19 October 2019

Hi, my lovely readers! How are you all? I hope you're all doing great! I was supposed to post this chapter in two days, but decided on updating earlier. You guys love me for it, right?!

Alayna and Zayan's engagement!!

"And in her smile I see something more beautiful than the stars." - Across The Universe

Alayna's POV

We reach the venue at 7pm, and when I walk in, I'm completely awestruck by how perfect it looks. All the decorations are silver, gold and mint green, matching my dress and accessories. The venue looks fit for royalty. It's absolutely beautiful. Breath-taking.

All the tables are covered with a light gold or silver cloth, and the plates and cutlery are all silver and gold too. In the middle of each table is a sparkling silver vase, which contains mint green artificial flowers with a silver centre. The ceiling is similar to a marquee, and mint green, silver and gold fairy lights line the ceiling and walls. Silver lanterns hang from the walls, too. It's exquisite.

The chairs are a light silver or gold colour, and have a mint green ribbon tied to them. There's a huge walkway or aisle in the middle of the hall, which leads to the stage. The walkway is lined with mint green flowers and other beautiful decorations which match the colour scheme.

The stage is huge, and in the middle of it is a beautiful couch which is decorated with fresh flowers of every colour.

When I enter, my nervousness increases by a million, seeing thousands of guests seated in the hall. Of course Dad and Uncle would choose to have a massive, super expensive engagement. I don't mind much, although I feel very nervous. Thankfully, I'm taken to a side room by Sara and Aliya. They sit with me and try to calm my nerves.

I feel like it's my wedding day today, after seeing so many guests. If there's so many guests at the engagement, I can't imagine how many people will be invited to the wedding. They'll probably end up inviting the whole city!

Zayan's family had reached before us, so they come to see me a few minutes later.

Aunty and Uncle come first, and they can't stop gushing about how beautiful I look. They're so sweet!

'You look like a princess, Alayna!' Aunty says, giving me a gentle hug and a kiss on my forehead.

I blush, thanking her politely.

"You are our princess, Alayna. You look beautiful. May Allah always keep you happy," Uncle says, happily.

I thank him too, smiling softly.

The door bursts open, and in rushes Hanna. Her eyes widen in shock when she sees me, and she runs to me, engulfing me in a huge hug. 'Alayna, you look perfect! Hot! Absolutely gorgeous! Zayan Bhai sure won't be able to keep his eyes off you!' She teases me, winking.

I cough, my cheeks heating up. I look into my lap and play with my phone.

"You look amazing too, Hanna," I tell her honestly. She looks so cute, wearing a light blue full-length anarkali dress. She's applied some light makeup, and she's styled her hair in an elegant side bun. It really suits her.

'You have no idea how happy I am, Alayna! I can't believe you agreed to marry that crazy brother of mine, but I wouldn't have it any other way! I'm so happy you're going to marry him, I hope very soon. I can't wait for you to live with us.' She kisses my cheek, grinning from ear to ear.

I chuckle. "You're really crazy, Hanna. May Allah save the guy you marry!" I tease her.

She shakes her head, her eyes sparkling. 'That's later! Today's your day, bestie. You look absolutely gorgeous. You're going to make the most gorgeous bride ever, that's for sure.'

"Thanks, Han. That means a lot," I say, smiling gently at her. She's so lovely. I'm extremely lucky to have her as my best friend, and soon-to-be sister in-law. It's crazy, imagining her as my sister-in-law. But I know that we're going to have so much fun together.

Guests soon start coming into the room to greet and compliment me, and tell me how surprised and ecstatic they are about my engagement to Zayan. I thank them politely, making small talk.

Half an hour later, I have dinner with Aliya, Hanna, Sara and Laiba. We eat in the small room I'm currently in, while everyone else eats outside in the hall. I can't eat much at all, though. I hardly eat two bites.

After dinner, I go out on stage. That's the moment I feel like I'm walking down the aisle on my wedding day, except that it's not. The girls take me onto the stage, and they sit for me for a small while, teasing me non-stop. Feeling everyone's eyes on me has me very nervous.

