Echoes Of The Heart

chapter #15

AISHA'S POINT OF VIEW (Caroline)

I came out of the toilet after taking a bath. I had some of my old friends with me. They had come here to get me dressed for my wedding. Most of my friends had not talked to me after I converted. But my old friends, Sara, Susain and Khadija were here. Khadija became my friend in the Quran class with Miss Amna. She was also a convert and we had learned a lot together and had become really good friends with time.

I had received a message the day after meeting Ahmad. He said that he would be honored to marry me. I replied with a "same here". Khadija was sitting next to me and she kept on teasing that I had blushed.

The day before marriage, I went to buy my wedding dress. Khadija was with me. She advised me that I should buy some traditional Pakistani dress. I agreed and we went to a Pakistani shop. I bought a white dress with pink embroidery.

I came out and sat on the bed.

"you should where your dress now otherwise we will be late. "Khadija said.

"ok. I will change." I said.

"we will wait outside till you get dressed. "Sara said and they all walked out.

I wore the long frock and called them in.

Sara was really good at makeup. She took a really long time, to get satisfied with her work and then Susan made my hairstyle. Khadija said that her in laws were Pakistani and so she knew how to set the dupatta (a shawl). I wore the little white earnings that I had got and a small locket then they took me in front of the mirror. I was really shocked about how different I looked. I was a little nervous too.

The nikah was held in the mosque and then I was taken to Ahmad's place. Miss Amna told us the way and Sara was driving the car. I had butterflies in my stomach. I had packed my stuff in a suitcase and kept it in the car.

We reached there and I was led into a room by Miss Amna. She told me that Ahmad is in the next room and will be here in a while.

I sat on the bed. I felt scared that Ahmad might not like my look. Sara came close to me and said in my ear.

"Have a good time". She smiled and left.

I looked around. The room was not so large but neither was it too small. The bed was really simple but pretty. The room was designed in a very simple and cozy manner. I felt really comfortable in it. I looked at the mirror on the opposite wall and arranged my hair a little. There was a knock on the door.

"come in."I tried to say a little louder but the sound that came out was like a whisper. But I guess it was enough for him because after that he walked in.

He had a bouquet in his hand which he kept on the table. I looked up and saw that he was wearing a black kurta (a knee length shirt) and shalwar (a type of trousers). He looked extremely handsome. He smiled and came towards me. He sat next to me on the bed and held my hand. He looked into my eyes

"You look beautiful. "He said.

I felt my cheeks burn and looked down to hide it.

"you look even more beautiful when you blush. "He said a little amused.

"You look handsome. "I finally said.

"I am glad you feel so."He said smiling.

He held my chin up and looked into my eyes. He placed his hand on my cheek

"You know the day I saw you in the mosque for the first time, there was a Noor (light) on your face that could not be ignored. And the day I saw you at Umar's wedding I had to remind myself to look away every time I caught your eyes." He said with such intensity that every word touched my heart. I was not able to look away and was lost in his eyes.

"The day I saw you in the mosque, I really loved the way you talked to me without staring at me, The way you helped me so politely. And at the engagement that day, the way you kept on looking away shyly was really sweat." I said after I was in my senses again.

He came close and kissed me.

After that someone knocked at the door.

"I will see "He said and walked to the door. He talked to someone for a few seconds and then turned around with something in his hand.

"It's a wedding gift from Umar. "He said.

He kept it on the table and sat next to me.

"Do you want to change? "He asked.

"Yes. "I replied realizing that it felt uncomfortable.

"I'll get your bag for you. "he said and walked to the corner of the room, where my bag was kept.

"You change your clothes and I'll get something to eat. "he said walking out.

I opened my bag and took out my black pajamas and a shirt. I didn't like all those lacy night suits.

I went into the bathroom and removed my jewelry and took a quick bath. Then I wore my clothes and came out. Ahmad had also changed into his pajamas and was sitting in the blanket.

"come, sit here."He said pointing at the empty place next to him.

I walked towards the bed and sat next to him.

He put his arm around me and I rested my head on his chest. We sat like that in silence for a while.

"I bought some food, would you like to eat? "He said.

"I am not really hungry "I said. I didn't want to move. I wanted to sit like that forever; it felt so secure and safe in his arms.

We talked about randomthings for a while and then I fell asleep in his arms.