For your eyes only

8

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Salman stepped forward, glancing at Adnan with a smirk that hinted at a hilarious memory. "So, back in college, there was this huge charity fair on campus. Adnan, being the helpful guy he is, volunteered to run a booth. Now, the fair had everything—face painting, dunk tanks, and even those big inflatable slides. And Adnan's booth ended up right between the cotton candy machine and a table handing out bubble wands for kids."

Hamraz jumped in, already chuckling. "Now, it was a hot day, and Adnan had been there for hours. He was tired, probably starving, and, let's just say, his focus wasn't exactly sharp."

Salman grinned, setting the scene. "So, there he is, chatting with people, when he spots what he thinks is a lollipop on the table. Without a second thought, he picks it up, starts unwrapping it, and... yep, takes a big lick."

The crowd erupted in laughter, and Adnan covered his face, laughing along in embarrassment.

"But here's the best part," Salman continued, holding back his laughter. "He realizes, a moment too late, that it's not a lollipop at all—it's one of those bubble wands, dipped in soapy bubble solution!"

Hamraz added, barely able to contain his laughter, "And suddenly he's there, spitting out bubbles and trying not to cough up soap, while all these little kids are watching him in horror. One kid even started crying, thinking Adnan had stolen his toy!"

The guests roared with laughter, some wiping away tears, while Adnan's bride was doubled over, trying to catch her breath, clearly amused by the story.

Salman shook his head with a fond grin. "But here's what makes Adnan special. He didn't just laugh it off. No, he spent the next half hour convincing that kid it was a big mistake and that he was very, very sorry."

Hamraz chimed in, "Yeah, he even promised the kid an extra turn at the cotton candy machine—after rinsing his mouth out at the water fountain!"

As the laughter settled, Hamraz took a step forward, raising his glass. "Adnan's always been a magnet for trouble," he began, looking at his friend with a grin. "He might confuse a bubble wand for candy, or treat deadlines like suggestions, but if there's one thing he never gets wrong, it's how to be there for people."

Hamraz's voice softened as he continued, "I remember once, back in college, I got sick just before a big exam. Now, Adnan and I studied different fields, so his notes wouldn't help me at all." He chuckled, glancing at his friend. "But Adnan showed up at my door with snacks and even an inspirational playlist. He spent hours sitting with me, keeping my spirits up. That's the kind of friend—and now husband—Adnan is."

Turning to Adnan's bride, Hamraz spoke with warmth. "You've married a man who will go out of his way to make sure you're happy, supported, and smiling, no matter what life throws your way. And I think we can all agree," he glanced around at the guests with a smile, "that Adnan's loyalty and kindness run deep. He'll face anything head-on if it means protecting and caring for those he loves—even if it leads to a few funny stories along the way."

He turned back to Adnan, his gaze softening. "I'm grateful to have shared so many of these moments with you, to witness your kindness and humor, and now to stand here as you start this next chapter. You're a blessing to all of us, and you deserve every bit of happiness that lies ahead."

Hamraz reached over to give Adnan a quick, heartfelt hug, which drew applause from the crowd. There was a warm, shared feeling of appreciation among the guests, who'd been given a glimpse of the true, loyal friend that Adnan was.

As the crowd quieted, Salman stepped forward with a more serious expression. His voice softened with sincerity. "May Allah bless you both," he began, his tone filled with reverence. "May you live together in joy and understanding, through laughter and through any challenges that come your way. May you be each other's strength and peace, always growing together as partners and friends."

The guests nodded, some softly saying "Ameen," as Salman continued. His voice grew even gentler as he addressed both Adnan and his bride, "May Allah grant you children who will bring light and joy to your lives, growing up with faith and kindness, reflecting the very best of both of you."

He looked up, his eyes warm as he glanced from Adnan to his bride. "And may Allah make this marriage a source of endless blessings—not only for the two of you but for everyone around you. Ameen."

A heartfelt "Ameen" echoed from the crowd, and a moment of quiet reflection followed as the guests absorbed the blessing. Adnan's eyes shone with gratitude as he looked at Salman, silently thanking him for his heartfelt words.

In that quiet, shared moment, Adnan wrapped an arm around his bride, pulling her close. They exchanged a tender look, filled with love and promise, as they took in the prayers, laughter, and blessings of the day—a day that would carry them forward, into a future filled with shared moments and endless possibilities.