by Leslie North
“I'm scared,” Sara said.
“Should I get the car ready?” Alex joked but only Sara laughed.
“You don't feel ready?” Aaliyah asked.
“I really want to marry him but will I be a good wife?” Sara's voice was shaky. Tariq's mother hugged her. She could see the sincerity in her eyes. Sara really did love her son.
“Yes, you will be, don't worry,” said Mrs. Botros. Sara's mother and Fiddah also hugged her and offered words of wisdom. They finally left for the mosque. The bridal party had all arrived and waited in the side room whilst the groom entered the mosque first.
“Dad!” Sara cried out with joy when she saw her father. He hugged her. “Cutting it close,” Sara pouted.
“I know, I'm so sorry,” Sara's father said.
“It's okay, you're here now. Are you okay? Is it okay for you to be here?”
“Of course. I'd never miss my only baby girl's biggest day.” He kissed her on the cheek.
Everybody else had entered the mosque. It was only Sara and her father who were left. Tariq waited for her. He wore a cream sherwani with intricate gold embroidery decorating the front, along the collar and on the cuffs with matching cream trousers. His jet-black hair was freshly cut. His face was shaved, and he had a small goatee. His groomsmen, Amir and Malik, stood by his side.
Finally, Sara entered on her father's arm. Everyone stood up as she walked in. Tariq stared at her. He knew she was beautiful but today was on another level. She was the most gorgeous woman he had ever laid eyes on. His intense gaze rested on her, as he forgot about the world. Amir smiled as he saw her. She was beautiful. Her father stopped half way and kissed her on the cheek. She had to walk to Tariq on her own. She concentrated on her steps, as she did not want to stumble in her wedding dress. She couldn't stop smiling at Tariq. He looked so attractive. She couldn't wait to reach him.
“You may all sit down,” The officiant said after Sara came to stand next to Tariq. “We shall start, if the groom can take his eyes off the bride,” he added jokingly. The crowd laughed. Tariq hadn't stopped staring at her.
“She's gorgeous,” he said still looking at her.
“Awww,” everyone said together. Sara smiled and looked down. His gaze made her shy and weak in the knees.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today,” the officiant began to recite. Sara kept stealing glances at Tariq. Amir was looking at Soraya. This was the first time he had seen her in a dress. He couldn't wait to speak to her. He was glad she had decided to come. Soraya had noticed Amir as soon as she had come into the mosque. He was also dressed in a cream sherwani, but his did not have the embroidery. His hair was brushed back and his beard was only a day old. She found him very attractive but she didn't want to be caught staring. She had to act as if she didn't see him. Tariq and Sara exchanged vows.
“With this ring, I take thee, Tariq Botros, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold until death do us part,” Sara said as she placed the ring on his finger. Tariq repeated his vow as he put the ring on her finger.
“I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may ki-” before he finished speaking, Tariq had already moved in for a kiss. He pulled Sara close to him and kissed her deeply. The crowd clapped and cheered. “Someone is eager,” the officiant joked after they had stopped kissing.
Chapter 12
The wedding reception was held at one of the best hotels in the country. The large dining room had been transformed for the event. There was an open space for dancing. The tables were evenly spread out and set with expensive table settings. Tariq and Sara had been whisked off in their stretch limo to take pictures. They arrived at the reception last. Malik was the one who announced their entry. Sara could not stop gushing. She loved being on Tariq's arm and having the whole world see them. Everyone stood up to welcome the new couple.
Sara and Tariq were to have their first dance. Sara placed her small hand in Tariq's palm and her other hand on his shoulder. As the music filled the room, they started dancing. Tariq stared into his wife's eyes, he watched her blush. She was the most beautiful woman in the world and she was all his. Everyone watched them sway and glide elegantly around the room. They were beautiful and happy.
After the song, Sara and Tariq went to sit at a high table that faced everyone. The caterers served the delicious food that was prepared for the wedding. Music filled the room whilst everyone ate and chatted.
“Mrs. Botros,” Tariq called Sara. She giggled in response.
“I could get used to that,” Sara replied.
“Me, too.” He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.
Amir smiled as he watched Tariq and Sara flirting. He was happy to see his brother so happy and married. This was something no one expected. He turned his attention to Soraya, who was sitting across the room. She was dressed in a blue halter-top dress, which ended at the knee. The dress was cut low showing off her cleavage. Her hair was wavy and pinned on the right side. She wore purple lipstick. This was Amir's first time seeing her like this. It was nice. He wanted to go speak with her but couldn't, he was sitting with Malik.
After Alex finished her meal, she approached Sara and Tariq. It was time for her to meet him in the flesh. It was long overdue.
“Congratulations to you both,” Alex said to them.
“Thank you,” Tariq replied. He was about to ask her who she was when Sara spoke up.
“Lex! Good, you're here, now I can introduce you two,” Sara said. She turned to face Tariq. “Babe, this is my best friend, Alex.” Alex looked him up and down.
