12 Nov 2019

Hello everyone!! Here's the most awaited chapter of the first part of Zalayna's wedding! I was meant to update in a few days, but I couldn't wait at all because I was so excited so here you go! Enjoy! Go crazy with your comments. ;)

"If you find someone you love in your life, then hang onto that love." - Princess Diana

Zayan and Alayna's Nikah song above! It was also my Nikah song. ❤️

Alayna's POV

"Alayna! Don't tell me you've been stress eating! Have you gained weight since your final dress fitting? Why won't this zip go up?!" Aliya groans, trying to zip up the shirt of my lehenga.

I groan, standing in the changing room of the salon. 'I haven't gained weight!' I say, looking into the mirror at my reflection. I hope I haven't, anyway.

'Here, I'll try,' Mum says, coming in. She easily zips up the back of my shirt, and it fits perfectly. It fits like a glove.

I breathe a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Mum!"

She smiles at me. 'You're welcome, dear. Now, hurry up. We're running late, and I can't wait to see my lovely daughter as a bride!' She says, excitedly.

I chuckle, walking out of the changing room in my lehenga. Sara, Aliya and Mum lead me to the bridal room in the salon, where they seat me down into a chair.

My hair and makeup takes nearly four hours. By the time I'm ready, it's 7pm. We're running slightly late, as the venue is forty minutes away from the salon, and the arranged time of the Nikah was 8pm.

The makeup artist helps me up when I'm ready, just as Sara, Aliya and Mum walk into the room. They stare at me with their jaws dropped, and the three of them have tears in their eyes.

I turn around and take a first glance into the mirror. I'm also left gobsmacked. The girl staring back at me in the mirror looks like me, but at the same time, she doesn't look like me. I turn my face slightly, and so does she. I guess it is me, then.

I look and feel like an actual princess, they definitely did well with my hair and makeup. I'm in love with my whole look. Completely and utterly.

I'm wearing the most beautiful deep red lehenga I've ever seen. It took me a few days to find my perfect lehenga, but when I walked into the biggest designer bridal boutique in Birmingham and my eyes fell on this lehenga on a mannequin at the back of the store, I knew that I'd found the wedding dress of my dreams. It's absolutely perfect, in every way. It has everything I ever wanted on my wedding dress.

It's a stunning deep red colour, with no colour contrast. The shirt is fully embroidered in silver and light gold, and it has short fitted sleeves which show off my beautiful henna. It's a zip-up shirt, but it was extremely difficult to zip. I couldn't do it myself, and neither could Aliya. The lehenga is absolutely gorgeous, too. It's extremely heavy, but a girl's only a bride once. I'll only be wearing it for a few hours. It's fully embroidered too, the embroidery intricate and modern. Soft silk and net have been used for the whole outfit. My favourite part of the dress, however, is the dupatta. Although it feels like a huge weight on my head, it's absolutely perfect. It's made from net, and has a lot of embroidery on it. The dupatta itself weighs at least 8kg. It's been pinned to the top back section of my head, and to my right shoulder. Safety pins have been added attaching the dupatta to the back of my shirt, to give it shape and so it doesn't feel too heavy. But it still does. It's the most perfect lehenga, and it's fit for royalty. It fits me perfectly, although the top is a tad bit too tight.

My makeup, too, is absolutely flawless. Of course it would be, as the best makeup artist in the city did it. She's given me a smokey eye with different shades of brown, red and gold. The shades are blended together beautifully, creating the loveliest eye look. My base is flawless, and my cheeks, nose and forehead are lightly contoured. The makeup artist has applied highlighter to the bridge and tip of my nose, cheekbones and collarbones. She's given me some light pink blush to enhance my natural, crazy blush. My lips have been painted a matching deep red colour, and they look fuller than usual. My nails have also been painted red, matching my lehenga.

For my jewellery, I'm wearing a super stunning jewellery set from Kyle's Jewellery. It includes earrings, two necklaces, hand pieces, a tikka and a jhumar. I'm wearing the complete works, everything a bride needs. I'm not wearing a nose ring, though, because I've never liked it. Both my arms are adorned with gold bangles Mum gifted to me for my wedding day. My hands and arms are beautifully decorated with bridal henna that the best henna artist in the city did for me last night. It's the darkest shade and is gorgeous.

