THE WEDDING DAY.

Finally, it was the wedding day. On both sides of the family, excitement filled every corner. Everyone was busy, smiling, talking, and making sure everything was ready for the beautiful day they had all been waiting for.
Inside the villa, Aarib stood in front of the mirror in his room, getting ready for the day he had imagined for so long.

He was buttoning his white shirt when Sameer quietly peeked into the room. A camera was already in his hand. Without saying a word, Sameer captured the beautiful moment of Aarib standing in front of the mirror, completely unaware that he was being photographed. Aarib noticed him through the mirror and smiled.

"You!"

Sameer laughed and clicked another picture.
He walked into the room and went closer to his brother. He helped him button the remaining buttons, adjusted his collar, and then fixed his tie carefully.

"What are you doing?" Aarib asked, smiling. "Aren't you the bride's brother?"

"I'm your brother first," Sameer replied simply.

He picked up the coat and helped Aarib put it on. Then he straightened the collar and finally sprayed a little perfume on him. Aarib looked at himself in the mirror again. For a moment, he simply smiled. Today was different. Today he was going to bring Roshaane home.
Sameer picked up the camera again.

"Are we ready to bring your bride home?"

Aarib looked at him through the mirror.
"Fully ready."

At that moment, Hikmat and Shams entered the room.
"It's getting late," Hikmat said. "We should hurry."

Aarib nodded.

The four brothers and friends left the room together, their faces filled with excitement. Outside, the family was already ready to leave. Aarib's parents, Zarnish, Shams, Zara, and the rest of the family were waiting. Hikmat's family was there as well, except Zainab, who was already with Roshaane.

The dhol players were ready too, adding even more excitement to the atmosphere. One by one, everyone got into the cars. Before getting inside, Aarib looked toward the house for one last moment. His heart was beating differently. He had faced difficult situations without fear.

But today...

Today he was nervous. A soft smile touched his lips as one thought stayed in his mind.
Roshaane.

Soon, the cars began moving toward her house.
Toward the bride.
Toward the day they had both been waiting for.

-------

Roshaane was standing in her room, ready to become a bride. Her white gown reached her ankles, its delicate net sleeves covering her shoulders and falling gracefully to her wrists. A beautiful diamond necklace rested around her neck, matching the earrings that sparkled beside her face.

She looked at herself in the mirror, but the nervousness in her eyes was impossible to hide. Her long veil was pinned into her hair, waiting to be lowered over her face when the time came. Zainab, Mehak, and Aabia stood around her, admiring her.

"You look so beautiful," Mehak whispered.

Roshaane smiled shyly.
"I'm nervous."

"We can see that," Aabia replied immediately.

Everyone giggled, including Roshaane. Before anyone could say more, Zainab smiled.

"Stand up. There's another tradition to complete."

"Another one?" Roshaane asked nervously.

Zainab laughed.
"Don't worry. This one is simple."

She stepped toward the door and called for her brothers.

A few moments later, Shazam and Aarham entered the room. The moment they saw their younger sister dressed as a bride, both men became quiet. Their eyes glistened with emotion, but smiles remained on their faces. Aarham looked at Roshaane for a moment longer.

"You're really growing up," he whispered.

Roshaane's eyes became moist.
"Don't make me cry, Bhai."

Shazam smiled and cleared his throat, trying to hide his own emotions. Zainab held up a red silk ribbon.

"You both have to help with one more little tradition."
She turned toward Roshaane.

"This silk ribbon is tied around the bride as a symbol of protection, good luck, and happiness." She handed the ribbon to Aarham.

"One of you can do it."
Aarham stepped forward.

With a gentle smile, he tied the red ribbon around Roshaane's waist.

"May you always remain protected and happy," he whispered.

"Ameen," Roshaane replied softly.

Aarham kissed her forehead before stepping back.
Shazam smiled and hugged his sister.

"Always remember that you have brothers who will always stand beside you."

