The once deserted garden now looks like what one could ever imagine a great work of art has really taken place, different decors hanging here and there. The chairs were arranged orderly five in each row decorated in white and blue ribbon. A blue coloured carpet was placed at the entrance of the garden were the guest were suppose to emerge from,with the flowers in the garden the whole setting looks like those in fairytale.
After what seems like an hour, The Guest were already arriving some already doing justice to the drink served to them why others in group of two's or three's were talking on business matters.
Abu Safwan been a man of influence. made sure everything was as perfect as he pictured in his head. Receiving greetings here and there. And also waiting patiently for Abu Dahwud and his family.
...............
Hafzah are you not ready yet or do you want to keep Father waiting. Hatib shouted at the other end of the door.
Am coming just hold on.
Five minutes later the teenage girl finally came out only meeting an angry Hatib.
You should have stayed there forever.
How do I look hatib. Do you think this dress is okay. Hafzah asked ignoring his ranting a while ago. Sighing like a defeated man. Your dress is good now let go we don't want to keep Abu waiting.
The two emerged from the stairs and what welcomed them was a sight behold. Umaima sat on the chair absent minded she wore a royal blue gown same colour as her hijab even without wearing any makeup she still looked so breath taking the colour really suite her. Her luggage were arranged at the end of the living room just a few step from the exit door. So this was it she would be leaving them few hours from now. They both ran to give her a hug. They would really miss their big sis.
Umaima was a bit surprised by their actions but she wouldn't blame them. She would also miss them so much.
After what seems like fifteen minutes the family of five were all seated in the car. Abu Dahud had been gentle all morning not saying much. It really pains him that he was giving his daughter out to someone she didn't love, someone she doesn't even know. But he couldn't do anything to stop this and this realization alone really anger's him. For the past few days he had been unfair to his family not showing them the love and care they deserve and he really hated himself for that. But what could he do he also didn't know what came over him. He had really failed both as a father and a husband. The ride was so quiet as no one said a thing. Each were pundering on their own thought, wondering when their situation had lead them to this extent.
Brother Umar congratulations Bilal said as he joined his brother at the garden. He had worn all white today. looking handsome as always.
Thank you. The man seems unhappy about the whole setting, all this for a NIkkah. He never expected this would be possible he had expected this sister to refuse the proposal but it looks like he was wrong. Maybe Bilal was right after all.
Brother what wrong you look so unhappy.
" It nothing i just want to be alone".
Bilal just left him without complaining. Sometimes He just can't understand this man no matter how much he tried. He was sure he was not happy with this Nikkah taking place and he wondered why he didn't refused in the first place.
At the other end of the garden Abu Safwan was smiling brightly which was so unusual of him as he discussed with some group business men. Abu what are you up to this time. Bilal mumbled silently upon sighting his Father before walking away.
After What seems like fifteen minutes Abu Dahwud and his family finally arrived.
Oh Yes finally. Abu Safwan Said within himself. he excused himself from the crowd to welcome the newly arrived guest
With Umaima still in the car along side Hafzah. They watched from the window as their family were welcomed by everyone.
" So this was it am really getting married".
"Don't worry sister everything is going to be okay i and Hatib had prayed all night to Allah, we had prayed that your husband to be would be a calm, understanding and gentle like you've always wanted"
Really you guys did that for me. Umaima was really surprised. Her little Lambs had really grown more than she had predicted.
"Anything for you sister".
Ohhh Hafzah am really touched. Umaima said feeling remorseful.
Now it was time for the bride and groom to match to the Arena. Hafzah opened the door as Umaima got down from the car
Assalamualaikum a masculine voice greeted her as she came out.
Wa alaykum Salam. she answered without meeting his gaze. The Duo along side hafzah matched together to were they were suppose to take their sit. leaving the guest in awe they look so perfect together. Even if the brides face was not visible as she has covered her face with a veil earlier. she still looked breathe taking.
That my sister she's the best sister one could ever asked for. Hatib said to Bilal. The teenage boy wanted to impress his new in-law maybe if he said good things about his sister they would treat her well.
Humm is that so. Bilal asked. And that was all he needed as a go and he kept talking non stop. Bilal looked at the boy a little bit surprised. why was he telling him all these.
And now you are legally married.....
