please catch up on anything important before reading, this is a LONG chapter, (3000+ words). Don't forget to breath as well :)

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37

Ramadan had swiftly gone by. Through all the Prayers, parties, and wedding planning, it went by so fast - too fast for my liking. It was finally Eid. My last Eid as a single woman. I couldn't get that out of my head. Since the Iftar party, I hadn't seen Zayn since, but Asma Aunty and the twins would always come by to discuss the wedding, and they always brought gifts claiming they were from Zayn. After discovering what happened to Zayn's parents, I didn't speak of it, nor did I ask any more questions. I figured once we were married, once he was comfortable, he'd tell me. I already felt terrible for prying it out of Bhabi.

I was now gently applying some glitter on Zara's eyelid. Every Eid prayer we wear matching Salwar Kameez's, it was something Mama had been doing for years and still do this day we do the tradition. After Eid prayer, once we come home, we change into more of a comfortable outfit. Zara and I were wearing matching lace salwar kameez's. I was wearing a rosy pink, and Zara was wearing a beautiful lilac.Zara started to sniffle as I was applying her foundation,
"What's wrong Habibti" I asked,

"This is your last Eid with us," She said sadly.

"Zara love, I'm not dying; I'm just getting married," I said, rolling my eyes,

"Still, who would do my makeup in the morning or feed me Rasamalai in the morning? You'll be living with Zayn Bhai in that stunning apartment," She said; I hadn't thought about that. Bhabi had told me after the Nikah I'd be staying at Uncle and Aunty's house, and then a couple of days later, we'd be moving into his- or I should say our new apartment. That made me so incredibly nervous, just the two of us and 1000 square feet.

"Well, I could always come to visit, or we'll just have to get you married, so your not alone," I said, making her giggle.

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"Okay, now Mama, you stand in the middle while I hold Maryam," Zara instructed; we all shuffled spots as Bhai groaned, getting tired of his cameraman job.

For once, we had arrived at the Eid Prayer early, and we all were taking pictures; we were in the middle of taking pictures when I saw Angie walking up to us,

"Angie!" I squealed, "Eid Mubarak! Oh my god, it's your first Eid; ah, you look so good, Mashallah!" I squealed, hugging her. Angie was wearing a stunning Maxi dress with a floral print, and her head loosely wrapped in a white scarf. According to Angie, her Ramadan went very smoothly. She had spent many Iftars at my house. We'd eat, pray, and then she'd help plan the wedding. I was glad that the wedding planning was finally over; as fun, as it was, it was exhausting. Tomorrow was my Gaye Holud, which was just an all-girls party - or as Angie described as my Bachelorette Party without all the drinking, the next day was my Nikah, where I'd officially be getting married. Then the following Saturday was the Walima, which was the reception. In between all of that, there were little parties and such. I tried to get myself out of as many as I could as the Bangladeshi ceremonies had nothing to do with Islam and were more cultural. But Mama insisted we still had to do some of the cultural events.

"Last Eid as a single lady," Angie squealed; I groaned, "Why does everyone keep reminding me."

She looked ahead, her face turning red, "What's up?" I asked, turning around,

"Abu Bakr, Maya, Khala Salaam! Eid Mubarak!" I said, hugging Khala and Maya. I had completely forgotten that they would be staying with us for the next week for the wedding festivities.

"Salaam Angie, Eid Mubarak," Abu Bakr said with a wink,

"Hey, you dimwit! What about me, your cousin!" I said; the second he saw Angie, it's like he forgot everything else.

"Yeah yeah, Hi Saima Appi," He said, then turning back to Angie, "So Angie, how's your Eid going so far? Has my presence made it better?" He teased as I walked away from their bickering

"Bhabi!" I heard two nearly identical voices squeal; there are only two people that I know would call me Bhabi.

"Eid Mubarak Rukaiya and Fatima!" I said, hugging them both. They both were wearing matching Salwar Kameez's - like Zara and me.

