Assalamu alaikum guys.
It's finally an update!

Firstly I would like to thank all of my wonderful readers for patiently waiting for the update. Your love and support encourages me to write more.
Jazakallah khair :)
    Also this chapter is dedicated to all my readers. Hope you'll love reading it.

It's a long chapter ahead. Enjoy!

*****

Naureen

I peered at my image in the full size mirror.
The natural kohl in my eyes complimented my light makeup.

The floor length A-line gown of white net over white chiffon, covered with beautiful floral pattern all over the fabric and shiny stones studed the high waistline and accentuated my long sleeves, captivating my henna printed hands.

The red colour of henna, lustered even more in the bright light of the room, enhancing the centre of my palm, where the initial was drawn. A fancy 'H' hidden within the alluring designs and patterns.

I wrapped the white shawl over my head, pinning it down with an exquisite brooch.

There stood a flawless bride in front of me, contemplating whether she is ready for her big day.

*****
Flashback

I sat in the backyard, my bare feet resting on the soft grass while sipping strong cappuccino. My physical being was relaxing while mental strength was far agitated. My mind was wondering about the last talk with Saif and his dad; about his proposal.

I was occupied with these thoughts when a voice snapped me "May I join you?" He asked

I glanced at his face. "Yeah sure, Ayaan" and gestured him to sit, giving one of my best smile.

"How have you been doing? Long time no see, eh?" He asked, as he sat beside me.

"Yeah. I was busy. Work has burdened with last few weeks." I sighed.

"I know, I get it, or you didn't have missed our movie marathon, right?" He raised his brow.

"Um..yeah...indeed." I stammered.

"And I do know with what work you were busy with.
Enjoying ice-cream with her husband and her child, is your burdened work, isn't it?" He said emphasizing on 'burdened work'.

"Ayaan, I.....You are getting me wro-" I began but he cut me off.

"Since when are you hiding things from me, Noor? Why didn't you tell me you were meeting her family, huh?" He asked, as his pupils flared.

How did he know about? I never brought that topic before him.

I decided to tell him soon but now ; he came to know it from someone else.

'You're in big trouble, young lady' my brain reminded me.

He leered at my shocked aspect. While I tried forming words in my mind.

"I.....was...."

"When we were young we promised each other that no matter what, we would share our every little secret. And you didn't keep your word. Think you dont trust me enough now." He said, his eyes boring into mine.

No it's not about that. I do trust you.

"What did you think, that I'll never know about it? I saw you that day, with them. There isn't just one McDonald's in this city, but you know what, fate played it's own game. I was about to call you but then I changed my mind and called Aunt. She told me everything."

"Listen Ayaan, I know you are mad at me for hiding all these things from you, and I'm really very sorry for it but if I had told you, then you wouldn't let me meet them. You wouldn't let me help Saif. I know you care about me. You don't want me to drown in my past again. But the point is about that boy. He needed someone." I defended myself.

"That someone could be any other person. Why you? Why did you involve yourself in that matter?" He yelled.

"He is one of my students. And importantly I am responsible for his state at the moment. All because of my mistake!" I whined.
"And now I have found out way of mending my mistake." I said, getting up from my place.

"Oh, and what is that?" He remarked.

I took a sharp intake of air."His father has asked for my hand in marriage."

"He has WHAT??" He bellowed in response, as he stood up.

"He wants to marry me, for Saif's sake"I explained.

His brown orbs widened, with slight rage forming into them.

A voice interrupted our conversation "Noor, when did this help turn into a marriage proposal?"

Aunt.

"I know you both must be amazed by this sudden information. I was about to share this with you all today. And....I...think I have made my... decision." I stared at the ground.

"And may I know what is it?" Ayaan uttered swiftly.

"I...um..have decided to m--mar--ry---h-him.." I stuttered.

"Noor, are you out of your mind? Do you even know what you are saying?" He asked, astounded.

"Calm down and reconsider your decision." Aunt said softly.

"This is the only way of rectifying what I did. Last night I offered the Istikhara, and now I sense that my heart is convincing me to say yes."

"Aunty, can you believe her?  She has totally lost her senses! Here you are unable to help  yourself and you are talking about supporting him." He referred, hurting me all the more.

"Let me make this clear, being his mother is not the solution of this problem." He further added.

"Ayaan, please try to understand." I pleaded.

Aunty came by me and put her hand on my shoulder."Noor, you are one of my biggest responsibility. Being your guardian, I think for your betterment. I want you to live a bright future. I only care about your happiness.
Are you happy with this decision?
Please think wisely and then act."

I gave her a small smile."I am happy with this and I think Allah (SWT) also wants me to do the same."

"Fine, I'm with you then. My prayers are always with you." She caressed my cheek.

"Alright, then. If that's what you want. It's your life after all and you are the one to make the final statement. And if this is what you have decided then let me inform you that, I'm not happy with it.
And one more thing, don't expect my presence at the wedding, I can't see you ruin your life with your own hands" Ayaan snarled with rage as he stormed off the place.

I stood there devoid of any emotion, staring at his figure which was disappearing as he moved away.

End of flashback

********

"Come on, Noor. It's time for the Nikah. You have been called!" Sidra said, entering my room.

My mind was brimming, with the scenes that took place with Ayaan

"Noor? Noor! Where are you lost? Is everything alright? " she asked, as she noticed my absence of mind.

"Huh?... Yeah..." I responded.

"Forget it Noor. He's not going to come." She shook her head.

"Let me call him one more time." I said.

"Noor please. You have already tried calling him about 10 times. His phone is switched off. And I don't think he will go against what he said to you. He's surely still angry."  She said, concern etched in her voice.

I had told Sidra everything, that has happened between us.

I just smiled and turned, dropping the subject.

Minutes later I was sitting in a room, surrounded by a few female guests.

I had decided to have my Nikah in our house itself with a very few number of close guests. It wasn't one of the luxurious wedding ceremonies.

The Nikah with the least expenses is the most blessed one.

Every one made space for the Imam and a few other males including uncle.

He gave me a reassuring smile when I looked up at him.

The Imam recited some surahs before saying " Do you Naureen daughter of Abbas Razzaq accept Hamid Ibrahim as your lawfully wedded husband?"

My throat constricted as I wiped my sweaty palms on my wedding dress.

My mind, trailed to Ayaan's words
I can't see you ruin your life with your own hands.

Everyone's gaze was fixated at me,waiting for my answer.

______________________________

Yay! A cliff-hanger!
Don't kill me for it though ;)

And I'll be updating once a week, on every Sunday :)

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Love,
TheHijabQueen