ASALAM O ALIKUM!!!! EEEEEK THE MOST AWAITED CHAPTER IS HERE. ENJOY!

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I woke up the second my alarm goes off and the reason behind it was I didn't want Ahyan to wake up with a cry as he was lying beside me or worse Rafia who was lying beside him. Turning off the alarm I sighed heavily, I just had three hours of sleep and even that was after fajar, we got back home at two in the morning and after getting myself cleaned up and praying Isha I was just left with an hour to fajar so instead of going to bed I stayed awake scrolling through all the social applications.

My head was throbbing with the worst headache but as I was supposed to leave for beauty salon in just few hours it was time for me to wake up, the lack of sleep was making me nauseated. Getting up from bed I took out a fresh piece of clothing which consisted of a simple cotton kameez shalwar I went inside the washroom. Splashing the cold water on my face I looked my reflection in the mirror and frowned, if I look like this today I am going to cry for the rest of my life, my eyes had bags under them and out of nowhere two pimples decided to make their appearance, one right on my chin and another on my left cheek, my aching body was of no help either.

It's THE day!

Ya Allah at least make me look presentable!

Sighing I brushed my teeth and decided on a quick shower. Letting the water soothe my nerves I remembered moments from last night and found myself smiling.

After the boys ended their dance, dinner was announced and while everyone was busy enjoying all the divine dishes Wali excused himself. I asked him where he was going but making an excuse he vanished it was not after five minutes that Rafia and Rumaisa were setting tables for me and Wali, that Khadija appeared from behind and tucked my hand and shortly Asifa joined her too, after a lot of persuasion that I can't leave with them I gave up and stood up to follow them, taking me back inside they made me walk upstairs and ignored all my questions, I could easily walk back down but knowing these little girls I am sure they'll start blackmailing me with their tears. We crossed the first floor and after it we took another set of stairs to get on the terrace. I knew where we were leading now and suddenly a goofy feeling set in my heart, I was smiling widely and was actually rushing in front of the girls but as we reached the terrace it was all dark and there was no sign of him, I frowned and looked back at the girls who weren't even there and my heart skipped a bit.

Where did they go?

Before I get out of the terrace to find, the doors of the terrace closed and he came walking from the side balcony.

"The girls?"

"They got their treat and left!" he was smirking.

"Treat, huh?" I wrapped my arms around myself and noticed how slowly he was taking his step forward.

"Well they were being a bit mean so I got to trade," He shrugged as he stood right in front of me. "And look, I got you in return," he huskily whispered in my ears leaving a lingering kiss right beneath my earlobe, a shiver ran down my spine as I closed my eyes.

"What if they'll come finding us here?" I meekly whispered in return.

"They won't." He was trailing teasing kisses along my neck as I turned it on the other side giving him more space.

"Wali..."

"The girls are guarding the stairs," he looked into my eyes and even in this darkness I could see the hint of mischief in them.

"We are going to get into trouble," I bit my lip as he leaned again kissing just at the corner of my lip and before I could say anything else his arms surrounded my waist and he pecked my lips,

"Khadija are you done?" I jumped out my skin as I heard Rafia yell from outside. Taking a deep breath I tried to stable my heart beat and quickly replied her.

An hour and a half later I was packing all my bags which were supposed to get back to mama and baba's place and the dress for the Walima event along with the jewelry in another bag. Rumaisa and Murtaza were supposed to pick Rafia and I in an hour, after which we'll drop Ahyan at mama and baba's where phupo was also staying and then Murtaza will drop us all at the salon. I would have a long day ahead but till now I wasn't able to get any food inside my system, I was just ready to throw up even if I smell anything. According to everyone else I was taking unnecessary stress but things have their way of going wrong with me and this thought was right now getting the best of me.

Zipping the last bag I took a deep breath and rest back on the bed closing my eyes, the peace was short lived as the door opened and Laraib walked in with a plate in her hand.

"I am not going to eat any of those things," I quickly said eyeing the plate which was full with bread slices, egg, some kababs and an apple along with a glass of milk in her another hand.

