Rayana and Murat are officially married, and I am very happy for them. Rayana wasn't too enthusiastic as a bride would be on her wedding day, given that she's getting married to the love of her life. The reason for this was that, her parents didn't show up. Although her father bought her a new car as a wedding gift, and a set of diamond earrings - he makes up for his absence by gifts, as Rayana calls them guilt purchases. She's not a fan of them. As for her mother, she couldn't make it because she is in Sweden along with my father. She is really dedicated into seeing through the recovery of my father, her brother. Aunty Sarah didn't really expand on her reason. But she managed to FaceTime Rayana - to compliment her, gave her advice, express her love for her and regret for missing the event.
I was by her side, the whole time. Making sure the bride was anything but sad, she got a bit a hysterical for a moment. A while later she was battling her tears, forcing herself Not to cry because her make up was done already. It was hard seeing Rayana in this state, she's usually so cheery and hopeful.
After the marriage was officiated, Murat and Rayana walked side by side and walked in the grand hall, in the Hotel. Well decorated and looked really magical. I was filled with joy for my cousin and best friend. She has been like an angel in my life and seeing that she gets a version of happy ever after, just sparks my heart with bliss. I suppose my maid of honor duties are now over. On second thought...
Rayana's subtle wave caught my eye, I walk up the stage, and sit next to her - she whispers into my ear: "I forgot my mints."
"I'll go get them," I whisper back. Before I got up she holds my hand and pulls me back down.
"Smile for the picture first." She looked at me and then turned her head to face the camera, with a wide smile. We posed for a couple of pictures, before I left. I got into the elevator, and pressed the button.
"Please hold..." I hear a frantic voice say. I hold the closing doors and take a step back, the person walks in the elevator and I look up. "Mal." He said in a hushed tone. The elevator starts moving before I could get out. Great. Just great. I ignore him and look away. I look anywhere, but at him. The elevator stops moving abruptly at the 5th floor. I lost my balance, unsteadily stumble back - I quickly held onto the rail. The lights start flickering and the elevator gets wobbly and then completely still. He presses the emergency button, repeatedly. I regain my balance and let go of the rail. Just when I thought things couldn't get worse.
"Mal..." He turns to look at me, his eyes clear and grave. It was easy to tell that he was remorseful. But that didn't matter to me. He was non-existent in my mind, well that's what I taught myself to believe.
"I.." He stopped talking and looked away. Passing his hands through his curls and sighing. I rolled my eyes. I have imagined our encounter, never in the million scenarios I came up with did I ever think that, Imad and me would be stuck in an elevator. Just the two of us.
I kept on thinking of how worried Rayana must be if not curious to why I haven't returned with her mints. I made a dua. Tried my very best to ignore his presence. After a while (of awkward silence) the the elevator started moving again and I quickly got off. It took everything in me to not confront him and just express my anger.
"Amal." I stop walking and turn around. He strides towards me, his eyes barely able to keep contact with mine. Must be all the guilt or shame - if he has any. He stands in front me and hugs me. I push him away, escaping from the one sided and non-consensual hug. I slap him. He places his hand on his cheek.
"You thought a hug could solve everything." I crossed my arms across my chest.
"No. I didn't think that." He shifts his gaze to the floor and then back at me.
"There's nothing to be said or to be done. So please leave me alone, you've done a good job so far. Just stay away from me. I don't want anything from you. Not anymore." I said and walked away. I got into the room, closed the door and started crying. I fall to my knees feeling weak already, as tears streamed down my cheeks. I placed my hand over my mouth to stop the sobs from escaping. He had hurt me, now seeing him just reminded me of that hurt. Not that I ever forgotten it, just that I had learnt to live with it and ignore it.
I get up and walk into the bathroom and fix my make up, my eyes already blistering in red and sadness. I fixed my make up, my scarf, took the mints and walked out of the room. Praying that Imad would be long gone, and that after today's encounter they would not be another one. Because the wedding is over, and there wouldn't a reason for him to stay.
"Amal." I look ahead to see Zara walking to my direction. "What took you so long? Rayana is worried."
"The elevator had stopped for a while." I said.
"Woah are you okay?" She spoke concerned.
"Yes I am fine." We went back to the wedding together and enjoyed the rest of the event.
...
"I hope you have fun and love your honeymoon," I told her as she got into the car. Before she answered, Murat spoke:
"Of course she will. She has a fun husband." We both laughed. I hugged Rayana one more time, because I was going to miss her a lot.
"Call me. Whatever the time and whenever. Just call me if you need me." Before I let go she told me that. I nodded my head and agreed. I wasn't going to disturb her though, on her honeymoon with her husband. I agreed so that she wouldn't get worried and we fall into another argument.
"Take care," I told her.
"You too take care of yourself and try not to run away from Jamal, this time. If his intentions are true and good, you have nothing to worry about. So do what's best for you." With those last words being said, the car started moving and I waved to her as she waved back at me.
I am really going to miss her.