CHAPTER | ELEVEN | UMAYMAH | POV

As soon as the alarm I had set went off I was dragged out of bed by no other than my mom and older sister. There was no denying the fact that they were excited, but I didn't like that it had barely been five minutes and they were already getting me to do things. Procrastination even on my wedding day.

"I can walk by myself!" My voice was husky from sleep and all I wanted than anything was to be back between my sheets where it was warm.

"We don't care. Everyone else is awake and you have ten minutes to have a shower before we come and bang on the door, okay?" What a way to greet the soon to be bride on her wedding day (!) I didn't bother fighting with Jasmine and instead I hopped in the bathroom ready for my shower.

Just as she warned, ten minutes later she was outside the door demanding for me to come out. Gladly I opened the door; I was in a better mood than I was ten minutes ago and gave her a cheerful smile. Having a shower really helped me relax and focus. The smells of berries erupted from me and it was soothing to me.

She seem to notice this too and gave me a smile back. No words were exchanged as she took me back into my room where my dress was laid into the bed, still wrapped up. The urge to peak was strong but I figured I would get to see it soon anyway. My dress wasn't the only thing in my room - Assia, mom and Jasmine were busy bustling round my empty room doing whatever it is they were doing.

"Argh, Umaymah I can't believe you're finally getting married!" Finally? I brushed it off but hugged Assia back as this was the first proper greeting today.

"I know right. What a lucky boy Shoaib is to have me." I flicked a piece of my hair and they all laughed. Safe to say I was far from nervous and more vein than necessary.

"Get over yourself. On a serious note though, we need you in that dress with your make up and hijab done all in two hours. Don't even think of moving or else I'm hitting you."

Two hours was a very long time to spend on getting ready but I knew better than to protest at this moment. It was the first time someone in this house was getting married and to go over the top was to be expected. Nonetheless I sat down and waited for them to start.

All over my face I felt brushes dabbing on me and like Assia wanted, I stayed put and tried not to move. The three of them were talking to each other about the events of today and occasionally I would get a question thrown at me and I replied with a nod or shook my head. Once I shook a little too hard and the feeling of my hairbrush banging on top of my head made me shriek in pain. The evilness of Assia.

What I was waiting for was these two hours to go by so I can finally be ready and hopefully, if they let me, grab something to eat. I still hasn't eaten anything since I woke up apart from a cereal bar Zakariya so kindly brought up for me. My brothers seemed nicer at this point than my best friend, mom and sister.

"Are we done?" I asked for the hundredth time knowing that I was getting on their nerves, but I couldn't help it.

"This time we actually are. Open your eyes and look in the mirror." Doing what I was instructed to, I peeled my eyes open and stood up to see my reflection.

My reflection looked like me but in all ways better. My skin looked flawless and even though there were a lot of products in my face, it still felt light. No doubt I was checking myself out and making my already big ego even bigger.

"Thank you! I'm practically model material right now." Assia laughed while I embraced her in a hug again.

"You're welcome and it's time to see the dress and put it on." This was what I was waiting for.

Impatiently I stood while Jasmine helped Assia get the dress out of its packaging and hold it up for me to see. I was surprised to see how stunning it was. The thought of Shoaib getting me an ugly dress seemed silly right now because the detailing of this was perfect.

All three left the room giving me space to change into the dress and I happily did so. Unzipping the back I placed it on me, glad that I could zip it back up myself. For the first time in my life I felt giddy to a certain point and couldn't resist looking in the mirror like I did a few minutes ago.

My curly hair cascaded half way down my back and even though it was going to be put into a hijab, I liked the way it complimented me on this day. The dress flowed down to the floor and the long sleeves revealed nothing at all. I was even more happier since it was loose and not fitting.

"You guys can come in." I said after admiring my reflection for a few minutes. Vain as that sounds.

Smiles erupted from everyone's faces as the door open and mom was the first to get me in a hug for what was probably the fifth time today, followed by Jasmine and Assia.

"My baby girl looks amazing." Mom complimented me and I couldn't help but admire at how she called me her 'baby girl'. Being the youngest daughter and first to leave the house was a big deal indeed.

Soon after all the hugging was done, Assia came to do my hijab. It was the same colour of my dress, bordering a slight creme texture. She placed it on my head and secured it with a pin so everything was set. Once again I found myself looking in the mirror. Of course nothing has changed apart from the new addition of my hijab.

"Before we go downstairs I want to say thank you for today and it's not just me that looks beautiful. You're all stunning Mash'Allah." They deserved my compliments and even though it was my wedding day, I didn't not want the people who put all their efforts in to not get praised.

"Thank you. Oh how I'm going to miss my big headed baby sister around here. Just make sure you visit and, and I want to be an aunty soon." I laughed but nonetheless gave them each a peck on the cheek and proceeded out my room to downstairs.

Throughout those two hours of being in my room, I could still hear my dad and brother shouting to each other. Fights were still happening on this particular day but I didn't mind; it felt like nothing was changing.

