Episode 20

Yasmin

My heart was pounding so hard, so fast, that I imagined I wouldn't be able to contain it within my chest, as it felt like it wanted to burst out.

*dress reference*

"Mom... I'm getting married in accordance with traditions, just as you once dreamed," I say, looking up at the sky, tears in my eyes, standing at the entrance of the hall where the ceremony will take place. "Thank you, my God, for allowing me to experience this moment. I am grateful for taking me out of that place of suffering and pain, and placing me in a family that welcomed me and is taking care of me. Grant me wisdom to navigate this marriage and guide me to find my way into my husband's heart. Teach me to be a wife that Samir looks at with admiration, love, and respect, and help me always honor my husband and build our home and our marriage. I know that my husband may reject me, but I ask that you do not let him abandon me to my own fate, and make my husband's heart receptive to my care and affection, thus creating a bond between us, so that we can build love and ultimately find our home in each other's hearts. Thank you for the privilege of enjoying a marriage, of having a prosperous and healthy husband. May the Lord watch over my Samir wherever he goes, always protect him from all evil, and not let any ill intentions against his life succeed. I thank you for everything, my good God, for I know that if I have come this far, with life and health, it is because you have never forsaken me."

I finish my moment of prayer and open my eyes, seeing the doors in front of me open.

I enter slowly into the grand hall, where some important men from the city are present, as well as my father-in-law and my brothers-in-law.

But I smell the delightful perfume of my husband, followed by his firm touch on my hand, and when I slightly lift my head, I meet Samir's intense gaze.

*outfit reference*

"You look stunning, my zawja!"

My heart skips a beat, completely falteringly, as I try futilely to control my breathing.

"Thank you... my husband," my voice comes out almost like a whisper.

"Ready for our final ceremony?" he asks, near my ear, causing shivers down my spine, and I merely nod softly. "Then let's go."

We walk towards where my father-in-law, Sheikh Yousef Harmud, will conduct the ceremony. My father-in-law, as a leader, is qualified to officiate wedding ceremonies.

Holding my husband's right hand, we hear the words spoken in Arabic, and I confess that I really do need to learn more about the native language of my people. But everything becomes so beautiful in this language.

"Now it's time for the embrace of the newlyweds, my beautiful one."

Samir looks at me intensely and moves closer slowly. Lip kisses are not recommended in traditional ceremonies, and I am glad for that because I have never even kissed a boy in my life, let alone have my first kiss witnessed by so many people and important men.

I feel my husband's hand slowly glide over my waist, and even through the fabric of the dress, it is impossible not to feel his touch.

His scent, the warmth of his body, and the intense way he looks at me, everything about Samir makes me nervous, anxious, with trembling and sweating hands.

"Don't be nervous, my beautiful eyes of the sea," he smiles and caresses my face. "Now I am finally your husband, so do not be afraid of my touch." I nod softly as he envelops me in a tender, warm hug that brings me a sense of security that I have never felt before.

I allow myself to hug him as well, and my heart seems to recognize this good feeling because a warm and calm heat surrounds me, soothing me, while the thousands of butterflies in my stomach flutter.

"Thank you for doing all of this for me, my husband," I say, moved.

"I will do much more, my eyes of the sea," he whispers against my neck, before giving a gentle kiss on my shoulder and another on my face, lightly sniffing my neck, which makes my cheeks heat up... I must be looking like a pepper, I'm so blushing!

My husband steps back and looks at me, smiling sideways.

I was so shy and so beautiful, my wife. - His hand slides again across my face, and the loving touch makes me close my eyes and smile, resting my face in his warm, massive hand. - I am so blessed to be able to admire your reaction to my affection, and even more so to have married such a delicate jewel.

I become even more awkward. I have never received compliments regarding my appearance. The one praised was always Najla, and even Ursula.

Well, my mother always praised me, highlighting my qualities, and my mother-in-law praised me as well... but nothing compares to the gaze and compliments of my husband.

"Your eyes have such a beautiful sparkle, my Yas." I smile slightly at the way he called me.

"Your... Yas?" I repeat, softly.

"Yes... my Yas! My beautiful Yasmin with eyes of the sea, eyes that enchant me, that captivate me, that make me want to dive without fear... my Yasmin." I feel my husband's breathing become heavier as his gaze shifts to my lips, causing me immense embarrassment.

We are interrupted from our eye contact by the typical cry of Arab women, celebrating the end of the ceremony.

My husband holds me tight in his arms again and kisses my forehead.

"Let's enjoy the party, my wife!" I smile snugly against his strong chest.

I was enchanted by every detail of the party, from the path with fabrics and flower petals at the entrance, to the decoration of the tables, everything so beautiful, and all done for my wedding... I never even imagined I would have something so beautiful!

I remembered all the times I heard Ursula say that I would never even have a new dress to wear on my wedding day, let alone a party.

So many times I heard her say that I was not worthy of anything, only pity. So many times I cried locked in the dark, asking God to look after me and take me out of that suffering, from that cold and dark place...

So many nights I slept hungry, cold, afraid...

I received so many punishments for years. I was beaten in ways that wouldn't leave physical marks, because Ursula was afraid someone would see the marks and report her, but the wounds on my soul are deep and painful.

Without realizing it, tears roll down my face, and I only notice when I feel my husband slowly wiping my face with his thumb, and looking at me with affection... an affection that I thought I would never see directed towards me, me, a girl who grew up hearing that I was not worthy or deserving of love, let alone receiving affection from a husband.

"I make you a promise, my Yas..." my husband looks into my eyes. "I will never let anyone hurt you again, and I promise to heal each of the wounds that caused your tears, just as I will make those who hurt you regret every sunrise for what they have done to you!"

"I don't want anything more than your affection, Samir... but I don't even think I'm worthy of receiving that..."

"You already have all of my affection, my eyes of the sea... And I dare say that you have me completely." he moves closer and seals his lips on mine... giving me my first kiss!

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