FOREVER WITH YOU

Chapter 29: Avoiding His Gaze

Tasleem wore a stunning white dress, the intricate embroidery and stones reflected the lights as it gleamed. Her red henna makes her more beautiful and clean. Her large eyes welled up with tears, but it made it more clear and captivating. As the moment of goodbye approached.

Her friends escort her to Mamie's bedroom.

"Mamie..." Tasleem took Mamie's hand, her voice choked with emotion. Even though she wasn't her flesh and blood. She will always be her mother.

 Mamie wiped away the tears in her eyes and wrapped her arms around Tasleem. She made a futile attempt to hold back from crying.

Mamie's voice was hoarse as she tried to hold back her tears. She knew Tasleem was afraid, and she hoped and prayed that they made the right choice by getting them married to each other. "My daughter, all I ever wanted was for you to be happy and to be treated properly. That way you can truly be happy. And Insha Allah you'll find happiness in this marriage. Together you'll grow old with your husband. And promise me, if Rayyan did something you didn't like, come home immediately and tell me, I'll make sure I break his legs."

Guests laughed at her comments.

"May Allah bless your marriage, may you live happily with your husband." They embraced each other, their hearts overflowing with love and sadness. Amira couldn't help it, as tears streamed down her face.

"Allahumma Amin." They all answered together.

As the emotional farewell came to a close, a fleet of luxury cars waited outside,  the smell of Bakhoor wafted through the air, her friends taking pictures.

Tasleem was escorted to one of the sleek, black luxury cars, its tinted windows gleaming in the lights. Zainab and Amira sat beside her, the soft click of the doors enveloping them in a cozy, celebratory atmosphere. 

Love-by Ali Jita played in the car. As they headed to their destination.

****

Amra was watching the scene through the window as tears rolled down her cheeks. She looks fragile and worn out. With dark circles under her eyes. It's obvious she's not having a good sleep.

She slammed the window shut, and a blood-curdling scream tore from her throat, fueled by rage, desperation, and utter despair. In a frenzy of grief and frustration, she stormed to her bed, ripping the sheets apart, and sending pillows flying. Perfume bottles shattered on the dressing mirror, their fragrant contents mingling with the stench of destruction. Glass shards pierced her hand, but she didn't feel the pain, consumed by her anguish and overwhelming sorrows. With a ferocity that seemed to have no end, she smashed and scattered everything in the room, unleashing her pent-up emotions. 

Finally, exhausted, she collapsed to the floor, her body shaking with uncontrollable sobs. Tears streamed down her face, and blood dripped from her cut hand, forming a crimson puddle beside her. She felt Shattered, broken, and helpless, her heart heavy with grief. 

Mommy's eyes widened in alarm as she flung open the door and rushed into the room, her heart racing with concern. She was met with a scene of utter devastation: shattered glass, overturned furniture, and Amra's bloody hands. She rushed to her side. "AMRAH." She called.

Amra's body shook with uncontrollable sobs as she buried her face in Mommy's shoulder, her heart shattered into a million pieces. "Mommy, Ya Rayyan is gone... he married Tasleem... I'll never have him," she wailed, her voice cracking with despair.

Mommy's arms wrapped Amra's tightly around her, holding her close as the warmth of her breath caressed her ear. "Shh, Amra, don't cry. I'll fix this, I promise you." Her voice was reassuring. "I won't rest until Rayyan is yours. You're my daughter, my love, and I won't let anyone steal your happiness."