From We to Me...

I and A

Renovations were in full force next door. Daddy was converting everything to wheelchair access for Ismail and Aaliyas home. I still couldn't believe my best friend was to be my sister in law. Walima planning was also on the cards. We had only a month for the function and I was yet to get an outfit. Working greatly in my favour was the fact that Liyas sister was a fashion designer. It was the first time she had a Muslim friendly dress to make. I was definitely caught up between being with Aaliya and planning from Ismail's side. I was given the daunting task of taking my brother shopping for a suit. My goodness I suffered. He was the fussiest shopper ever. After visiting 500 stores we eventually settled for something. The colour scheme for the walima was set on Lilac and lemon. As the days got nearer our was filled with wedding vibes. The chatter, laughter and signing filled the air. I popped in to see Aaliya as well. She was a beautiful radiant bride to be. Her sister from Dubai was around too. I was really happy for my brother and I asked Allah to bless his marriage and keep him happy always.
The last 2 days leading up to the wedding was very busy. Many visitors stayed over. I wished my fathers family were there too. Baba had tried to talk to his wife but she was adamant and did not budge. I made dua for that too. My dad needed his family too.
The morning of the wedding I went to Aaliyas house with a bunch of flowers. I wished her all the best and told her how happy I was that she was to be part of our family. The day flew by. At 3pm Liya my newly discovered make up artist and her sister arrived to help me dress.
I hadn't seen my dress complete and only went for one fitting. It was beautiful. The rich cream net fabric was sequined with gold from the top to midway. The bottom flowed with soft silk. To match I had a plain gold scarf and a pair of gold sandals encrusted with diamantés.
"You look like a princess." Miya said.
"You turned me into a princess Miya." my dress is stunning.
"Ahem my make-up too is good." Liya laughed.
"of course you transformed me." I gave her a hug and they got ready to leave. Liya and Miya were invited for the walima the next day. I heard daddy rushing everyone to get to the hall. The nikaah was over. My brother was married. Aaliya was Mrs Askari. Mummy entered my room with daddy. "Are you ready my princess?" she asked
"I better keep a close eye on you. You look like a porcelain doll." my daddy said.
We were welcomed into a winter wonderland. Aaliya and her family transformed the hall. Everything to the last detail was considered. Aaliya made a MashaAllah bride. She looked perfect.
Nani asked me to get her juice from the entrance table. I felt a hand on my shoulder. That perfume smell, I was all too familiar with caught me.
" Looks like you going to need a body guard tonight." he said
"Why so?" I asked
"You look so hot." he said
"Hot..."
"Beautiful I mean beautiful." he quickly added.
I started blushing " You really think so?"
"Of course I do." He smiled. His perfect set of teeth glistening. "Let me help you with that. Can't have you messing that stunning dress."
I smiled and let him lead the way. Once in the hall Zaid stood really close by. Almost as though I was his possession. A part of me felt honoured that a guy of his calibre was possessive of me and another part of me felt annoyed.
After supper was served everyone began to mingle. I Sat with my cousins from Cape Town. Zaid walked up to me with a lady I recognised was his mum. He introduced us. Conversation then followed about myself and my studies. Aunty Samira seemed like a very strong minded person. A bit forceful in her ideologies. The wedding was a lovely function. The next day we were busy hosting Aaliyas family. I opted for a soft flowing dress. I loved bright colours and the red colour was just right. Again Aaliya looked beautiful. While serving a few ladies I was bombarded with questions.
"Oh girls of today only put education first. They so qualified that no boys want to marry them. Whats the point? Become doctors but don't know how to cook. They think they can feed their husbands tablets to get full."
I was completely shocked. Is that what people thought of me? That I am someone who cares nothing about marriage and a family. I did care about those aspects but being a dr too is important to me. By no means was i belittling anyone? In fact Islam allowed women to study. It's preferred that a female see a female doctor as a preference. If young Muslim girls do not become doctors then? It's these very people who will insist to visit a female Doctor too. I brushed their comments aside and continued the function. Zaid popped up every so often and showed me off.