by Cara Albany
Nadyah frowned. "Really? You think there's any chance that Shahid is going to turn down a chance to do this?" Nadyah asked disbelievingly.
Aliyah cocked her head to one side. "I guess you're right."
Nadyah moved closer, and Aliyah could sense that her friend was about to press for more details.
"How have things been with you two this week?" Nadyah asked.
Aliyah shrugged. "Fine," she said curtly.
"Just fine?" Nadyah asked lifting a brow.
Aliyah nodded. "We haven't seen much of each other. But, I'm sure you already know that," she said giving Nadyah a penetrating look.
Nadyah shrugged. "Why would I know that?" she asked defensively.
"Oh, you know. Keeping an eye out for any opportunities to bring Shahid and me together. Like today," Aliyah said.
"You think I planned this?" Nadyah asked, lifting a hand to her chest, pretending to be shocked. Aliyah could tell she wasn't being serious.
"Of course not, Nadyah," Aliyah said playfully. "Why would I think you'd go and do anything like that?"
Both women exchanged a look and laughed, their voices echoing around the cavernous space of the empty reception room.
Aliyah heard someone clearing their throat. She gazed up toward the entrance and saw four figures standing there. She saw Azim and Lucy, both smiling toward Aliyah. Next to them was a tall, elderly, white-haired man dressed in traditional Qazhar robes.
Standing next to him was Shahid. Aliyah almost gasped when she saw him, saw the elegant, formal suit he was wearing. He looked so refined, so incredibly handsome. He had a nervous smile on his face. Right now, the only thought that overtook her mind was that she'd never seen a more attractive man in her life. The panic she'd felt moments before instantly evaporated as she gazed at the tall, incredibly sexy figure who was looking straight at her with a mixture of disbelief and eagerness written on his features.
"They're early," she heard Nadyah blurt out as she started toward the door, leaving Aliyah standing on her own by the podium. As she watched Nadyah hurry along the red carpet, Aliyah felt suddenly isolated, abruptly exposed and wondering just what was going to happen next.
She saw Nadyah greet the elderly official and heard the murmurs of their hasty conversation. All the while they talked, Shahid waited by the side of the official as if unsure what to do next. Perhaps he was worried he would do something to break some unspoken protocol, Aliyah told herself. Or maybe he was nervous about coming anywhere near her. She didn't want to entertain such an idea and turned away from them, clasping her hands tight and trying to gather her thoughts.
In spite of her best efforts to force rational thought into her mind, she realized that the emotion of the moment had taken a firm hold of her. She couldn't think straight. All she could feel was the excitement at the prospect of what she was about to do with Shahid. Never in a million years could she have guessed that she'd be going through something like this with him.
What would happen when she promised to be his forever? What would she feel when he took her hand and vowed to love her forever, pledged to devote his entire life to making her happy? She'd heard the vows so many times before, uttered by other men and women at all the weddings she'd attended. But, right now, she was about to hear those words spoken directly to her by a man who had already turned her world upside down.
"Aliyah, can you come here?" she heard Nadyah call out behind her.
She turned and saw Nadyah waving for her to come to her. Aliyah walked along the red carpet painfully aware that everyone was watching her. She felt utterly self-conscious, as if she was the real bride, the true focus of attention.
When she reached them, she greeted the official, who was introduced as Abdul, a senior figure in Qazhar religious life. Abdul bowed ceremoniously and smiled at her. He probably had no idea of the hidden torment Aliyah was going through. Aliyah greeted Azim and Lucy who thanked her for doing this. That just made things worse, Aliyah told herself anxiously.
Aliyah glanced at Shahid and saw that his gaze was fixed upon her. He seemed to be drinking in the sight of her. There was visible appreciation in that gaze. Aliyah was suddenly aware of how she was dressed. She turned to Nadyah and gestured for her to take a step to one side.
"Can I have a word?" Aliyah asked.
Nadyah's brows furrowed but she followed Aliyah as she took a few steps away from Shahid and Abdul.
"Can't I change into something a little more appropriate?" Aliyah murmured.
