I woke up early in the morning today since my family and I have been so busy in preparation for my wedding. For the past week I have been so busy shopping and also trying to maintain my college life with the semester coming to end with finals.

Lately I have been super busy with college deciding on my final major and Yes, I made my decision to pursue nursing as a career for my bachelors degree.

Due to that, I have been running around campus trying to get recommendation letters from my professor's, and to finish up the application process on time since I was a little late in making my decision.

I chose nursing because I wanted to do something in my career that is challenging, and interesting. In the nursing profession, you deal with many aspects of patient care, and I enjoy the variety in the routine.

I wasn't too sure on what exactly I wanted at first so I went with nursing, after all I definitely wanted to do something in the medical field.

All of this has me so stressed out already. I hope I get into the program, which I'll find out about in about one and half weeks.

So right now since I'm done with my school and finals are over, I decide to help Ammi with some decorations.

Yesterday Ami and I went with Armaan bhai to the mall to finish up on some of the last minute shopping that I still had to do. Thank god we were done because by now I'm already drained.

Right now Ami and I were in my room looking at the gifts that I received from my in-law's. Haider's mother sent me baskets of gifts filled with different kinds of snacks,fruits, and sweets.

One basket had two jewelry sets with bangles, another had four pairs of heels with matching dresses, another basket had two designer bags, the last basket consisted of my Nikha and wedding dress with matching heels and jewelry also.

I have to say Nazri aunty had a great taste in fashion, judging by the gifts. I loved all the gifts, perfect for my liking.

I grabbed one of the jewelry sets to try them on, they were so beautiful. As I reached for the other one I saw the bangles and they instantly reminded me of my bracelet.

A week has already passed by since the night of the party and I still haven't been able to find my bracelet. I definitely think that I lost it somewhere in the ballroom or maybe the lobby of the hotel.

I even made Kate drive up there to check if she can ask the front desk if they've found or seen a bracelet anywhere near the ballroom or lobby area of the hotel, after the party.

She said that they lent me to check the room where they keep the lost and found box, but it was of no use because she didn't find it.

I for sure couldn't ask Hamdan and Azaan bhai for help since I know they'll ask me why I even left the party. That instantly reminded me of that dude from the party, who harassed me.

I couldn't even tell my brothers because of the amount of trouble that I'd get myself into. I know if I would've told them, they'd legit go and hunt him down.

Everything would've even gotten messier and even Abu would come to know about it, that gets me in double trouble.

As much as I felt disgusted in myself after that night I thank Allah for sending those other two guys for their help. If it wasn't for them I don't know what would've happened, thank god.

I guess I'll never be able to wear that bracelet again. Now I regret even wearing it to the party because I would've at least still had it with me right now. It hurt a little because it was my last memory of my grandma and now I have nothing.

I had promised her that I would always treasure it, since she had chosen only me in all her grandkids to give it to me.

I tried not to think too much about it for now and looked at the time. In that instant I realized that I'm about to miss my Asr prayer. I made my wudu, prayed and completed my prayer by making dua.

After I was done, I went downstairs to the family room where Ami, Abu and my brothers were seated. They were talking about all the arrangements for the events.

Hamdan and Azaan were both busy in writing the list of relatives that were to be invited since it is going to be a big event in Khan khandaan, there sure will be a huge guest list then.

My family and Haider's family decided on having our Nikah and rukhsati on the same day, then the walima (reception) will take place one day later.

Of course I'll be having my mehndi (henna event) before all of this in two days, by that time my whole family would be here by then also. Bashar uncle and Nazri aunty had no problem with this at all, as long as Haider and I got married.

Feroze bhai and his wife Alizay will also be coming in tomorrow with my nephew Rayan. As well as Sarah Baji with her husband and her kids Bilal and Aisha and my family back from Pakistan.

I'm so excited for the whole family to get together, it will be so much fun. I hope there's no drama, since I heard that my uncle is too happy with this wedding.

I tapped on Hamdan bhai's shoulder making sure to remind him to add Kate to the list as well without Abu noticing and Noor will be attending anyways since she's a relative of a close family friend of Ami's.