"The fact that mama literally called Wali bhai and his option was an apple and milk so either have this or what mama send, and yeah! He asked me to call him if you don't listen." She shrugged taking her place beside me.

"I am not a kid!" I grumbled and took half of the kabab along with the glass of milk.

***

"So when should I come to pick you lot?" Murtaza asked Rumaisa for the third time since we started our journey.

"I told you I'll call you when we'll be done!" She sighed picking her hand bag.

"We have to be at the venue on time, Rumi! Bhabi and Wali have to do their photo session too!" He tried to argue while Rafia and I smirked at the couple.

"No! you are worried about coping up with your cranky daughter." She argued back.

"That too!" He grinned and winked at her making Rafia laugh.

"Okay girls out of the car!" Rumaisa chirped and laughing we stepped out in front of the large gates of salon.

Once getting inside we confirmed our appointment and after few minutes of wait I was called inside, meeting the stylist who would be working on me I took off my hijab and was led by her. She was friendly in nature unlike all my cousins described her proud attitude.

"So you are Mrs. Ahmed! We actually don't take appointment at the last moment but your family had been are oldest of clients," I forced a smile to her as I understood the reason behind her friendly attitude.

Soon after she started her work and minute by minute she was applying one of part of cosmetic or another, I got scolded if I move too much or twitch my eyes and after what seems like eternity which was actually two and a half hours, I was half ready means my make up was done and now I was supposed to change my clothing.

As I opened my eyes I gasped looking at my reflection, I looked so different yet so same, she surely had done magic on my face, my eyes were covered with blue and dark grey eye shadow with a thick layer of eye liner and kohl, my eyelashes were given volume by a thick layer of mascara, they were looking back at me with curiosity and they surely hold boldness in them, my lips were colored light pink and not to forget all the foundations and concealer which were hiding my tired features, coming on my cheeks the blusher was in used in such a way that it was looking natural and completely beautiful. I for the first time appreciated my own facial features.

"Holy smokes!" I turned to Rafia who was gaping at me, "You aren't even ready but you look hypnotic!" She winked and I shook my head.

"This room is strictly for brides-"

"If you are forgetting Meesha, the bride is my sister!" She gave the makeup artist a fake smile and walked out not before winking at me.

I was then led to the changing room where my dress was already hanging, closing the door behind I looked at the lehnga and smiled. My heart was suddenly beating a bit faster thinking of what he might be doing at the moment.

As I stepped out picking up the skirt of my lehnga I sat on my previous seat and Meesha started her work again, she tied my hair in a side braided bun, which was lowered covering my neck, there were loose strands left around my face. Before completing the bun she pinned my tikka which reached at the mid of my forehead, the diamonds studded on it sparkling with the help of the light of numerous bulb around the mirror. After she was done with my hair she slipped down the large diamond necklace which stunningly adorned my neck and then she started pinning my dupatta, one side of it was draped on my left shoulder while the other one was kept back side as it would be adjusted on my right hand. After all of the steps were done Meesha passed me my set of blue and silver bangles which I wore on my one hand while the silver and diamond bracelet on the other and lastly pair of rings on all my fingers.

An hour and a half later I was completely ready, just Meesha's assistant tying the lace of my silver stilettos around my ankle. By this time Rafia and Rumaisa was standing in front of me with a warm smile on their faces, Rafia was dressed in the mint color lehnga and her hair pinned and pushed on her right shoulder in loose curls while Rumaisa was wearing a beautiful purple saree which had elegant embroidery over the sleeves of its blouse and the borders of her saree, unlike Rafia, Rumaisa's hair were up in a tied knot.

"Done!" As Sumaira stood up and took a step back passing me a humble smile I nodded at her and quickly Rafia and Rumaisa moved forward, taking my hands they helped me in standing up and lead me towards the full length mirror.

"So?" Rumaisa whispered.