"You both look so cute!" I squealed, they both rolled their eyes, "Mama makes us both match; it's like we already don't have the same faces," Fatima said,

"Zara and I are matching too!" I said, pointing to Zara, who was talking to Bhai and Zayn. Zayn looked very lovely, to say the least. In a Black Kurta that nicely complimented his hair, he had thick-rimmed glasses on, something I'd never seen him with. He looked much happier than the last time I saw him. His eyes were glowing as he made fun of Bhai.

"Bhabi, stop staring at Bhai," Rukaiya teased; I quickly turned around; I need to work on my staring skills,

"What? I wasn't staring," I stuttered out; they both looked at me unconvinced,

"It's okay, Bhai's staring at you right now" They both giggled, sharply turning my head to his way. Indeed he was staring at me. Our eyes met, and he smiled at me, then Bhai and Zayn started walking towards us.

"Eid Mubarak Saima," Zayn said, standing directly in front of me, making me incredibly anxious. Should he even be talking to me? He has to deal with me for a lifetime, so shouldn't he be mentally preparing himself?

"Eid Mubarak," I said, lifting my head the tiniest bit and smiling at him.

"Eid Mubarak," Bhai mocked; I swear how is he nearly thirty? He's like a child.

Rolling my eyes at him, ignoring him, I continued talking to the twins, mentally preparing myself that I'll be married to him in 24 hours.

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"Chocolate"

"No, Cookie dough!"

"Nu-uh Strawberry"

We all looked at each other and then at Zayn, "Strawberry Ew!"

He rolled his eyes, "Strawberry's the best flavor."

"What are you, a five-year-old girl? Strawberry ice cream tastes like vomit!" Bhai gagged,

"Saima, I think we should call the wedding off; no sister of mine can marry a strawberry ice cream eating man," Bhai said, protectively wrapping his arm around my shoulder. Pulling his arm off me, I grabbed my ice cream and took a seat next to Bhabi and Maryam.

"I can't wait to wear the Sari tonight! I don't think I'll be able to move in it though," Bhabi said, feeding Maryam some ice cream.

"Well, according to the itinerary that Zara made at around 10:15, we'll change into the matching pajama's," I said, reading off of the itinerary that Zara had emailed me. My family was going all out for this Gaye Holud. It was so cute. Many of my family and friends would be attending tonight, and I had invited some close cousins and friends to stay the night for a sleepover. Tonight, Zayn's Grandma, Nayla Nani, would be flying out, and the rest of his cousins would be arriving the night before the reception. I was very nervous about meeting his Nani and the rest of his cousins. It was then that Bhai and Zayn pulled up chairs and took a seat at the table, eating their ice cream.

"You ready for the Bachelor party?' Bhai asked; my eyes- widened

"Bachelor party?" I asked, shocked; I heard rumors that the boys would be having their party but a Bachelor Party?

"Mhm a HALAL Bachelor Party, Saima chill," Bhai said with a smirk; I rolled my eyes, "I was just wondering, after all, Bhai, you can get a little wild sometimes," I said casually, knowing this was going to get Bhabi mad.

"What are you talking about, Saima?" Bhabi asked, eying a crimson Bhai.

"Oh, you know... What was her name? Joyce? Julie," I said, scooping a spoonful of ice cream and giving Bhai a smirk.

"Jane," Bhai mumbled quietly.

Bhabi gasped, "Who's Jane?"

"Bhai's Girlfriend"

"The librarian."

We said in unison; Bhabi got out of her seat, passing Maryam to Zara. She huffed and walked away, with Bhai trailing behind her calling her name.

"You think she knows you are joking?" Zayn asked, watching the two of them talk outside.

I nodded, "She winked at me before she left; Bhabi's not gullible," I said, his hazel eyes staring at me in confusion. I raised an eyebrow, and he shook his head. I turned around to see Zara, Rukaiya, and Fatima staring at us both in amusement.

"Ya Allah let's go," I said, slipping out of my chair and heading to the car. Today was going to be a long day.

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Maya Aunty was over the moon, preparing for Nayla Nani's arrival. The house was beautifully decorated with flowers, and the scent of Jasmine lingered all over.