Roshaane nodded, fighting back her tears.
"Now, no more crying," Aabia warned. "You'll ruin your makeup."

Everyone laughed again. Suddenly, they heard the sound of car horns outside. Then came the familiar beat of the Turkish drums.

"They're here!" the girls squealed.

The moment the family stepped outside, the atmosphere changed completely. Music filled the air. Flowers were carried by family members while the elders stood at the entrance, waiting to welcome the groom and his family. Aarib stepped out of the car. For a second, he simply stood there. His eyes immediately searched for her. But Roshaane wasn't there yet.
Hikmat came beside him and smiled.

"Ready?"
Aarib took a deep breath.

"More than ready."

The drummer started playing again. Shams and Hikmat pulled Aarib into the celebration while the family laughed and clapped around them. The moment felt unreal. After all the waiting, misunderstandings, fights, tears, and stolen moments, he was finally here to take his bride. Then the doors opened. Aarib's smile disappeared for a moment.

Not because he was unhappy. Because he had simply forgotten how to breathe. Roshaane stepped forward. Her white gown moved softly with every step. Her veil was now lowered over her face, hiding most of her expression but not the happiness shining in her eyes.
Aarib couldn't take his eyes away from her.
His bride.

His Roshaane.

The woman who had somehow become the most important part of his life. Roshaane looked up through the veil. Their eyes met. And suddenly, all the noise around them seemed to disappear.
Aarib smiled.
She smiled back.

Aabia whispered to Mehak, "Look at them."
Mehak smiled.

"They don't even know we're here anymore."
Everyone laughed softly.

Aarib finally walked toward her and extended his hand.
Roshaane hesitated for only a second before placing her hand in his. His fingers gently closed around hers.
The warmth of his touch immediately calmed her nervous heart.

"I'm here," he whispered.

"I know," she replied softly.

Sameer was once again busy capturing every moment. His camera clicked repeatedly, recording every smile and every little glance between the bride and groom.
His heart quietly prayed for his sister's happiness.
Roshaane looked at Aarib.

"Am I looking nice in the white gown you wanted?"
Aarib smiled.

"More beautiful than I imagined."
She lowered her eyes shyly.

Around them, their families continued dancing and celebrating.

"Okay, everyone, get inside the cars. We have to reach the venue," Mr. Hameed Ahmad announced.

Everyone nodded and began getting into the cars.
Aarib and Roshaane sat together.

As the cars started moving toward the nearby wedding venue, Roshaane held his hand.

"I'm nervous," she whispered.

"Me too."
His honest answer made her giggle.

Aarib chuckled, smiling nervously himself. Soon, the cars stopped at the venue. Once again, the Turkish drums took the lead. Shams and Hikmat began dancing, pulling Shazam into the celebration as well. Everyone laughed and clapped as they entered the beautifully decorated garden.

White flowers and roses covered the venue. Soft lights surrounded the open garden, creating a peaceful and magical atmosphere. The bride and groom were guided to the beautifully decorated stage. Everyone took their seats. The Nikah was about to begin. Once again, Aarib was going to accept Roshaane as his wife, this time surrounded by the people they loved.

He took his place beside her. Their hands remained together. Roshaane could feel her heartbeat getting faster and faster. Aarib leaned slightly toward her.
"Nervous?"

She nodded.
"Very."

He smiled.
"Then look at me."

She turned toward him.
"This is what we dreamed of."

Her eyes softened.
"Together," he added.

She nodded.
"Always."

The Nikah began.

The elders sat quietly as the Nikah Khuwan recited the verses and spoke about the responsibilities, rights, blessings, and sacred bond of marriage.
When the time came, Roshaane answered first.

"I accept."

Her voice carried through the gathering.
Then the question was asked to Aarib. His mind went back to that day they got married for the first time. Their Nikah.  At that time how he felt and now what he was feeling. Today, there was no burden, no duty but only love that was filling his heart for her.

"I accept."
A second time.