He smiled at me and nodded his head with a thumbs up. I went up to Armaan bhai who's also writing down the food that would be served during all of these events and as well as the set up and arrangements.

***********************************************

Today all of my family will be arriving for my wedding and my menhdi will be tomorrow. I don't really know how I actually feel about all of this yet so I guess I'm just going with the flow for now.

I felt anxious and nervous as the days were getting closer to my wedding but I hope everything goes fine. Today all of my cousins and uncles have arrived as well as Sara Baji and her family.

My uncle's and my other cousins decided to stay at their own family homes while Sara Baji and her family decided to stay with us. I finally got to see her after so long.

Last time she was here was last year for one of my cousins' weddings, which was like a year ago. Anyways, I got to play around with my nephew and nieces Bilal and Aisha, they both are so adorable. They've grown so much since I last saw them, Mashallah.

Feroze bhai and his family just arrived right now also. I quickly put my dupatta on my head before we head out to the door to receive them.

"As-salamu alaykum ammi jan" Feroze bhai said.

"Wa alaykumu salam beta, itne salo baad tumhe dekha. Meri ankhe taras gayi thi tumhe dekhne ke liye (I am seeing you after so many years, that I was dying to see you)" Ami said with a big smile on her face.

"Yeh Kia ammi? Char mahine pehle toh aye the hum log eid ke liye. Waise bhi agar mere job waha per nahi hota toh main kabi bhi tumhe chodge nahi jata (what is this mom? We were here four months ago for eid. Anyways If it wasn't for my work, then I would've never left you)" Feroze bhai replied.

"Acha khair se aaye toh flight Kaisi thi? (Okay, so how was your flight?)."

" teekh hi thi, bus thore se tak gaye haina Alizey? (It was alright but just a little tired, right Alizey?) he asked Alizey bhabi to which she agreed. Ammi went to hug alizey bhabi and then hugged and kissed Rayan on his cheek.

"Acha toh humari Zara goulla kidar hai? (Where's our flower, Zara?) he asked.

I walked up to him with a smile and said "I am here. Salam Lala(brother), salam bhabi (sister-in-law)" hugging him.

"How are you?" He asked, hugging me back while giving me a kiss on my head.

"I'm good," I said with a smile.

"Come on in, let's go inside,"Ammi said. We all went inside and sat in the living room. Feroze bhai asked me about my school etc... We chatted for some time until Ami asked them if they wanted to rest for some time, to which they agreed.

Later during Maghreb after our prayers we waited for Feroze bhai's family to freshen up so we all can have dinner together.

I helped Ammi with setting up the dinner table with all the different dishes that we made. Ever since I got engaged to Haider ammi has constantly been reminding me and forcing me to cook more frequently so I could get used to it.

Since after My wedding I would have to do all of the cooking at my in-laws then also. Thank god I actually love to cook and if I didn't Allah knows what would've happened.

I made Biryani, chana chaat and fish for Abu. Ammi helped with making the chicken and goat salan's (curries). Then for dessert she made Kheer, I asked her if I could make it but she didn't let me because she thinks that I'll probably mess it up by making it too sweet. I just have a sweet tooth after all and I can't help it.

After setting up the table I called everyone up for dinner. As we all sat down and ate enjoying our food, my phone buzzed in my hand. I checked to see who it was and it was Haider.

This was the first time he ever called or texted me after our engagement. Even though we were engaged already Abu did not allow Haider and I to talk because of our traditions.

When Basher's uncle asked why, he simply stated that this is just an engagement not a Nikha and it can be broken at any time. Of course Haider was not happy about this but I didn't mind at all.

I wonder how he got my number though, since I never gave it to him in the first place. I checked to see what the text read and he asked if we could talk later in the night. I texted back saying yes and placed my phone back on my lap without anyone noticing.

"The food is amazing. Kisne banaya hai? (who made it?)" Feroze bhai asked.

"Maine aur humari sheerin Zara beti ne (me and our very sweet Zara made it)" Ami said.