A few minutes later, Mum, Dad, Aunty, Uncle and Zayan come onto the stage. Mum teases Zayan as he takes a seat next to me on the small couch, and I feel my heart start to race. My breath hitches in my throat when I feel his arm touch mine. Our proximity is doing crazy things to me, and I can't concentrate on anything or anyone but him.

My very soon-to-be fiancé looks very fine tonight. Even more handsome than he usually looks. He's wearing a black three-piece suit, and he looks damn hot. Like I said before, black's definitely his colour.

Zayan looks like a model, he's the epitome of perfection. He's the embodiment of sexiness. He's shaved, but he has the faintest facial hair, just as I like it. His dark brown hair is styled messily, and he's wearing an Armani watch. The mint green tie he's wearing really brings out the colour of his eyes, and it matches perfectly to my dress. He should be a model, not a doctor.

When he catches me staring at him, he smirks. God, that smirk drives me crazy. I feel extremely lucky to be getting engaged to Zayan. It's not something I ever imagined in my wildest dreams, but I'm very happy. Which girl wouldn't be happy, sitting next to Zayan and about to be getting engaged to him?

'The engagement ceremony will be starting in a few minutes. Hanna, Sara, do you have the rings?' Aunty asks, making me jump out of my thoughts.

Hanna and Sara nod, holding two small boxes.

'Alayna, you look beautiful,' he murmurs into my ear. When I feel his warm, minty breath on my ear, my heart starts to thump loudly in my ribcage.

"Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself. You know how to clean up, Dr. Zayan," I tease him lightly, making him chuckle.

I glance at him, and see that his gaze is fixed on me. He's staring right back at me, and it does crazy things to my heart.

'I can't believe this day has finally come. You look like an angel,' he compliments me again.

I blush deep scarlet, and I look into my lap and play nervously with my fingers.

"Thank you," I whisper, smiling.

'Are you both ready? Zayan Bhai? Alayna?' Hanna asks us, grinning.

It's time for the ceremony. It's time for me and Zayan to exchange rings. I've never felt so nervous.

"Who wants to go first?" Sara asks us, making us both chuckle.

'Okay, let us decide Sara! Not them!' Hanna teases, before deciding that Zayan should place the ring onto my finger first.

She's standing beside him, and she opens the small jewellery box, placing it in front of him. He takes out the ring, before staring at me and giving me the most handsome, dazzling smile. It takes my breath away.

Blushing, I place my hand over his lap. He holds my hand gently, and I feel the strongest current travel through my hand and then through my entire body. Sparks. Surely he felt them too?

'May I?' He whispers, smiling at me. He's such a gentleman.

I bite my lip, nodding. He grins, and slips the ring onto my left hand ring finger.

Everyone bursts into a round of applause, cheering and whistling while I blush like crazy. The ring is a perfect fit. I look down at my hand, and an automatic smile makes its way onto my lips when I see my ring.

It's absolutely stunning. The ring is slightly large for my liking, but I'm in love with it nevertheless. In the middle sits a large, square-shaped diamond, which is so so sparkly. It's from Tiffany's, and it looks extremely expensive. I don't even want to imagine how much it costs. Sitting on either side of the large diamond are four smaller hand-cut diamonds. The ring is absolutely beautiful, stunning.

"Do you like it?" Zayan whispers, staring intently at me.

I lift my gaze to meet his, and I nod. 'It's beautiful.'

"Not as beautiful as you," he whispers, making me blush deeply.

I can't hide the grin on my lips when Sara hands me a small jewellery box which contains Zayan's ring. I open it with trembling fingers.

"Zayan Bhai, are you ready?" She asks him, her tone teasing.

Zayan grins, nodding. He places his hand over my lap, and I take out the ring from its box. My hands are shaking like crazy when I hold Zayan's hand gently and slip the ring on his ring finger.

The crowd bursts into another round of applause and loud cheering, and everyone starts to congratulate each other happily.

