"Amina, a devout niqabi Muslim and final-year medical student from India, has always held her faith close. She has come to London to complete her studies, but life takes a turn when she finds herself in an arranged marriage with Zayd, a wealthy Lond...
Amina stepped out of the car, carefully adjusting her gown, and made her way inside the venue. Zayd followed closely behind, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. As Amina entered the hall, she froze, her eyes widening in awe. She had never imagined the venue to be this exquisitely decorated—fairy lights draped like delicate lace, floral arrangements spilling with colors, and a soft golden glow that bathed the room.
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Reception Hall
Zayd, noticing her pause, came to a stop beside her. His sharp gaze briefly scanned the room, but he remained indifferent, as if the grandeur barely registered. Amina's reverie broke when she became acutely aware of his presence. Without a word, they resumed their walk toward their parents.
All eyes turned to them as they moved through the crowd. Amina felt a wave of self-consciousness, her fingers instinctively clutching the edge of her gown. Zayd, on the other hand, seemed impervious to the attention, his expression stoic and composed.
"As-salamu alaikum, Mama, Baba. I missed you both so much!" Amina's voice trembled as she greeted her parents, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Wa alaikum as-salam, beta," they responded in unison, pulling her into a warm embrace. Her father kissed her forehead and added tenderly, "We missed you too, my child."
Zayd stepped forward, offering a polite but distant smile. He greeted her parents, exchanging a brief hug with her father before stepping aside.
"Amina, where are Layla and Saad? Weren't they coming with you?" Mrs. Sarah's brows furrowed with concern.
"What? They haven't arrived yet?" Amina asked, her voice tinged with surprise. "They left before us."
"Don't worry, Mom. They're on their way," Zayd interjected in his usual calm tone, hoping to ease his mother's worry.
Moments later, Layla and Saad entered the hall, their expressions slightly sheepish. Amina's face lit up, but she didn't let them off easily.
"What took you two so long?" she teased, narrowing her eyes playfully. "Weren't you supposed to arrive before us?"
Layla hesitated, her cheeks flushing. "Uh... Saad got an important call, so we had to pull over for a bit."
Amina raised a brow, unconvinced. "Oh really?"
Layla huffed, feigning offense. "If you don't believe me, you can ask Saad."
"I didn't say I don't believe you," Amina countered, her tone laced with mock suspicion.
"Your tone says otherwise!" Layla shot back, though a smile tugged at her lips.
Their playful banter was interrupted by Mrs. Sarah. "Zayd, take Amina to the stage."
Zayd gave a small nod and extended his hand toward Amina. Her breath hitched as his fingers brushed hers—a simple, unfamiliar touch that sent a shiver down her spine. It was the first time they had held hands, and the unexpected intimacy left her both flustered and unsure.
