❀❀❀

45

"I don't need this, but I really want it" I said as I carefully examined the stunning pair of heels. 

"Saima you have like 10 pairs of black heels put it away" Mama scolded just like when I was younger and would buy unnecessary things. 

"But Mama, look, these ones are velvet black the material is much nicer, and they're on sale," I argued; she raised her eyebrows, "You are no longer my problem," She mumbled under her breath, walking away. Bhabi and I looked at each other and started laughing. Sometimes I'd wonder if Mama hated me when she said stuff like that, but it was too funny.

The three of us were doing some last-minute shopping before we leave for the wedding this afternoon. For some reason, we all were driving there—all 9 of us. Mama, Baba, Bhai, Zayn, Bhabi, Maryam, Zara, Fatima, and I. Uncle, Aunty, and Rukaiya had work, so they sadly couldn't come.

When I was younger, the five of us would drive to New York; it was a less than ten-hour drive depending on how many stops we made. But the 9 of us in a car together? It was going to be a lot. I could already feel myself getting bored.

We finally made it back to Mama and Baba's house many hours later, where everyone was waiting for us. I had already packed, but since I bought more stuff, I had to re-pack my already stuffed to the brim suitcase.

"We're there for seven days, why would you need twenty pairs of shoes?" Bhai asked carrying Maryam. 

"Outfit changes, in case it rains, and what if I break a heel?" I said, listing the numerous possibilities. Bhai exchanged a look with Zayn, who was seated comfortably on my old bed. He shrugged while Bhai shook his head, walking out. I went over and grabbed Zayn's bags, stuffing two pairs of shoes in there. "Really?" He asked, lifting his gaze away from his phone; I nodded it was necessary, and my bags already had no room.

We then left the house situating ourselves into the car. Before we got in Zara had made a little graph, and was presenting it to us.

"So first Bhai and Bhabi in the front seat, then Maryam, Mama and Baba and at the very back Me, Fatima, Appi and Bhai. Then after our stop, once we're halfway there, Appi and Bhai in the front, Mama, Baba and me in the middle and then Me, Fatima, Bhabi, Maryam and Bhai at the back" My head was turning with all of that, I hadn't gotten a single thing not to mention she spoke way to fast for me to even begin to comprehend. But we all nodded and got in.

The first five hours went by fairly quickly; we barely even realized it was time to stop. While Bhai got the gas, the rest of us went inside to freshen up and get snacks. Grabbing myself some Takis and an Iced tea, I was ready to go. Everyone else was taking their time while I hopped into the passenger seat, wrapping my blanket around me and adjusting my neck pillow.

"Ready?" Zayn asked starting up the engine, we all nodded and he began to drive off. 

❀❀

Everyone besides Zayn and I were fast asleep. It was nearing midnight and I could tell he was getting tired after driving for five hours,

"Don't be so stubborn let me drive, you should rest" I whispered trying not to wake anyone, in the darkness I could faintly see him shake his head. 

"Saima, I'm fine we only have another hour, go to sleep" He whispered back his eyes on the road,

I stayed quiet, obviously not falling asleep. I wasn't going to let him drive in the dark while he was tired without supervision. 

"Can you pass me some Sour patch kids?" He whispered a little while later,

"It's late you're gonna get a stomach ache" I said, but still taking out the candies, popping some into my mouth and then feeding some to him.

We continued to whisper talking about the randomest stuff and eventually we had arrived at the Hotel we were staying at. 

Lugging our bags Baba checked us in while we sat in the lobby everyone exhausted. 

"Alright, Omar and Anum, here are your room keys," Baba said, passing the card shuffling around, "Saima, Zayn" and then "Zara and Fatima, now you two better be good," Baba said; I still didn't understand how they allowed those two to have their own hotel rooms. We all were next door to each other, so it didn't really matter anyways, though. We went upstairs, dragging our luggage with us. I sighed in relief when I found our room, unlocking the door. I jumped onto the freshly made hotel bed.

"Finally!" I mumbled, scooting over a bit as Zayn jumped onto the bed. He looked at me and then at our bags,

"This is going to be a long week" He mumbled.

Oh boy, was he right.

❀❀

The sound of the alarm clock woke us both out of our peaceful slumber. I snoozed it and fell back asleep, as Zayn continued to snore as his arm weighed over my back, crushing me.