"I accept."

And finally

"I accept."

A wave of happiness passed through everyone.
"Alhamdulillah."

The families smiled through tears. Some raised their hands in prayer while others whispered blessings.
Jahan Ahmad's eyes filled with tears as he looked at his daughter. Zeeniya pressed a hand over her heart.
Aarib looked at Roshaane. She looked back at him through tears, a smile lingering on her lips. He gently squeezed her hand.

The Nikah was done. They were husband and wife.

Again.

But somehow, this time felt different.This time, it was filled with love and dreams. This time, their families had witnessed it. Their loved ones had prayed for them.
And their happiness was no longer something they had to hide. Suddenly, the music began.

Aabia shouted happily, "Let the celebration begin!"

Hundreds of white and golden balloons were released into the sky. Everyone looked upward as the balloons floated higher and higher. Then rose petals began falling around the newly married couple. Flowers filled the air. The families clapped and cheered. Roshaane laughed through her tears. Aarib looked at her.

"You okay?"
She nodded.

"More than okay."
He smiled.

"So am I."

"Seniseviyorum."
Her sudden confession made his eyes widen.
She giggled.

"Every time, you surprise me by saying this," he said, smiling.

"It's your turn now," she replied, leaning a little closer. "To surprise me."

Aarib laughed. For the first time, there was nothing left to wait for. No more counting days. No more wishing for tomorrow. Today, in front of everyone they loved, Aarib and Roshaane had finally chosen each other. And as roses continued to fall around them, their families celebrated the beginning of their next chapter.

Later that night, Finally, after all the celebrations and traditions, Aarib and Roshaane returned home. The villa they had bought together. The home they had decorated together. And now, the home where they would begin their life as husband and wife. They were seated in the hall with their families. The elders slowly began getting up one by one, tired after the long day. Aabia finally stood in front of the bride and groom.

"You both should get up now."

"But..." Aarib tried to say.

Aabia didn't let him finish. She pulled both Roshaane and Aarib to their feet.

"It's almost twelve at night. We're tired, and you both need your time too. So go to your room so we can leave as well."

Everyone immediately looked away, hiding their smiles.
Some were embarrassed by Aabia's directness. Aarham was the first to escape.

"I'm going first." He held Mehak's hand and walked away without looking back.

"We're going too," Zainab announced, taking Mahi's hand.

Sameer and Shazam looked at each other before silently getting up and following them. Shahmir walked toward Aabia and gently held her arm.

"Bia, let's go."

"But... I'm helping them get to their room," she protested.

Shahmir ignored her complaints and took her in his arms all of sudden and walked to his room. Roshaane giggled as she watched her sister and brother-in-law leave. Then she turned toward her husband. Aarib was already looking at her.

"Shall we?"
She nodded.

Holding the edge of her gown, she took one step.
Before she could take another, Aarib suddenly lifted her into his arms.

"Aarib!" she squealed, giggling nervously.

"Yes?" he replied innocently as he carried her toward the stairs.

"Someone is nervous."

"N-no, I'm not."
She wrapped her arms around his neck, but her pink cheeks betrayed her.

"We have all night to argue about that."
His whisper near her ear made her close her eyes tightly.

"You've become shameless," she whispered.

He laughed.
"I haven't even started yet."

He closed the door behind them. His lips lightly brushed near her ear, making her gasp. His hold loosened, and Roshaane quickly slipped from his arms. They looked at each other. Roshaane was the first to look away. Aarib smiled and turned toward the door, taking off his coat.
Roshaane slowly looked around the room.Candles and flowers decorated every corner. The room had been beautifully prepared for the newlyweds.

"Isn't it beautiful?" Aarib asked.

He walked behind her and gently wrapped his arms around her.

"It is. But..."

She stopped.
He looked at her from the side, still holding her.
"But...?"

"Nothing."

She slipped out of his arms and walked around the room. Aarib watched her with a smile while slowly folding the sleeves of his shirt.