"I don't look myself!" I gasped and looked at the pair. The long shirt of my lehnga was of dark sky blue color and was filled with heavy embroidery of silver color metallic threads, silver stones and it looked like all they all are diamonds sparkling under the light, my sleeves were of silver shades completely filled with that same heavy embroidery, the skirt was of same silver shade and it's border were beautified with the embroidery too. The duppata was of light shade of sky blue, covered with silver sequins while the four borders of the dupatta were decorated with the elegant work of embroidery.

"I should call Murtaza now," Rumaisa whispered and I nodded. Suddenly all the love this family had showered over me made me overwhelmed and I looked at the dark color of henna covering my hands.

When did I get so lucky?

"Wali bhai is so gone tonight!" Rafia bumped my arms and winked making my cheeks turn crimson red. "Look here," I turned to her and she clicked few of my pictures as Rumaisa informed us that Murataza would be here to get us in few minutes, thanking Meesha and gathering our stuff I picked up my silver clutch and we walked towards the exit.

In few minutes a decorated BMW parked in front of the gates and quickly Murataza got out dressed in black three piece suit with a dark purple tie complementing Rumaisa's dress, while a white rose was tugged on his pocket.

"Ladies," He beamed as he came in front of us, "Come closer all of you! The two men had made me sick!" He smirked and turned to Rafia and I as he took out his phone and clicked our pictures. "This will calm them," he grinned and then led us back to the car. First he opened the back door and Rumaisa helped the two of us in and the he opened the door to passenger seat for his wife.

Once he was inside Rafia coughed to gain his attention.

"Jee Rafia?" He passed a smile.

"Is my husband ready?" the couple smirked at the question and Murtaza nodded. "Oh thank God! I thought I have to go and find him in his pajamas again." We all chuckled as we remembered how Rafia lost her temper when she found Yahya sleeping when we went to drop Ahyan.

The drive was filled with Rumaisa and Murtaza going over all the preparations and things we still have to do, that included an hour long photo session of both Wali and I alone, with our families and then together.

It was six in the evening when Murtaza finally parked the car in front of the large banquet hall. Carefully all of us stepped outside and then both the girls and I took the private path inside for the photo session. After more than an hour of posing alone, then with all my female cousins and lastly all my family members I was send to the bridal room to relax, Laraib was with me making sure that I don't get nervous all over again. Our light conversation was interrupted after few minutes when Bilal knocked on the door telling me that now it's time for the couple photo session, nodding at him Laraib teased me and assisted me to stand up.

"Wali bhai is looking like the most handsome bridegroom in the history of handsome bridegrooms." I smiled at Laraib's statement and my heart agreed. Even though I haven't seen him I know how best he would be looking.

I was led at the garden portion of the banquet hall where he was standing with his back towards me talking to the photographers, with his hands in his pants pocket he was dressed in bluish-grey three piece suit send by our side.

"Wali bhai," Laraib called and he swiftly turned to look at us but as soon as he noticed me his eyes went wide while his lips were slightly apart, a part of me dance in triumph at his stunned expression while another part of me forced me to look down as he scanned from my head to toe, I could feel heat rise in my cheeks and suddenly I was feeling a bit conscious under his gaze.

"I'll leave the two of you!" I heard Laraib called out as she went back inside.

It had been more than a minute with a deafening silence around us; I was getting more anxious and conscious too.

Was I not looking good?

Is it too much?

What if...

"Sir?" We both jumped when the photographer and video maker both called from behind.

WALI'S P.O.V

"Y...yeah! Can you give us two minutes?" I stuttered not removing my eyes from Khadija. My breath hitched as I looked at her, she was looking beautiful, more than ever. I couldn't believe the sight in front of me, it was more surreal than our Nikkah, or was that too surreal? I ran a hand through my already gelled hair, I know Sabih will kill me if I'll ruin them but it didn't matter. I was speechless. Blue was just her color, this color had never looked so good like it does today. I myself was dressed in three piece bluish-grey suit complementing hers but she doesn't need any other person to make her stand out, she will get the spotlight tonight and I would make sure no other man look at her more than once.

I came out of my trance as our eyes met and she shifted her weight between her feet and it dawned on me I have been shamelessly gawking at her making her uncomfortable. Smirking I walked towards her and stopped when we were mere inches apart. Leaning forward I kissed her forehead and heard her sigh.