It was the pounding of the door that made me jump,

"Saima, Zayn! We're going to be late" Bhai yelled, knocking on the door,

"Coming!" I yelled, trying to wake up Zayn. 

"Lobby in 15 Saima" Bhai yelled, I hear his footsteps retreating,

"Zayn, wake up!" I said, not so gently as he slowly fluttered his eyes open. I ran into the bathroom, trying my best to look as presentable as possible in the short amount of time I was given. After getting ready, I got out of the bathroom to still find Zayn in bed; we already were 10 minutes late. It's not like they could leave without us, right?

Zayn had finally gotten ready, complaining about the fact he didn't get to do his thirty step hair routine. We made it down to the lobby only to find half the group missing. 

"Where's everyone?" I asked Bhai, he shrugged, "Still getting ready, you guys are the first ones here" his eyes going back to his phone. 

I bit my lip trying to ignore the death glare I was getting from Zayn. 

❀❀

We were all seated at the Breakfast table at the bride's household. Apparently, Mumtaz and I met when we were younger, but we haven't seen their family since. At least thirty people were sitting at the table; I feel like they've been waiting for this moment when they bought this long wooden table because who needs this long of a table? Mumtaz was still upstairs, so we were waiting for her grand arrival, which was annoying because I was starving. Our heads turned when the sound of clicks was heard from the staircase. There was my cousin Mumtaz dressed in tip-top shape, her hair done beautifully, and her face coated in makeup. She was stunning. But the scowl on her face ruined it. She took a seat at the table, greeting everyone. She then looked at her plate and turned to her mother,

"Ma, I asked for Aloo Paratha, not Gobi Paratha," She exclaimed, narrowing her eyes, causing her false eyelashes to gently fall off as her mother hurried to find the cook. All of us stared at her rudeness, but she just continued to sit there on her phone, critiquing everything until her father changed the subject.

"We're related to her?" Zara whispered from beside me in shock, I hesitantly nodded. Mumtaz was definitely something else.

After Mumtaz finally got her Aloo Paratha besides her occasional snickers, Breakfast went by smoothly until we girls were told to hang out with her in her room. For the first time in a while I was seriously considering sitting with my mother and all the other aunties.

Mama wanted to show off Maryam to her friends, so Bhabi, Zara, Fatima, and I headed upstairs. Their house was beautiful; it had a Persian theme and was absolutely luxurious. The stairs were a glossy marble that it felt wrong to step on. We immediately found Mumtaz's room from the pink lettering engraved onto the door, not to mention the loud laughs that came from inside. We knocked and then entering hearing the "Come in."

There were maybe five or six more girls inside and they all stared us up and down the second we entered. Mumtaz signaled us to take a seat, her eyes still on our ever move.

"So you're the one with the crying baby" She said looking at Bhabi, who gave her a stink glare. Mumtaz had absolutely no manners!

She looked to Zara, "You have nice hair" She said getting a confused look from Zara, she looked to Fatima,

"You're okay" She said nonchalantly,  then her eyes landed on me, 

"You're the one who got lucky" She said with a smirk, I gave her a look, "Lucky?"

She nodded, "Bland appearance yet managed to snatch the son of one of the most richest people in Dubai." 

We all stared at her, and then Bhabi began, "Mumtaz have some respect" Mumtaz rolled her eyes, her attention going to the rest of the girls who were snickering and pointing at us. I wasn't going to let us just sit here and get ridiculed, so I called up an Uber, already knowing where we were going,

❀❀

"Central Park!! Home Alone was filmed here," Bhabi gasped, sounding more touristy than ever. I took the last bite of my pizza and wiped the grease from my hands. Snapping some pictures of Bhabi and Fatima, who were mesmerized.

"Mhm, so was every other movie out there," I said, sending the pictures to Bhai. Zara and I had been here hundreds of times, but still, the sight put us in awe. The booming trees, the little pathways and architecture around it, and all the people walking around, tourists and locals. It felt amazing

After the little mishap at Mumtaz's, I had texted Mama, letting her know we'd be back later. Oddly enough, she just replied with an "Ok" I wasn't quite sure she understood what I said, but I went with it, desperate to leave.