As soon as I reached the bottom I saw my dad and brothers lined up with smiles on their faces. Now was when the sadness hit me; I was getting married and leaving my family. I didn't let it show though when giving them all a hug and kiss on the cheek.

"You all look so good. Please stop making it harder for me to leave all you beautiful people." I pouted but there was so much truth to what I had just said. It seemed harder now than ever to leave through the front door.

"We're sorry for out shining the bride but seriously we're all going to miss you." I beamed at my dad and clung onto him as everyone piled out the house and into the cars that awaited us.

Throughout the short ten minute journey to the hall, jokes were being made and of course mom shed a few tears which made dad follow suite. Everyone else commented on my soon to be life as a married woman claiming they were expecting children. I laughed at that but deep down I wished for the same.

Finally after ten minutes the car came to a stop outside the venue. Again everyone piled out and after giving me a final hug they went inside. It was a beautiful day and even though it was chilly, it wasn't freezing. Ahead of me were the open doors that dad would have to walk me into and the hundreds of family and friends who were invited for this day.

Nervousness washed through me but I never let go of dad who now looked at me sadly. Unlike in the car, I let a tear stroll down my face when looking at him, just remembering all the sacrifices my parents had to make in order for their kids to be happy and content.

"I love you so much dad. Try not to miss me too much okay?" I half laughed but it want convincing enough.

He let out a sigh and held my face in his hands. "I couldn't forget you if I tried; your horrible scribbling won't wash off from the walls." I smacked his arm for that joke but was glad of it.

We linked arms and slowly made our way inside the venue. I looked up from the floor to see everyone was seated and most definitely watching me and dad walk in to the rhythm with each other. Further ahead on the stage though was Shoaib.

For a moment I didn't look away, trying to make out how his suit looked on him as he stood, waiting for me to approach him. I didn't meet his gaze though. Dad and I finally reached the stage and I joined Shoaib as we took our seats, at that time roars of applause could be heard from everyone along with their cheering and whooping.

"You look nice." I was taken back from the compliment but composed myself.

I snuck a glance at him and replied. "Thank you and so do you." There wasn't any time for him to say anything else with the Imam coming over to us on the stage with papers and a pen.

He sat down and asked us both three times if we were content for this marriage to take place and reciting what we had to in Arabic. I'd never heard Shoaib speak Arabic but it rolled off his tongue so smooth that I doubted why he even bothered to speak English.

And just like that, we both signed the papers and again the cheering was heard from the guests. I smiled and turned around to look at my husband and found he was looking at our parents that were now making their way over to us.

"I'm so happy you two are finally married. You better take care of our new daughter, boy." My father in law smiled but he meant every word. He then proceeded to give Shoaib a hug which he was reluctant about.

Everyone else congratulated us not sparing us a second to even say anything to each other. There were guests here whom I didn't even know but I still smiled and embraced them as they reached us. Overall I had heard the same thing over a hundred times but I never got tired of hearing it - there was no grasping the fact that I was now a married woman.

Music was playing in the background and half of the guests had taken their place on the dance floor to show off their moves. Unlike them, Shoaib and I stayed seated as more guests came over to us as well.

Snapping out of my thoughts I looked aside of the elderly woman and her family whom were congratulating us to see the food was now being served and people had to be seated. The family took no time in getting to the table and I chuckled because I was just as hungry.

"Let's go, I'm starving." I was the first to stand and he silently followed behind me.

The table was laid out just for us and various types of food were there along with plates and cutlery. If it wasn't for this being my own wedding, I would have already started eating everything but sadly I needed to show I could eat like a normal person and not a caveman. Apart from that, we both seated and I proceeded to place one of everything on my plate.

Beside me I heard a chuckle. "You know, I think you only got married to me for the food." I couldn't help the laugh that came from me either. Although it wasn't true I was glad that he was being so laid back today.

"That's actually true and here have some too." I then put some food on his plate too and began eating my own food.

It didn't take very long for the food in front of me to finish and I was satisfied now that I was full. Surviving on a cereal bar since the early hours of this morning wasn't much, but after this I doubt I could eat anything for a few hours.

"So what do we do now?" I turned and questioned Shoaib as we were just sitting and looking at everyone else.

"It's time to go home." And so he stood and reached his hand for mine. I eyed him skeptically but after sighing I placed my hand in his warm ones.

As if everyone knew that we decided to go, all chattering stopped and gazed at us while we took our steps to outside the venue and to the car. Silently he opened the door for me as our families watched from behind and I slipped in; he did the same on the other side and turned the car on, ready to go.

"It's gonna take a while to get there so you can have a nap if you want." He shrugged but looked straight ahead. All day he refused to look at me and now that we were married, it made me self conscious and being a girl my thoughts immediately went to my looks. Did I not look good enough?

"I think I can handle it." I stated but his gaze still never budged from the road. "So how did you find today?" As the car kept moving I found myself relaxing into the warmth of the leather seat.

