95. Married
Writer’s POV:
Soon enough, it was Saïda’s purification day. They were now a day away from the traditional wedding and two days away from the modern and court wedding. The impatience seemed to grow.
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According to tradition, the purification day was a day when the future bride, accompanied by her maids, would go out to take care of themselves in preparation of the wedding. It was like a girls day out.
Only thing specific about it was the fact that they had to carry out activities that would cleanse their bodies and take care of their appearance.
Saïda was very excited to begin.
Saïda’s POV:
Led by four older women in charge of taking care of me, as future bride; my maids and I were taken out of the palace that early afternoon and made to enter one of the royal cars.
I couldn’t lie I was excited. It was one of the best moments of a marriage process and ceremony, for the bride.
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Once in, we waited for the leading women to go enter their own car, ahead.
Soon enough, we all drove out of the royal property.
“This is one of my favorite moments amongst all these different ceremonies,” Aisha admitted and we agreed with bright smiles.
“Finally. A little relaxation won’t do us any harm, will it?” I mused.
“At all.” they replied happily and I giggled.
“What I’m really waiting for is your henna ceremony, later this night,” Salma said.
“I heard they brought the sultanate’s most talented henna artist to draw your designs and beautify your hands and palms,” Yasmin said.
“I heard too. I can’t wait,” I laughed happily.
“Gotta get you all ready for your Prince, huh?” Aisha giggled.
“Mmhmm. Indeed,” I smiled, feeling my cheeks burn.
′Everything is just perfect.′
---
First up, our cars stopped in front of the sultanate’s biggest beauty shop. It was so big and had everything in it. It was a building with different rooms and sections on the inside, meant for different and only beauty purposes. I was so ready.
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The four women, who were actually two of my assigned stylists, hair dresser and make-up artist, got down from their cars and came to get us.
We were helped out of the car by our drivers and then led into the beauty Paradise.
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We were welcomed warmly by the owners and employees. We were asked what we would like to start with first and the main woman in charged asked that we be taken to the sauna first.
′I am going to love this.′
We were led to a room where my maids and I, got rid of our clothes and put on white bathrobes that we tied tight.
Two of the female employees then led us to one of their biggest sauna rooms and we got in.
We sat comfortably and they left.
In no time, the soothing heat and vapour started to set in. It smelt of mint leaves and rose petals. We relaxed immediately.
“I feel so good, right now.” I said, my eyes closed as I leaned against the wall and enjoyed the heat.
“Us too.”
“This is really relaxing,” Yasmin cooed and we agreed.
Soon our bodies were all shiny and slippery with sweat as our pores were opening. It was just so soothing. And plus, the silence amongst us while we completely let go and relaxed, made it even better.
As per our tradition, I was being purified through the sauna. The sweat was symbolically representing all iniquities and ‘dirt’, leaving my body and cleansing me so I would be ‘pure’ enough for my future husband. I was definitely loving this particular tradition.
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We enjoyed the sauna in silence and soon, my mind drifted to Asahd. I remembered the short encounter we were able to have, and goosebumps covered my skin.
′Two more days. Just two.′
Just thinking of him made me even more moist than I already was. Thoughts rushed into my mind immediately. Every sensual moment we’d had, even in New York.
The first time he dry humped me.
′The first time he used his tongue on me.′
There was a tingle in between my legs when I thought of it. The first time I had experienced such. I had not even known it could be a thing, a thing that I would love and crave. I remembered the first time I’d actually heard of the act, during our camping night. It had shocked me so much and had left me wondering. I’d never even imagined or thought of allowing a man do such to me. Not even Noure, and Asahd, even less. Especially not Asahd.
′Yet, he was my first in that too.′
I was sweating, but not only because of the sauna’s heat.
“Who would’ve thought,” I muttered to myself, a little smile drawing itself on my lips.
′I’m definitely not complaining now.′
I remembered every instance and sensation. Every single feeling while he pleased me with his tongue, under those covers.
I wanted him so bad at the moment.