"Can we visit the Plaza Hotel?" Bhabi asked, referring to the one in Home Alone. I nodded, laughing at her excitement. The three of us strolled through Central Park, taking a quick visit to the Plaza Hotel and hopped on an Uber, and went back to my wonderful cousin Mumtaz's house.

When we got back the four of us snuck in and were told to go take a seat in the dining hall. I went to the kitchen to go wash my hands when I was met wit Zayn.

"Where have you been?" He asked his eyes narrowed in on me as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Central park" I whispered, going to the sink and washing my hands,

He gasped "Without me?!" I rolled my eyes, "Yes you big baby without you"

He feigned being upset, as he continued to complain about his mistreatment,

"What if we go to Central Park tonight?" I suggested drying my hands; he quickly nodded, a smile appearing on his face. We both left the kitchen and took a seat at the table where everyone had begun eating,

"The day after tomorrow is the Gaye Holud, right?" One of my cousins asked, getting nods of approval. Mumtaz had gone all out of the wedding. There were many traditional ceremonies held yesterday and days before that. Like they had this one party where they got two fish and dressed them up, I was so shocked when I saw the pictures. It was so weird, but culture is culture, I guess. But since the Gaye Holud was two days from now, we were free to do whatever we wanted tomorrow, and then we had two days after the wedding to do what we wanted. Tomorrow was just Zayn, and I had made a full plan of everything we were going to do.

❀❀

"This is really good" Zayn said with a stuffed mouth, I hummed taking a bite of my own bagel. It was nearly noon and we were in a cute cafe in Manhattan. We spent the morning lounging around in our hotel room until we got hungry and started our day. We finished eating, sipping on our Coffees while we walked, 

"So where to next?" Zayn asked, swaying our hands around; I could feel myself smirk as I thought about what was to come. I had planned a day of visiting local shops and landmarks - like a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty, a thing I had done way too many times, but the sight still was worth every penny. The day went by smoothly, and we headed out for dinner at the cutest little Pizzeria.

We finished up our dinner, our bellies full with the best New York pizza and I called up a taxi. 

"Are we going back now?" Zayn asked, I shook my head.

"Where to miss?" The driver asked as we got in, I looked to Zayn who was anticipating my answer, 

"Time Square" 

Although it was nearing 10 PM, the streets of New York City were never dull. The billboards and bright lights flashing, masking the darkness of the night sky. The loud cheering and talking made it feel like your ears were about to blow up. But despite that, the feeling of walking in Time Square with the one you love made it feel like you were in the center of the universe. I watched as Zayn's eyes glowed as we observed our surroundings; his grip on my hand would tighten when someone walked past us, his steps were fast as we walked around. He looked like a kid in a candy shop, absolutely adorable.

We stopped by a little souvenir shop where we bought the corniest souvenirs. Zayn bought one of those tacky "ILOVENEWYORK" T-shirts and way too many keychains. He had bought me a really tacky pink hat that said "NEW YORK CITY" on it, which he gently placed onto my white hijab.

"Cute," He said, adjusting it onto my head with the most concentration I've ever seen; I lifted my head, so I was staring into his emerald eyes, which were already on me.

"You're the most amazing thing to have ever happened to me" He whispered barely even audible.

❀❀

After Zayn and I's day in New York, the rest of the wedding seemed unappealing. The Gaye Holud was in a couple of hours and to say I didn't want to go was an understatement. As I clipped on some earrings, my head was turned towards Zayn, who was napping away without a single worry. The boys would be having their own little "Bachelor Party," but for them, it didn't require an endless amount of makeup, precisely done hair, and layers upon layers of fabric. I would simply wake him five minutes before we have to go, and he's ready!

Being a women is so hard.