Nadyah glanced down the length of Aliyah's plain cotton dress. "I don't think you need to," she replied.
Aliyah glanced sheepishly toward Shahid. "But look at Shahid," she said trying to contain the urgency in her voice. "He looks like he's attending a real wedding," she gasped.
Nadyah looked across at Shahid. "You might have a point there, Aliyah," she said nodding casually. "But, he does look handsome, don't you think?" she added giving Aliyah a grin.
Aliyah frowned. "It's not fair. He looks like a prince, and I look like a commoner," she said accusingly.
"Tell you what. Let's ask Shahid," Nadyah said.
Aliyah grabbed Nadyah's arm. "No! Don't do that," she started to say, but it was too late because Nadyah had already turned to Shahid.
"Shahid. What do you think of Aliyah's outfit?" Nadyah asked.
Aliyah felt her face redden as Shahid gazed at her, his eyes widening with appreciation. She saw his gaze ease down the length of her body and then back up to look straight into her eyes.
"I think she looks absolutely perfect," he said in a deep voice. "Beautiful," he added softly. His words triggered a warm sensation that she instantly tried to disguise. She forced her gaze away from him, anxious that the sudden flush of heat she felt on her cheeks shouldn't betray her reaction to his words.
She heard the official speak. "The lady is most gracious," she heard him say in a calm, approving voice.
If she'd thought that asking for a chance to change would have given her an opportunity to call this whole thing off, then now Aliyah knew that she had no choice but to go ahead with this crazy charade.
"How would you like to proceed with this, sir?" she heard Nadyah ask Abdul.
But she didn't hear the reply because all she could think of was that she was about to go through a pretend wedding ceremony with Shahid. And it was already starting to feel more than a little bit real.
Chapter Thirteen
Aliyah stood at the entrance to the reception and gazed down the length of the red carpet. At the far end, she saw Shahid and Abdul standing there looking back at her, expectant expressions on their faces.
Next to Aliyah stood Nadyah. Aliyah glanced at Nadyah and squinted as if she still couldn't quite believe what she was about to do. Nadyah smiled back at Aliyah and, with a slight head movement, indicated that Aliyah could start moving. Aliyah glanced at Azim and Lucy seated at the back row of the seats. They were both smiling broadly. At least someone was enjoying this, Aliyah told herself.
She told herself it should all be so easy, just a formality, something with no significance attached to it. It would be over in a matter of minutes. So, why was it that Aliyah's feet felt rooted to the spot? Wasn't it just a case of walking up the aisle and taking her place by Shahid's side? Surely it wasn't that difficult to do such a simple thing. It should be the easiest thing in the world. But, right now, it felt like the next step might be the most momentous she would ever take.
Aliyah sighed and tightened the grip of her clasped hands. Her heart was beating faster than it had ever done; her throat was inexplicably tight, and she could feel the blood pulsing through her veins. Was this what it would feel like to marry for real? Was this how all those brides had felt as Aliyah had stood safely amongst the guests in those seats witnessing the results of some of her matchmaking handiwork?
Was this some kind of sweet revenge meted out by destiny, created just to put Aliyah through an exquisite torment?
Aliyah gazed at Shahid and saw his e
yes narrowing slightly, his gaze on her, unshifting. Was he worried she was going to change her mind? Did he think she was about to embarrass them both by storming out?
Aliyah glanced at Nadyah one last time and knew she had to go through with this, knew she had to keep her word.
Aliyah smiled at Nadyah and nodded. Both women started to walk the red carpet. Aliyah's footsteps were unsteady at first, but then she looked at Shahid and saw the smile on his face. The mere fact that she was walking toward him had transformed his expression into one of relief and anticipation.
Next to Shahid, Abdul was standing erect and stiff, sternly watching Aliyah progress toward the podium. She saw Abdul nodding his head approvingly as he watched her, as if he was measuring and assessing her every move. Was this what it really felt like to get married? She had never guessed what the brides had been going through in this situation.
Now she could understand.
