From We to Me...

Proposal

She made sure I had a facial and got my nails done. While at the spa day, Aaliya told me to please join her at a formal dinner. Her parents had some international clients and Ismail already had plans and would meet us there later. She said she needed company because those events were very boring. I chose to wear a light grey dress. The night was cold so a shawl was draped over my shoulders. Aaliya drove to the venue. It was a 5 star restaurant but it seemed really quiet. As we entered we walked under a canopy of Rose gold balloons. Red roses lined the path. We entered the glass doors and in front of me stood Zaid in a black suite pants and a navy shirt. His hair gelled back.

Aaliya suddenly disappeared. Zaid walked towards me. His perfume filled my nose. He led me to a table. On the table lay a puzzle with the words "Will you marry me?". I am certain I had a panic attack.
"Faatimah Zahra...." it's the first time he addressed me by my name.
" I have been honoured to come to know someone like you. From the day I met you I knew you were everything I wanted in a partner. I took privilege to seek your parents permission as well. So my dearest Will you marry me?"
I was afraid that I had lost my voice. I tried to speak but no words came out. After taking a few deep breaths my voice returned.
" Yes Zaid I will marry you. " I heard cheers behind me. My family and his were there. They all knew except me. Everyone hugged and congratulated us. I gave Aaliya the death stare. "You didn't even hint to me. That's a crime."
We both laughed and hugged each other. I was engaged to Zaid. Not just anyone but The Zaid. I could not believe it. I looked down at the dainty ring. It was a princess cut. The idea about the puzzle just completed everything. Zaid then called me to the balcony. "So the soon to be Mrs Mohamed...."
I blushed. "I can't believe you actually like me this much."
He spun me around and held my face. "I can't believe you actually accepted. I am the happiest guy alive. So whens the wedding?"
I laughed. "Slow down Mr. These things take time and planning. Every girls dreams of her wedding day so let me have that glory too."
"But we shouldn't prolong things too." he added in.
"Relax. Everything will happen at the right time." I tried to comfort him.
Liya was really shocked at my news but wished me luck. She did however to tell me to thread and think carefully before the big day. She said I should wait at least a year or 2 before the wedding. I guess she didn't understand the Islamic perspective of things.
Zaid and I would meet for lunch. His friends use to be there too. I did feel awkward and when I told him about it, he said I should get use to them as they were part of his life. Again I felt like was showing me off.
I had mid year exams to focus on and then my trip to Saudi. When I told Zaid about my trip he was upset and said he would not manage 2 weeks without seeing me. I explained to him the reason for my trip but he maintained that it was hard to be without me. I would miss him too but I had to be there. The trip was booked before the proposal anyway. This was a huge step for my family. Especially since my grandmother did not know we were going.

I wrote mid years and a week later we were scheduled to fly. Zaid was at home every day. It was as though I was going away for years. He sulked and sulked. I expected him to be supportive and excited that I was going to meet my family. Considering the circumstances surrounding the meeting. I was definitely gonna miss nani and Ismail more than him. It was our first overseas trip without them.