Draped in my lime green and orange sari - weird color combination, I know, but Mama had picked it out, and it wasn't too bad, we headed down. Thankfully the Gaye Holud would be held in one of the halls in the hotel we were staying at, so we didn't have to go too far. I said goodbye to an already bored Zayn and headed in. Music could be heard, gossip from the Aunties was already being told, and the aromatic Mehndi smell could be detected a mile away. Entering the hall, I met unfamiliar people, so I headed out to find people I knew. Sitting by the stage was my mother talking to a group of Aunties whom I have never seen. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw me, ushering me to her,

"This is my eldest daughter Saima," Mama said, tugging my arm as I greeted the group. They began asking questions and getting to know me,

"Is she married?" One of the aunties asked her eyes not leaving my face, "My son is twenty-seven and works at Google, I'm sure -"

Mama laughed as I blushed in embarrassment, "She's married Alhamdulillah" The aunties all laughed, they began asking questions about my marriage and Zayn,

"Mashallah! You should be becoming a grandmother soon," One of the aunties said teasingly as she looked to my mother, who awkwardly responded. I mentally face palmed myself as I made an excuse and walked away, trying to find someone. I found Zara getting her Mehndi done; as I was going up to her, I caught up with some distant cousins and more questions from Aunties.

After the endless questions, Zara had finished her Mehndi and made me get mine while she sat beside me, talking to the Mehndi artist,

"I'm thinking of starting my own Mehndi business once I graduate from high school," Zara confessed as she got to learn more about Amaya, the Mehndi artists business,

I sat there patiently as the two of them conversed as Zara got to know the logistics of starting such a business. Zara was very talented - Mashallah, but I had no clue she wanted to pursue this in the future. As I got to know about Zara's dreams, how difficult the Henna business is, my eyes trailed off to the commotion up ahead.

Mumtaz was standing in front of a girl, her face filled with fury. Her fists were clenched while the girl in front of her spoke. It happened all so fast, Mumtaz palm went in the air and slapped the girl on her face. The music was turned off now, and gasps were heard throughout the room. Everyone's eyes looked to be bulging out of their sockets.

"YOU BIT-" Mumtaz screamed, getting cut off as she punched the poor girl in the stomach. Everyone rushed, trying to pull Mumtaz off the girl who was getting beat up. Aunties were screaming while others ran out, trying to get help. Zara wrapped my scarf around my head, seeing that people were probably going to start coming in. Amaya was staring in shock as she quickly finished up my Mehndi,

"Not something you see every day, huh?" I joked awkwardly as I tried to ease the tension; she just looked at me like she wanted to run away. I really hoped Mumtaz paid her well.

Soon people from the Men's side came in, trying to ease the commotion, but if anything, it made it worse when Mumtaz's fiance Shariar came in. Mumtaz's fury was now focused on him.

Before he could even speak another loud slap was heard, Shariars hand went to his cheek as he gasped in pain.

"Mumtaz - I can explain," He said, rubbing his cheek, his eyes filled with embarrassment as he realized he had a crowd. Some people looked away and began to walk out. Others shamelessly stared. I had my head down, focusing on Amaya, who was finishing up my Mehndi, clearly desperate to leave. I yanked Zara's head down as I realized she was staring at the scene in front of her as if it was a movie - I'm surprised she wasn't eating popcorn.

"Explain to everyone here then Shariar why our WEDDING is now canceled," Mumtaz exclaimed as everyone started to whisper. My eyes met with Zayn's, who was standing by the door with Bhai and Bhabi as they scanned across the room until their eyes met mine. I awkwardly smiled as they looked at me, confused.

"Mumtaz not here," Shariar whispered but still loud enough for everyone to hear, as he tugged her arm. She pulled back and sinisterly laughed, "Alright, I'll do it for you" She turned her head and looked at everyone; I could see Mumtaz's mother, her face covered by her shawl as she tried to look away, clearly embarrassed by her daughter.

Mumtaz brought the microphone to her mouth, "Shariar here has been sneaking around with my best friend, some son of a sheikh he is," She said with a scoff. No one said anything; I could hear a pin drop. As much as I disliked Mumtaz, I was starting to pity her.

She dropped the mic; I could vaguely see tears in her eyes as she ran out of the room while her mother tried to console everyone. My Mehndi was still wet, so we waited for people to exit the hall. I thanked Amaya and headed out with Zara beside me.

Everyone was waiting for us outside. As Mumtaz's mother apologized to my family,

"I'm so sorry again" She finished giving me an apologetic look as she scurried off to another family. I turned to Mama, 

"What happened?" I asked, 

Mama cringed as she looked to Baba, "The weddings off" 

Zara gasped as she tugged Fatima, "Does that mean we're going home?" I could tell she didn't want to leave so early,

Baba sighed as we started walking back to our rooms, "We'll see"

❀❀

"Can we PLEASE go shopping tomorrow? I need to go shopping," Zara pleaded as we all were walking up. My Mehndi was still wet, so I had my hands awkwardly floating, trying not to let it touch anything. Zayn walked beside me as he talked to Omar about some Baseball game.

