The days just flew by and gladly my exams had come to an end. The day after my exams had finished mom had dragged me out for shopping. While we were there we met Atifa and her mom. It was then decided that we would shop together. Long story short, that's how I got to buy all dresses to my liking with a little help from Atifa, ofcourse.

As for jewellery, what mom owned was passed down to me. Rest of the things, mom and her friend had bought to complete the list. I didn't even bother to see the things as that would lead to arguments between mom and me.

There was just one day left for the wedding and we were all hudled at the 'Arrivals' gate of the airport in the early morning.

"Why aren't they out yet" Sulaiman asked impatiently looking at the information board which showed 'Landed' next to American Airlines.

"Yeah it's been a while since the aircraft landed" I added looking at the time displayed.

"Relax. They'll be out any minute" said dad.

Just then Raz bro stepped out pushing the luggage trolley with one hand and carrying Nasir with the other. Nasir was fast asleep on his shoulder. Aunt Aliya was pushing the other trolley one step behind him.

Greetings,hugs and handshakes followed. I took Nasir and made him sleep on my shoulder. He looked so peaceful while sleeping unaware of the new surroundings.

"How was the journey?" dad inquired.

"Tiring as usual. Nasir didn't sleep through the whole journey and look at him now" Raz bro replied.

"He's so cute" Sulaiman exclaimed.

"Only while he is asleep" said aunt as we made our way to the parking lot.

Dad was conversing with Raz bro one step ahead of us.

Having reached the parking space where our car was parked we loaded the luggage into it. Once everyone was seated we drove away.

The long journey had got to them as they were snoring while sleeping even though Nasir had woken up. The cute little chubby boy didn't even cry seeing new faces. In fact he was all happy and playful with me and Sulaiman.

Hearing the noices Raz bro came to check and was surprised to see him all joyful. "Didn't he cry?" he asked stumped.

"No. He was smiling when I picked him up. He knows his siblings" I replied.

"Great." he exclaimed and added "I had to tell you something. Zayd is coming home in the evening"

"Oh"

"Better tell mom"

"Yeah". I rushed to tell mom.

In the evening after dad had returned from work the door-bell rang. Taking that as a hint I hastened to my room with aunt as dad and bro went to welcome the guest.

"Ya Allah. I'm so nervous. Did you feel like this before your wedding too?" I asked aunt.

"Relax Aayat. Leave it all to Allah. Besides you are a good person. Allah would have nothing but a perfect plan for you" she said while putting a hand on my shoulder reassuring me.

"Now to calm you down let's play a rapid fire game alright"

"What's are the qualities you noticed in Zayd?"

"Um.. he's honest I suppose and very straightforward"

"That's great. Ok. You want to work right?"

"yes"

"Is he okay with it?"

"Yes absolutely"

"Too sure are we?"

"He told me that he wouldn't be a hindrance in anything I wanted to do"

"Wow"

The trivia continued until mom appeared in the room and told that Zayd wanted to talk with me. I was rather unsure but mom and aunt egged me on.

I said salam upon entering the hall where dad, Raz bro and Zayd were seated. I received a reply from everyone.

"Come sit here" Raz bro dictated indicating the space of sofa right in front of Zayd.

"So, are you sure about this?" Zayd asked

"yes. Alhamdulillah"

"Okay if you have something to ask please go ahead"

I looked at Raz bro who was giving me the green signal with a thumbs up sign.

"Um..have you taken a loan?"

"No. Why do you ask?" he asked eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"Just because interest is haraam in Islam. People usually tend to make a big deal of a wedding and to manage the costs they apply for a loan. I want the wedding to be simple"

Everyone looked kind of taken aback and sat in silence for a while.

Zayd then smiled and said "That's a very good thought. Don't worry I'll make sure it is simple."

"That is all I guess"

"Okay. I'll take your leave then. Assalamualaikum." he smiled and turned to Raz bro and dad and added" Good to have you back here brother Razaq. See you then uncle"

When he had left dad came and sat next to me "We are proud of you Aayat" he said.

"Yes. I was beaming with pride as though she's my daughter when she asked that question" added Raz bro. "You are all grown up and getting married"

I smiled at both of them.

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Firstly, sorry for not updating in so long. Great things take time. 'Rome was not built in a day'. You know what I mean. Besides Aayat had exams. :p

Secondly,

Thank you Kulsum1105 for the wonderful fan art(given above). It is part of the reason I was motivated to update.

Special thanks RevolutionMeIrene . You are part of the reason too.

Lastly,

A HUMBLE REQUEST:

Comment, vote and promote.