Half of my thick, silky hair has been styled into an intricate bridal updo at the back of my head, while the other half falls over my left shoulder in long, loose waves.

I grab my clutch, slip on a pair of gold, sparkly heels and walk towards Mum, Sara and Aliya who are still staring at me in awe.

'Mum? Will anyone say anything? Do I look okay?' I ask, letting out a chuckle.

Mum nods, her eyes brimming with tears. She touches my cheek gently, before kissing the top of my head. 'Alayna, I always knew you'd make the most beautiful bride in the world. But you look out of this world. You look... indescribable. Your beauty has no limits, Zayan will not be able to stop staring at you. You look perfect.' She starts to cry, hugging me gently.

I hug her back, feeling emotional. "Mum, please don't cry. I don't want to cry, my makeup will get ruined."

She breaks the hug, patting my cheek gently and chuckling. 'I won't cry. I'm very happy today, Alayna. Honestly. I'm very happy for you, and for Zayan of course.' Hearing his name makes me feel jittery and nervous. More nervous than ever.

I thank her quietly, before Sara hugs me gently. 'Wow, Alayna. You really outdid yourself today! My sister looks so beautiful!' She says, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.

I smile. "You look lovely too, Sara," I tell her. She looks so cute in her mint green and white sharara. Her makeup is soft and subtle, and her hair has been styled into a side bun.

'Alayna, I can't believe you're finally getting married today! It's come so quickly! Sorry, I'm getting slightly emotional. You look like a princess,' Aliya says, hugging me gently.

I hug her back, smiling. "Thanks, Aliya! You look stunning, you're glowing." Her pregnancy glow really suits her. She looks amazing in her outfit which is similar to Sara's. All the girls on my side, including Sara, Aliya and most of my female cousins, are wearing the same outfit and they all look beautiful.

She grins at me, blinking away her tears. Then, her grin widens. 'You're going to have to ask Zayan to unzip your blouse,' she whispers into my ear, and I turn beet red. I feel my face burn with embarrassment, and I shake my head furiously.

"Why would I ask him? I have hands, I can unzip myself," I whisper back, making her smirk.

She shakes her head, her eyes filled with amusement. 'Nuh-uh. You couldn't zip it up, how are you going to take it off? It's slightly tight too,' she jokes.

I ignore her, my cheeks the same shade as my lehenga.

She winks at me, before blowing me a kiss. I laugh, shaking my head at her. She's too cute for her own good.

********

When we reach the wedding venue, I'm taken into a side room where I'll have my Nikah. The barat reaches soon after we do, and I'm a bundle of nerves when they do.

'He's here! Alayna, we'll be back okay? I need to go and see how Zayan Bhai's looking,' Sara says, rushing out the room after throwing me a naughty wink.

My cheeks are bright scarlet, and I can't stop blushing. He's here. With his family. They're all here, and our Nikah will be very shortly. Probably in about fifteen minutes. Oh, my god. I'm going to be married in fifteen minutes.

I bite my lip, shaking my head to myself in shock. It's my wedding day, but I still can't believe it. If someone told me two months ago that I would be getting married to Zayan today, I would definitely have laughed in their face. I'd never have believed them, in a million years.

But, it's happening. I can't wait to see how he looks tonight. He's wearing a sherwani, that much I know. I giggle quietly, in disbelief.

I feel so many different things right now. Sadness, for leaving my family. Fear, because I don't know the first thing about being someone's wife. I don't know if I'm going to be a good wife, although I know that I'll put my everything into the relationship. I feel excitement, to see Zayan and to enter our new relationship. But most of all, I feel a weird happiness I've never felt before. I'm aware that me and Zayan haven't known each other personally for a huge amount of time, but I know him well enough and I'm happy to be spending the rest of my life with him. I feel like I definitely made the right decision, when I agreed to marry him. I know that I'll be happy with him.

My family and friends rush to welcome the barat, the groom's family. Aliya remains with me in the bridal room, and she grins at me.

'Ready, Alayna?' She asks me, excitedly.

I sigh, giving her a small smile in return. "I guess I am!" I answer. My nerves are buzzing like crazy, I've never felt more nervous in my entire life. But I'm ready.

She smiles, nodding at me. 'I'm so happy for you, sweetie. I really am. You and Zayan are perfect for each other,' she tells me seriously.

My cheeks brighten as I try to control the grin that's breaking out on my face. "Thank you, Aliya. It means a lot."