′Two more days.′
I was impatient to know what he had in store for me. I started to think of how he filled and stretched me out, every single time we made love. How he gave me orgasms that would drain every bit of energy in me till I blacked out. The ones that left my body shivering, every single time.
′How does he do it?′
The thought immediately caused a sharper tingle in between my slippery legs and so I shut them tight.
′Yalah Saïda. Two days. Just two.′
After the soothing sauna, we were made to shower in different cabins and then taken to the massage parlor.
-
In nothing but our towels, we were made to lie on the massage stretchers and wait. Soon enough, the women in charge of the massages rushed in. Our towels were lowered to our waists.
Coconut oil mixed with another sweet smelling ointment, were applied on my back, shoulders and arms. The lady rubbed gently for a long while and then started to massage properly. I was so relaxed. It felt great. We enjoyed every second!
At a point, they even put hot, black pebble stones on our backs to massage us with them. I didn’t want it to stop. The feeling was amazing.
---
After the massage, we received facial treatments. Beauty masks, made with the most natural ingredients were applied on our faces, to soften the skin and cleanse it from unwanted spots and whatsoever.
-
After that, we had our hair treatment made, manicure, pedicure, brow carving and much more.
At the end of the day, we felt so ‘pure’ indeed.
By evening, after we’d returned to the palace, I was in my room when the queen entered. She was accompanied my my maids, the women in charge of taking care of me, as well as the henna artist.
They gathered around me and I was made to chose a design for myself. I chose simple ones for both my hands and feet. Nothing too extravagant.
We all then watched the artist design and tattoo my hands and palms, perfectly and beautifully well. Everything was perfect. I was ready for the traditional wedding, the following day.
Writer’s POV:
The next day finally reached! The traditional wedding!
The palace was up early and everyone rushed about to get the last things on point for the ceremony that would hold at one PM that afternoon.
The sultanate was excited, but not as excited as the future wedded. It meant everything good for them. Just one more day to go and they would be free to flaunt their love!
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“One more day. Finally,” Asahd said to himself as he showered that morning, a smile on his face.
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“Finally. Just tomorrow and that’s it,” Saïda said to herself, while relaxing in her warm and foamy bathtub.
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The traditional marriage outfits were brought that morning. All clean, ironed and on point.
Djafar and the sultan, made sure Asahd’s outfit was perfect and had no problem. The Queen and Zara on their side made sure that Saïda’s dress and jewelry were perfect.
Everyone was very happy.
Finally the time came. The guests were arriving in huge numbers and were all welcomed by the servants that stood at all entrances. The entire sultanate watched the wedding through their TV screens. No one wanted to miss it.
Two different halls in the big palace were decorated and prepared for the traditional wedding. One was where the traditional marriage would be made and the other, where the royals, traditionally wedded and VIP guests would dine right after.
The other guests would be attended to in the huge gardens and little dining parlors. Right after that, there would be an after party that night. The celebration was a nonstop thing.
--
The time came for the ceremony to officially begin.
Asahd, all ready and handsome, was led by his guards and men into the main hall where the marriage would take place. He had his father and mother at his sides. He was in between them.
The guests and people behind their screens, all cheered when the Prince appeared. He was so handsome and very attractive in another beautiful sherwani.
Everyone was used to seeing him wear the fanciest shirts and suits. It was rare to see the Prince in traditional attire, such as a sherwani. Everyone was pleased that he’d decided to wear sherwanis and only sherwanis, throughout.
They had not expected him to, given the fact that the Prince always seemed to appear very westernised.
It pleased the people of Zagreh that for his wedding, he’d decided to finally honor their traditional attires as we as customs. Finally. It was very necessary for a future sultan to be able to embrace his own culture in the first place. And that, Asahd was finally doing.
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He walked down the red carpet at the centre of the huge hall, all eyes on him. He looked great in his oxblood red attire. He’d even worn a red turban on his head, as per their culture when it came to traditional weddings.
He was an attractive groom, alright. His little smirk made most to whistle happily. Even his way of walking, taking his time and being elegant, as well as charismatic. Saïda was envied by many.
