"Did it ever occur to you, that your son would be this mature? It seems like yesterday when he lost his new sneakers from outside the masjid and cried about it for days," his uncle chuckled, speaking to Zaib's father while his eyes shined with pride as he looked over his nephew. Zaib had been so excited to wear his new sneakers everywhere that he had ignored his father's warnings and worn them even to the masjid. It didn't end very well for him.

Abdullah, his father, sipped his tea as he nodded with a contagious smile. "I'm so blessed to be seeing this day. When will our Khaled's big day arrive?" He remarked bringing Zaib's cousin Khaled into the conversation who sat on the dining table with Zaib, munching up his bowl of Cheerios.

"Nah uncle. The life of the married is one too despairing. I will soar to the sky with independence," he chimed and Zaib rolled his eyes at his cousin's distasteful analogy.

"My bro Zaib, you still have a chance. It's never too late—" Zaib stood irked by Khaled's constant stupidity and walked to the fridge to grab an apple. He liked his uncle very much but his son was another story.

"Zaib, quick your tuxedo's here!" His mother pulled him out of the living room.

And there began his big day. The day he found himself wishing to come as earliest as possible. Zoya was going to be his wife which meant, Allah had officially written her to accompany his fate. He was to have her enhance his world and dwell him in unconditional love. He found himself smiling wide as he took a shower and dressed into his navy tuxedo.

He had barely had a wink of sleep yesterday realizing she was going to live with him as his wife tomorrow. His chest felt light but his head felt hot with frenzy. He would be able to see her first thing in the morning and last thing at night. His life would be filled with her. And he couldn't ask for more.

The nikah was to take place in the local Masjid where Zaib had helped with renovations. Both of them believed that masjid to be a start of something new in their relationship and had mutually decided upon their marriage taking place with the sweet kids of the town. The guest list was also very brief, with a few relatives and close friends. Zoya urged for the wedding to be simple and cost-efficient and he garnered immense respect for this act.

After all, it was the Prophet Muhammad (S) who didn't demand any extravagance for his daughter, Fathima (R)'s marriage and wedded her very modestly. It was only fair Prophet's ummah followed his footsteps. Society's expectations were never to be fulfilled. It was always only Allah worthy of impressing and satisfying.

While Zaib fixed his black hair, the door flung open and in waddled Ehsan with the largest, crooked smile on his face. "Looks like someone's about to be the happiest man in an hour's time!" He beamed and Zaib bit his lip holding off a faint smile.

"You know it's not too late. I should warn Naimat about you." Zaib stares back irritatedly, growling. "Are you even my friend!" Ehsan threw himself into the bed while laughing his head off. Zaib turned to face him, and narrowly eyed his disappointment of a friend.

"You look sorta okay in the tuxedo but what the hell did you do to your hair?" Ehsan called him out only to earn a punch right on his head.

"Combed. What else?" Zaib stared blankly. Ehsan sighed. "It's simple. At least spike it up a little—" "What am I, a ten-year-old going to a pool party? Can you shut up! No one wants your stupid suggestions," Zaib hollered, aggravated at the atmosphere around him which only made Ehsan laugh harder.

"Okay, I'm kidding. You look good."

Zaib playfully rolled his eyes and focused back onto the mirror. He grabbed the ancient watch, one that his great grandfather had gifted to him and pulled it on his wrist. He loved this watch more than any other accessory ever and he wanted to wear it on such a ceremonious day.

"Zaib, how do you think life will change after today?" The question caught him off guard. Zaib faced Ehsan, acknowledging the love and happiness in his friend's eyes and smiled.

"Hopefully, for the better."

:—————-

The masjid was a holy white, with two dominating minarets accompanied with a large dome, sculpted with flawless Quran calligraphy and Persian designing. As this was the only masjid in town, it was deliberately made vast for the Muslim population. Zaib remembered years ago, how undeveloped the place was with lack of furnishing and proper wudu facilities.

With the help of Muslim donations, the masjid was not only made for the gathering of prayers but also a home to orphan children, an Islamic school for the young generation, a room for Muslim conferences and a place of marriage. It was a place of Islamic life.

Today he was to be married in the masjid.