I nearly jump out of my seat when Zayan doesn't let go of my hand. My eyes widen, and my blush deepens when I stare at him. He looks very mischievous, a naughty grin playing on his lips.

'Zayan! Let go, someone will see!' I whisper, my cheeks bright pink.

He shakes his head. "Let them see."

I shake my head, blushing like crazy as I try to free my hand from his. He reluctantly lets go when our parents come to us. They hug us happily, congratulating us.

'Alayna, we're so happy for you both,' Dad days, hugging me close. I hug him back, sighing with contentment. He kisses the top of his head. 'My princess.'

I smile, hugging Mum next. 'Sweetheart, we're so happy today. We're so proud of you. I wish you and Zayan all the happiness in the world.'

"Thanks, Mum," I breathe in her lovely scent and smile contently.

Aunty and Uncle both hug me next. 'You both make the most perfect, most beautiful couple in the entire world,' Aunty says, wiping away her tears.

I smile, thanking her. "Thanks, Aunty. Please don't cry!" I wipe away her tears gently.

'I've never felt happier in my entire life, dear. I'm so happy for you and Zayan,' Uncle says, also feeling emotional. He hugs me and kisses my forehead. I feel tears rise to my eyes. He's always been a second father to me. Aunty and Uncle really are the loveliest. I'm very lucky.

"Hurry up and become my sister-in-law fast, okay?" Laiba says, congratulating me. She hugs me gently, caressing my face.

I laugh, blushing. 'Laiba! Where's my nephew?' I ask, holding out my arms.

Usman Bhai grins and hands Adnan to me. I take him happily, giving him lots of kisses and hugs. He grins at me, before starting to play with my hair. I chuckle.

"You really are the perfect girl for my brother, Alayna. You both look amazing tonight, you make a beautiful couple," Usman Bhai says, grinning.

'Thank you, Usman Bhai! Not as beautiful as you and Laiba, though! You guys are the cutest,' I say to him.

He grins, shaking his head. "You're soon going to officially become my little sister. I can't wait."

My blush deepens as I nod, and I thank him and Laiba again.

Hanna and Sara both jump on me, giving me the biggest hug. They're the happiest right now, and it makes me laugh seeing how excited they are.

'You're going to become my Bhabhi! That's so crazy! But so amazing. Zayan Bhai, why did you two have to get engaged today? Why couldn't you have the Nikah today?!' Hanna asks, pouting. She has her hands on her hips, and it's really funny.

"Hanna!" I scold, my cheeks bright red. I slap her on her arm playfully, sending her into a fit of laughter. She's so crazy.

'Alayna, I'm so happy for you and Zayan Bhai! You guys look so amazing tonight. You're adorable. I can't believe my sister's getting married soon!' Sara says happily, hugging me.

I hug her back right, kissing the top of her head. "Thanks, sis. I love you."

'I love you too! We'll have sleepovers all the time after you're married, okay?' She says to me.

I blush deeply from head to toe, embarrassed. "You're crazy!" I mutter, pulling her close to me. She said that while standing right next to Zayan. He looks very amused right now, to say the least.

'Zayan Bhai! I'm so happy for you! I feel sorry for you already, because you're going to marry my crazy sister! But.. I'm happy for you guys,' Sara congratulates Zayan, giving him a side hug which surprises me.

"Thank you, Sara!" He grins, returning the hug.

'I'm so happy, I have another brother!' She says, happily.

"Yes, you do," he replies, nodding.

Yusuf Bhai hugs me next, kissing the top of my head. When he breaks the hug, he caresses my face gently, giving me a small smile. 'I can't believe you're all grown up. But you'll always be my baby sister. You and Zayan look great tonight.' I hug him again, thanking him. I feel emotional hugging my brother. I've always been the closest to him, and he's always been very protective of me.

I take in the faces of all my loved ones, smiling. They all look so happy. I've never seen them this happy before. It makes me feel content and proud of myself. I know that I've made the right decision by choosing to marry Zayan, I can feel it.