“Nice to meet you,” Tariq said to her.
“Likewise, handsome,” Alex replied. Tariq raised his eyebrows. He was not expecting the compliment. Sara laughed. “Treat her right, otherwise I'll hunt you down,” Alex added.
“Excuse me?”
“As her friend and sister, it is my obligation to threaten your life if you misbehave. Anyway, let the singles, mingle.” Alex looked at Sara and mouthed, he's gorgeous. She winked at her then left. Sara laughed and shook her head, typical Alex. If she found a guy attractive, she was not afraid to say it. She was not subtle.
Amir was in the middle of a conversation. He turned and saw Soraya speaking with Kalil Burka. Someone Amir was not fond of. It frustrated him even more that he was speaking with her. He immediately excused himself and walked over to Soraya like a man on mission. He reached her and interrupted the conversation.
“Hello, habibti,” Amir said and took Soraya's hand into his. Soraya was caught off guard but it did not surprise her. Amir was always popping up out of nowhere.
“We are in the middle of a conversation,” Soraya said to Amir.
“And now it's finished,” Amir replied looking at Kalil.
“Amir, arrogant as always,” Kalil said.
“And you're as irritating as always.”
Soraya frowned. She looked at both Kalil and Amir. “You two know each other?” she asked.
“Unfortunately,” Amir said. He helped Soraya to her feet. She was about to protest but Amir put his hand up to stop her from talking.
“You never learned how to treat women,” Kalil said as he stood up. He held Soraya's arm. Amir flicked his hand off immediately.
“Keep your hands off what's mine,” Amir warned him and walked off with Soraya. They made their way out of the room and into the corridor. Soraya shook her arm free from Amir and slapped him. He widened his eyes. He looked at her with confusion. He was not expecting her to do that.
“Are you crazy?” Soraya shouted at him.
“What is that for?” Amir asked her as he rubbed his cheek. She had a strong swing.
“This is the second time that you acted like that, only this time it was worse. What’s your problem?” Soraya placed her hands on her hips and stared at him impatiently. “What are you smirking at?” she asked when she noticed his look.
“This is the first reaction you've ever given me.”
“Me, getting angry, pleases yo
u?”
“It's adorable.”
Soraya resisted the urge to slap him again. He moved closer to her and stopped smiling. He looked her in the eye.
“I don't like seeing you with other men,” Amir said. His tone had changed. It was more serious. His facial expression was more intense.
“Like I said last time-” Before Soraya could finish her sentence, Amir cut her off.
“I don't care, you are mine and I will claim you.”
His words gave her a mix of emotions. How can he say claim? She was not an object that he could simply acquire. He spoke like the womaniser she thought he was. He thought he could get any woman he wanted at the snap of his fingers. This made her angry. At the same time, his words painted him as alpha male who knew what he wanted. He stared at her with so much desire in his eyes. She felt butterflies circling in her stomach. Heat crept into her face. She had never felt like this before.
Amir cupped her face in his hands. He couldn't take it anymore. So many times, he had ignored the urge to take her in his arms. He leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. Soraya was caught off guard. This she did not expect. She hit him in the chest twice and tried to push him away but he did not flinch. He kept kissing her. She stopped fighting him as her arms found their way around his neck. He pulled her closer to him and thrust his tongue into her mouth. Soraya kissed him back as she stroked the back of his neck.
Soraya pulled back when realisation sank in. She was panting, her face was flushed and her heart was beating 300 beats a minute. She felt like her body was on fire. Just his lips had ignited her. “What. Are. You. Doing?” She managed to say. She was still out of breath.
“I told you that I was going to claim you,” Amir replied. His voice had deepened. Soraya ran her hand through her hair and blinked a couple times. Claim me again! she thought.
“Stop playing games,” she told him hoping he wouldn’t hear the tremble in her voice.
“I'm not playing games. I told you that I want you. Only you. I am not giving up.”
She did not even know what to say. She did not know if she wanted him or not. An announcement from the main hall interrupted their awkward silence. It was time for the toasts and Amir was to give the first one. Soraya walked off. Amir lingered in the corridor for a few moments. He had always wanted to kiss her but he had no idea it was going to be that amazing. He wanted her even more now.
Amir entered the room acting as if nothing had happened. “Thank you, everyone, for coming to my stubborn brother's wedding,” Amir said as he began his speech. “If you know my brother, then you know he is obstinate. He doesn't bend his will or succumb to anyone. A year ago, the idea of marriage was out of the question to him. He concentrated on work and family. We thank God for this beautiful woman and my best friend, Sara. If not for her, I would have never had a niece. There was no hope for Tariq,” he went on. Tariq sat there frowning at his brother. He was painting him to be the most hard-headed person ever known to exist. Sara was laughing. She knew too well, how stubborn he was.
