The Mark of Innocence: #6 Last Chapters 59 & 60 Pg 120 - Page 70

Fifty Six

Zoya woke up with an array of emotions running through, it was hard for her to decipher what emotion was the most prominent 'why do you look so lost for?' Humera asked as she put her arm around her 'not lost...just overwhelmed...I really can't believe I am getting married today...a day that I had not thought about thinking it would be in years to come and look at me now getting ready to be dressed as a bride' 'we can only plan Zoya but the master planner up there...everything is in His hands...today could not be more perfect' 'yeah...it really couldn't...but you know what would be perfect is that if you and Ayaan now think about tying the knot...I mean you are practically engaged...then why not?' Humera started to blush 'one day inshAllah...let's get you over and done with and then when the time is right we can think about me and my crazy boy...no hurry up and get over with your shower everyone will be gathering soon'.

Zoya came out of the shower and was met with Humera, Razia and two other women who had come to do her hair and makeup. 'Zoya, beta this was delivered for you earlier today' 'what is it Aunty?' Zoya asked looking at the beautifully decorated basket 'it's your wedding lehnga and jewellery, Dilshad had Ayaan brought it over earlier' Zoya walked up to Razia and took the cover off, in the basked lay the most stunning outfit she had ever seen, it was a deep maroon bridal dress with delicate gold embroidery adorned with small diamant's and rubies, and with it was a gold necklace, earrings and 6 bangles. Zoya grazed her hand over the dress and jewellery crying tears of happiness 'this is all for me?' she said in a chocked voice 'yes beta...for you, now no more tears...come on let's get you ready'.

Humera had left Priya with Zoya as she was not in a fit state to be walking around or exerting herself so much, whilst Priya kept Zoya company Humera, Razia, Ayana and Lillie made sure they got to the hall on time to see everything was in place to receive Asad and his family.

'RJ, its time can you please go and pick up Zoya and Humera' Razia said 'sure Aunty am on my way now'. RJ walked into the Siddiqui house to find Zoya sitting there dressed as what he could only describe as a true princess, he walked up to her and held her by the top her shoulders 'it's as if your Allah has truly sent down one of his Angels...Zoya you look phenomenal' 'thanks Big B...I guess it's time to get the show on the road' 'yes it is...come lets go'.

RJ pulled up outside the hall, Asad and his family had already taken to the stage and awaited Zoya's entry. Razia, Humera, Ayana and Lillie stood by her to take her inside 'Big B...will you hold my hand and take me...as my older brother?' RJ cupped her face 'of course I will' 'Zoya...one minute' Razia said 'if you don't mind beta, Humera's Abu can also stand beside you as a...' Razia couldn't bring herself to say father figure as she knew what Zoya had gone through 'I would love that Aunty...thank you' Gahffur and RJ stood on either side of Zoya and took her in as she stepped foot in the hall the dhol players beat the most enthralling beats that announced that the bride to be was here.

Zoya kept her eyes lowered as she took baby steps towards Asad, her destiny. As she sat down a veil was held up between them after which the Maulana recited verses from the Quran and then read out the Nikah. After having said those two magical words that bonded them as one the veil was taken away. The hall erupted in loud clapping and cheers for the newlyweds.

As Asad and Zoya sat side by side they tried to steal glances trying to get a look at one another. Once dinner had started to be served Asad and Zoya were asked to join everyone, after which they were taken to a private room for a photo shoot. It was when they stepped inside the room that Asad turned around to see his Zoya.

'You really not going to look at me Mrs Asad Ahmed Khan?' he said teasingly as Zoya continued to blush profusely. She slowly raised her eyes to meet his and when they met it was as if they had faded away from this world into a world of their own. 'You look absolutely breathtaking Zoya' Zoya was just about to reply when the photographer came in with Najma and Dilshad.

After a long photo shoot Asad and Zoya joined everyone back in the main hall where they also had something to eat, they went round thanking their guests and really just enjoying themselves. After dinner RJ and his team had prepared a few dance acts, Ayaan and Humera also joined in with them. Zoya was totally blown away, she really couldn't thank them enough 'I can't believe you guys managed to prepare all that in just a few days' she said as she hugged them to say thank you.

RJ took the mic 'ok people can I please have your attention. On behalf of The Khan and Siddiqui family I would like to thank you all for coming and being a part of one of the most memorable and precious days in all our lives, a day where two people have finally united to become one. I declare the dance floor open and would like our newlyweds to come and start off the dance...music please'.

Asad held out his hand in front of Zoya which she took, he led her to the middle of the dance floor and danced to their first dance as husband and wife, a slow melodious romantic song which they not only swayed to but totally lost themselves in. Zoya looked deep into his eyes 'dreams do come true, prayers are answered and it doesn't matter what life throws at you believing is what has got me here...I love you' Asad kissed her forehead 'I love you too'. Their little kiss made the hall echo with loud whistles and cheering after which the DJ put on some loud upbeat songs and then everyone joined in.

Zoya took her first step into the house that she had been living in for so long but in a new avatar. She was now the daughter in law of this house and this was finally her home. Dilshad and Rashid hugged them both and welcomed them in. 'Najma take Zoya upstairs please' Dilshad said, Asad was about to follow when he was pulled back by Ayaan not so fast Leo...I mean what's the rush...it's Zoya...you know the girls who has been living her for almost 10 months now...' 'Ayaan...am I supposed to be laughing...because I am not so let go...' 'no way...I deserve a little fun too you know...and plus I have to give you something, Ammi and Abu couldn't make it to the wedding, they said they will call you in the morning and they asked me to give you this' Asad took the box from Ayaan, inside was a what looked like a book covered in a musk fragranced cloth he took the book out and when he opened it he almost forgot to breath 'Ayaan...this is...thank you so much' Ayaan hugged Asad 'it's from all of us, I didn't know what else to give...I thought this would be something that would bring blessings to you both...sometimes in all of what we do we seem to forget the divine words that have been bestowed upon us' Asad looked at Ayaan with a raised eyebrow 'did you hit your head or something' 'ha ha very funny...look you can go up...but you can't stay for long' 'what do you mean?' 'I mean you and Zoya are not staying here, you have been booked into The Grand National Hotel for tonight and then my dear brother you two are flying out to Dubai for a week for your honey moon...that is our present to you too' Asad smiled at Ayaan and hugged him again 'you are not such an idiot after all...but on a serious note, thanks man...it really does mean a lot'.

Asad walked upstairs to find Najma helping Zoya take of her outfit 'Bhaijaan, just a few more minutes, all your bags are packed...you can get changed too' 'thanks Tamatar...umm can you go and ask Ramu to come and get these' 'yeah sure'.

As Najma left Asad walked up to Zoya 'I was looking forward to doing that?' 'Doing what?' Asad wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer 'undressing you' he whispered against her ear making her gasp and turn away blushing.

Asad turned her around again 'what's that' she said pointing to the box he held 'oh...umm why don't you take a look'. Zoya opened the box she looked up at Asad wide eyed 'who gave this to you?' 'Ayaan'. Ayaan had gifted Asad and Zoya a Quran a book that captured every word from Allah, a book of guidance a book so pure that was the core to every Muslims heartbeat, this was one present that no other could match 'it's beautiful...I must thank him' 'you can but for now we need to get going, I guess Tamatar told you about the hotel and then the holiday?' 'Yes she did...a few minutes and then I will be with you'.