here?”
“Of course. I'd never miss my only baby girl's biggest day.” He kissed her on the cheek.
Everybody else had entered the mosque. It was only Sara and her father who were left. Tariq waited for her. He wore a cream sherwani with intricate gold embroidery decorating the front, along the collar and on the cuffs with matching cream trousers. His jet-black hair was freshly cut. His face was shaved, and he had a small goatee. His groomsmen, Amir and Malik, stood by his side.
Finally, Sara entered on her father's arm. Everyone stood up as she walked in. Tariq stared at her. He knew she was beautiful but today was on another level. She was the most gorgeous woman he had ever laid eyes on. His intense gaze rested on her, as he forgot about the world. Amir smiled as he saw her. She was beautiful. Her father stopped half way and kissed her on the cheek. She had to walk to Tariq on her own. She concentrated on her steps, as she did not want to stumble in her wedding dress. She couldn't stop smiling at Tariq. He looked so attractive. She couldn't wait to reach him.
“You may all sit down,” The officiant said after Sara came to stand next to Tariq. “We shall start, if the groom can take his eyes off the bride,” he added jokingly. The crowd laughed. Tariq hadn't stopped staring at her.
“She's gorgeous,” he said still looking at her.
“Awww,” everyone said together. Sara smiled and looked down. His gaze made her shy and weak in the knees.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today,” the officiant began to recite. Sara kept stealing glances at Tariq. Amir was looking at Soraya. This was the first time he had seen her in a dress. He couldn't wait to speak to her. He was glad she had decided to come. Soraya had noticed Amir as soon as she had come into the mosque. He was also dressed in a cream sherwani, but his did not have the embroidery. His hair was brushed back and his beard was only a day old. She found him very attractive but she didn't want to be caught staring. She had to act as if she didn't see him. Tariq and Sara exchanged vows.
“With this ring, I take thee, Tariq Botros, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold until death do us part,” Sara said as she placed the ring on his finger. Tariq repeated his vow as he put the ring on her finger.
“I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may ki-” before he finished speaking, Tariq had already moved in for a kiss. He pulled Sara close to him and kissed her deeply. The crowd clapped and cheered. “Someone is eager,” the officiant joked after they had stopped kissing.
Chapter 12
The wedding reception was held at one of the best hotels in the country. The large dining room had been transformed for the event. There was an open space for dancing. The tables were evenly spread out and set with expensive table settings. Tariq and Sara had been whisked off in their stretch limo to take pictures. They arrived at the reception last. Malik was the one who announced their entry. Sara could not stop gushing. She loved being on Tariq's arm and having the whole world see them. Everyone stood up to welcome the new couple.
Sara and Tariq were to have their first dance. Sara placed her small hand in Tariq's palm and her other hand on his shoulder. As the music filled the room, they started dancing. Tariq stared into his wife's eyes, he watched her blush. She was the most beautiful woman in the world and she was all his. Everyone watched them sway and glide elegantly around the room. They were beautiful and happy.
After the song, Sara and Tariq went to sit at a high table that faced everyone. The caterers served the delicious food that was prepared for the wedding. Music filled the room whilst everyone ate and chatted.
“Mrs. Botros,” Tariq called Sara. She giggled in response.
“I could get used to that,” Sara replied.
“Me, too.” He leaned in and kissed
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