" If he is patient, he will always be at your side, my jaan.And believe me, a man like him will never leave you at the middle of a journey that is so sacred."

I remembered the same words Aunty Shahana had said to me before my nikah with Arsalan.And now as I recalled her words filled with confidence, my heart swelled with immense gratitude for the woman who had brought me up.

Aunty was one hundred percent right and how could she be not.If only she would have been with me on this big day, and could see how her Amal was living all her dreams.Dreams that were transforming into reality.

I was the luckiest woman on the earth today.I had a family that loved me immensely and a husband who had moulded me in the woman I was today.From a scared fearful woman, he had transformed me into a Queen of gold.My life was a tale that was like no other.Walking through a passage filled with roses and thorns, I had made it to my destiny.My life had lead me to my prince in armour.

My Arsalan

Each step I took, each time I looked up at the sky, I couldn't help but praise how my ALLAH had turned my cries into happiness.

Another flash went off as I posed again as I was being instructed.Closing my heavy eyelids for a second, I breathed in.Opening my eyes, I glanced at the woman standing in the corner.A smile curved her lips before she looked at the man with the camera.

Maybe the look on my face spoke volumes to her as she stepped forward and spoke to the man,

" I think these are enough, we'll continue the photo session with the groom later on."As the words left Ahya's lips, my tensed shoulders relaxed.The man smiled before he walked out of the large bright hall.

My sister-in-law walked towards me.Making me admire how gorgeous she looked tonight.In a red velvet overcoat she had matched a silver embroidered gown that reached down her toes.The red coat was long reaching the length of her gown.The combination adding up to her makeup.Silver shimmery eye makeup was finished off with red lipstick.Ahya's long dark hair were in loose curls resting against her back.Walking in stilettoes, the woman stopped before me.Her mehndi clad hand reached towards my long dupatta as she settled in properly against my shoulder.Smiling at me, she gushed.

" Aw, you look wondrous."

I smiled and shook my head.The blush already coated my cheeks only darkened more making the woman laugh out loud.

" Don't blush like a virgin bride now."

Oh only if you knew.

I couldn't help the heat that swept up my neck making me turn on my step and walk to the hall's door with Ahya.We were currently in the beauty studio that provided the best makeup as well as the photography studio.Ahya and the girls knew the owner of the studio well so they opted to get dressed from here.The owner was a beautiful young lady and she herself had done my makeup.

Walking inside the large room where a while ago I was getting dressed, I stood before the mirror and adjusted the long length of my dupatta.Soft rings of Ahya's phone distracted us as she excused herself and walked out.

Shahwar, Zarah , Hira and Asiya had also came along with us in the afternoon but they had rushed back before Maghrib as they had to be present for greeting the guests and the other loads of work back home.Ahya was given the responsibility to stay with me and to bring me back home safely- the safety instructions given by non other than my husband.

Looking around the large room, I found it all empty that was once buzzing with the women who I called family.The bright lights flashed all across the cream coloured room.The large counter remained on the corner with all the beauty product placed neatly on it.The main makeup room was on the other side of the hall yet this was a room more for the final touches.

Dark brown leather couches remained on the side by the corner as large mirrors covered the walls.My eyes caught my reflection in the mirror making me access my figure.

Clad in a dark emerald green and bright red combination, my figure supported an emerald green skirt that had embroidery all over it.Zardosi embroidery was contrasted in gold with the thin wires of maroon-ish red.Hand embroidery of Zardosi was finished off with sequins and thousands of red stones that were embellished with flowers that ran all the way down the length of the velvety flowy heavy skirt adding the beautiful lustre.

My blouse was red and covered with the same embroidery as the skirt.Yet the fabric was chiffon and had embellishment of thousands of stoned flowers.The crystal beading was contrasted with golden zardosi.My blouse was fitted perfectly against my chest and had full sleeves covering my arms.Golden bangles remained in my wrist with a golden bracelet wrapped on my other wrist.

My long wavy dark hair were braided in a volumetric low bun that remained above the nape of my neck.Hair garland of arabian jasmine was wrapped around my bun, the strong scent of the flower wafting past the room.

My netted dupatta was red and had stone work all over it.It was long and was settled securely on my head with both the sides behind my shoulders.The golden kundan head piece remained above my forehead as the red stone on the middle of the head piece gained attention.My nose ring was big and had small stones lined on the lower side like a traditional bride.

A matching necklace of three rows remained in my neck.Dangling earrings kissed my dupatta each time I moved.My grey orbs swept to my eye makeup finding the golden shimmery glitter blended with the darker shade.My long lashes were mascaraed making them look more curly and prominent.My cheekbones were contoured making them look more high with the blush covering the apples of my cheeks.Lastly my lips were adorned with a cheery red lipstick.My high heels were also of red colour with the straps of golden.

