Tickling my temple were the delicate gold filigrees flickering at the end of the jhoomar. It featured pearl strands linked together with complex gold work set in a crescent shape which made me radiate the elegance of royalty. To create a statement on the plain neckline of my Anarkali, Aunt Sabr had suggested I combine the choker, a fine piece of gold jewellery with cuts of emerald gemstones, alongside a satlada, seven layers of pearls and gems, spilling over my chest and halting just at my diaphragm. The choker came with matching earrings and the bangles resting on the incline of my hands were thick cuffs clasped around my wrists.
Accentuating the volume of my lehenga, the Anarkali ended a few inches above my knees. The delicate mint green colour created an appealing distinction with the warm buttery shade of my skin. The frill at the border of my Anarkali starred interesting panels and paisley motifs finished with silver sequin works that mirrored the intricate embroidery all over the lehenga.
From the fiery orange dupatta that added a pop of colour and filtered in the evening light beautifully to the silver and rich green gota patti accents along its edge, my ensemble was a treat to the eyes. Unleashing my inner glamour while the full sleeves were adorned in scalloped embroidery, I appeared magnificent. It was less elaborate than my nikkah look yet I fell in love with it.
A multitude of gratefulness raced through my mind as I descended the staircase. The skirt was not as heavy as my nikkah's which made movement easier. At the end of steps, Amir was waiting.
The colour of his Sherwani harmonised my mint green assemble. The plain white kurta and fitted trousers were paired with an embellished mint green sherwani jacket. Silver thread work, stones and symmetrical motifs in zigzag pattern and the border line of his stole flaunted the intricacies of the artistry. The floral embroidery on the sleeves and addition of an embellished belt were exotic. My husband breathes class and sophistication. I was glad that my choice had come out right, perfect on him. I had Aunt Sabr and her team to thank for making our attires come out with perfection. Without their effort, Amir and I wouldn't have appeared this way.
When our gazes contacted, our mouth thawed. He had a hand held out for me. I rested mine in it. There was a rush in my veins at the contact, so good it tingled me. He directed my hand to his chest which he laid close to where his heart palpitates. His larger hand enclosed it and held it safe. I actually felt safe with him.
For a very brief moment, I couldn't believe he was my husband. A new addition to my life. I have become part of this man's life via marriage as he has become part of mine.
"My wife." He paused with a frown. Amusement filled his face. The look on his face filled me with jollity that I started to giggle. "That sounds different but I like it. My wife." He repeated. "Alhamdulillah."
"Ma Sha Allah. You look very, very handsome, Mr Hussein." I added gentle pressure to my hand covering his.
His response was a subtle stretch of his mouth. Holding my gaze, he lifted his hand to my face. The soft pads of this fingers caressed my cheek. My eyelids dropped. I revelled in the gentleness of his touch that sparked my soul and warmed my skin. "Maahru." He hoarse. I opened my eyes then raised my brows in question. He had to clear his throat. "You're splendidly luminous. Just like your name, you radiate."
Heat crawled from my neck to my cheeks where it took guise in crimson, adding more blush to my face. I threw my head delicately at the soft roll of laughter from my lips. In the process, I slapped his chest playfully. His plump lips angled at my theatrics. He laid his eyes upon me with the tenderness he had harboured for me in his soul and adoration that grew each second.
"Ah! I saw your letter. I had no idea you are such a writer." I said.
"Never was."
"You could be one for me." I gave a suggestive wink.
"I've already become a writer for you, Albi (My Heart)."
"I like the letter. I will keep it for as long as I can."
"I have to interrupt this." Ini's voice caught our attention. When did she get inside? "Your private moment is over. We have a reception to attend. The photographer needs to do his job. There are many pictures to take before the reception and there's no time. You are husband and wife now. You have so much time to spend together."
We had a photoshoot individually then together as a couple before we took one with our bridesmaids and groomsmen. The pictures were tiring at a point. It was worse after the nikkah. We had to take pictures with nearly everyone even children. Tajudeen drove us to the hall with Ini sitting next to him in the front. He was chattier and nicer than I have ever remembered him to be. Amir had said Tajudeen volunteered to be our driver for the day.
We had to wait in the car while the introduction of the guest was going on. I was glad both families did not mind who went in first. I have been to a wedding where the groom's family wanted to be introduced before the bride's family. The bride's family disagreed and insisted they go in first. It caused a quarrel. The bride, a friend to a friend, was furious. I think initially both families had issues with one another especially the mothers-in-law.
"Bring your head closer." I instructed Amir as I leaned close to him. "This is our first picture as a couple taken by me." I adjusted my phone to a better angle. "Smile." He obeyed. "We look good together. Our kids have to be better." A low hum of hilarity escaped his mouth just as I took the picture.
"Noor, you are barely married for two hours and already like this." Ini teased.
"I have waited long enough. It's time to enjoy it."
"Amir, please take care of her." Ini spoke to my husband. "She's more than a friend. She's my sister from another mother. I will not, never hesitate to stand by her. Take care of her. I know Noor can be stubborn." My eyelids expanded. What? "She is in fact very stubborn."
"Iniobong!" I hissed out.
"But please, be patient with her." She ignored my silent protest and glare.
There was a knock on the window of the car before Amir could reply Iniobong. It was Lolia. Ini rolled down her side of the window which had been knocked on.
"Noor, here's the water." Lolia said, shoving a bottle of water through the window. Ini received it and passed it over to me. I was famished but drinking water was going to help for the time being. "Do you need anything else? Are you okay?"
