Silent Ties: Fusion Of Hearts

Chapter 37

Azlan's POV:

I couldn't stop worrying about Zia. Everything had happened so quickly. She hadn't had the time to recover, and today, she was marrying me. All I could do was ease her worries by reassuring her and helping her get through the day. Afterward, I'd be able to do everything I could to support her without any restrictions. Her friends had called me earlier, and after hearing that she was doing alright, I felt some relief.

When we arrived at the venue, everything looked perfect. All I wanted was to see her, but I knew I couldn't until the nikah. Rahil, noticing my impatience, nudged me and said, "Don't frown, or your mother-in-law will think something's wrong. Just wait a little while—you'll see her soon enough."

Hearing him, I adjusted my expression and smiled just as Zunaira Aunty approached me for a pre-wedding ritual. This ritual involved her trying to tug my nose, an act symbolizing a mother-in-law's affectionate reminder to the groom to respect his elders and take care of his new wife. Then, she offered me a glass of milk and a sweet. My mother had explained these rituals to me, so I knew what to expect.

Another ritual was left before I could enter, and it involved me getting "beaten" with decorative branch sticks that we'd brought with us. Thankfully, it wasn't as bad as it sounded. Soon, Zia's cousins and friends approached me with the sticks, pretending to be fierce. Before I could ask them to be gentle, they began lightly tapping me, each tap followed by playful remarks and laughter from the surrounding guests.

"This is to ward off evil spirits and bring you good luck," Zia's cousin explained, her tone both teasing and affectionate.

I chuckled, feeling a sense of warmth and acceptance. "I guess I can use all the luck I can get," I replied, playing along. After this ritual, Zunaira Aunty shooed everyone away so she could welcome us inside.

As we entered the venue, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. I scanned the room, my eyes searching for Zia. The decorations were stunning, blending traditional elegance with modern charm, but nothing compared to the anticipation of seeing my bride.

My mother and the other women in the family began the ceremonial preparations for the nikah. I tried to remain calm, but my thoughts kept drifting to Zia. How was she feeling? Was she nervous? I hoped the spa treatment I'd arranged for her earlier had helped her relax. We were all seated in an open area where refreshments were served, with a half-hour to go before the nikah.

Finally, I was guided to the hall where the nikah would take place. The Maulvi began reciting prayers, and my heart pounded in my chest as the moment approached. Then, I heard a murmur that Zia had arrived. My heart raced as the curtain separating the men's and women's sections was lifted slightly, and I caught a glimpse of her. She wore a veil, but I could see her dress—she looked like an angel. We had chosen white because it truly made her glow. Once she was seated, the nikah began.

The Maulvi asked me if I accepted Zia as my wife, and with a steady voice, I said, "Qubool hai" three times. The same question was posed to Zia, and hearing her soft "Qubool hai" echo in the room felt like music to my ears. The nikah was complete. Everyone started congratulating and hugging me. We were escorted to dinner afterward, but I still hadn't seen her face fully. There were still a few rituals left, and I could wait.

After dinner, we moved to a hall for the final rituals, marking the end of the wedding and the beginning of our new life together. The anticipation was almost unbearable, but I knew that soon we would finally be together. The last ritual was about to start, and the excitement in the air was palpable.

We were led to a beautifully decorated stage for the ritual. Zia was brought in by her friends and family, and my heart skipped a beat as I saw her approaching. The ritual involved us sitting opposite each other with a mirror placed between us. This would be the first time I'd see her face clearly since the ceremony began.

As the cloth was lifted from her face, my breath caught in my throat. Zia looked breathtakingly beautiful, her eyes meeting mine with a mixture of shyness and excitement. The moment was magical, and I felt a surge of happiness and relief. We exchanged smiles, and it felt like the world had narrowed down to just the two of us.

Next, I was asked to recite a dua, and a small child was brought inside the veil as part of the ritual, symbolizing the blessing of children. The child, her young cousin, looked into the mirror and, with a pout, addressed Zia, "You promised you would marry me, but now you're marrying him! Was I not cute enough?"

Everyone laughed at his innocent outburst. Zia smiled in the mirror, and I couldn't resist joining the playful banter. "You're obviously very cute," I said. "But I liked her a lot, so I married her quickly. And you're still so small—don't worry, I'll find someone special for you. Zia is mine now, okay?"

Zia tugged my sleeve, a hint of a blush on her cheeks, and I gave her a reassuring look. How could I not claim her now? After all, the nikah was done, and I had wanted to show off my bride for a long time. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy, with everyone teasing me, making the moment even more special.

The elders then showered us with blessings, rose petals, and prayers for a prosperous life together. The warmth and love from everyone around us were overwhelming. With the final rituals complete, it was time to take her home.

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