Only You

thirty-six

It was the morning of the wedding, yes it was. I woke up at Tahajud today and stayed up until Ishraq, praying every namaz I could to enhance the specialty of the day. I was constantly praying for everything to go right but even if it didn't, I was going to marry Dr. Khan today- and that's all that mattered.

"Next," I said.

Yes, it was my wedding day. However currently, I was helping my brother decide what he'd wear instead. Huzaifah had many sherwani's and suits as he just like Maheen liked fashion, collecting watches, and trying new styles.

"You're supposed to be running around doing my errands, not me doing yours," I said.

"Shut up, how about this blue one." He said buttoning the last button on the blue sherwani he had put on.

"U-G-L-Y. Wear the white for the last time." I said.

"Which watch would go with that one then?" He asked.

"Ugh, Huzaifah even I don't take this long trying to figure out what to wear." I rolled my eyes, getting up to look at his watches.

I immediately eyed this silver watch that would look so perfect with his outfit as I picked it up.

"Gently, dude. It's more expensive than you." He said.

I punched his back hard as he chuckled.

"Huzaifah,"

We both turned to look by the door to a tearful Bhabi as she held the champagne-colored dress in her hands.

"Maheen, what's wrong?" He rushed to her.

"It-it, my-my dress...it-it won't fit.' She cried.

"Maheen, it's a dress. You have so many more." Huzaifah cupped her face.

"I bought this a year ago, just for Huda's wedding!"

"Bhabi, you can wear it sometime else. Maybe find something white and match with Bhai?" I suggested.

She thought for a second, and then her eyes widened in excitement.

"I GOT IT! I HAVE THE PERFECT DRESS!" She said running into the closet.

Bhai shook his head at her as he smiled, and my heart fluttered at their actions. I used to admire them and think about having someone of my own to be so loving too, I was so close to it all.

"HUDA! What have you been doing?! look at the time!" Ammi yelled barging in the room.

"I don't Ammi, I told her to go get ready a long time ago, she won't listen," Bhai said.

"Huzaifah you jerk!" I yelled at him

"TIME NAHI HAI, CHALO! (there's no time, let's go)" Ammi pulled me.

- - - - - - -

It was 5 P.M and I was getting my duppata set. The smile on my face wouldn't leave, even though I tried so hard to not- since it would crease my makeup. I was confident to say I looked really good. I told the lady to do my makeup very thin with minimal product and she listened, my face wasn't layered with gooey foundation and clumpy mascara. My eyes sparkled from the shadow that had been swept on it, and my lips were beautifully covered in red.

"Finished." The lady said smiling at me through the mirror.

Wow, I look like a bride.

"Huda." I heard Zahra from behind me.

Zahra wore a fawn-maroon garara and as I looked at her I forgot about my own makeup and almost cried at her astonishing beauty, oh how far we had come.

"Mashallah, how are you so beautiful?" I said,

I got up and walked to Zahra as she waled towards me. Her eyes gleamed with light tears, as did mine, while we took in each other's appearances- savoring them for life.

"Are they ready now?" Ammi walked in, pausing- looking at us.

She choked on a cry as she came closer and hugged me, breaking away to cup my face lightly. Then she looked over to Zahra, smiling as she caressed her head.

"Mashallah, Mashallah. Meri bachi-an itni khobsurat. (Praise to allah, how beautiful are my daughters)." She prayed.

"Huda, let's take you to your room so Zahra's parents can come see her." She said.

"Alright, I'll see you at the hall." I said to Zahra.

Ammi helped me walk upstairs, smiling widely as she looked at me.

I entered the room and immediately I was greeted by my brother.

"AHHH!" He screamed.

I laughed at him as he looked at me with his jaw wide open. He quickly cemr towards me and pulled me into a tight hug.

"Careful of her dress!" Bhabi yelled.

"Oh my god, no it's happening. Your getting married." He whispered.

I laughed at him as I hugged him tighter.

"My turn. Move!" Bhabi came.

"Aye Allah! Meri jaan itni pyari kaise ho tum? (My life, how are you so pretty)"

"Because she's MY sister. She got the leftover good looks." Huzaifah said.

"Shut up." Bhabi and I said at the same time.

"Everyone move," Abba said playfully.

"Abba," I said, my voice cracking.

I looked at him and the emotions kicked in, filling my eyes with joyful tears.

Saying nothing Abba pulled me in his embrace, as I sniffed in his comforting scent.

"I am so proud of you," He said his voice fading at the end.

"Abbu are you crying?" I asked.

Saying nothing he hugged me a little tighter giving me a kiss on the head. When he backed away I saw the stray tears and it warmed my heart to see the family that loved me so much.

- - - - - -

A big white shawl was placed over me as they seated me on the couch. I took a glance at the Nikkah papers that were placed on the table and my heart raced in anticipation and nervousness.

Zahra sat next to me holding my hand also covered in her shawl.

"Huda, are you ready? Your Uncle Shabaz is here." Ammi said.

Uncle Shabaz was my third witness aside from Abba and Bhai, I nodded at her, as she gave me the pen.

My hand shook from nervousness as the Maulvi began the Nikkah from the other side. He announced everything through the mic, and then he asked the question.

"Humza Khan, Kya apko Huda Siddiqui bin-te Muhammad Siddiqui Qubool Hai?"

I closed my eyes as I imagined Dr. Khan's face, a smile appearing on my face as soon as I did.

"Qubool Hai." His voice rang through the room- thrice.

My heart fluttered and I smiled uncontrollably. The two simple words seemed to go through me, healing what wasn't already healed and filling me with immense joy.

"Huda." A voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Sign." Ammi chuckled.

I looked at my hand and it wasn't shaking anymore. I flawlessly signed my name away to be his.

The last page came and I bit my lip, smiling as I signed it.

Huda Khan.

Now the wife of Humza Khan.

Ammi pulled off my shawl as the witnesses left, and she hugged me once again.

"Mubarak Ho!" Everyone cooed.

Asma aunty came on the stage and hugged me as well, giving me a kiss on the head.

"Told you the new lead was hot," Zahra whispered in my ear.

I laughed at her.

Yes, the new lead was hot.

- - -