"Tell me about Nayla Nani," I asked, placing the table mats on the dinner table while Maya Aunty chewed on some Paan.

"She used to be very outgoing, but after Zayn's mother died, she became very cold. I don't blame her, though."

I nodded; that's a bit scary considering she could hate me. "Just be yourself, and she'll warm up to you. She's protective of Zayn, so don't do anything stupid," Her eyes narrowing in on me. That would be very hard since nowadays everything I do is stupid. Smoothing down my Yellow Sari. I had flowers in my hair, my curly locks in a tight bun that would surely be giving me a headache later on. A couple of curls fell onto my forehead that I constantly was blowing away. For how long and hard Mama worked, it's sad that the second my Hijab goes on, it's all ruined.

The sound of the doorbell made me run to the living room and grab my Hijab. Tying it around my head as loosely as possible. All the men were gone, Zayn and Uncle would drop off Nani, and the party would begin.

Nayla Nani was a very petite woman - very adorable nonetheless. Her sunset Red hair is gently poking out of her loose grey Hijab. A shawl wrapped around her body as she carried her Guess purse. Her eyes immediately left Maya Aunty and were drawn onto me as she eyed every single little detail on me.

"Mhm, not bad, she's a little chubby and a bit Khalo," She said, looking at Zayn, who immediately slapped a hand over his forehead as he looked at me apologetically.

"Salaam," I mumbled, giving her a very awkward hug. Surprisingly she hugged me back; when she pulled away, she put her hands on my shoulder and stared me dead in their eye.

I didn't know what to do or say, so I just stood there as she stared at me - again. She pulled away and then nodded towards Zayn, who immediately helped her take a seat on the couch. Forgetting about me, she started conversing with Maya Aunty and Mama about how bad the traffic was. I stood beside Bhabi as Zayn and Uncle were putting their shoes on to leave.

"This is for you," He said, pulling out a tiny gift bag from his back; I looked at in awe.

"What for?" I asked as he handed it to me,

"Happy almost wedding?" He said with a chuckle,

"You really didn't have to but thank you," I said sincerely.

He shook his head, "You're my soon to be wife; it's my right. Salaam," He said, turning around and walking away.

"Bhabi, come on!" Fatima called; I handed the bag to Zara, instructing her to put it in my room; I'd open it later. The Gaye Holud Festivities had officially begun.

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"Ew, It smells funny!" I exclaimed, trying to itch my nose without smearing the Tumeric on my face or the Mehndi on my hands.

I currently was sat on this very comfy chair in the middle of my garden. People took turns applying Tumeric onto my face, and the Mehndi artist, Salsabeel, was applying the mehndi on my hands and feet.

"Stop moving!" Angie said, applying more Tumeric on my face, "That's enough! You're enjoying this way too much," I grumbled. I had been sitting here for hours, god knows how long. My Sari was finally off after we took hundreds of pictures and danced the night away. We had all played.

"Okay, done!" Angie said, putting away the Tumeric and taking a seat beside me.

Salsabeel was an outstanding Mehndi artist; she was entertaining to talk to as well, "So Angie, will I be doing your wedding Henna anytime soon?" She asked, not lifting her head away from my arm.

Angie blushed at the question, not denying it nor answering it. I gasped; there was someone she was interested in,

"Who is it!" I jumped, earning glares from Salsabeel, "Sorry, Salsabeel," I mumbled

"No one! Why do you think there's someone?" She said, trying to brush it off,

"BECAUSE if there weren't someone, you would've denied it straight up, and you never blush!"

She took a moment, not saying anything, and then she turned to me, "Don't get mad?" She said, holding up her pinky,

"I would totally make a pinky promise, but..." I waved my wet mehndi filled hands; she sighed and nodded,

"Abubakr"

"What?" She spoke so fast,

"Abu Bakr asked for my hand in marriage" Before I could jump, Salsabeel held me down,

"WHEN!" How come I'm just hearing about this?

"Like a week ago, I was going to tell you after you got married..."

"Did you say yes?" She shook her head, "I haven't said anything yet."

"Why? Do you not like him?" I asked as calmly as possible, trying my best not to freak out.

