Accepted With Flaws

-Veiled promises-

It is He who created you from one soul and created from it its mate that he might dwell in security with her.

(Surah Al-A'raf 7:189)

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Omaiza's POV

As I stood there in my white laced netted gown, glitters twinkling at the bottom, I couldn't help but feel amazed by how beautiful the dress was. Asma aunty had managed to find this perfect outfit for me, along with a matching headscarf and heels.

"Ma sha Allah, Allahumma barik alaih omaiza. You look so beautiful," Asma aunty exclaimed, her words filled with joy and admiration.

But amidst all the excitement, doubts crept into my mind. Was I really ready for this marriage? I silently prayed, "Ya Rabbi, guide me."

Lost in my thoughts, Mahira's loud voice pulled me back to reality. "Ya Habibti!!!" she screamed with excitement.

I sighed, trying to calm her down. "Stop screaming, Mahira. What is it?"

"You look so breathtaking, yaar! I just can't take my eyes off you," she said, making exaggerated expressions.

And just like that, it was done. I was married. Everything seemed to happen in the blink of an eye. With my veils down, I waited for my husband to lift them. The women around me congratulated and blessed me.

Nervousness overwhelmed me, and I trembled with each passing moment. I was so anxious that even the slightest touch would make me falter.

As I waited, I overheard some gossip. "Why is Luth marrying this girl? My daughter is way prettier than her," a random aunty loudly whispered.

"Oh, shut up, Sameera. Look at her – she's so beautifully curved; any guy would want her," another voice chimed in. I wished they'd stop talking about me.

"Behave, useless!" aunt Yasmeen scolded the gossiping ladies, coming to my defense.

My heart skipped a beat, but before I could process everything, the announcement came: "Ladies, the groom is here! Cover yourselves."

I felt my fingers go numb and sweaty, and I tried to steady myself. Then, he appeared – Lut, my groom, looking handsome in a black tuxedo with styled hair. I could somewhat see him through my veil, and each step he took towards me seemed to bridge the distance between us. My heart raced, and I silently prayed, "Allahumma Yassir Wala tuassir rabbi tameem bil Khair" – "(Ya Allah, make it easy and grant me goodness)."

As he came closer, he whispered in my ear, "Assalamu alaikum, beautiful." His words sent shivers down my spine.

"Walaikum salam wa Rahmatullah wa barakathuhu," I replied in a low voice, feeling a mix of emotions.

The anticipation built up as the guys encouraged him to unveil me. I held my breath, unsure of what awaited me on the other side of the veil.