The Prince was made to stand on the high and large platform found in the hall, making it possible for the numerous guests to be able to see him perfectly.
He stood with his hands behind his back, waiting for his future bride to arrive.
The chief Imam of Zagreh was already present.
-
The wait wasn’t long as trumpets were blown again. The Prince raised his head, his heart threatening to burst out of his chest.
Suddenly, beautiful Saïda appeared at the door in her velvet dress, its color matching Asahd’s attire.
Asahd stopped breathing from where he stood.
′She’s the most beautiful woman alive.′
Gasps and whistles could be heard from the crowd, followed by a loud round of applause and cheers.
Saïda also had her parents at her sides and was led by her maids and guards. She was beautiful. Her dress was beautiful and the embroidery was expensive looking, as real golden thread was used. Her veil was over her head and covered her face a little. Her jewellery was of gold and only gold. Her henna tattooed hands were perfect and her dress trailed a little. Even her make-up was on point.
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The future wife and princess was led down the middle path as well till she reached the front. Djafar gave her his arm and helped her up the platform to meet her future husband.
Asahd immediately stretched a hand out to her, trying hard to breathe straight. Saïda was killing him.
She smiled and blushed at him. He smiled back, his heart skipping a beat. She took his hand and he took over from Djafar, helping her to come to him.
“You’re so beautiful, sweetheart,” he whispered when she was in front of him.
“Thank you. You’re so handsome,” she blushed, breathless herself.
The center of the stage had been decorated and a little temple had been made. There was a beautiful embroidered carpet at the centre with two huge royal cushions at the centre. The carpet was surrounded by petals and other little velvet cushions.
The guests watched the future wedded get on the carpet and sit on the huge cushions at the center. They sat with crossed legs and there was a Qur’an opened in front of them.
Everyone else eventually sat down too.
Then, the imam got on the stage with his own Qur’an. The traditional ceremony began. The imam started by reading some parts of the Qur’an that mentioned and highlighted marriage.
---
After all steps of the traditional marriage were carried out perfectly well by the imam, and under the watchful eyes of the happy guests and sultanate as a whole, the couple was made to stand on their feet.
“And now, the final knot to be tied, symbolically representing that from now on, they belong to each other. They are one. They form one heart, body and soul in front of God,” the imam stated.
Everyone watched with smiles as he grabbed one end of Asahd’s scarf that hanged from his neck, and also grabbed an end of Saïda’s veil.
The imam then tied the ends together and blessed them. There was immediately an uproar from the crowd. Loud applause and cheers.
Asahd looked at a blushing Saïda. They smiled at each other and then he held her hand in his, their fingers intertwining.
Everyone cheered happily.
“They are now married, before the Almighty God!” the imam announced and the cheers were even louder than expected. Everyone clapped nonstop and the couple smiled happily.
Still holding hands, the couple descended from the platform and went to their parents that sat in the front. They touched their feet and were blessed.
They all hugged the newly traditionally wed, happy and with watery eyes.
-
After that, still holding his wife’s hand, the Prince made his way down the middle path with her, followed by their parents and the important nobles
The smiles they had on showed nothing but happiness.
The happy guests threw petals on them and in the air as they were leaving. Saïda and her husband couldn’t stop smiling and glancing at each other.
--
From there, they went to their own dining hall with the nobles and VIPs, to eat.
Saïda sat close to Asahd at their table. Everyone was happy. Asahd continuously raised her hand and kissed it.
Saïda was deeply in love and felt like it was maybe just a dream. But it wasn’t. Prince charming was right there, sitting with her and murmuring how much he loved her, close to her ear. It was perfect.
“Finally,” she said softly and he smiled.
“Finally, sweetheart.”
“One last step left, to confirm it all,” she murmured.
“And then, we run away for the perfect honeymoon,” Asahd completed her sentence, caressing her face, careless of the fact that they were surrounded by the guests.
He kissed her forehead.
“I can’t wait.”
“Me neither,” was her dreamy reply.
Next up, the legal wedding.
~~~~