Mr. & Mrs. Counsellor (Completed)

Exhibit 8

Rasyid

It was the morning of my nikah, and I could feel the swirls of emotions inside of me. There was a mixture of joy, excitement, and nerves. As the sun began to rise, casting a warm golden glow through my window, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the momentous day ahead.

Luckily, Ali was by my side, determined to ease my worries and lend a helping hand. "Take a deep breath, Rasyid. Today is the start of a beautiful journey with Zahra. You two are meant to be together." He handed me a glass of water and smiled warmly. Taking a sip from the glass, my anxiousness calms a notch. "Were you nervous during your nikah?" I asked Ali, hoping I was not the only one who overreacted.

"I believe everyone is Rasyid; it may be our happy day, but it was also the day we were given a huge responsibility. It makes sense if you are nervous."

"I'm terrified." I poured myself another cup of water.

"What are you terrified of? Are you afraid that you'll stutter? Manned up, big guy; you're a lawyer; you make money with your spit."

"I have been practicing; I think I will be fine. But what if she bailed out? What if she's having cold feet?"

Ali raised an eyebrow, discontented with what had come out of my mouth. "Are you having cold feet?"

His remarks caused my eyes to widen in surprise. "What. No! I am sure that I love her, and I want her to be my wife."

"Then let's go make her halal for you. So that you won't be having a mental breakdown if this delays any longer." He opened the door and made a gesture for me to leave the room and run to my bride. He may not be saying that, but it was my heart telling me to.

A flurry of activity greeted me when we arrived at the mosque. The sound of laughter and joy filled the room, creating a vibrant energy that was contagious. My mom buzzed around, ensuring every detail was perfect for the beautiful union about to take place. I have never seen her this busy.

I sat at the designated place in the middle of the room and greeted him with a smile. My eyes wandered around the room, but Zahra was nowhere to be found. I started to look restless before Ali realized I was fidgeting on my seat and said, "They're on their way. Nia texted me before they left."

"Thanks." I said. But the nerves haven't gone. It seems like it escalated more quickly than before. Then I saw people rushing through the door, and that was when I saw her. My beautiful bride was walking gracefully in her white dress. A smile tugged at the corner of my lips, and all the nerves seemed to fade away the moment I laid my eyes on her. I did not know how she did it, but her presence, her radiating love and warmth, and her smile gleamed serenity into my heart.

Zahra sat a few feet behind me. Once she settles down, Zahra's father, Utsman, and the witnesses take their place around the designated area for the nikah ceremony. Ali was one of the witnesses. As for the rest of our family members, they gather around the area to witness the important ceremony.

"Muhammad Rasyid, I hereby give you my daughter, Zahra Khadija, a hand in marriage along with a mahr of 50 grams of gold."

"I accept."

He then looked at the other three witnesses, Ali and two other imams of the mosque, to ask for validation. All three members give validation. 'Alhamdulillah' echoes throughout the room, announcing that Zahra has legally become my wife.

The ceremony concluded with prayers for a blessed and prosperous marriage, as the Imam encouraged everyone present to extend their blessings and well wishes to the newlyweds. I turned to her and saw she was experiencing her own set of emotions. I noticed that Zahra was wiping her tears and felt an overwhelming urge to comfort her, to wipe her tears, and to reassure her that everything was going to be okay.

Then our eyes met, and Zahra conveyed a gentle smile that put warmth into my heart. She did it again; she washed away all my troubles with just her smile. I can only thank Allah for this precious moment and blessings. It was something beyond what I expected. 'And put your trust in Allah. For Allah is a sufficient trustee of affairs' (33:3)

After the lovely nikah ceremony, Zahra and I left the mosque to the jubilant cheers of our loved ones. As we walked side by side, I couldn't help but notice Zahra's shy demeanor, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. I gently nudge her, trying to elicit a playful response. "You are blushing so beautifully." I whispered in her ear with a playful smile tugging at the corner of my lips.

Zahra fidgeted shyly, her gaze cast downward, but a faint smile graced her lips. Without warning, she landed a blow on my arms with her flower bouquet. I deserved that. Our first playful fight as husband and wife, I guess. As our steps carried us forward, I couldn't resist the urge to hold Zahra's hand. We are halal for each other. We can hold hands and frolick our way out from here.

I slowly extended my hand towards her and asked, "May I hold your hand, my dear Zahra?" I could see her face light up with a delightful blush. It was redder than before, but she tried to hide it. Zahra shyly placed her hand on mine. It sent a spark of electricity coursing through me. With our fingers entwined, we continued to walk to my car and drove to her parents' house for a little feast with both of our families.

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