Chapter 17, The Perfect Imperfect Wedding.

Though exhausted from their all-night celebration, Hasan and Mariam were filled with happiness. Their wedding, while humble, was made extraordinary by the presence of their beloved family and friends. They felt incredibly blessed, and Mariam particularly revelled in every minute.

Her three sisters lovingly styled her hair and makeup, while her friends joined in the joyous celebration. The couple was also deeply touched by the warm congratulations and generous gifts from their extended family.

Throughout the night, Mariam's father struggled to hold back tears, his participation in the celebration subdued. When the moment arrived to sign the marriage contract, he finally broke down, triggering a wave of emotion that swept through Mariam's mother, sisters, aunts, grandmother, and uncle. It took a while for the room to regain its composure. Later, Mariam explained to Hasan that her father's deep attachment to his daughters, and his constant gratitude for being a "girl's dad," made the reality of her leaving home overwhelming. The thought of his daughters growing up and leaving him, despite her assurances of frequent visits, always brought him to tears.

Mariam danced and laughed, her joy radiating through the celebration. There were moments of eye contact with Hasan where they would exchange shy smiles and playful banter, his humor always maks her giggle. She adored his sunny personality, his ability to be both mature and delightfully childish.

She watched him tease his friend Maher and she saw the resulting playful scuffle, it brought another wave of laughter. She found his casual demeanor, despite his obvious nerves, incredibly endearing. After their couple's dance, Hasan was swept away by his cousins. Mariam watched as he joined them in a spirited Dabka. His light-footed grace as he jumped and spun around while holding hands with his cousins, he had the brightest smile on his face, an infectious smile that made her heart skip a beat.

She blushed deeply as she thought about how beautiful the sight was, When Hasan was happy, he shone like the sunrise, and she couldn't tear her gaze away.

"Did you see my cousin slip during the Dabka? He took his brother down with him, it was hilarious!" Hasan said, returning to her side.

"Oh, you bully," Mariam laughed, playfully nudging him.

Hasan giggled and pointed towards an elderly man who had just set down his cake plate with a grimace. "That's our neighbor. Heard he eats enough for four. If he doesn't like the cake, Mariam, we've officially hit rock bottom. Cheapest wedding cake ever! We just made a record!"

Mariam burst out laughing. "You can turn anything into a joke!" She was grateful for his humor. Otherwise, she'd be fretting about the "humble" wedding, not laughing about it.

Omar pulled Hasan aside, a kind look in his eye. "Here," he said, pressing a set of car keys into Hasan's hand.

Hasan looked at the keys, then back at Omar, a confused expression on his face. "What's this?"

"My car keys," Omar replied, with a faint smile. "Keep it for a couple of days. Take Mariam out, enjoy your honeymoon period. You deserve it."

Hasan's eyes widened, a huge grin spreading across his face. "Omar, you shouldn't have! I was just kidding earlier when I said your gift wasn't much!"

Omar chuckled. "I know you were. But I was planning on giving you the car for a few days anyway. Consider it a wedding bonus."

"Seriously? Man, you're the best!" Hasan exclaimed, shaking Omar's hand enthusiastically. "Thank you so much! This is amazing!"

"You're welcome," Omar said, a warm smile on his face. "Just bring it back in one piece."

Hasan laughed. "Of course, of course! You know I will." He paused, a playful glint in his eyes. "But you promise me something, Omar."

Omar asked "What's that?"

"Promise me you won't spoil Maher like this when he gets married. This is an exclusive Hasan-only level of generosity, right?"

Omar chuckled, putting an arm around Hasan's shoulder. "Alright, alright. I promise. You're the favorite spoiled brat , just don't tell him that."

Hasan grinned. "My lips are sealed. But seriously, thank you, Omar. This means a lot."

_______________________________

A few hours later everyone had left and it was past midnight, the wedding was over yet Maram's father still had a lot to say to Hasan.

"Hasan," Mariam's father began, his voice a low rumble in the quiet post-wedding house. "It's late, I know, but there are a few things…"

Hasan nodded, a tired but respectful smile on his face. "Of course, sir."

"Mariam," the father continued, his eyes fixed on Hasan, "is… delicate. Like fine glass. She has a good heart, a kind soul. Treat her with the utmost care."

Hasan nodded again, "I understand, sir. I will."

"Understand isn't enough," the father said, a hint of steel in his voice. "Show me. Show her. You know, a father's love for his daughter… it never fades. It only grows stronger."

"I know," Hasan said softly. "I promise, I will cherish her."

"Cherish," the father repeated, his gaze unwavering. "That's a good word. And remember this, Hasan. If you ever, ever make her cry… if I hear even a whisper of unhappiness… I will be here. Instantly. And I will take her home."

Hasan's smile faltered slightly, but he maintained eye contact. "I understand, sir. You don't have to worry. I love Mariam deeply. I would never intentionally hurt her."

"Good," the father said, the tension easing slightly. "Because a happy daughter… a happy daughter is a happy father. And I intend to be very happy." He paused, then added, a softer tone creeping into his voice, "She loves you, you know. She always talks about you with such light in her eyes. Don't dim that light."

"I won't, sir. I promise," Hasan said, a genuine warmth in his voice. "Thank you for trusting me with her."

