A WEDDING ROMANCE

"SENT YOU A REQUEST"

A day passed, and I continued searching. Then, I came across an account that caught my attention. I opened it and stared at the profile picture closely... I couldn't believe my eyes.

I wanted to scream out loud in sheer happiness-it was those hazel eyes that had stolen my heart. It was him. I had finally found him.

I couldn't keep my happiness to myself, so I quickly sent the profile picture to Mizna.

I also sent the account and texted her:

"Hey Mizna, I found his Instagram! OMG!
I had no idea I was this good at stalking, haha!"

18.11.2021

Two days passed, and I was still stalking his profile. I knew my boundaries-I had no intention of crossing them or getting involved in anything like a relationship.

As I've said before, that's just not what I'm looking for. Even though I couldn't get over him, I didn't want to pursue anything beyond admiration from afar.

I liked him, but that's where I drew the line. I wanted it to happen in a pure, halal way, with my parents by my side-just like the possibility my brother hinted at two days ago.

It was 7 in the evening, and I was watching TV when Mizna's call interrupted me.

"Hey, what's up?"

"Sejal, you have to hear this."

"Yeah, go on."

"Mehmet is asking for your Instagram. Should I give it to him?"

"Wait, what?! What are you talking about? He knows about me? How? When did this happen? Please, explain-I'm totally lost!"

"Okay, okay, calm down and listen."

"Yeah, just tell me everything."

"So, when you sent me his Instagram, right?"

"Yeah?"

"I was in college at the time, and my friend was sitting right beside me. When I checked his profile, she happened to see it too and said she knows him."

"What? How does she know him?"

"They were schoolmates-Mehmet was her senior."

"OMG, Mizna, I can't believe this! Are you serious, or is this some kind of prank?"

"No, babe, I swear, this isn't a prank. I'm completely serious!"

"Okay, okay, continue... What happened next?"

"So, she said she knew him and could message him if we wanted. I figured, why not, and let her do it. She messaged him, saying that you like him and saw him at your cousin's wedding. That's when he asked for your Instagram. It seems like he really wants to talk to you. So I thought I'd better ask you first before giving it to him."

"And now you realize you should ask me? After everything's already happened? Wow, that's really quick, huh?"

My mind was racing as I took it all in. I never imagined our story would go this far-it felt like something straight out of a romantic movie where everything unfolds so unexpectedly.
I still couldn't wrap my head around what she just told me...

MEHMET WANTS MY INSTAGRAM? HE KNOWS ABOUT MY FEELINGS?

Yesterday that and now this??!!

I was practically bouncing off the walls with a mix of happiness, anxiety, and fear.

"But what if someone finds out about this? No, no, no-I don't want that. Just tell him no, please. I don't want a relationship... That's my final decision"

"Are you out of your mind?" she blurted out.

"How can you even think of saying no? You really like him, and this isn't just some random crush-this is something special. You two are meant for each other; it's fate! Don't worry about your family-think about what happened two days ago.

There's a real chance you both could end up together with your parents' consent. What could be more perfect? You could actually get to know each other before marriage... it could be the best of both worlds-a love marriage with the seal of an arranged one!"

Her voice was full of excitement, as if she could already see it all unfolding.

Mizna's words echoed in my mind, and I couldn't help but think she was right.

What if he tells someone about this? But then again, he's not that immature... right?

I was still confused, my thoughts swirling in a mix of fear and excitement.

"Don't overthink it," Mizna urged.

"Just say yes. Everything will be okay, trust me."

I was scared, but how could I say no to talking to him? It felt like a dream come true. After a few more moments of hesitation, I finally made up my mind.

"Okay," I said, taking a deep breath. "You can send my ID to him."

"Yayyy! That's my girl!" Mizna cheered."

"I'll send it right now. Bye! I'll update you on what happens next."

"Okay, bye," I replied, my heart racing with anticipation.

A few minutes later, Mizna texted me again.

"I've sent your ID to him... he'll message you. Let's wait for it."

My heart started pounding so hard I could practically hear it in my ears. I had never felt such intense anxiety before.

I was lost in my thoughts when I suddenly heard a familiar ting noise.

It was a notification.

"Where's my phone?" I muttered, frantically searching for it. When I finally found it, I saw the notification that read:

Mehmet_07 sent you a request

"Oh my God, he sent me a follow request!" I whispered, my hands shaking as I held my phone.

I accept it , I knew I needed to put in some effort from my side too, so I quickly followed him back.

Excitement bubbled inside me-I was eager to talk to him. But I didn't want to seem desperate, so I decided to wait and let him make the first move.