Aliya and her family congratulate us next, before the other guests. I have hundreds and hundreds of people coming to me, smiling and hugging me. I thank them all politely, and again make small talk with them.

After all the guests have left, only our families remain at the venue. We're all sitting in a small room, talking amongst ourselves. I'm sitting with the girls, and they still can't stop complimenting me.

'Today was the best day ever,' Aunty says happily.

I smile, blushing. This blush of mine is driving me crazy. It won't leave for a single second! I don't think I'll ever stop blushing around Zayan.

My gaze travels over to Zayan, who's now talking to Usman Bhai and Yusuf Bhai. He looks towards me and our eyes lock. I'm unable to look away from him, and he doesn't look away either. He's just staring at me intensely, before he smirks a few seconds later.

I bite my lip nervously, blushing harder as I look away. His gaze is too strong, too captivating. I can't seem to look away from him. The effect he has on me is crazy. I've never felt this way ever, in my entire twenty-five years of existence.

I have a good time with our families, everyone very happy. We all talk for ages, planning the wedding which, by the looks of it, will be sooner than expected.

It's over 1:30am by the time we reach home. However, I'm not tired at all.

Even after everyone goes to bed, I'm wide awake in bed, tossing and turning, a silly grin on my lips. I can't stop staring at my beautiful ring. I can't stop touching it, to make sure that it's real.

I can't believe I'm engaged!

********

The next few days are a blissful haze. I start work again, and I'm in a constant great mood, smiling and laughing with everyone.

Everyone at the hospital has found out about my engagement to Zayan. Saying they're shocked is an understatement. But I receive so many beautiful blessings, it warms my heart. I can't stop blushing whenever someone asks me about him, and somehow, the press have reached the outside of the hospital.

On Wednesday morning as I'm walking into the hospital, I'm bombarded by dozens of press and interviewers. They quickly start asking me lots and lots of questions, they sure take me by surprise.

Is it a love marriage? How did you and Zayan fall in love?

Look at that engagement ring! It's huge and stunning!

Did you always know you're going to marry Zayan Khan?

Alayna and Zayan looked perfect on their engagement! Will you give us more pictures?

How long have you known each other for?

I groan internally, walking faster and keeping quiet. I'm too tired right now, to be answering any questions. I should have known that the media would be after me and Zayan, trying to get as many answers as possible.

Their microphones are right in front of my face, but I keep a straight face, rushing through the main doors of the hospital.

Thankfully, Zain and Anum rush to me, helping me to get away from the press. I thank them when I'm inside, loving the feel of the warmth of the hospital envelop me.

'Thanks so much, guys. I'm so tired this morning, I forgot to take my ring off and leave it at home. Oh, well. I'll put it into my locker in a bit. Do we need to report to Dr. James this morning?' I ask the two of them.

Anum nods. "Yes, we do. We usually report on Mondays, but we need to report to him this morning too." It's Thursday today.

'We'd better get going then. We need to report to him in five minutes, before our shift starts,' I say, as we hurry into one of the lifts.

We press the button for the third floor, which is where the residents' office is. When we reach, we're just on time. However, Dr. James hasn't arrived just yet. I'm glad we're not late, because he can be strict.

I greet Hina and Hanna, and we sit together at one of the large desks, waiting for our temporary mentor.

However, when I see the person who walks in two minutes later, my mouth falls open in shock.

Zayan!

How is he here today? He's not even fully better yet! He needs to rest.

I feel a blush creep onto my face and neck, as everyone starts to tease me. I groan, rolling my eyes.

I look up at him to see that he's trying to compose a smile. It makes me smile. He's wearing his scrubs, his hair tousled, and his stethoscope is around his neck. He has his hands tucked inside his trouser pockets, and he's looking at us with a raised eyebrow. God, he's so hot.

"Hi, Dr. Zayan! It's good to see you, after so long!" Hanna says, dramatically.