" Our driver for tonight is here."Ahya's loud voice sang making me break the trance and look at her.She smiled and came to my side as I nodded my head.

Walking out of the room carefully, I saw Ahya talk to Nina-the makeup artist.I waved at her as she returned my gesture.Stepping out from the double doors, the warm air hit my features making me look up at the dark sky.

The black car remained just before the gate as the man leaned against it.Dressed in a black shirwani, he had a red rose tucked in his breast pocket.His striking blue eyes stopped on me as he grinned making me smile at him warmly.

" Your husband has given me very strict orders."Bashar spoke as I reached at his side.

Opening my door, he bowed like a gentleman.Ahya hurried as she looped my hand with hers.Helping me settle in the car, she walked to the other side.Bashar sat in the driver's seat and brought the engine to life.And soon we were hitting the roads of Abbottabad.

Bashar's phone rang as he answered the call.

" Yes, yeah they are with me."He spoke giving me a clear view of who he was talking to.A small smile played on my lips as I looked out through the dark tinted windows of the car.

" Relax bro, we'll be there in twenty minutes."The man chuckled.

" Okay bye because I am driving, What-"I looked up at the man seeing him smile widely.

He placed his phone on the seat besides him as he said making Ahya to laugh out loud.

" Arsalan wants to remain on the line till we reach home."The words caused my heart beats to pick up speed as I fiddled with my hands.

The rest of the journey was spend in pure silence with Ahya and Bashar casually speaking.

Twenty three minutes later when the fairy lighted black gates came into view my breaths shallowed.Aa zoo had swarmed in my stomach as the car stopped.My door was opened but I dared not look up.Hira's voice reached my ears and I could feel her close as her hands reached mine and helped me out of the car.

My eyes remained on the floor beneath me as I was walked inside the front room of the home.Hira and Ahya made me sit on the sofa.Loud voices filled me ears as everyone talked and laughed.I could feel the close relatives had already arrived.

High heels sounded making me look up at the young woman who hurried towards me.Dressed in a pale blush pink tulle lehenga that had dainty sequined embroidery over it.Her blouse was georgette and was plain with little stones on it.Her dupatta was moping the floor as she ran in her high heels towards me.

Leaning down she kissed my cheek lightly making sure not to leave any mark of her lipstick.Zarah's hair were straightened and her makeup was simple that made her look gorgeous.

" Oh my ALLAH, your looks are just killing us."She gushed making me roll my eyes at her.

She laughed and informed that I was to be taken out for the ceremony in a few minutes as all the guests were already here.Aunties and Ammi came inside the room.Praising how beautiful I looked, Aunty Neelum almost cried making my eyes brim with tears too.

Next was Shahwar, who walked in with a glass of juice for me.Taking the offered glass, I sipped the juice with the straw making sure that I didn't destroy the lipstick.Shahwar looked gorgeous as ever.Her figure sported a pastel green lehenga and choli that was embroidered in a contrast of copper.Her long hair were in twisters and were half tied.Her copper metal earrings dangled in her ears.The big chumkas catching attention.

Smiling down at me, she whispered how many times my husband had asked of me.Maira was dressed in a cute little frock, twining with her mother.The four month old baby active as ever as she talked in her baby noises with her grandmother.

Ammi and Aunties went out of the room leaving the girls and me.A few minutes passed before Aunty Meena called out, instructing the girls to help me out.Just as I stood up from my place, a figure walked inside the room making me eyes widen.

I stopped in my tracks seeing the man smile at me.His features morphing into softness and warmth.My eyes couldn't believe what I was seeing.A burst of emotions running through me.My throat clogged up as tears ran down my cheeks.

" Sikander bhai-"I whispered as he stopped before me.

His hand reached forward as he placed it over my head making me close my eyes.My heart clenched in my chest making me remember Aunty Shahana.

" I thought you would make it."I said looking up at my brother.

" How could I not make it.Afterall its my sister's big day."He said smiling as he hugged me sideways.

" Hi"A voice broke out making me tilt my head to look at the woman who gracefully walked it.Dressed in a long gown, coloured in dark brown.She had dark brown eyes that were covered in makeup.Her features softened as she smiled my way.Surprise and recognition visible in her large eyes.

" Hoor?"I grinned looking at the woman.My eyes flickered to my brother seeing him smile softly at me yet his ears tinged red.

The woman leaned forward hugging me tightly making me reciprocate.

" You both look so beautiful together, MashALLAH "I said looking at them in awe.

" Shall we go now-"Sikander bhai asked making Hira nod her head.My heart beat erratically as I heard the soft music play outside.As I stood in the middle, my brother accompanied me by standing besides me with his wife.

Zarah waved dramatically movibg out of the room with Hira and shouting,

" See you on the other side."

Shahwar laughed loudly as she came to my side.Ahya and Shahwar were to be on the brides side whereas my husband's sister were on his side, confident that the bride was coming on their side either way.

