Ahmad's POV.....

I stayed at my own part of the house waiting for the people to leave so I can finally be with my wife with Kamal and my friends as the bridesmaids said the groomsmen will have to pay them for the unveiling of the bride. The last thing on my mind is to be concern about that. Pictures of her earlier keep replaying in my head. I just can't seem to get her out of my mind. Not even for a second. Yusrah called Kamal on the phone and informed him the people are ready to head back. He informed the men and they set out to take them back promising to get back as soon as they drop them off to finish what need to be done. Kamal stayed behind. Says I will need company while they're gone since I won't be seeing my wife now. After Ishaa prayer, Kamal helped me into my sky blue kaftan. We set out to the bride part. They had me waiting outside the room she's in. Said she will be all mine when they're done with the bridesmaids. It was a hard time for me because all I want is to see my wife, look her in the eyes and remind her of how much I love her. I waited for quite long because it felt like hours to me. “ Hey groom. The men will take their leave now. She's all yours now. May the Almighty put baraka(blessings) into your marriage”. Kamal said embracing me. I hugged him tight for a while before disengaging myself. “ I hope you payed it well. It's my wife we are talking about”.
“ Ehhhh, but the money isn't going to your wife's account. So, an advice from a friend, when you get in there, you pay her what you think she's worth”. My friend Arfat said patting me on the back. We all laughed and I saw them off before coming back to my wife. I gently pushed the door opened and stepped in. Alhamdulillah was all I could uttered seeing her in front of me in my house which only means one thing, she's mine. Only mine. Mine to love, to cater for, to care for, to respect, to explore, a partner. I walked to the side of the bed she's seated and dipped in beside her. I put my hand on top of her head and said my supplications in silence. “ And how much do I have to pay to unveil my face?”. I whispered into her ears. “ Well, how about you use those words. You know, melt my heart and the face is all yours”. She whispered back under the veil.
“ Hello. Let me start by thanking God for making our union happened. Earlier today I didn't get the chance to tell you just how beautiful you were. You are the most beautiful person in my life. I love you wholeheartedly and won't trade that with anything. I know you will find this life a little difficult than your previous one but I promise you won't have anything to complain about. I promise I will make every second of our life count. I promise to respect you and give you the kind of love you deserved. And those scars? I promise to kiss them every morning that you will forget  they were ever there. Every one of them. I need you to promise me one thing though. Whenever you see me do something bad or out of question, bring me back to my senses and whenever I hurt you in anyway, bring to my attention and tell me what I did and that way I know we will insha Allah have peace in our marriage. I love you dove”.
Before I realised what was about to happen, she was already into my arms hugging me so tight with the veil still on. I took that as a clue and unveiled my happiness face. She started crying drenching my clothes. It was cry of joy. So, I didn't stop her. Rather I just hold her tight. I gently loose her scarf and ran my hand through her silky long scalp. She stopped crying and seemed to relax by what I am doing.
“ Hey husband. Allow me to call you mi vida(my life) I am so thankful to God for making us happened. Please think of me as your sister so that whenever I did something wrong, you will punish me for it like you would your own sister. And I will respect you like I would my own brother. I don't know what our tomorrow holds but whatever it is, I pray the Almighty bring ease into it and I pray we pass every single test that will be thrown our way. God knows I love you and I promise to love you even more. You are the best thing that happened to me. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for accepting me back into your life even after everything”. She snuggled more into my arms and I hold onto her.
We prayed two raka'ats, say our prayers and decided to go to sleep after of course feeding her, although she only ate a little bit but it's better than none. She took a shower and so did i. When I lie on the bed beside her, I noticed she's distanced. Like she's trying to protect herself or something. “ Hey”. I called out and she turned her head to look at me “ Hey”.
“ You know me don't you? You know I won't do anything without your permission or to hurt you? It was patience that brought me here and I don't mind being patient again”.
“ I love you. I love you so much Mi vida. I'm sorry. It's just...”.
“ Shhhh, it's fine. I understand. Come here. I don't bite”. I said the last part in a whisper making her giggled like a little girl. She moved closer and right into my awaiting arms. She placed her head on my chest and laced her hands with mine.
“ I love you so much more. I love you. And will forever to insha Allah. Thank you”. I said and placed a kiss on her forehead. She grabbed my other hand and put in on her scalp. Meant one thing, she love it when I touch her hair. Taking the cue, I walked my hand into her scalp and she drifted off not long after that. Ya Allah.. Thank you for the blessings. I murmured before zoning out as well.

Down to finale🦋 And maybe an epilogue🧐 XOXO ❤️