The father nodded, a hint of a weary smile finally touching his lips. "It's late. You should both get some rest. And Hasan… welcome the family."

The small kitchen was warm, filled with the aroma of the meal Hasan's mother had prepared. She placed the covered dishes on a tray, a gentle smile on her face.

"Here, habibi," she said, handing him the tray. "Eat well. And take care of your bride. She's tired, but she's also so happy."

"Thank you, Mama," Hasan replied, his own smile tired but genuine. He reached for the tray. "You didn't have to do this."

"Of course, I did! My son's wedding night," she chuckled, then her expression turned serious. "Just… be gentle with her, Hasan. She's like a flower. Needs to be treated with care."

"I will, Mama," he assured her, shifting the tray slightly.

"And be generous," she added, her eyes twinkling. "A bride should feel cherished, especially tonight."

"Yes, Mama," Hasan said, a slight flush rising in his cheeks. He began to turn towards the door.

"But don't be pushy!" she called after him, her voice a mix of concern and playful warning. "She might be tired. Let her set the pace."

Hasan stopped, a wave of fluster washing over him. "Mama, I get it! I'll be gentle, generous, and not pushy. I promise." He gave her a slightly exasperated smile.

"Can I please just take the food now?"

"Of course, of course," she said, patting his arm. "Just remember what I said."

"I will," Hasan said quickly, turning and heading towards the door before she could think of anything else to add. He hurried out of the kitchen, a relieved sigh escaping his lips as he closed the door behind him.

____________________________________

The next day Hasan realized that he only had 2 days to enjoy himself before he finds himself back in the operation room, handing a doctor the scissors and getting yelled by doctors and angry sick patients.

He planned to take Mariam out and have fun, but there weren't many places to go in the city, after careful planning he decided to take her to the beach and enjoy watching the waves, running on sand and swimming in the open ocean.

"Mariam, Habibti," Hasan said, a playful grin on his face as he entered their room. "Get dressed. I have a surprise for you."

Mariam, still glowing from the wedding festivities, perked up. "A surprise? What kind?"

"A good one," he winked. "Just trust me. Get ready, and we'll go."

Intrigued, Mariam happily complied, quickly changing into a comfortable outfit. When she emerged, Hasan took her hand and led her outside.

Parked in front of their building was a sleek, modern car, gleaming under the moonlight. Mariam's eyes widened. "Whose car is this?"

"It's ours," Hasan said, beaming. "Well, for a few days, anyway. It's a wedding gift from Omar. He lent it to us so we can enjoy some time together."

"Omar? That's so generous!" Mariam exclaimed, her smile radiant. "He really didn't have to."

"He insisted," Hasan said, opening the passenger door for her. "Now, shall we?"

Mariam nodded, her excitement bubbling over. "Where are we going?"

"You'll see," Hasan replied, sliding into the driver's seat. "I thought we could use some fresh air and little bit of fun."

The drive was filled with laughter and anticipation. When they arrived, the beach stretched out before them, the sound of the waves a soothing melody.

"Oh, Hasan, this is perfect!" Mariam breathed, her eyes sparkling.

"Ready for the surprise within a surprise?" Hasan asked, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. Before she could answer, he took off running towards the water.

Mariam laughed, chasing after him. They reached the shoreline, the cool, salty water lapping at their feet.

Without hesitation, they plunged into a playful water fight, splashing each other with gleeful abandon. Laughter echoed across the beach as they raced through the shallows, the joy of the moment washing over them like the waves themselves.

The gentle sound of the waves accompanied their stroll along the moonlit beach. Hasan and Mariam walked hand-in-hand, their conversation flowing effortlessly.

"You know," Mariam said, a playful smile on her face, "I never knew you were such a Dabka pro! Where did you learn to move like that?"

Hasan chuckled. "My cousins, mostly. They dragged me to every family gathering, and if you didn't join the Dabka, you were practically ostracized. So, I learned."

"Well, you learned well," Mariam

teased.

They continued walking, their conversation drifting to their shared love of food, debating the merits of various local dishes. Hasan's eyes kept returning to Mariam, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"You look beautiful," he murmured, making her blush. "Actually, you look beautiful all the time."

Mariam smiled, her cheeks warming. "Stop it, you."

After a comfortable silence, Hasan's expression turned serious. "Mariam," he began, his voice low, "I… I really wish I could have given you a better wedding. Something more… extravagant."

Mariam stopped walking, her eyes widening in surprise. "Hasan, what are you talking about? Our wedding was perfect."

"But it was so... simple," he said, his gaze searching hers. "I wanted to give you the world."

"You did," Mariam said softly, taking his hands in hers. "You gave me you. And that's all that matters. The wedding itself, the party… it's just a day. What matters is the marriage, the partnership. And that's what we have. It was the most beautiful wedding because it was ours, with our family and friends."

Hasan's eyes softened. "You really mean that?"

"Of course, I do," Mariam said, her voice filled with sincerity. "And as for the future, you don't have to promise me anything. Just… be you. That's all I want."

Hasan smiled, a wave of relief washing over him. "I promise, Mariam. I'll do my best every day to be a good husband to you, to make you happy."

"You already do," Mariam said, she stepped closer to him and he too came closer and pulled her into a hug.