Accepted With Flaws

-Unfolding of Hearts-

And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.

(Surah Ar-Rum 30:21)
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Luth's POV

"Do you, Luth ibn Harris, accept Omaiza, daughter of Omar, as a wife for *** amount of Mahar?" The sheikh asked, and in that moment, I had never been so sure in my life.

"Yes, I accept," I said, my voice unwavering.

Congratulations filled the air as all our friends and family stood up to share in our joy.

"You've grown up, son. I'm proud of you," baba said, hugging me tightly.

Alhamdulillah, the nikah was complete by accepting the agreed mahr. Uncle Omar and others came forward to congratulate me and offer their well-wishes.

"Mabrook, Luth!" Zaid hugged me, adding, "Don't scare her tonight, okay?" and he winked, causing a surge of annoyance in me. This guy's teasing would surely get on my nerves someday, but for now, I just smiled and hoped that day wasn't today.

The auditorium was filled with men, and I could hardly breathe. Honestly, I was as nervous as one could be. And to be honest, I was envious of Omaiza's friend, Olive, who always seemed so carefree and at ease.

"Hey, there, brother. Ssup? You don't look good. Anything I can do for you?" Olive, the only person who could make me jealous, asked.

"Nah, bro, all fine," I lied, trying to hide my nervousness.

"Come on, boys! It's time to meet and greet the beautiful bride!!" Uncle Omar's booming voice called us.

"I guess Uncle Omar made you relieved," Olive said, sending me a wink, and I couldn't help but smile.

But then, without even realizing, I sent a wink back at him. Wait, what?! My inner voice facepalmed in disbelief.

We made our way to the ladies' section, and it was just me and Dad, along with Uncle Omar, Yasir, Olive, Zaid, his dad, and Mahira. The eight of us headed towards the stage. Zaid nudged me playfully, and I gave him an annoyed look.

"Urgh, come on, Zaid," I muttered, feeling my anxiety rising.

"Ladies, the groom is here! Cover yourselves," an old lady yelled across the room, and I felt the pressure and excitement mounting.

As I approached the stage, I caught a glimpse of Omaiza in her stunning attire. My heart skipped a beat, and a shiver ran down my body. Yasir coughed, trying to bring me back to reality.

"I mean, were you saying something, Yasir?" I said, trying to cover my distraction.

"Brother, she is all yours. Stop drooling over my sister," Yasir teased, and I couldn't help but chuckle, facepalming at my own foolishness.

But when I stood next to Omaiza, my heart raced again. I bent near her ear and whispered, "Assalamu alaikum, beautiful."

"Walaikum salam wa Rahmatullah wa barakathuhu," she replied in a low voice, and I could tell she was just as nervous as I was.

Amidst the applause and laughter, I lifted her veil with a heartfelt "Bismillah" and whispered, "Ma Sha Allah, Allahumma barik Laha." Her blush made my heart flutter, and I felt a connection that seemed to transcend everything around us.

As we gazed into each other's eyes, it felt like we were the only ones in the room. There was an unspoken understanding, and I yearned to know the stories hidden behind her expressive eyes. We were brought back to reality by the applause and laughter around us.

"You look very pretty, zawj," I said Omaiza while smiling at some random lady, trying to act casual.

"You don't look bad either," she replied casually, and I was taken aback. Did she really just say that?

My surprise must have been evident as she smiled and questioned, "Was I... I mean?"
"yeah, at some random guest." I said.

She didn't realize how beautiful her smile was and the effect it had on me. I shrugged, trying to brush off my amazement.

"Let's leave, newlyweds," baba said, smiling at Omaiza. As we walked away together, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment, knowing that my life had taken an unexpected, but perhaps beautiful, turn.