We had decided since we still had another four days here to use this as a family vacation. Honestly, I just wanted to go home and relax. These past three days have been incredibly stressful, but there was no point in wasting money since we still had the hotel booked.

"We will discuss this in the morning now all of you go to bed" Mama said as she tiredly lugged her sari as we exited the elevator

"We're going out for breakfast, in the lobby at eleven," Bhai whispered as he carried a sleeping Maryam. We got to our rooms, and the first thing I did was wash off the Mehndi, staining the porcelain bathroom sink. I could hear Zayn turn the TV on; I changed and got ready for bed, collapsing onto the comfy bed.

"So, what do you think of my family?" I asked, tilting my head to the side, trying not to laugh. Zayn's eyes left the TV and were on me, his eyebrows raised,

"I see where you get your craziness from now," He said without hesitation; his eyes went back to the TV as I stared at him, shocked by his response.

I was not crazy.

❀❀

Our days in New York went by so fast; even though I did want to leave early, I'm glad we didn't because I had so much fun. As Zara wanted, the five of us girls - including Mama, went shopping in the streets of Manhattan, living our full Gossip Girl lives. We toured the city, going to the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn bridge, and we even watched a last-minute baseball game in the one and only Yankee Stadium. We met up with some cousins and family friends, cherishing every moment. Zayn and I even pulled an all-nighter, touring the streets at night and before I knew it, today was the day we were going home.

As for Mumtaz's wedding, it was canceled, and everyone went home. They had invited us over for Breakfast, so we'd check out of our hotel, go to their place and then go home. The last time we had Breakfast at their place, it wasn't that great, so I was praying everything would be okay.

Checking our Hotel room one last time, incase we forgot anything we headed off. 

I was shocked to enter their kitchen to find Mumtaz helping the maids cook. Flour covered her makeup-less face as a Dupatta gently covered her hair. Her eyes shot up to me as I went to wash my hands,

"Assalamualikum" She greeted a smile on her face. 

"Waalikumsalam" I said trying not to sound shocked, as I dried up my hands. 

"Do you need any help?" I politely asked, standing by the counterop where Mumtaz was working, 

"No, thank you, but some company would be nice," She said, her eyes focused on her cutting board. I was slightly confused by her request, but I took a seat on the barstool, watching her shred the potato. We sat in awkward silence as I watched her fry the potato and the maids scurry around. Until she spoke up, turning her head around and looked at me with the utmost sincerity in her eyes,

"Look, I just wanted to apologize for how I treated you, I felt if I appeared to be better than everyone else that maybe I would feel better about myself, " She said her voice nearly a whisper, 

"It's alright I'm sorry about what happened with the wedding..." I said slowly, scared of her reaction,

She sighed taking a seat beside me, "I don't know what I did wrong, I gave him everything and he went sneaking around with my best friend. "

"Don't blame yourself, what's meant for you will be yours in due time" I said honestly, in moments like this I don't really know what else to say - so I simply say the truth. 

She looked up, "You think so?" her voice slightly shaking,

I nodded taking my hand in hers, "I know so"

She gave me a thankful smile, "I'm really sorry again for being so rude, I feel even worse now considering you're so nice"

I laughed grabbing a spoon, "I won't be so nice if you don't let me try those potatoes" 

❀❀

"Keep in touch?" Mumtaz asked, pulling away from the hug; I nodded, smiling at her and going into the car. Mumtaz was not so bad, we had gotten to know each other a bit more, and she was entertaining to talk to. Breakfast was over, we had said goodbye, and it was nearly noon, so we had to leave now if we wanted to get home fast. We all waved goodbye and headed off home.

"That was a fun wedding," Bhai said, his eyes on the road as his lips quivered as he tried to stop himself from laughing. Everyone was silent for a bit. We all glanced at each other, all thinking the same thing, and then we all collapsed in laughter.

Nothing is ever boring in this household.

❀❀❀

I didn't initially make this book this adventurous and full of twists lol. But it kind of just happened, definitely not your cliche, typical islamic book. Do you like it or would you have preferred less drama? let me know :)