She shook her head, "It's not that; I just wanted to know what you think before I made a decision."

I looked her dead in the eye, my face emotionless, "Marry him."

She gave me a look, "That's it?"

I nodded, "I shipped it since the day we went to their house."

"Shipped it? What are you, 5?" I ignored that comment and looked to Salsabeel,

"Well, Salsabeel, it looks like you're going to be doing more wedding henna very soon."

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"I think Muskan Appi will get married next," Maya said, earning giggles from all of my cousins. All of us were sat on the ground in a circle, in the living room playing "Most likely to."

"Nope, I'm thinking Arwa," Muskan says, "I'm in med school; I don't have time for an annoying husband," She told gagging, we all laughed.

"Remember Saima and you were the leaders of the not getting the married club, and now look at whos Gaye Holud we're at," Bhabi said with a wink,

"Yeah, that's true; Saima Appi left me to join the married club with you," Muskan said with a pout,

"I'm sorry I didn't think I'd get married. It just happened," I confessed,

"Mhm don't worry; we know Zayn Bhai wow'ed you," Mehzabien, my other cousin, said,

"Uh-huh, just like how Farhan Bhai wow'ed you," I said, as she threw me a glare,

"Girls go get changed and head to bed; we don't need a grumpy bride," Mama yelled from downstairs; we all laughed as everyone made fun of me. Eventually, I was dragged to my room, where we'd all be sleeping. Everyone insisted on sleeping on the ground while I slept on my bed, but I disregarded that and insisted if they had to sleep on the floor, so would I. Sleeping bags were neatly placed on the ground, my room was decorated with fairy lights and flowers, and our matching pajamas were on the bed. Zara and Bhabi had picked out the matching customized Pajama's without me seeing. But they insisted that I would like it.

Boy, did I love them.

They were all silky white button-down tops with matching silk trousers. At the front, our names were embedded in gold cursive. I turned to look at Zara and Bhabi, who were waiting for my reaction, "I love them! You guys are the best," I squealed, hugging them both.

"Come on, let's put them on and take pictures!" Angie said, grabbing hers and running to the bathroom.

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After numerous photo sessions in our new pajamas, it was finally time to go to bed. Although it was nearing 4 am, and I had to wake up at 6. I didn't see the point in sleeping. I said goodnight to everyone, and after many, many minutes of fooling around, everyone was asleep.

Except for me, of course.

Twelve hours from now, I was going to be a married woman. How did I even get her? A girl so adamant about never getting married was now getting married. This past year ALOT of change has happened, but getting married was not a change I was expecting. Zayn crashed into my life, and inshallah, I hope it's for the better. It was then that I realized I hadn't opened the gift. Quietly, getting up, I went to the dresser where it was sitting and went downstairs to open it. The house was eerily silent, and every step I took sounded like an earthquake. The floors are creaking as I took a step on the cold floor. Sitting on the couch, I slowly removed the pink tissue paper. I was then welcomed by a Pandora gift box.

I opened the box to find a beautiful rose gold bracelet lying on the black velvet. It was a charm bracelet; it had one tiny little charm of a bridge gently hanging. It was beautiful. At the bottom of the bag, there was a bag of Lindor and a card.

The charm represents you taking a step into the unknown. As we start this new journey, I realize how hard it must be. Marriage is scary, so keep this bracelet as a reminder from me that I promise to be your friend, companion, and (hopefully) lover through thick and thin. Thank you for crossing this bridge with me.

- love your soon to be husband, Zayn

That was the cheesiest but cutest thing I've ever read. I could feel myself heat up every time I read the note. It was so cute - he was so cute. I placed the bracelet on my hand, the coldness of the silver touching my skin, making me shiver. I realized it was nearly Fajr; some extra prayers wouldn't hurt mostly since today was a life changing day. As I sat on the prayer mat, I prayed for all of the usual things. Good health, staying safe, keeping my friends and family happy. But today, one more person was added to the list.

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this was so cheesy hehe 

Kalo- Often used as a negative adjective to describe someone with darker skin tone.