Walking with the high heels, I took small and steady steps.The once buzzing noises had all calmed down now, decreasing to silence.I could even hear the breaths I took.

My eyes casted downwards automatically as we stepped out of the front room.I was directed towards the double doors of the garden that were decorated with the fairy lights and rows of roses.Standing my the double doors, my brother and Shahwar-all moved from besides me and joined all the others that stood in a row by a pathway that was made of rose petals.

Worried, I looked at Shahwar as she smiled assuring and beckoned me to move my feet.The lights had dimmed in the garden, and the fairy lights started their magic creating a beautiful glow.Tonight's theme was arabian jasmine and red roses as they hung under the canopy made over the double doors.

Taking a step down, I felt the soft red petals under my feet.My family stood aligned by the pathway that probably led to my husband.Holding trays in their hand, they had little candles.The music had turned to a slow sweet melody enchanting the air.

Careful on my steps, I bunched my lehenga.Flickering my gaze upwards, I smiled as the flashes went off and cameras clicked.My eyes scanned the smiling faces of my family and close relatives.My eyes stopped on the charcoal orbs that stared straight at me making me almost lose my balance.Steading on my steps I stilled for a second.

Tingles ran through my body as I felt my fingers tremble.My earrings hit my neck as I lowered my face.Warmth spread through my body as I took another step.The rose petals under my feet were soft and bright.The strong fragrance of the roses wafting past my nostrils.Flickering my gaze upwards, I smiled at the man who awaited me.

The rosy path seemed endless- the distance not shortening between us easily.The man stood by the sofa set for us.Rows of flowers remained behind the sofas and I mentally thanked Uncle Yousuf as he had suggested to not set up a stage.

Dressed in a black shirwani, the groom had everyone captivated.Fitted against his built figure, he adorned a plain black shirwani that had stone embedded on the collar.The red stone work matched my attire.The front open styled shirwani had button running down halfway.He supported a white kurta underneath with the matching trousers.A maroon-ish turban remained on his head making him look more handsome.His stubble was trimmed, his sharp jaw relaxed as he grinned making me smile more wider.Butterflies dancing crazily in my stomach, knotting my muscles.

Before me didn't stand my husband only, but-

My whole world stood before me.

My husband-

He was my whole Universe-

Mere Kul-Kainat !!

With only some steps between us, the lamps placed on the rose petals lightened up.Glowing and brightening our night but I couldn't look or focus on anything for except my universe.Stepping closer, the man met me halfway.

His hand extending towards me making me place my hand in his larger one.Our hands fitting perfectly as he helped me towards the sofas.

" Mere Dulhan"I heard him mutter as we walked hand in hand.

I was dreaming.

I was.

Or I was dreaming into reality.

I couldn't even hear the damn music playing in the background.My eyes coukdn't even blink away since the moment she stepped on the same earth surface as me.The lights had dimmed away but still she glowed the brightest.

AMAL

My Amal

Dressed like a bride she looked like a queen ready to rule over me.And damn I was so ready to be ruled by her.She could even kill me right now, right here and I wouldn't even groan.Her large eyes were covered with eye makeup but her orbs, those grey orbs were almost see through and I could see all the emotions swimming in them.

My mind flashed to the night in the dark alley of London where she remained terrified in my arms.That night when I had seen the fear in her eyes, my heart had broken but now seeing the sparks in her lively eyes, I was contended.

Amal was my fix-

Walking gracefully in the heavy dress and high heels, she looked up to me making me grin at her.Her shy eyelashes fluttered before they casted downwards hiding away her eyes that spoke crazy to me.

Glancing up at me again, she smiled and I swear-I saw my whole world before me.

If home is a feeling of someones arms then Amal was my world.My entire world.I couldn't even wait to spend my entire life with her.She fulfilled me.She fixed me.She was my everydamnthing.

The distance between us seemed to get more and more longer.With her before me, my heart raced against my ribcage in an abnormal manner.Thudding against my chest, that I feared Bashar could also hear it as he stood besides me.

Not wanting to wait any longer, I met my wife halfway and took her small hand in mine.Her mehndi clad hand standing out against my large rough one.Warmth spread through my wrist to my arm as she held onto it.My tongue remained tied on what to utter first.

" Mere Dulhan."My heart literally spoke through my tongue.I felt the woman smile shyly as she looked down at her lehenga.Leading her towards the sofas, I stopped and turned to the camera as the photographer clicked our pictures.

Once we were settled on the sofa, the guest surrounded us.Blessing us with dua's and gifts.I couldn't even speak another word to my wife as my aunties interviewed her.Making me glare at them when they weren't looking at me.

A warm hand reached towards my hand as I looked up seeing Bilal garb my attention.Aaryan and Bilal were dressed in black shirwani's matching much like mine.Their cute little figures that everyone gushing at them.

Taking Bilal in my arms, I settled him on my lap.