At the doorstep, he respectfully greeted the Imam and headed inside with his family following suit. The masjid from inside was the same, the white marble floor shun from afar and the praying area was carpeted. The other side of the masjid was arranged for the marriage with an arched entrance decorated with pop white red roses. There was a red chiffon curtain, dividing the area between men and women's section and chairs on either side placed toward one another.

There was a separate armchair situated between the two sections for the Imam. On the left was a moderately large table probably where the guests were served with fruits.

"Where are the kids?" Zaib chimed after scanning the entire area for their presence. The Imam replied, "they are taken to a trip to the planetarium. They'll arrive in time don't worry," the Imam explained causing Zaib to nod.

"The guests are arriving! Zaib come and greet them," Zayna squealed, her pale-pink dress shimmering with the gold sunlight hitting her. Zaib beamed, joining her at the entrance and greeting the people.

"Auntie Afeesa! It's so good to see you after months," Zaib heard Zain's excited yell and turned to see his aunt walking towards them. Zaib smiled hugely. "Oh my God, it's my favourite aunt!" He galloped, attacking her with a hug. Her presence meant a lot to him, this was one of the biggest moments of his life after all.

She laughed mimicking him and kissed his forehead. "I'm so happy Zaib. It's like a dream seeing my young boy all handsome and grown for his wedding day," she sang, her eyes glistening with exhilaration and Zaib could only grin in return.

As the guests poured in, some of Zoya's side of the relatives also began to show up and he could only greet them with a warm smile as they awed at his charming nature. His face lost its colour as he came across his cousin Mariah, whose expression was as dark as the night. She stared at him blankly as he looked away and said the Salam to her family.

She remained, unmoving.

Zaib gulped at the uneasiness building in his throat. It was the same feeling he got when talking to Aliya, his acquaintance. "So you're getting married huh," she spat.

Zaib almost rolled his eyes. "I'm guessing you did get a card right," he replied and she groaned bitterly, twirling her hair within her fingertips. Ehsan was the one who had insisted upon inviting the colleagues they had closely worked with.

"You know, you're making a mistake. My father was ready to give the entire company to his son in law," she chirped as if it made any difference. Now, Zaib rolled his eyes and stared directly into hers soullessly.

"Oh poor me. How unlucky am I to be making such a mistake. I wish I knew better," he recited as if reading the words of an uninteresting book. "Is this enough? Okay, thanks now can you please enter the Masjid. I have other guests to greet." She always found a way to ruin his mood.

She grew red and swore under her breath before entering the masjid.

-:-

After the crowd assembled and prayed Dhuhr, it was time for the Nikah. Zaib patiently waited for his bride to arrive. Last he checked with Bilal who arrived before her, she was with her parents at the salon. Now they were to arrive and the ceremony would start.

The morning was cold but it turned warm very soon, maybe it was just him feeling joy and it was still achingly cold for others. Isn't that what love does? It makes you an outcast but in a good way. You feel under a spotlight and refuse to believe otherwise. Love manages to make you brighter, happier and livelier. For some, it changes them to a new being and for some, it makes their goodness shine.

The room quietened as through the chiffon curtain, he witnessed her parents entering the masjid. His sight searching for a glance of Zoya desperately roamed the gate. The entire world around him seized. And there she was. The curtains blocked a clear view but he couldn't have missed her.

The veil was drawn over her entire face. Her silhouette drew closer to her chair as she walked with the help of her friends and mother. Every step palpitated his heart.

It was difficult to figure out every detail but he still reached a few conclusions. She was dressed in a stunning silver maxi, enriched with pearls and crystals, dazzling from a mile away. The dress gripped her waist, and deliciously flowed down to her feet and her long sleeves were embellished with opulent embroidery. On her head, a silver sheila was styled flawlessly and on top of it, she wore an adorable flower crown. Her delicate wrist wore a light gold bracelet, undermined by her entire luxurious wardrobe but still seeming the most important part of her entire look.

It was as if all the Nur of the world shone on her.

She took her seat across him on the bench with her family by her side. He heard the women chatter, many throwing compliments here and there regarding her beauty. Zaib almost grew jealous at how a flimsy red curtain was refraining him from a sight but the ladies had an HD view.

The Imam was seated next to Zaib with the Nikah form in his lap while his family surrounded him excitedly. The imam took a deep breath before starting with the Bismillah. He read some ayahs from Surat Al-Nur and Baqarah before starting the sermon.

"What mahr does the bride want to be written?"