"You look breathtaking, Masha Allah!" I whispered and our eyes met again, this time her eyes were curious as she looked at my dressing.

"You look good too," she whispered and I saw her cheeks turn more red making me smirk. Taking her hands I kissed her knuckles but was surprised as the camera flashed.

"Perfect shot, Mr. Ahmed!" I nodded at the photographer who just had to interrupt our moment. Soon he made us stand in different positions, in one our foreheads were resting against each other while her hands on my arm and mine were resting on her waist, in another her head was resting on my chest and I was kissing the top of her head, in one the photographer made me stand on one knee in front of her while Khadija was shyly smiling, he also captured some candid shots with both of us laughing at something I told her and then some with wedding props, lastly our cousins and then rest of the family joined for the group photos.

"Now rest of the photos should be taken inside the hall," Dad guided the photographer and he nodded packing his things, "Come on everyone, guests have started arriving." He turned to us and then with all other elders walked back inside, all our cousins quickly following them leaving Rafia behind.

"Okay! So this is your bouqet!" Rafia quickly gave Khadija a beautiful bundle of lilies and lavender. "Now you two get at the main door but not get inside till either Rumaisa or I call on, Wali bhai your phone," she looked at me and we both nodded, then she moved forwards wiping Khadija's sweat and giving her a quick hug rushed inside. Leaving the two of us alone.

"Ready?" I turned to my wife giving her hand an assuring squeeze.

"As ready as I can be!" She took a deep breath and nodded.

"Just remember one thing you are going to make a lot of jaws drop today and I am feeling like the most blessed guy right now." I genuinely smiled kissing the top of her head and then hand in hand we made our way towards the main door.

Finally when we reached in front of the long wooden door I took out my phone to check but there were no sign of any call yet, thankfully the indoor was air conditioned saving us from the warm Karachi weather.

"Wi!" I turned my head to find Khadija running towards us with a wide grin on her face and big transparent balloon which were of matching with the decoration inside and were personalized with my and Khadija's initial on it, in her hand.

"Dija!" I quickly leaned down giving my little niece a big hug.

"Balloons," she motioned me to look at them and I quickly appreciated her most favorite thing in the world.

"Let me see how you look, princess!" I stood up and took a step back to look at her.

"I definitely have a competition right now!" Khadija whispered as we looked at the little girl who was twirling in front of us. She was dressed in a traditional lehnga with black top and silver skirt along with a red color dupatta. My girl had surely grown big.

"How do I look, Chachee?" She asked with a toothy grin and Khadija smiled.

"A complete princess." Khadija smiled in return and I looked at the exchange with pride and love.

"I am a princess," She said placing her hands on her hips making the two of us chuckle.

"Dija I told you to stop!" We turned again to find Rumaisa and Asifa coming towards us. Asifa was holding the banner 'Here come the stars of the night' written over it. She shyly said her salam and then went to meet Khadija, hugging her and whispering something making her smile. Khadija complemented Asifa and I also told the same on which she shyly smiled again before joining Khadija taking her one hand in hers. The little girls will be guiding us inside to the stage. Rumaisa after preparing them again rushed to get inside from the back doors and in few minutes my phone ringed.

"Girls ready?" All the three nodded and the large doors were opened, I felt Khadija squeezing my hand and before I could respond Asifa muttered something in Dija's ear and the two of them start taking their slow steps inside, cameras were flashing from everywhere as we followed the little girls who were confidently walking on the ramp leading to the stage and we followed them as our family members showered flower petals on us.

With Khadija by my side I nodded and replied all the guest looking at me with a wide smile on my face, the entire hall was stylishly decorated, the four walls were covered with long translucent plain white curtains, there were multiple chandelier hanging from the ceiling, both side of the ramp had hundred of round table set with white silk table cloth and royal blue ribbons on the seat covers. There were small round vase at the center of every table carrying a small candle and it was filled with blue artificial but scented petals. The entire room was illuimiated with white lights with hints of blue.

