a separate area for nikkah ceremonies. Arzo and I will sit in seperate rooms for our nikkah before we are allowed to see each other.

"Assalamu Alaikum," Farhan and I greet Zahid, baba and Hafsah.

"Wale Kum Assalam,"

"How are you feeling?" baba asks.

"I was nervous before but Farhan's unwanted words helped calm down my nerves."

"You are welcome." Farhan says, Zahid and baba chuckle.

"I just got off the phone with Saeed, they're on their way." baba says, I nod.

Just after a few minutes, Saeed. Uncle's car stops by the masjid. Baba, Hafsah and I go to the entrance to greet them just when they step out of the car.

My steps halt when my eyes catch Arzo step out wearing a silk beige abaya and hijab. The abaya shining when the light hits it. The smile on her face brightens her beauty more.

I'm quick to lower my gaze before someone catch me.

"Assalamu Alaikum," Saeed Uncle greets us.

"Wale Kum Assalam," we say in return.

"The imam is ready," baba informs as we step in.

"Then let's not wait any longer," Saeed Uncle says and smiles at his daughter and me.

We make our way inside the mosque then Arzo and I part our ways to go to different rooms for our nikkah. Hafsah goes with Arzo to her room while the men first go in the room assigned to me.

Imam enters my room first, I sit on the sofa while he takes his seat on the sofa chair. He recites "bismillah" before starting which eases the fast beat in my heart as I recite it as well.

"Faizan Malik, son of Kamran Saidi and Soha Malik, do you agree to marry Arzo Saeed daughter of Saeed Qureshi and Sadia Javaid?"

"Yes." the word slips out of my tongue easily but the nerves don't leave yet.

He hands me the nikkah documents and tells me where my signature is needed. After my signature is done, we all raise our hands as the Imam starts making dua.

Ya Allah, make us the best partner for each other. Ameen.

When the dua is finished, everyone gets up to hug and congratulate each other.

Farhan takes it as an advantage and hugs me for too long.

"Let me go." I say after the imam, Saeed Uncle and Arzo's cousin- not Shoaib- leave to go to Arzo.

"Five more minutes."

"No." I say, gently pushing him.

He finally takes the hint and pulls away, "it's fine. I got all the hugs for the rest of the year."

"Make it the rest of your life."

"No way. One hug a year." he grins, I roll my eyes.

"Relax. Everything is fine." Zahid says.

"How long does it take for the nikkah to be done?" I ask which makes them chuckle.

"It's alright," baba says, "feeling impatient is very common during these times."

"You're not alone." Zahid adds, I nod.

After which feels like an eternity, Saeed Uncle returns to the room with a smile and says, "you can meet her now." which puts my nerves at rest.

I exit the room and walk towards Arzo's where I find Hafsah and her cousin standing outside.

I gently open the door and step inside where Arzo is seated on the sofa with a golden veil over her head. I kneel and gently lift her veil, making her look up at me.

As our eyes lock, her face brightens with a wide smile. I place a soft kiss on her forehead and softly say, "you look beautiful."

"Thank you." she signs, a shade of red spreading across her cheeks.

My lips form a small smile at the sight of her.

My wife.