“Sara is the only person to have ever broken past his determination. I don't know how she did it, but we commend her.” Amir turned his attention to Soraya. “But my brother is wise. He found a woman who is bold enough to challenge his character and help him become a better man. If you find a woman who makes you smile simply at hearing her name, looks adorable when she’s angry, has eyes filled with innocence, but at the same time is intelligent, beautiful and elegant, never let her go.” Amir raised his glass. Soraya felt her face turning red. It was as if he was talking about her. “Cheers,” Amir said and took a sip. Everyone clinked their glasses together and drank. Soraya turned to her glass and downed half of it. Her nerves were all over the place.
Chapter 13
Malik turned to see what Amir had been staring at so intently. He saw his sister. He ignored it assuming that there was nothing to it. After his speech, Fiddah gave one as well. She mostly spoke about how beautiful their union was. How very happy she was to see them together. They were made for each other. The reason why Tariq never married was that he hadn't met Sara yet. He was fated to be with her. Everyone clapped after she was finished.
After the speeches, music filled the room once again. People got up and started dancing. Sara's brothers went to speak with Sara and Tariq.
“Congratulations, scabs,” James said and pecked Sara on the cheek.
“Really, James, you're going to tease me right now?” Sara demanded.
“Don't touch her, you'll ruin the makeup,” John said.
“I'm surprised she is even wearing any.”
“Tell me about it. I bet they held her down to put it on her.”
“Okay, whatever,” Sara said. Tariq kept his face expressionless. Jason studied him. There was no cracking this man. He still wore the same stoic face on his wedding day, but he noticed how his faced changed when he was dancing with Sara. It was as if no one else was in the room. No one existed. He held her so delicately. His eyes softened for the first time. Clearly, this man was in love with his baby sister. He knew Sara was in a safe relationship. He could trust him with her.
“Congratulations,” Jason said and extended his hand to Tariq. Tariq shook it. Firm grip, Jason thought to himself. You could tell a lot from a man's handshake.
“Thank you,” Tariq replied.
Sara decided to go speak with Alex and Soraya. She felt like she had been sitting for too long and needed to move. Soraya smiled at her as she approached them. Sara opened her arms to hug her. Soraya stood up and gave her a hug.
“I feel like taking my shoes off,” Sara said. Soraya laughed gently.
“Typical Sara, she hates wearing high heels,” Alex said.
“I am not keen on them either,” Soraya said. Sara put her hand up for a high five and Soraya gave her one.
“Sara, you did not do enough justice in describing how attractive Tariq is,” Alex said and raised an eyebrow.
“Well,” Sara grinned. “He's alright,” she added.
“Whatever! You're head over heels for that man.”
“He is quite the character,” Soraya chimed in.
“Elaborate,” Alex said and leaned forward getting ready to hear the gossip.
“Excuse me, ladies,” Amir interrupted with a smile.
“Well hello, handsome number two,” Alex said. Sara laughed and covered her face.
“Hello, beautiful,” Amir took her hand and kissed it. Soraya tried her hardest to keep a straight face and not react.
“Alex, this is Amir, Tariq’s younger brother,” Sara said.
“Pleasure to meet you, Alex,” Amir said to her.
“The pleasure is all mine,” Alex replied.
“What's up?” Sara asked.
“I came to ask this lovely lady for a dance,” Amir said and looked at Soraya who was avoiding eye contact. Sara and Alex turned to look at Soraya. Amir cleared his throat to get her attention. Soraya turned slowly.
“Go for it,” Sara said quickly before Soraya refused to dance. Sara could see that Soraya was about to turn him down. Alex looked at her also and nudged her slightly. Soraya wondered what it would have been like if Aaliyah was there. She would have either been in her corner or maybe she'd strongly hint the way Sara and Alex were doing. Soraya reluctantly put her hand in his and followed him to the dance floor. He placed his hand around her waist with his free hand. She put her free hand on his shoulder.
For a few seconds they danced silently. Amir was looking at her. It was making her nervous, especially after they had kissed. The memory was still replaying in her head. Amir pulled her closer to him. She felt her heart pounding faster. Her eyes raced. She avoided eye contact. The silence was making things ten times worse. With each sway, her body rubbed against him. She had never been this close to a man, not in this way. And his touch was doing things to her that she had never experienced before. She really wanted him to kiss her again.
“Look at me,” Amir said to her.
&nb
sp; “Why?” Soraya asked. Amir tilted his face and leaned closer to Soraya. “Stop.” Soraya whispered. She couldn't take it anymore.
“I'm not doing anything,” Amir whispered back. Soraya looked down. “Could it be that you're actually shy?” Amir asked.
“Shut up,” Soraya said.
“You never show me any emotion.”
“That's because you're very annoying and impulsive.”
“I should stop, then.”
Amir expected Soraya to jump at the opportunity to tell him to leave her alone. To his surprise, she remained silent. She did not say anything. She simply kept dancing and looking at the floor.