********

Twenty minutes later, my immediate family members are sitting with me, as is Aliya. All the other guests are in the banquet hall, with Zayan and his family. Hanna, Laiba, Usman Bhai, Aunty and Uncle came to see me a few minutes ago, and I received the loveliest compliments and wishes from them all. Uncle had tears in his eyes, as did Laiba. Hanna and Aunty cried when they saw me as a bride. It was very beautiful.

There's a soft knock on the door, and Yusuf Bhai goes to open it. The lawyer, Imaam and witnesses enter for the Nikah. They greet us all with a Salam, and we all answer quietly. It's happening, now! I can't believe it. Oh, my god.

My heart starts to race at a million times the normal rate, and my hands start to feel clammy. I can't believe this is happening. So soon!

Dad presses a gentle kiss to my forehead, looking at me with a smile on his face but emotion-filled eyes. The witnesses are my grandfather, Mum's brothers and Dad's elder brother. I'm not too close to them, but I love them all.

My heart pounds loudly in my chest as they come closer. They've come for my consent for the Nikah. In just a few minutes time, I'll be married to Zayan.

They all greet me, and I whisper polite greetings in return. However, I feel my voice break slightly, with nervousness and the various emotions I'm feeling.

Dad's sitting on one side of me, and Yusuf Bhai's sitting on my right. He senses my nervousness, and places a hand on my shoulder to calm me. I glance at my brother, and he looks very emotional. He gives me a small smile, before nodding and kissing the top of my head. 'Breathe, Alayna,' he whispers into my ear.

I do as I'm told, swallowing the huge lump of emotion in my throat.

"Do you, Alayna Ali, take Zayan Khan as your lawfully wedded husband with £50,000 as Mahr in the Nikah?" The lawyer, Dad's elder brother, asks. Oh, my god. Oh, god. Can I do this? How can I do this so soon? How can I become Zayan's wife? What if I'm the worst ever wife? Am I ready for such a huge step? Am I ready for all the responsibilities? Is everything happening too soon?

I feel Yusuf Bhai's hand on my shoulder again, and I nearly jump out of my seat in shock.

I tightly clutch onto Yusuf Bhai's hand, my eyes tearing up. My throat feels extremely dry, no words are coming out. I realise that my hand is shaking in Yusuf Bhai's. He rubs small circles on the back of my hand to calm me, but nothing works.

There's silence in the whole room, no one speaks a word. Everyone's eyes are on me.

'Alayna, come on,' Yusuf Bhai whispers, giving me a small smile.

"Sweetheart, say yes," Dad whispers gently, placing a hand on my back to help my nerves.

I don't realise when the tears start to fall. I start to cry silently, tears running down my cheeks and falling onto my clutch which is in my lap. Yusuf Bhai holds me gently, kissing the top of my head again. I glance towards Mum who's standing opposite me, and she nods, smiling with tear-filled eyes at me.

I'm asked the same question again patiently and gently, and Yusuf Bhai gives me a soft smile. After another long silence, I manage to give my answer. "I do," I whisper quietly, my voice catching in my throat. My voice carries through the speakers, and I internally smack myself because my voice sounds so bad.

Everyone in the room breathes a sigh of relief, and they all grin at me. Mum and Sara give me a watery smile, tears filled in their eyes. I'm asked the same question two more times and I reply the same, my voice a soft whisper. As soon as I've replied the third time, the whole room bursts into excitement and congratulations. Sara rushes towards me and hugs me tightly, before Yusuf Bhai does. I feel Sara's tears soak into my shoulder, and I feel my own body racking with emotion.

The marriage certificate is passed to me by Dad, and I sign with trembling hands, sealing my fate.

After I've signed, they take away the certificate and Mum attacks me with a hug. She presses a gentle kiss to my forehead, and the tears spill out of my eyes. I hug her back tightly, not wanting to let go.

'My daughter. My beautiful daughter,' she whispers, kissing the top of my head.

"I love you, Mum," I whisper, my voice breaking.

She gently breaks the hug and looks into my eyes, giving me a shaky smile. 'I love you the most,' she replies. I feel my heart break into a million pieces.

Dad hugs me next, beaming at me. His eyes are filled with tears, too. I hug him back, loving the protective and safe feeling I get in his embrace.

Yusuf Bhai again hugs me next, before my uncles and grandfather do the same. They all place gentle kisses to the top of my head, congratulating me happily.