Everyone else complimented me on my cooking skills and thumbs up from Hamdan and Azaan bhai. Alizey bhabi even asked me to teach her some recipes so she can also expand more with her foods.

Armaan bhai decided to reward me with a hundred bucks for the amazing food I made. Of course I wasn't going to decline so I happily took it.

"Isme inam dena ka kya faida? Khana banana toh wase bhi seekh na tha isko, akhir kar shadi ho rahi hai iski. Apne shohar ko boka toh nahi reh sakti khane ke bagair (what is the benefit of giving an award in this? She had to learn how to cook since she got married anyway. She can't leave her husband hungry without food)" said Feroze bhai.

I stayed quiet and just kept my eyes on my plate. I couldn't say anything because this is how it's always been with Feroze bhai for the last few years, since he started to treat me just like Abu.

The rest of dinner went with small chit chat between my family and Sarah and bhabhi teasing me. I just stayed there quite smiling and not replying to any of their comments.

After dinner I helped Ami, bhabi and Sara Baji with cleaning up the kitchen, even though they told me to not bother since I would have to wake up early tomorrow to get ready on time for my Nikha.

A few minutes later we heard Abu raising his voice at someone, he sounded furious. The noise was coming from the living room so me and Sara Baji went to go check what was wrong, along with Ami.

When we got closer to the room Ami stopped me by the door. I could see Nasir uncle and Zareen aunty were here along with their son's Amir and Samir from the door far away.

"Zara beta tum jao alizey beti ke sath kitchen main hath batao (Zara go help alizey in the kitchen)" Ami said trying to move me away from the room and towards the kitchen.

Abu and Nasir uncle seems to be in a serious argument and I know Ami does not want me anywhere near there, especially since his son's are there also. Abu and my brothers will definitely not be happy about that, if I come in front of them.

Whatever they were arguing about seems to be pretty serious, maybe that's why she didn't want me to know what was going on. I was about to leave until I heard my uncle saying my name.

"Tum ase kaise Zara ka rishta tai kar sakte ho? Mere ijazat ke bagair? (How can you decide on Zara's marriage like this? And without my permission?)" Nasir uncle asked.

I stood behind the door making sure no one sees me. Alizey bhabi also came and asked me what's wrong. I whispered to her that I didn't know and just listened.

"Bhaijan beti hai woh meri, mere purah haq hai is ke rishta karwane ka (brother she's my daughter and I have full right to decide on her marriage)" Abu said.

"Aur mujhe pata hai ke tum naraz ho, lekin hum aaram se bait ke bhi baath kar sakte hai (and I know that your mad but we can speak about this comfortably sitting down.)"

"Tumne bhi yeh theek nahi kia Ahmed is rishte ko ha kar ke. Jab ke tumhe pata hai humare rivaayat aur riwaj ka, ke hum apni betiyan ki shadi apne khandan se bahair nahi kar wate (you didn't do the right thing by accepting this marriage proposal. When you even know our rules and traditions that we don't let our daughters get married outside of the family)" replied Nasir uncle in a stern voice.

I can hear Ami and my brothers trying to calm him down but Nasir uncle is not ready to stay quiet about this.

I wondered why he was so against this marriage and why Abu didn't ask him, since he's the head of the family. Of all people I thought he would've been happy but it seems like it's the opposite of that.

"Bhaijan pata hai mujhe, lekin yeh rishta bahut acha hai meri bachi ke liye main inkar nahi kar sakta. Basher se wada kia tha maine aur Haider ko toh tum jante ho- (I know brother but this proposal is great for my daughter and I could say no. I had promised Basher and you already know Haider too-)" Abu said trying to complete his sentence but uncle cut him off saying "hath toh maine bhi manga tha Zara beti ka apne bate Amir ke liye, toh tumne inkar kyun Kiya? (I also asked for Zara's hand in marriage for my son Amir, then why did you decline that?)" Nasir uncle stated but before Abu could reply Feroze bhai came out and saw me and bhabi eavesdropping on the conversation.