"Shouldn't we...change?" she finally asked, turning toward him.

She looked at him. He was already looking at her deeply.
His intense gaze made her nervous. She was trying hard to stay calm and not let him know how fast her heart was beating. But he already knew. The slight tremble in her eyes. The pink blush on her cheeks. The shy smile she was trying to hide.

"Aarib," she called again.

He simply walked toward her. He stopped in front of her and gently took the veil that had been resting behind her head. For a moment, he lowered it over her face. Then he slowly lifted it again, revealing her shy eyes. She lowered her gaze. His lips touched her forehead in a gentle kiss.

"My bride seems nervous and shy," he said, smiling.

"I'm not," she replied, turning away.

But before she could escape, he gently wrapped his arms around her from behind.

"You can't run tonight," he whispered, his lips grazing her ear.

"And you can't come any closer until you confess," she replied, turning to face him.

"Confess? What?" he asked innocently.

She narrowed her eyes at him.
"You don't know?"

"What exactly do I have to confess?" he asked with a teasing smirk, scratching his head as he took a slow step toward her.

"What I want to hear," she said, still moving backward as he came closer.

"What you want to hear?" His smile softened. "That how much I love you? That I'm crazy about you?"
Her feet stopped.

But Aarib kept walking toward her.
"That I can't imagine my life without you. That I can't bear to see you cry. My heart started beating for you a long time ago. I just couldn't find the courage to say it."
He stopped right in front of her.

Roshaane stood still, stunned by his words. Their eyes met, and for a moment, everything around them seemed to disappear.

"Say it again," she whispered.

Aarib smiled. He moved closer, gently cupped her face, and looked deeply into her eyes.

"Seniseviyorum, Roshaane."

He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Seniseviyorum," he whispered again, this time pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek.

"Sen çok seviyorum," he murmured, stopping just near her lips.

Both could feel their hearts beating faster. But before he could move closer, Roshaane suddenly pushed him back and turned away, trying to calm her racing heart.
Aarib simply smiled.

"Gifts?" she suddenly said.

She hurried toward the table, where several beautifully wrapped gift boxes were waiting.

"We have so many gifts here."
Aarib sighed, watching his shy wife change the subject once again.
"We can see them tomorrow."

"No." She shook her head firmly. "We're opening them now. I'm so excited."

She picked up several gifts and carried them to the bed.
Aarib watched her with an amused smile.

"And you're so shy," he whispered.

"It's going to be fun tonight," he added to himself, shaking his head with a quiet laugh.

The bed was covered with rose petals, and candles glowed softly around the room. The beautiful setting, combined with Aarib's intense gaze, was making Roshaane even more nervous. She removed the veil from her hair and placed it aside before returning to the bed.
"Come. Let's open them."

Both settled on the bed, lying comfortably on their stomachs with the gifts between them. Her hair hanging on her shoulder while eyes remaoned on hifts, avoiding to look in his intense one. Aarib looked at her as she arranged the boxes.

"Which one should we open first?" she asked.

"I think this one."
He handed her an envelope.

"I'm thinking something," he said, helping her open it.

"What?" she asked, still looking at the envelope.

"I haven't even done anything yet to make you this shy and..." She suddenly pulled out the contents and stared at them.

Her eyes widened.
"We've got a trip to Australia!"

Aarib laughed.
"Looks like your parents planned a honeymoon gift for us."

He looked at the name on the envelope.
"From Jahan and Zeeniya."

Her cheeks turned pink when her eyes met his for a moment. They moved on to the next gift. Sameer had given them a matching couple's watch set. Then came Shazam's gift, a matching men's and women's wallet set, each with their names engraved on them. Aarham had gifted Roshaane a beautiful diamond set and Aarib an elegant watch. Shahmir had given them a laptop from his own company along with a gold bracelet.
Aarib's parents had gifted Roshaane another pair of diamond earrings, while Shams had chosen a matching watch set along with a pair of couple rings.

