Greyscale Angel

Starry night

Malaa'ika's POV

The garden reception was straight out of some ridiculously stunning film. A large field edged with rose and tulip bushes, about 10 round tables set up with exquisite silver table cloths, fine china and perfectly cultivated vines as centerpieces. The garden was caged by canopies dressed in strings of light. The air was cool against my flushed skin and the chatter of guests sounded upon the silent night. Amaan and his family had taken me by surprise, really embracing our brand new relationship with such charisma. I wasn't used to be being showered with attention. "Malaa'ika! Why aren't you eating anything? " My new sister is law exclaimed from across the table. "I did eat, I promise." I replied. Truth be told, I could barely eat in this dress and my appetite really wasn't all there either. "Your plate is still clean! Amaan look after your wife," she instructed. Amaan looked at me from the corner of his eye. After a few minutes, all the food was cleared up and guests were coming over to greet us. I had no idea who any of these people were but I smiled and nodded from person to person trying to remember names and match them to faces. An hour passed and the garden had emptied out quite a bit. There were a few water glasses still left on the tables and I decided I should probably help clear up. As I gathered a few glasses together, Laaiqa seized them from my hands. "Amaan," Laaiqa said, " why don't you take Malaa'ika upstairs. She's so sleepy and crazy that she's clearing a table on her wedding day." I laughed at how silly it sounded, tried to protest that I would help them clear up but gave up at long last when everyone thought I was being absurd. Amaan and I greeted my aunt and uncle and his family then we walked side by side up the stairs that we had descended from earlier in the night. My feet were killing me and all I wanted to do was break out of these shoes. I walked slowly, taking one step at a time. We walked through the kitchen, along the hallway towards a long staircase. Oh no! More stairs! "Wait," I finally said, reaching my pain threshold. "The shoes?" Amaan asked, almost amused. I looked up at him trying to be angry but ended up giving in, "Yess the shoes," I wailed, "Please help." Amaan bent down and slipped the devil heels off my thankful feet. He held my shoes in one hand and my hand in his other hand as we made our way up the staircase. We walked a little more until we came to a standstill in front of a closed door. "So... this is my room, uhm our room for the time being." Amaan said. "The door is nice..." I responded. "Oh right, sorry," he said as he released my hand and turned the handle. The simple blue and silver room was decorated with red rose petals and bed side lanterns. I found my suitcase and other belongings near the bed. "Umm the bathroom is over there," Amaan said, pointing to a door on the left hand side of the room, "take your time and meet me in the balcony  when you're done?" I smiled and nodded in response. I grabbed the overnight bag that I had prepared for today and head to the door. I changed into a long black night  gown, unpinned my Hijab and allowed my curls to tumble down to my shoulders. I removed my makeup leaving just a little bit of the pink gloss on. Though much more comfortable now than a few moments ago, the nerves suddenly took over. We were now truly alone. No little children to break the silence, no family to divert the conversation, no one but us. We had to find a way to fill the silence with conversation, we had to break the ice and find a way to be us. My hands were shaking so bad, but I made my way back. Amaan was standing outside on the balcony with his back facing me. I stepped next to him and held onto the railing. It was such a beautiful night. "I can't remember the last time I saw this many stars." I whispered, " In the city you can hardly ever see them with the 24 hour flood of light and activity, but here in the suburb, life seemed slower, prettier." He turned to me with a look of surprise. " I've never heard you speak so many words in one go." I laughed. "So your aunt was saying you still have about 5 days off from work? I was just wondering if you'd like to do go away for about 3 day? Not too far away. What do you think?" The idea of a getaway actually sounded quite perfect, " I'd love that," I replied. Relief flood over his face, "I'm so glad you said that because I've already made bookings." I rolled my eyes at his logic. "So where exactly are we going?" I asked, feeling rather excited. "Sorry, can't say." I could feel my anxiety build. "Please tell me, I really hate surprises. I wouldn't know what to pack, what to expect, how to react, how to think," I rambled. I felt an icy cold hand around my wrist, pulling me close as Amaan's honey eyes met mine. "Do you trust me? " He asked in a whisper. I couldn't seem to find my voice, my breath caught in mid air. I gave a slight nod. His grip loosened and he smiled, "We leave at dawn, pack something warm. "

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