Loving You

Chapter 24 - A Romantic Gesture

As I went inside our room, I saw delicate rose petals in an array of colours carefully scattered around our room, scented candles lit, giving out a beautiful aroma. Right in the middle of our bed, Ali was sat down, holding a giant red heart shaped pillow, looking so handsome as a Nasheed was gently playing in the background.

"Ali this is all really sweet of you but can we talk?" "What about?" "Last night." Ali stood up, walked towards me and took my hands in his own. "Zahra I have no words, I'm just very ashamed of myself. I'm sorry I should've told you but believe me when I say Saima was nothing but a mistake. But you are the one thing I got right in my life. I don't ever wanna lose you, Zahra. God, I love you so much, sweetheart." He smiled and kissed my forehead.

"I'm sorry too. I said some stuff I shouldn't have. I was really upset and angry that maybe I was reserved as a second choice for you, that maybe you didn't love me. You know, on our wedding night, when my bestie came to our room, she was more excited than I was. All I could think about was things going wrong. I mean, why would you want me as your bride?" My eyes began watering.

I buried my face in his chest as I felt his arms around me and his chin rested atop my head. "It's ok. I'm sorry you felt that way but Sweetheart, you are the only person I want to spend the rest of my life with. I wanted to marry you from the moment I met you because you are so incredibly sweet and beautiful.

Not to mention that you make me wanna be the best man I can, for you. You know, I never engaged in any major sins. Like I've never drunk or had premarital sex, always kept a beard, prayed 5 times a day. Basically, done all the basics. But when I met you, sweetheart you inspired me to do more, to be more. I was inspired to be more religious.

And I completely understand that you may have had some doubts on our wedding night. I did too. That's normal for every newlywed couple. I was worried about if we had any chemistry together, if I could make you happy, if I could take care of you, if anything were to happen to you. Do you know what reassured me?

It was seeing you, looking stunning and seeing the love in your eyes. In that moment, I still wasn't sure about what our future may look like but I was certain about living in the moment with you and enjoying every single minute. Nothing else matters to me apart from us, and I swear that you are not a second choice. You are my beautiful wife who I have fallen in love with. " "You really mean that, Ali?" "Every word." "You know, I was so sad and worried last night and when you left this morning." "Hey, you have nothing to worry about, darling. I promise to never again make you feel the way you did." He said as I looked up into his gentle eyes and he wiped my tears with his fingers. His lips gently kissed my lips. I wasn't completely sure at first but I instantly melted into his lips. With just one kiss, I felt blissfully happy, loved beyond words and confident in myself. " God, I have missed your soft lips and your gentle eyes. I have one more surprise for you, my love."

Ali brought out a maroon coloured suitcase on wheels with a little pink rose attached to the tag. "Read the name tag." "Ok, it says
Mrs Reza - Ahmedi's." "Sweetheart let me make it up to you by taking you on our honeymoon. We need some time to be together alone. But only if you want."

"Where are we going?" I asked, astonished by the fact that he was so organised. "Where have you always told me you want to go visit, more than anywhere else in the world?" Said Ali in a cheerful voice. "Iran." "Darling, that's where we are going." "Seriously, you're taking me to Iran." "Yes, we have a layover in Istanbul, Turkey for a couple of days before arriving in the capital of Iran, Tehran. But my angel, we will have to leave in a couple of hours as we fly tonight." He handed me the tickets, our British passports and VISAs and kissed my cheek. He smiled gently, "So my beautiful wife, what do you say?" Without hesitating, I kissed him passionately and smiled. "I would go anywhere, as long as I have you with me, Ali."

Glossary
Nasheed- a vocal performance of Islamic poetry/hymns in honour/celebration/commiseration/ remembrance of God and/or his last Prophet and Messenger, Muhammad and his holy Progeny.