"Yes, I am."
"That's good. It is time for you both to come in. Have your water first."
-*-*-*-*-*-
The passageway was draped in sheer white chiffon and fresh greenery knotted back with deluxe white floral, baring the pathway that led to our four-tier cake. Lanterns with pillar candles and lit-up coils illuminated the way to the reception.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" The MC's voice resonated from the reception hall. My heart skipped and I looked up at Amir who pulled at his sherwani. He rolled back his shoulders and craned his neck, a telling sign of nervousness.
"It's finally our turn." I bounced softly on my soles.
"If this is one shade of Noorie, then I can't wait to see many shades of you." Amir mused.
"Introducing Mr and Mrs Hussein!"
"It's for life now, Habibi. You are going to see more shades than you wish for."
I almost stopped moving and breathing despite we have made our entrance, all attention from the cheering crowd was on us. Phones were held out to capture our moments. Cameras flashed at us, almost everyone was on their feet. I took in the decoration of the hall as we danced.
The entire space felt cosier and more intimate with the above hangings of extra-long fabric crisscrossed back and forth. Their ends cascaded down the pillars on the sides for a graceful fluttery outcome. They accentuated the height of the soaring ceiling and offered a waiflike feeling to the area. By the thresholds of the drapes were string fairy lights that gave the illusion of a starry night. A garden of violet and yellow blossoms hung above the length of the guests' tables. The wedding planner had advised that the addition would be a splendid way to convey the outdoor inside.
We danced down the aisle separating two long rectangular tables lined with gilded chairs. Running along the middle of the tables covered with white silk were pastel roses, white hydrangeas and green shades in a merge of colours and fluctuating heights. The shining hues of gilded cutleries, gold-rimmed plates and gilt napkin rings augmented each place setting and made dining feel more modern. The floral runner and branded linen napkins brought the tablescape altogether.
White petals speckled the aisle with a combination of delphinium, baby's breath and eucalyptus. The abundance bloom led to the round dance floor with our initials, and stage where the sweetheart table sat. Our table was hemmed in by a lush base of blush-toned dahlias, roses, peonies and eucalyptus. The round table takes on the impression of germination from a garden. The flowers harmonised a similar centrepiece in the heart of the table.
Above our seat was a floral chandelier with candles which added an amorous, twinkling ambience. The backdrop behind our seat was a stopper. It was an unrefined spurt of spring flowers and voluminous foliage. The setting up looked like the plants sprung from the wall.
The MC commended our dance and everyone applauded us. Our entrance kickstarted the main event. Speeches were given by my father and Amir's grandmother, Nani. In the process, the appetizers were served. I swear, I did not resist the small chops placed before me. I even requested for more. Amir had told me he was sure he can't stomach anything yet. Ini's speech was emotional. Fawaz's speech was humorous, the kind that had everyone rolling with laughter. From the teasing he gave Amir, I knew Amir wished to be swallowed by the chair.
"I'm going to kill him later." Amir had whispered to me.
"Not on my wedding day please." I murmured. We both laughed at the humour in my words.
Soon, we were called to the dance floor. I ascended to my feet with my husband's help. Amir clutched my hand as we walked to the dance floor. He broke our contact. The brief disconnection was replaced with his arms slipping around me at the same time as we faced one another. While the lights grew faint, the middle of the dance floor illumed. I can't remember ever requesting or wanting it. His fingers and palm splayed on the curve of my waist coercing me into his build. My body met his, cradled in the firmness of his chest. I accepted his warmth, slinking my fingers into his. My free arm found its way to his shoulder where it stayed. He swung us in slow motion. I was shocked by the need I felt in his arms.
"Seriously, this is so awkward. I have never been held by a man publicly. My father's stare is too intense."
"Relax. It's just me and you. Pretend as if no one's watch." His lips were so close to my ear. It tingled to the balminess of his breath. I felt the outline and fullness of his lower lip.
"I want to." He gripped my waist and pulled me closer. "What are you doing?" My words were a harsh murmur with a warning.
"Your position was not perfect."
I repositioned my head to the back. He perused my face, hauling my concentration to his eyes. The brown imitated the colour of wet soil and stains of gold were radiant under the light. My gaze dipped to the rest of his face.
His happiness reflects on his face. He shined as if something radiates from within him, something inextinguishable in my presence, fiery and intense. This brought charm to his face. Isn't that what love is supposed to do? Reflect on you?
"You have a..."
"Please, don't say anything again. I'm trying to revel in this feeling. It clams the chaos in my soul. Hayati, you have become my peace." He took a breather. My heart went wild in my chest. This man knows how to say things to make you feel so good. "Your presence has made my world brighter, rosier and shown me the importance of companionship. I love you. I love you. I love you."
I bloomed in the new found love, washed in the joyful feeling of having found my person who reverberated with the cadence of my heartbeat. My hand had been dangling on his side. It shuffled to fasten across his back where for the first time, I felt the rippling muscles beneath his clothes. I relaxed in his embrace, lowered my eyelids until they curtained my gaze and allowed the serenity of the moment pour over us. There was something so pure and soothing about everything that encompassed us in a world that had just two of us.
The void our late ones left behind was great but our wedding was filled with love. We went through it with family and friends. I learnt that I was not motherless. Although my mother was not there, she will always be my mother and I will always be her daughter. Our bond is non-physical, permanent and extraordinary. No gap, silence or death will nullify the connection.
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