That statement made Hatib stopped he looked at his sister. he was sure she was crying under her veil. he felt so sad he wished he could get her out of this situation. she always had her ways of getting out of any difficult situation why was she not doing so now? Why was she going against her own will? Bilal looked at the boy beside him. Whom has suddenly become quiet with a sad expression on his face. Wait!! could it be that this sister was also forced into marrying my brother. This realization shocked him something is definitely not right.
The whole nikkah ended just as Abu safwan predicted. He felt like a fulfilled man.
Umaima was taken to a room in the Mansion were she was to share with her husband. The room looked way bigger than hers. A large king size bed covered with a blue and white bedspread was placed at the middle, opposite the bed were two door which she was sure one leads to the bathroom and the other could be the closest, just beside the bed a few distance away was a large standing mirror she went straight to the mirror to looked at herself she had really loose weight these past few day. Well, who wouldn't in her situation. A large white couch was placed a few distance from the bed at the other side twenty steps away from the couch was was an open space at gives the outside view. It was more like a verandah.
She left the room and went downstairs. She just can't stay all alone in that room. It looks like the house was empty. She would admit this house was so big and beautiful.
Umaima what wrong.
ohhh Ummu!! Umaima seemed surprised seeing her mother. How long have you been standing i didn't see you entering.
That because your mind was not here.
My Nur please don't stop your light from shinning. I know this is still hard for you to accept but trust me when I say you can overcome this. I pray you find love and peace in your new home.
"Ummu are all going to leave me here" was the only reply that came out of Umaima's mouth.
My Nur we would be leaving very soon. Am so sorry you had to end up like this.
Ummu, there is nothing to be sorry about maybe this was what Allah had destined for me. i just hope i would be satisfied with this. But i still find it hard to believe that am going to stay here henceforth.
she couldn't hold it anymore her tears finally poured out like a flowing river.
usshhh not here, don't cry.
Sister don't cry every thing will be alright. Umaima looked up only to see her father and her siblings alongside her luggage it looks like they were ready to leave.
Be strong Umaima this is for the best. i wish you happiness in your new home. Abu said
Alihamdulillah Umaima said within.
This was the nicest word Abu had said to her in days.
Take a teddy bear this will help you remember us and know that we are always here for you. And if your husband is rude to you, call me. I will teach him not to mess with my big sister.
Hati....b.
You can't be serious hatib is this really you. Hafzah couldn't help but ask. And what is it about teaching someone a lesson.
Hatib that so nice of you i will always keep that in mind thank you so much. Umaima said letting out a weak smile. After so much emotional talks , advices and prayers Umaima was finally left in a world of her own . A world were she was a stranger. A world were she don't know whom to talk to and whom to trust. well, At least this her new world won't stop her from being who she is.
She later went back to the bedroom. Her luggage had been taken there a while ago.
After finding her way to the bathroom she observed ablution thank God she had brought her praying mat as there was no mat around. After observing her prayers.
she felt so hungry she hadn't had anything since yesterday.
It was around six, Her heart skipped a bit when she suddenly had a knock from the door. Her family had long gone home so could that be. Was it her husband or........
ye...s who is it.
she manage to say.
please come join us at the table.
was the reply she received and that it. The person at the other end left.
What... that was it. So unacceptable. Back at home Ummu would make sure she comes out of her room and they would both head to the dinning together.
stupid!! stupid!! stupid!! Umaima do you think you are at home. this is your new home you have to get use to the behavior around here. Should i go join them or maybe i should stay i would just have some cookies and go to bed. bu..t am so hungry cookies won't be enough. Ummu were are you? she kept talking to herself. Fighting the battle of either going to the table or just having cookies instead. but it looks like her tummy wouldn't let her choose as it had already made it own decision on going to the table.
. Umar didn't you call your wife to join us at the table.
Abu Safwan asked.
yes i did
and why is she not here.
Maybe she's not hungry. He said plainly.
ohhh i see. Well, i will be leaving now. looks like my work here is done. Bilal you too should leave when you are done i wouldn't want anyone disturbing the newly wedded couple.
" Assalamualaikum"
Wa alaikum salam they replied in Union
It looks like the boys were already use to Abu Safwans ways of doing thing as they were not taken aback on his behavior so far.
Brother Umar are you sure she's not hungry or maybe you could bring some food to her in the room. Maybe she's shy or something. Bilal said from the information he got from Hatib Umaima was a foodie. But still it felt funny, he just can't imagine his brother being the lovely and caring husband when his wife refuses to eat.
And...
Assalamualaikum
Both Brother turned their head to the source of voice.