Loving You

Chapter 5- After I Do

Zahra's P.O.V
After our wedding day was finished, we were escorted by my mother in law to our hotel room for the evening. Me and my husband, Ali were far too shy to look at each other in the eye or even  to hold hands properly. Instead, our fingers lingered next to each other. We arrived at our room and Ali looked into my eyes before opening the door and quickly averting his gaze again. "Ladies first." He said flashing a charming little smile my way. I gently smiled back and went inside on my wheelchair.

Ali's P.O.V
I could tell that Zahra was nervous. I can't lie, I was too. I was nervous that she would judge me and my past, that somehow, we wouldn't be able to connect, that she wouldn't want a husband like me. Yet just by gazing at her reassured me beyond compare. I would be the best man I could be for her, give her the best life, love her unconditionally, take care of her. I smiled at her as we arrived at our room and she smiled back. That smile lit up my world like never before.

Zahra's P.O.V
My mother in law asked me whether I needed anything to which I politely declined. She left and Ali came inside. "May I help you get out of your wheelchair, Zahra?" He asked to which I didn't respond.  "Sweetheart, are you ok?" I didn't say anything as I didn't know how to explain myself. I hesitated and finally said "yes it's fine, I'll do it myself." I drove closer to the bed, intending to transfer myself onto it. "Love, I know how much you value your independence but please let me help you." I gently nodded with my face still down, looking at my lap. "Right, how do I do that?" He asked nervously. I instructed him as he scooped me up gently in his arms and sat me down carefully on my bridal bed covered in delicate maroon rose petals. "Was that ok? Asked Ali with care coating his sweet voice like honey. "Yes thank you so much." I replied in a small voice and smiled gently at my husband.

There was a knock at the door and my mother in law asked her son to step outside whilst she came and spoke with me. "Beta, I truly want to apologise for my behaviour that day. I am really so sorry, I was just very shocked. But I love you and I promise to take care of my beautiful new daughter. MashAllah I pray you have a happy life together and are blessed with children of your own. My child, my son knows his duties towards you as his wife and I am sure he will take such good care of you."

She said, beaming at me with tears of joy running down her cheek as she planted a kiss on my forehead. "I understand , please don't apologise, it's ok. Ameen auntie, I want to thank you for everything. Your supportiveness, your help in organising the wedding, for raising your son so well, I am so grateful. I promise to take care of you and your son." I replied in a small shy manner.

"Please Call me mum. Good now dear I shall leave you to get some rest. We can catch up soon." She left. Ali came inside. "I hope my mother didn't overwhelm you. "No not all, in fact I found her presence incredibly sweet, gentle and endearing." "Good i'm glad, my beautiful blushing bride."

I heard a knock and my best friend rushed inside. "Umm bro can you leave for a minute, I'm here to speak to my sis and I don't want her Prince Charming to be in the way." Ali rolled his eyes at her a little and reluctantly left the room again and said that he would be back soon. Mariah hugged me tightly and almost squeezed the life out of me. "I am so happy for you. Are you excited?" "Yeah I guess, but I'm still nervous.

What if he doesn't love me? What if he gets fed up and leaves me? What if..." "What if you guys love each other and are happy together. Look hun, I've seen the way he looks at you. He loves you already. Give it time." "Yes I suppose you're right. How did you feel when you got married to Sajjad." "I felt really nervous but his gentleness and tender love melted away all my fears." She blushed softly and smiled. "Getting married to Sajjad was such a blessing. I can't wait to see your happiness. Anyway, I'm going home and I'll see you soon. But before I leave o have one slight improvement that will make your groom melt for you." She says giggling as she pulls my dupatta down over my eyes, concealing over half of my face. "Thanks so much for everything, sis love you xx." "Don't even mention it. Love you too. Bye." Mariah left too.