If it was this nerve racking even to go through a rehearsal, what would it feel like to go through the experience for real? What would it be like to have over a hundred pairs of eyes on you, watching your every move, observing every expression on your face?
Suddenly the enormity sank in of what she had done assisting all those relatives in getting married. Aliyah had been so caught up in her own world, trying to do the best for others, that she'd had literally no idea what her brothers' wives had been going through. Especially all the American women who had agreed to become brides. What had it been like for them to be in a foreign land and to go through this?
She finally arrived at the end of the red carpet. She paused and gazed up at Shahid and the official up there on the podium.
She saw Abdul lean closer to Shahid and say something. Shahid came to the edge of the podium and reached down a hand to Aliyah. His eyes were bright as he looked expectantly at her. Aliyah glanced at Nadyah who with a flick of the head, and a smile made it clear what Aliyah should do next.
Aliyah stepped forward and reached up her hand, placing it in Shahids. She felt his fingers curl gently around her hand. There were two steps up onto the podium. Aliyah took them while gazing up into Shahid's eyes. She could feel the way he was drawing her toward him as if fate were tugging on her with an invisible, unbreakable rope.
Once on the podium, she allowed Shahid to guide her toward the official. Even after he'd released her hand, not for one moment did he take his eyes from her. It was as if, for Shahid, this whole thing was for real, as if there was no pretense involved. Aliyah thought about what Shahid was about to say to her and felt a rush of excitement.
Even if Shahid did say all the words that he would say in a real wedding ceremony, none of it would be legal, because Abdul had already explained that the only thing missing would be his official declaration of the marriage's legality. That would be reserved for Azim and Lucy.
Aliyah stood facing Shahid with the official standing to her left. Shahid's gaze was unyielding and steadfast. It was as if he was completely unaware of anything except Aliyah. For her part, she suddenly felt that his presence was all that existed. She knew Abdul was next to her, she could hear what he was murmuring about the wedding procedure, what was expected of the couple and guests. But all she could think of was how wonderful Shahid looked; how incredibly handsome he was; how lucky she was to know him.
Then, with a start, she was brought back to the moment as Abdul took her hand and placed it on top of Shahid's outstretched hand. The touch of her palm on Shahid's skin sent a shiver all the way up her spine. She was sure the color of her face had changed, betraying her emotions. When she glanced up at Shahid, she saw that he had noticed the change in her. He smiled at her, and she smiled nervously back at him.
Why did this feel so strangely real?
Abdul muttered something she couldn't quite make out about the procedure to Nadyah. The man's voice seemed so far away now. The only thing Aliyah could really think about was how good it felt to have her hand resting upon Shahid's hand; how wonderful it felt to be gazed at like this; how incredibly handsome he was.
Abdul turned his attention to Aliyah and smiled. His previously stern expression had been replaced by a kinder, softer look.
"Your future husband will speak his vows first," he said. She saw his brows furrow quickly, and he looked quickly at Shahid. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say husband. Obviously, this isn't the real wedding. What I meant to say is, His Excellency Al Mahrez will recite the vows. But not in their entirety, of course."
Aliyah saw that Abdul seemed embarrassed by his slip of the tongue. Had he forgotten this wasn't for real?
Aliyah looked at Shahid and saw his brows furrow with a hint of irritation. Aliyah saw Abdul lower his head slightly as if acknowledging his error to Shahid.
Shahid gazed at Aliyah. She saw the real emotion in that look. Didn't he know this wasn't for real? If so, how come he looked so sincere, so earnest.
Aliyah glanced toward the back of the room and saw Azim and Lucy leaning forward onto the backs of chairs. They were both watching intently.
Aliyah turned back to Shahid as he prepared to speak words he'd obviously memorized. There was a confidence in his gaze, as if there was no doubt he already knew what to say. Aliyah herself, was familiar with the necessary words. She'd heard them often enough these past few years. In fact, she'd had the habit of reciting them while she'd been watching from the safety of the guest seating.