Zaib stared blankly. He never questioned Zoya or asked her about her gift. What did she want?

"Zoya?" He voiced out.

The room grew extra silent, interested in knowing the details. "Is it okay if I ask for two things?" Her delicate voice reverberated within the thick walls of the masjid.

Everyone waited. "Yes, of course. How much mahr would you like Zoya?" He would give her the world.

"I want a promise." Zaib stared confusedly.

"The promise of loyalty. I want to be your only wife. If you wish to marry someone else due to any circumstance, you'll only be able to, if you end our marriage." His heart grew heavy at such distasteful words. The smile on his lips grew bright. She was forbidding him from committing polygamy, something Muhammad (S) also restricted Ali (R) in regards to Fathima (R).

"I accept. You will be my only wife in this lifetime Zoya. What's your other wish?" Zaib chimed. This wouldn't be a problem for Zaib as he intended on only directing his husbandly love to Zoya from this day forth.

"I want you to finish memorizing the remaining five ajzaa (parts) left for you to become a hafiz." He couldn't believe it.

Most women simply asked for a few millions of dollars worth Mahr but his Zoya was smarter. She was asking for an entire Jannah for herself. He felt content with his heart fluttering, yearning to hold her close.

"I accept. Is there any amount you want written?" Zaib was well aware of her family's circumstances. He didn't want her to feel shy about something that Allah gave her a right to demand.

"No."

And thus the Imam began. The Imam recited. "Miss Zoya Malik, I'll be saying the words repeat after me."

It was time. She was now willingly going to be his.

"I have given away myself in Nikah to you, Zaib Abdul Khan on the agreed Mahr," Zoya repeated and Zaib's breath ceased.

"Do you, Zaib Abdul Khan, accept Zoya Hayat Malik as your wife with the Mehr of a promise of loyalty and completion of the Quran?"

"I have accepted the Nikah."

The masjid flooded with "Takbeer, Allahuakbar!" Zaib signed the Nikah contract and felt a huge burden lift from his chest. The relief and happiness made his heart flutter.

She was officially his wife.

His father signed as a witness and then the Imam went to the women's side to conduct the signature ceremony. As Zoya and her father signed the Nikah contract, the room flooded with Takbeers. The Imam then encouraged the room to collectively partake in dua for the new couple. For five minutes, only blessings were wished upon the pair, everyone united.

Amongst the crowd, there were many teary eyes and hopeful smiles. Zoya and Zaib were dear to so many people. Naimat found herself sobbing into Amira's shoulders who herself was sniffling. Ehsan attempted to hide his woeful expression by smothering his face with a tissue. Bilal was on the verge of tears—his little sister was now a married woman.

Zaib's eyes flooded with warmth for the woman sitting behind the curtains, all his to embrace, to love and please. His body felt electrocuted as sparks flew between the two. For some, Nikah was a piece of paper and a room of signatures. But it felt so much more.

It felt like his world was now committed to hers. It was just a signature but the euphoric triumph boosting within his arteries told him it was so much more than that. It was a bond. He pledged his life to her. And she did the same in return.

The red curtain draped and fell to the floor.

There she stood.

The ringing of his heart began to louden. The sight of her was soul-stirring as if all the world's beauty combined had been placed before Zaib's eyes. It felt like all the times in his life where he avoided unlawful attraction had now been rewarded with that one sight of her.

She was breathtaking. Her ocean eyes were wide and gleaming, full of unsaid emotions. Her nose and cheeks were rose colored and her lips were glossy red. His throat dried up, as he realized he wasn't breathing for a minute.

The raucousness of the room was muted out of his system as he only kept his attention towards her. And then an instinct hurried him to step closer. He held her delicate hand within his and the feeling of her skin ignited appeasement within his heart. Her eyes grew wider upon his approach and the rosy color of her cheeks inflamed.

She seemed uneasy but as his grip tightened reassuringly, a shy smile splayed over her lips as she stepped closer to him, her gaze beaming with ecstasy. He brought her hand up to his lips and lightly kissed her knuckles.

Zaib realized there were a billion things he wished to say to her at the moment but her presence held him spellbound and only the most overwhelming emotion emerged from his heart.

"I love you," he muttered so only she was able to hear him. Her gaze wandered to the people around them squealing and her smile widened.

"I love you too."

——:——

💜