As I looked at the stage my smile went wide, it was as it is, as I wanted, there was a plush love seat in the middle with a silver metallic backdrop, the sides of it was decorated with fresh white roses and strings of small crystals and blue crocuses.

Finally we reached the stage, Rafia and Rumaisa helped Khadija to sit spreading her dupatta at the arm rest of the seat. Slowly and gradually all our family members and relative came and meet us, sometimes I was introducing them to Khadija while to others I was being introduced. The entire hall was filled with energy. Pictures were being captured and memories were being made and with the woman I love by my side I was enjoying the most important night of my life.

Few hours later when most of the hall was empty leaving behind our closest family and friends, all our cousins surrounded us and a cheerful banter started.

"So Wali bhai we can finally say you guys know a little bit about decoration." Jibran smirked looking at me making all of us remember about the time he teased us with Yahya's Walima decoration. Everyone erupted into laughter as he said the word.

"I am so humbly thankful that you finally liked the decoration!" I smirked and he shook his head with a grin.

"I still can't believe it's the two Yale's graduate marrying each other!" Emaan remarked making Khadija and I looked at each other, she blinked her eyes and silently took my hands in her.

"The best deserves the best!" Sabih smirked patting my shoulders from behind and I shot him a thankful look.

"So who's marrying next in the family?" One of her side asked.

"Sabih!" Yahya yelled.

"Maaf kero bhai" Sabih groaned.

"Whoever it is, get hitched with our side, a hat trick!" Jasir grinned

"I know our side is just the coolest family on this entire planet! But geez you guys love us way too much!" Abeer smirked.

"Yai to over he ho gayai!" Kinza rolled her eyes.

"Acha acha everyone!" Suddenly Rafia clapped and from beside Yahya came and stand with her cousins, "Let's get on the main topic!"

"What's that?" Yahya looked at her and she smirked.

"Joota chupayi!" She wrapped her hands around herself and all her cousins cheered.

"Wali?" Murtaza and Yahya looked at me.

"I have them on!" They both sighed on my reply.

"So what if you have them on? Yahya I took Wali bhai's car key for a reason from you!" She said jingling keys of my Jaguar and I turned to look at Yahya.

"Damn it!" His eyes were fixed on Rafia and mine on him.

"Wali bhai?" I turned to look at her and surrendered as everyone was laughing by the state of shock Yahya was in.

"You tricked me!" Yahya voiced after good few seconds.

"I told you! I am from the bride's side!"

"But..."

"It's okay, buddy. It's okay!" Murtaza mockingly pat his shoulders and he sighed.

"Let's settle then!" I turned to face the eager crowd.

"50,000!" Rafia chirped.

"No ways!" Yahya yelled.

"That's the quarter of the quarter of actual price his car is worth."

"Wali don't listen to them."

"We can settle to something!" I rubbed my hands.

"Take the deal or leave it."

I sat back looking at my side of cousin knowing we aren't moving from here till any elder gets here and finally it happened when all the elders finally took their places around us and I gave the the price they demanded but after enjoying all the teasing which was done.

"You are becoming their favorite since they met you the first time." Khadija whispered as I sat back after handling the envelope to Rafia.

"And what about the girl whose mouth was wide open that day?" I teased her looking at those brown eyes which now have nothing but love, care and pride for me in them.

"That girl unlike that day is closer to you now, she can say that she is lucky to be with you and she loves you." I heard her boldly whispering while smiling at something phupo was saying to her.

And in that moment I closed my eyes to thank Him again for everything.

He is no doubt the most merciful of all.

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FIRST OF ALL. How are you guys?

Enjoyed???? Was it good?? PLEASE Comment. I really need to know what you guys think!

This chapter had been one of those which were decided when I thought about this plot and I am so happy that I came this far to finally put it here. I am so very thankful to every single one of you who made this story happen.

Sheesh! The story isn't ending yet! There are still 8-9 chapters left, I guess :P But we will be approaching the ending soon! So thank you all you lovelies! <3

Now you all vote and COMMENT tell me how you feel and what you think of the story so far! And I would really appreciate if you'll share this story too!

With love,

Zehra :)