"We've got so many gifts," Roshaane said, looking at everything around them.

"It's Aabia's gift now."
She pointed toward two boxes tied together.

"I'm excited."

"So am I," Aarib said, picking them up. "Let's see what surprise she has given us."

Roshaane opened the first box.Her expression changed.
Inside was a white shirt with something written across it for Aarib. She made a confused face and looked at him. Aarib picked up the shirt.

"What's so special about this?"
Roshaane opened the second box.

The moment she saw what was inside, her eyes widened. She immediately closed the box. Aarib raised an eyebrow.

"What's inside?"

"Nothing."

She held the box tightly against herself.

"Nothing?" he repeated suspiciously.

Before she could answer, Aarib pulled her closer and gently tried to take the box from her.
"Aarib, no!"

"Let me see what you're hiding."

She held onto it tightly.

Aarib leaned closer and pulled her toward him, spun her under him and looked at her with a playful smile. She held the gift tightly pressed to her chest but he leaned ahead, gave her a peck on her lips. Startled, Roshaane loosened her grip for a moment, and Aarib quickly took the box from her.

He winked at her.
"Got it."

He moved back from her and sat aside. She sat up and tried to snatch the box but he didn't let her.

"That's cheating." She protested but he didn't listen to her.

He opened the box. His eyebrows rose when he saw the black nightdress inside. He looked at Roshaane.
She was staring down at the bed, her cheeks completely flushed. A teasing smile slowly appeared on his face.
He leaned closer, resting one elbow on the bed.

"May I have the honour of seeing my wife wear this?"
She immediately shook her head.
"No."

Aarib nodded as if he had already expected that answer.
"I think yes."

"Aarib, please."
She looked at the nightdress and then quickly looked away from his teasing eyes.

"I want you to change into it now," he said, handing it to her.

"I'm not."
She placed it aside, too shy to even look at him.

"Okay," Aarib said with a playful grin. "Then I'll make you wear it."

She immediately moved away from him, making him laugh.

"You have five minutes, my Isabella."  He handed her the black nightdress.

Roshaane stared at it for a moment, then grabbed both the nightdress and the white shirt. Without another word, she ran toward the bathroom.

"Hey that's mine."
Aarib laughed.

He began clearing the bed, carefully placing the gifts aside. Then he changed into something more comfortable, a simple T-shirt and trousers. He sat on the edge of the bed and waited. A few minutes passed.
Then a few more. He looked toward the bathroom door.
Still nothing.

Aarib shook his head with an amused smile. Slowly, the bathroom door opened, and Roshaane stepped outside.
Aarib's eyes immediately went to her. The black nighty reached her knees, but she had cleverly worn his white shirt over it, making the dress almost completely hidden. She nervously tried to pull the hem of the nighty down, her cheeks burning under his gaze. Aarib stared at her for a moment before walking closer.

"You've cheated," he said.

"W-what?" she asked shyly.

"This shirt is mine." He stopped in front of her, looking at the oversized white shirt with an amused smile.

Roshaane lowered her eyes, trying not to smile.

"You said I had to wear this. I am wearing it."

"But you covered it."

"That's not cheating."

"It absolutely is."
She finally looked up at him.

"Then what are you going to do about it?" she asked, trying to sound confident.

Aarib's smile widened.
"I can go and change. I've fulfilled what you asked," she said, turning toward the bathroom, scared of his smirk.

But Aarib was quicker. He gently wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back until she rested against his chest.

"I need my shirt back. Right now," he whispered, a teasing smile in his voice.

Roshaane's cheeks turned even redder.
"Please..." she pleaded, trying to turn around.

Aarib chuckled softly.
"I know you're shy. But you can hide in my arms, not in the bathroom."

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper near her ear. His affection made her close her eyes, her nervousness slowly melting into the warmth of the moment.

"Aarib..." she whispered, holding his arm.