"Went by really quick, too many people there too." I didn't miss the bitterness when he mentioned the amount of guests.

Suddenly it struck me that the boys were meant to be here too but out of all the guests, I hadn't once seen them. They were invited and Shoaib had called to confirm it the night before, so why didn't they show?

"Why were the boys not here?" I cursed myself after asking the question, seeing that his grip on the steering while tightened and his lips were set on a straight line.

"Issues." Was all he said.

"What kind of issues?" I pressed on. Perhaps he didn't want me to know but I didn't care, if I wanted to know then I'll annoy him till he tells me.

"Does it matter?" It made sense now. He was putting up a facade to not show his anger, but that wasn't right. If this bothered him then he had every right to be as moody as he is now in the hall.

"I'm sorry for asking." I looked away from him and swapped my gaze to outside the window.

There was no reply from him and I wondered just why I said yes to this. My reasons made me forget that question in an instant because this boy needed help more than he knew. Consequently it was silent for the rest of the ride - just the sound of music could be heard from the radio in the car and it was good enough for now.

What seemed like a short ride yesterday was more longer today but after complaining in my head, we had finally arrived at our new home. The same feeling of awe surrounded me as I got out and looked ahead of me. I didn't get time to stay as Shoaib had already made his way inside the house. It bothered me a little but I didn't say anything; there was no expecting any romance in our relationship.

His figure went up the stairs and holding the ends of my dress in my hands, I too walked up the stairs and into our bedroom. The fact that I would be sharing with a boy was a new concept. Nonetheless I walked in not showing any signs of how nervous I was.

"You can get changed here and I'll just get changed in the bathroom." I nodded at his suggestion and grabbed some sweats from the wardrobe and while he was looking away, I grabbed another hijab.

Mentally smirking I waited for him to leave the room and I quickly got changed. He was fully entitled to see my hair now but this was definitely not happening until I see a change in his attitude. He should work hard in order to attain what he wants and there's a possibility seeing my hair is something he wants to do.

"You can come in." I shouted so that he could hear from outside the door.

In an instant the door swung open and his eyes fell on me. Sitting on my side of the bed, I adjusted the pillows that separated my side from his. The precautions I was going through would all pay off in the end and I just hoped he too will realise this.

"What are you doing? And why do you still have your hijab on." His tall frame was at my side while I took my time to meet his gaze. Confusion and anger was etched out on his features.

"Staying on my side of the bed and my hijab is going to come off when you start to be a little nicer." Crossing my arms over my chest I leaned back onto the headrest and smiled as sweetly as I could. My plan was far from sweet though.

"Are you saying I have to work to see what I have a right to?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying Shoaib. I told you I'm going to change this little attitude of yours and I will. If you want to do things like even touch me then you're gonna have to prove yourself."

In an instant he had me pinned down on to the bed while he hovered on top of me. Rolling my eyes I pushed him back but it wasn't enough to completely throw him off me. Taking the time I sat up and watched him glare at me after what I had just done. I wasn't aware of the amount of force I used.

"And like I said, you can try all you want but it's not going to make a difference. I'm your husband and one way or another I'm going to get you, don't forget that." With that he pressed his lips to mine with full force.

I tried pushing him off, I really did but this time my strength went to waste. Giving up on the idea of getting him off me I sat still, not moving my lips. Soon enough he let go but carried in glaring me while I panted for breath. Damn him.

"Don't resist next time." He left me and went to his side of the bed and laid down closing his eyes as if none of that just happened.

Inside I was fuming that he would kiss me without my permission, but then again he was angry so I tried my hardest to be understand. It wasn't working though so after regaining my breath I turned to look at him. His chest moved up and down as he breathed and now I took the time to take in his features.

The light beard he supported was shaped perfectly enough to make any boy jealous and any girl fan over him; I was included in those group of girls. Never had I looked at him enough to take in his features and so I did now. His jawline was just as amazing as his beard and the rest of his face but it was hardly noticeable due to his beard.

After a great deal of thinking I lifted my hand to trace along his jawline. Brown eyes were shot open and he tensed at my touch while I simply ignored it and carried on.

"What are you doing?" He asked cautiously and I gave him a smile to show that his previous actions didn't bother me at all.

"I'm feeling your jawline. It's so...strong?" I groaned at my lack of vocabulary to describe how his jawline felt under my touch.

He noticed and what I didn't expect was for him to laugh, but he did. Ever so lightly his chest rumbled and and he grabbed the whole of my hand in his. This boy must have a habit of grabbing things.

"It's not very fair if I'm not allowed to touch you like that but you are." His laughter was dark and after releasing my hand he turned to his side no longer facing me.

My eyebrows furrowed but I didn't bother saying anything else. It had been a long day and a well enough rest was to be deserved. Praying wasn't a worry right now because it seemed I started my cycle last night. Sighing I feel back into my own side, trying to be as comfortable as I could with limited space and hijab on.

The more I think about it, I could have not done this and be comfortable, but how would that ensure him to changing?