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Part 4

Umniya's P.O.V

"You look beautiful, Umni..."Maseera encourages me as she arranges my abaya*. I don't know what to say to her as I never disclosed my feelings about that stranger whose thoughts kept haunting me. It is better forgotten than to be shared and memorized. I let out a sigh letting it go for good.

"At least smile and say thank you." She snorts when I don't reply as I look at her expressionless. So many things weigh in my heart and mind that I feel numb all over.

"Thank you," I mumble as she embraces me gently.

"You know I pray that you get all the happiness and much, much more in the life to come," Maseera whispers pulling back and holding my hands. They are freezing and she is surprised as I snatch them away.

"You are too nervous..."

"Of course, I am nervous Masee..." I reveal it to her feeling mixed emotions where I want to brawl but I choose to act reserved. "I don't know if I will be able to hold a pen and sign my Nikaah* contract."

"Once you get to see your would –be....trust me you will do everything for him." Masee jokes as I roll my eyes annoyed.

"I don't know...." I mumble again. "How does he look...what to expect? I am completely clueless."

"Umni, chill babe....", Maseera tries to comfort me. "At the moment you just have to sign the nikah contract and let things rest for a while....there is lots of time for widaai."

"I hope so," I mumble again sadly when my Mom enters the room. She is covered in an abaya and ready to escort me along with her.

"Umniya, you look pretty mashaaAllah, and thank you Maseera for doing the make-up." My Mom replies gratefully as Maseera nods with a big grin.

"Anytime Aunty..." Maseera answers as she rushes to get her abaya.

"You get going Aunty and I will be back in the evening.....is it fine?" Maseera asks her as I agree but my Mom cuts in.

"Evening... Umniya will be at her in-laws but I want you to come early so that you can take her there as Faaiq wants to spend some time with her." My Mom announces and the world crashes upon me.

"What?...Mom! No way, I am going there!" I retaliate.

"Umni, stop acting childish." My Mom says in a stern voice. "I am not invited and Maseera will be there with you. Whom else do you need?"

I look at Maseera helplessly who gives me a warm, assuring smile as she comes closer and comforts me.

"Umniya...you are getting married and you have to spend a few minutes with your husband," Maseera replies knowingly and the word HUSBAND silences me. I try to make myself understand that I am going to meet someone who is taking me in his custody on Allah's will and I shouldn't be worried but a small voice inside me kept nagging.

"I am scared..." I reveal the truth to Maseera who slowly kisses my cheek as she whispers in my ear.

"You shouldn't be....because you will be his best possession."

We are heading for the court as I clasp and unclasp my hands anxiously and try to take deep breaths even though my knees feel weak and I felt light-headed. As the distance decreases I realize that I am racing towards a moment where I get to see my husband.

What if I dislike him? I wonder as the driver turns the car. What if he isn't what I expect him to be? Why am I being so pessimistic?

Time races and I am taken in front of the judge where my Uncle(Chacha) is already waiting. He is going to be my wali(guardian) who will be carrying this procession forward. Soon a seat beside him is taken as I choose not to look at the person who is going to be my future.

There are questions in Arabic to my family members which are translated as the Judge asks if our families are related and if somehow we shared a relationship of foster brother and sisters which are denied by both the families. Now the Judge asks me if I approve of this Nikaah with an asserted amount of 20 000 Saudi Riyals as Mahr and my tongue just freezes.

This is the moment I had to make a decision and there is no room for second thoughts as I say 'Qubool...." and nods my approval. He asks me to sign and I do as I am on the verge of breaking down but when I lift my eyes towards my Uncle, I spot him by his side and my heart skips few beats as there is a hint of recognition in his eyes and a big grin that makes me jump with excitement but I hold myself in place.

Ya Allah! He is the same boy who rescued us on the street of Aziziyah. A friendly and warm smile breaks on his face as if he is equally happy to see me but I look away. I am nervous to the core and couldn't trust my fate. Is this a dream or a fairytale, where I end up meeting the prince of my dreams?

My Mom embraces me lovingly as there is 'Mabrook'(Congratulations) echoing all over the room. The Judge finalizes the contract by praying to Allah(s.w.t) to keep our relationship bonded with love, affection, togetherness in this world, and hereafter.

As soon as we step out my Mom starts distributing Dates to the people around which is a sign of happiness as my Mother-in-laws joined her too. She kisses my head and welcomes me lovingly into the family.

Whenever I sneak a glance at my husband, I notice his eyes on me making it clear that he wanted us to get introduced.

I am requested to accompany my in-law's place in the late afternoon as they arrange to send a car so they could pick me up. I am dying to share everything with Maseera as I want to reveal all that I have been hiding for days but then my mind wanders to the fact that I will be going to my in-laws' home which makes my heart race.

I did look forward to it but deep down my stomach knots at this realization but what comes next is unexpected.

(To be contd...)