We all chuckle, as does Dr. Zayan. 'It's good to see you too, Hanna. It's good to see you all. And yes, I'm finally back. Some of you look very shocked this morning,' he says, glancing at me with playfulness in his eyes.

"You shouldn't be here, Dr. Zayan. You need to rest," I say to him, frowning.

He smirks. 'I'm absolutely fine now, Dr. Alayna. You don't need to worry about me.'

I roll my eyes, turning to Anum and Hina who grin at me.

"You're so damn lucky, girl. He's so hot," Hina whispers into my ear, making me burst into a coughing fit.

'Alayna, are you okay?' Zayan asks, rushing to me. I can feel everyone's eyes on me.

I compose myself, taking a sip of water from my water bottle. "Yes, I'm fine. So, what are our duties for today?" I ask him, my cheeks bright red.

A smile is playing on his face as he opens a file. 'Dr. Hina and Dr. Anum, you will both be working in the cardiology ward this morning. Dr. Zain, you'll be working in gynaecology. Dr. Hanna, there's a new patient up in the short-stay ward you first need to see, and then after that, you'll be in the emergency room. And Dr. Alayna, you'll be working in the paediatric ward today,' he tells us seriously.

We nod, standing up to start our shift.

'Dr. Zayan, nice ring!' Dr. Hina says to him, winking at me. My face heats up and I glare at her.

He looks down at his hand. "Thank you, Dr. Hina. You just reminded me that I'm still wearing the ring. We can't wear any jewellery at the hospital, while we're working and seeing patients." He takes it off and slips it into his trousers pocket.

I glance down at my hand, taking off my ring too. 'I'm wearing mine too, I'll need to go down to my locker and put it there for the time being,' I mumble, adjusting my bag on my shoulder.

Hina nods, and everyone starts to walk out the room to start their duties.

I follow Hanna out, but right as I do, I stop. 'Han, you start with your duties and I'll start too in a minute. I'll be right back,' I tell her, walking back into the residents' office.

Zayan looks at me, a smile playing on his lips and he raises an eyebrow. "Alayna? Are you okay?" He asks me gently.

I nod, walking to him. 'Here. Keep this safe, okay? I want it back later. If I go to my locker, I'm going to be late for my morning round,' I say, slipping my ring into his hand.

His smile widens. "You're trusting me with your ring?"

'If you lose it, you'll have to buy me a new one. So, you better keep it safe. It's very important to me,' I say, frowning at him, my cheeks as hot as fire. He smirks.

"I'll keep it very safe, Alayna. I'll guard it with my heart." He slips it into his trouser pocket, with his engagement ring.

I nod, my heart rate accelerating. 'Good. I'll see you later, Zayan.'

"See you later, Alayna," he says, grinning at me, showing off his perfect, pearly whites.

I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

********

Thursday and Friday fly by, and before I know it, it's the weekend again. On Friday evening, my parents tell me that we've been invited to Hanna's home on Sunday evening, for dinner. It's also the day that they'll be deciding our wedding date.

My heart starts thumping frantically in my chest, and I feel the nerves stronger than ever. It's all happening so quickly.

I feel even more nervous, because of how sweet Zayan's been to me at work. He's been teasing me constantly when no one's around, and when I'm with my friends, they can't stop teasing me about him.

Seeing him on Sunday will be crazy, but at the same time, I feel excited. Nervous, but definitely excited. We'll be finding out our wedding date, too.

I spend the entire day on Saturday lazing around in bed, watching Netflix and treating myself to a self manicure and pedicure. I have nothing else to do, so I also treat myself to a facial which Sara does for me. She's amazing at skincare, so she does my facial happily.

That evening, I watch a Bollywood movie with Mum and Sara, just like old times. We have popcorn and nachos with it too, making it a full film experience. Even though I've watched Main Hoon Na several times, I enjoy the movie. It's one of my favourites.

Although I'm extremely nervous about the dinner tomorrow, and more about my wedding date getting fixed, I manage to sleep on time that night. I'm asleep by 10pm, and I have the best sleep I've had in ages.

********

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