Just then, the door bursts open and in walks Hanna. She rushes to me, hugging me tight. I can't help but laugh. She looks so excited. Sad for me, but excited. More than she's ever been. I hug her back, smiling softly.

"Alayna, congratulations! Oh, my god! You'll officially be my sister-in-law in a few minutes' time! I can't believe it. This is the best day of my life!" She breaks the hug, grinning at me.

'Yes, Alayna! In a few minutes, you'll be Zayan's wife!' Aliya says excitedly, winking at me.

My heart rate accelerates and I nearly place a hand on my chest to calm my beating heart. I'm going to be his wife, in just a few minutes' time. We will be married. I'm going to be married to Zayan Khan, the city's most eligible bachelor.

What if something goes wrong? What if he's changed his mind, and no longer wants to marry me? What if he says 'no', in front of the entire world? My heart would break, it would shatter into a billion pieces. I don't know what I'd do if he's changed his mind.

My palms start to get sweaty again, I wipe them on my knees. My eyes fill with tears as everyone continues to congratulate me and give me their best wishes. I'm listening to them, but at the same time, I feel terrified. I don't want to think the worst, but I can't help it.

It's only five minutes later that Aliya informs me it's Zayan's turn to agree to the Nikah. The Imaam and witnesses have gone to him, for his permission. When I'm told this, I can't stay still. I can't stop fidgeting in my seat, playing with my decorated clutch and the hem of my shirt. I've never felt so nervous in my entire life. I've never felt so many different emotions. I feel like I'm going to burst.

The Nikah sermon is started by the Imaam, and I can hear everything very clearly from the speakers. I listen silently to every single word that's spoken, my heart drumming in my chest, threatening to escape.

Finally, the words I've been waiting for are spoken. The words which will seal my fate. Zayan is questioned in the Nikah, and I hear each and every word. "Do you, Zayan Khan, take Alayna Ali as your lawfully wedded wife?" My breath catches in my throat, I forget everything. I forget to breathe, as I wait for Zayan to answer.

I don't have to wait long at all. As soon as he's asked the question, he replies, as confident as ever.

'I do.'

My heart jumps back to life, and it again starts to race at a thousand times the normal rate. I hear a quiet sigh escape my lips, and I feel the tension leave my body. He's agreed.

A small, shy smile appears on my lips as I continue to listen to the words being spoken. Zayan is asked the same question twice more, and he replies the same. When he's agreed the third time, I close my eyes shut for a short second, whispering a quiet prayer under my breath. I'm married. My heartbeat is so loud in my ears, surely everyone else can hear it too?

Everyone again bursts into congratulations, hugging each other happily. I'm attacked with hugs from all my friends and family, everyone gives me their well wishes and love.

I'm blushing like crazy, and I'm numb with all the different emotions I'm feeling as my family hug me close, congratulating me on my Nikah. I'm married. I can't believe it. I'm married to Zayan.

He's my husband.

'Alayna, my daughter. My princess. I'm so happy for you and Zayan today,' Dad says, hugging me close.

I swallow hard, hugging him back as my eyes fill with moisture. I feel my heart break as I see Dad so emotional, but the happiest he's ever been. His eyes are filled with unshed tears, but he has a smile on his lips.

"Thanks, Dad," I reply, my voice hoarse and breaking. I can't explain how I'm feeling at this moment. Everything feels so surreal. I feel as if I'm in a dream. How can it be possible, that I'm married, and that too, to Zayan?

"Alayna, my lovely daughter. My darling. I'm so happy for you. I wish you and Zayan all the happiness in the world," Mum says, engulfing me in a warm hug. I hear her voice break with emotion, and I hug her back close. A tear spills out of my eye, and I wipe it away quickly. I don't want to break down already.

I'm going to miss my family so much. So damn much. They mean the world to me. They mean everything to me.

'Thanks, Mum. I love you,' I whisper, my voice full of emotion.

Mum gently breaks the hug and stares into my eyes, holding my face in her hands. "I love you too, my darling. I love you so much."

Her words warm my heart and I give her a small smile. She kisses my forehead gently.

"You're happy, right?" She asks me worriedly.

My cheeks heat up as I give her a small nod. I bite my lip discreetly. 'Yes, Mum. I'm happy.' I hold her hand and squeeze gently. I'm happy. I'm emotional, but I'm very happy.