"Alizey, Zara? What are you both doing?" He asked. I quickly looked down not knowing what to say, squirming behind bhabi.

"Nothing lala. We we're just heading to our rooms until we heard Nasir uncle is here so I thought of saying salam to him before I go to bed" I said trying not to make it seem like we were listening to their whole conversation.

"No need for that, he'll be leaving any second now" he said, shaking his head and looking at me with an annoyed expression on his face.

"Where the hell is your dupatta (scarf)? You do know that Nasir uncle and his son's are here? What if they saw you like this?" He asked me in a whisper with rage, trying hard not to raise his voice so the others don't hear.

At that moment I realized that I had forgotten my dupatta in the kitchen. I had taken it off so that it wouldn't get dirty when I cleaned the stove after washing the dishes.

Thankfully Ami had stopped me from going into the family room like this because if I did god knows what would've happened.

"I'm sorry Lala, this won't happen again" I said looking down at my fidgeting fingers, feeling terrible because he has already scolded me twice ever since he came.

I looked up at him and instantly regretted even doing that by the look that Feroze bhai was giving me.

"Kitni dafa batana parega ke tumhare kilne ke din khatam ho gaye hai. Bachi nahi rahi tum, badi ho gayi ho tum. Shadi hone wali hai tumhari to pir ek aurat ki tarah pesh ana (how many times do I have to tell you that your playing days are over. You're not a kid any more, you're older now and about to get married so act like a woman)" he said.

"Why are you scolding her? She was helping me clean and accidentally forgot her dupatta in the kitchen" Alizey bhabi said trying to calm him down, but he just motioned her to stop talking with his hand.

He looked at me for a second again and then at her. "Samjhao ise. The sooner she understands it the better it would be. Now go, I don't want you guys anywhere near here" he said in a warning tone letting us pass by him to head back to the kitchen.

I didn't know what to say and was almost on the verge of crying. Tears started brimming in my eyes but I didn't dare to let them fall.

I quickly tried to finish up my work in the kitchen so I could just go to bed. Sara Baji came back to the kitchen and explained everything and what was happening in the living room.

As we heard Nasir uncle wasn't too happy about my marriage with Haider because he wanted me for his son Amir. He's pretty mad about it that's why he was talking so loud but Abu is trying his best to calm him down and explain everything.

I don't even like Amir, he gives such weird vibes whenever I've been around. Especially whenever we were at family gatherings he'd always stare at me and I never liked that, so I'd always try to stay as close to Ami or any of my cousins as possible. Allah ka shukr hai (thank god) that he's out of the picture.

Around ten o'clock my uncle and his family had already left and by the looks of it I think everything had been settled by their talk that they had.

I was pretty tired and kept on yawning over and over again so I decided to head to my bedroom and go straight to bed.

Even though Azaan and Hamdan bhai were still awake watching tv with Bilal and Rayan, when everyone else had already left for the night, I went to my room and straight to bed, completely forgetting about Haider's call.

*************************************************

Today is the day I get married. Last night was my mehndi and it was a blast. My whole family was there and we celebrated till midnight.

Haider couldn't make it to the menhdi because he had an emergency at the hospital so only Nazri aunty and bahar uncle were here to celebrate with us and some of their family and relatives.

I had my henna done along with all of my other female cousins and my two best friends Kate and Noor.

Kate was enjoying herself so much because this was her first desi wedding she attended and loved everything about it. The night had gone well though with lots of dancing to music, fun games and enjoyable.

So, today is the actual wedding day. The Nikha will be starting in about an hour, I'm really nervous. I had specifically told Kate and Noor yesterday to come on time so they can at least calm me down if I ever have a breakdown, but of course they'll never listen and come on their own times.

I have changed into my dress that Nazri aunty had sent me, which was a dark red dress with golden work done on it and a matching dupatta (scarf).

The hairstylist had already finished styling my hair in a simple bun with my gajre (flower garland.) I'm currently getting my makeup done and trying hard not to cry.

I have already cried three times in a row for thirty minutes straight. By now I even feel bad for the makeup artist who is doing my makeup because I had already messed it up twice before.