He smiled and gently turned her toward him.
"You're my wife, Roshaane. You don't have to be nervous around me."

She looked up at him, her eyes still shy.
"And you're still wearing my shirt," he added teasingly.

Roshaane immediately covered her face with her hands.
"You're impossible."

"And you're adorable," he replied, laughing softly.

Before he could pull her hands away, she turned to other side again, hiding from his intense gaze. He hugged from behind, snuggled his face into her neck , aside her hair and started to kiss her neck in a teasing way and then she felt his hands moving up to her shirt.

"Aarib..." she called him, trying to protest weakly, but he wasn't going to let her go.

His fingers slowly moved upwards to unbuttoned the shirt, making her feel his breath against her neck. Then, in one swift movement, he turned her toward him, still keeping his lips close to her skin. The kisses on her neck go slow, and sometimes passionate. The kisses across her neck made her breathe heavily. She couldn't think or say anything. She was completely lost in his touch, in his closeness, in the sensations his sensuous touch started to fill in her body. His hand gently pushed the shirt away from her shoulder while she hid her face against his neck.

"I'm shy, Aarib," she whispered in his ear, in heavy breaths.

That's when he stopped. For a moment, he remained still, resting his forehead against her bare shoulder, her face close to his neck. After a few seconds, his arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her gently closer as he lifted his head to look at her. His other hand cupped her face. He looked deeply into her blushing face, noticing her heavy breaths.

"Look at me," he whispered, placing a soft kiss on her nose.

She slowly opened her eyes and looked at him. They were so close that neither of them could hide the racing of their hearts, the desire in their eyes, or their heavy breaths. Yet, he still chose to ask.

"Should I stop?" he asked, gently caressing her cheek.

"Answer me, or else I won't be able to stop myself," he whispered, his thumb softly brushing across her lips.

"Am I allowed to make you even more shy?" Aarib asked, leaning closer to her lips, making her breath catch but didn't stop him.

"Isabella, I'm not going to stop now," he whispered.

And with that, he leaned in and kissed her, their long-awaited moment finally carrying all the love they had been holding back.

Her eyes closed tightly again, and her arms wrapped around him as their lips met once more. They both felt the butterflies in their hearts and stomachs. Their hold on each other tightened as the shirt slipped from her arms and fell to the floor. Their kiss tutned to more passionate with every passing second. He slowly moved with her in his arms, their lips still meeting. Sometimes his kisses moved to her neck and collarbone before returning to her lips again while she was letting him kiss her the way he wanted.

He stopped for a moment, his breathing heavy as he moved back and looked at her from head to toe. She looked so beautiful to him, and his gaze made her shy,  lower her eyes. In a swift motion, he took off his T-shirt and moved closer again, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Look what you've made of me. I think I've lost all my sanity," he said, making her giggle shyly.

"And what does this saint man wants to do?" she asked, wrapping her arms around his bare shoulders.

He didn't answer. He simply kept looking at her, letting her fingers run gently through his hair. She slowly rose onto her toes and kissed his cheek, then his eyes, before stopping just near his lips.

"Does my saint man want this?" she whispered.

"My Isabella is being bold now? No shyness?" he teased, and she giggled, shaking her head as her eyes lowered again.

But he didn't let her retreat into her shyness this time. He pulled her gently closer and kissed her passionately.
Neither of them tried to break away. Roshaane returned his affection, allowing herself to simply feel the love of the moment. Soon, they found themselves on the soft bed, still wrapped in each other's arms.

Both pulled back, catching breaths, and smiled, looking at each other.

Before turning off the lights, he looked at her. Their eyes met, lips smiled, and together, they whispered,
"Seniseviyorum."

The words were followed by another tender kiss. As the lights went out, the room fell quiet, holding the warmth of two hearts finally at peace in each other's arms.

A/N:: Assalam-o-Alaikum readers.

Finally the new chapter is here. The wedding was done and hope you liked it.
Do like and leave your comment.