And I'm excited. To see Zayan. To see him for the first time as my husband.

It's crazy, I know.

It feels like the best dream that I'll wake up from at any moment, but it's not. It's reality. I'm really married to him.

Yusuf Bhai, Sara and Aliya come to congratulate me, each giving me the biggest hug. After them, Aunty, Uncle, Laiba, Hanna and Usman Bhai come to me.

I can't stop blushing and playing with my hands in my lap. They all look so happy, and they each give me a hug. Even Usman Bhai. He's like a brother to me, he always has been. They give me the warmest, loveliest wishes which warm my heart.

'You have no idea how happy I am today, Alayna dear! I can't believe it! It feels like a dream. You and Zayan are just perfect for each other, and I wish you all the happiness in the world,' Aunty says, wiping a tear from her eye as she hugs me again.

I smile, hugging her back. "Thank you, Aunty. You're too lovely!" I answer as she kisses the top of my head.

Uncle nods, grinning at me. 'I'm the happiest father in the world today. From today, you're our daughter Alayna. Okay? You were a part of our family already, but today you're coming to our home. I can't believe it.' His eyes are filled with tears as he hugs me.

I return the hug, my cheeks very warm. Everyone's so lovely. I definitely have the best in-laws in the world. They were already my second family.

"Mum and Dad are right, Alayna. I'm so happy for you and Zayan. Adnan's so happy too, look! From today, I officially have another sister. Welcome to our family, sis," Usman Bhai says, grinning at me.

I can't help but chuckle. 'Thanks, Usman Bhai.'

"You're the most beautiful bride in the world, Alayna. You look absolutely gorgeous," Laiba says, smiling at me. She tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, caressing my cheek.

'Thank you, Laiba. You look so stunning,' I say to her. She looks absolutely beautiful in her royal blue embroidered maxi dress. Her and Usman Bhai are matching, and they make the cutest couple.

"Laiba Bhabhi's right, Alayna! Zayan Bhai's gonna lose it when he sees you. You look damn hot, girl," Hanna says, winking at me.

I shake my head, my cheeks bright red. 'Han, you're crazy.'

She laughs loudly, blowing me a kiss. "That's from Zayan Bhai," she whispers, making me turn redder than a tomato.

Mum and Dad come to me, smiling. 'Are you ready to go onto the stage and meet Zayan?' Dad asks me, throwing me a grin.

My heart starts to race, and my palms start to get sweaty. Oh, god. Oh, my god. I'm going to finally see Zayan, as my husband. Am I ready? Oh, god.

I know that he's going to have that signature smirk of his on his face when he sees me. And I also know that he's gonna be looking very handsome, the most handsome groom.

I'm going to see Zayan.

"Yes, sis! Right after your photoshoot, you're going to see Zayan," Sara says right as the professional photographer walks in.

How am I meant to calm my racing heart? In just a few minutes, I'll be meeting my husband. My husband.

The photographer starts to take professional shots of me, making me pose in different ways. He clicks at least 200 pictures of me, alone and with my family, before telling me that the photos are perfect, and that my next photoshoot will be with Zayan, when we're at his home after our Rukhsati.

"Are you ready, Alayna?" Dad asks me, his voice filled with emotion.

I nod, taking his hand as he helps me up. He's going to walk me down the aisle, to Zayan.

My heart's going crazy right now.

My legs feel like jelly as I take a step towards the closed door.

'Alayna, me and Sara will walk behind you and your father as you make your entrance,' Mum tells me after kissing the top of my head.

I nod, starting to walk. Then I stop for a second. "Dad, I want you and Yusuf Bhai both to walk me down the aisle. I want you both to give me away," I whisper, my voice and heart breaking.

Yusuf Bhai's eyes fill with tears as he gives me a small smile. Mum and Dad look very emotional, as they nod. 'Of course, sweetheart,' Dad replies as I take his left arm.

Yusuf Bhai holds his arm out for me too, which I also take.

It's time.

********

Hey everyone! How was the chapter? It was my favourite chapter yet. They're finally married! Can you believe it?

I know many of you thought I'm too evil and won't get them married so soon!!

What was your favourite part of this chapter?

They're married!! My babies.

Don't forget to vote if you liked the chapter, and go crazy with your comments!

Question: What's your dream holiday destination?

Bye guys!!