She remembered silently mouthing the words as she'd watched her brother, her cousins and friends tie the knot. But, somehow it felt so different standing up here on the podium, even though only a few people were watching.
Everything seemed to go quiet for a moment. Aliyah gazed at Shahid. When he spoke at last, his voice was steady and firm.
"I hereby take you, Aliyah Al Kharif as my wife, to hold and cherish forever, in the full understanding that I will do everything in my power to love you and keep you safe."
Aliyah saw him hesitate, as if he'd suddenly realized just what he was saying. Even though they were mere words, they triggered wild emotions in Aliyah, and it was all she could do to maintain the impassive mask on her features. She saw Shahid glance quickly down, composing himself before continuing.
"I promise to devote myself entirely to ensuring your happiness during all the glorious and wonderful days to come in the future. With these words, I pledge myself to honor and cherish you as my precious wife."
There. He'd said the words. Even though she knew they had no legally binding consequences, even though she understood all of this was just some kind of adult playacting, she couldn't help feeling overwhelmed. She drew in a deep breath and tried to get a hold of herself. Her heart was pounding, and she felt her legs go slightly weak.
Aliyah saw Abdul look at her, his brows rising expectantly. Aliyah looked at Shahid and saw he also was waiting.
She started to speak, hearing her voice crack with emotion. "I hereby take you, Shahid Al Mahrez as my beloved husband, to hold and cherish forever, in the full understanding that I will do everything in my power to love you and cherish you."
Aliyah paused, just as Shahid had done. Her voice had been a complete giveaway, she thought. Now everyone would know the truth of how she really felt, she told herself.
Her pulse was racing and her heart was thudding frantically. How had she gotten herself into this situation? Where was she going to find the strength to say the next part, completing her pretend vows. She glanced once again toward Azim and Lucy. They looked so pleased, so captivated by the spectacle on the podium that it shocked Aliyah back to a realization of the real reason she was doing this. It was all for them, she told herself. That simple thought gave her a surge of strength, and she fixed her attention back on Shahid.
"I promise to devote myself entirely to ensuring your happiness during all the glorious and wonderful days to come in the future. With these words, I pledge myself to honor and cherish you as my honored husband."
There was a long silence as she looked at Shahid desp
erate to see his reaction. All he did was smile at her. That was all. But it was such a warm, genuine smile, exactly what she'd hoped for. In spite of her nerves, she was pleased to see that smile. Shahid looked so calm, so incredibly delighted.
Aliyah glanced at Abdul and saw him nod approvingly. He would say nothing else, leaving the final declaration to the real ceremony tomorrow.
Her attention was dragged back to the moment by the sound of hands clapping. Aliyah saw that Nadyah was applauding quietly, as were Azim and Lucy who were making their way down the red carpet toward the podium.
Azim and Lucy hugged Aliyah and shook hands with Shahid, thanking them both for doing this on their behalf. Aliyah caught Nadyah peering at her, and she was sure her friend was examining Aliyah for any reaction to what had just taken place. However, Aliyah tightened her features, determined not to give any more ammunition to Nadyah.
Aliyah realized that normally, after the words had been spoken, bride and groom would exchange a kiss. That wasn't going to happen today, she realized, a sinking sensation growing in her middle. Of course it wasn't going to happen. Then everyone would know the truth, wouldn't they? And that couldn't be allowed to happen. Could it? Even if she knew it and Shahid knew it. Even if people had already guessed, nothing good would come from encouraging more speculation. For now, Aliyah just needed to be satisfied that she'd done the right thing for others.
Once again.
But what about herself, a treacherous voice murmured at the back of her mind. What about her own happiness? Was this the closest she would ever get to claiming her own joy?
Chapter Fourteen
What an incredible experience, Shahid told himself as everyone started to make their way out of the reception hall. He'd just been through a marriage ceremony with the woman who was responsible for turning his whole world upside down.
And it had felt good!
So good, he admitted to himself as he walked alongside Aliyah. He glanced at her again, trying to catch her attention, just as he'd tried to do during the last few moments. And, just as before, she seemed determined to avoid any kind of eye contact.
