58 | United II

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━━━─── • ───━━━

Luna •

"Where are my earrings?" Luna said, looking around in her jewelry box. She wanted to wear her Eiffel Tower ones since she and Amir dreamed about lying in the grass in front of the magnificent structure.

"I don't know what you did with them," Liberty said. "I remember I put them on the dresser yesterday. I don't know what happened."

"Found them!" Cami announced near the end table. She handed them to Luna.

Luna had put them in her ears after the girls came into her room last night, and they all ended up playing different bachelorette games. She had taken them off shortly before going to bed. 

As she finished getting ready for her wedding, a loud knock boomed on the door. Cassie walked over and opened it, and everyone saw Reverend McDaniels standing with the Iman. Both men gave Luna a nod as she stood in front of her long mirror while Mera fixed her up.

Sarah ran over to hug Luna's waist.

"Hello. Asslamualaikum," Luna said to the Muslim officiant. This was her first time meeting him.

"Walaikumassalam," he replied. "My name is Irfan Bhatti, of the Islamic Mosque in Baton Rouge. I am acquainted with Raul and Mera." He waved softly to Mera, and she nodded back. "I have just spoken to Amir and Reverend McDaniels, and I explained how we will conduct these ceremonies. This is the first time either of us has ever conducted an interfaith wedding."

"I understand. Thank you both for coming on short notice."

He gave her a soft smile. "I am happy to learn more about you and Amir's union and individuality. You two seem quite a pair."

"That's my Papa!" Sarah yelled out, causing everyone in the room to laugh. "What? I just want my parents to live happily ever after!"

"She is adorable," Reverend McDaniels said, gazing at the ladies.

"Thank you," Luna murmured, running her hand through Sarah's hair. Then she looked down at her and whispered, "Go sit with Aunty Lib for a bit. Okay?"

Sarah gazed up at her and then leaped into Liberty's arms.

"Luna, before we begin the Nikah, I wanted to confirm it with you first," Mr. Bhatti told her.

"Confirm what?"

"That you fully submit and accept this marriage to your own free will, that you aren't pressured or forced, and that you are genuinely getting married to Mr. Khan free willingly?"

Luna hadn't realized these kinds of questions would happen this early, but she glanced at the girls in the room and then back at the two officiants. She figured it was probably necessary to ask, so she straightened her back and nodded at both of them.

"Yes. I accept Amir Khan as my husband and my partner for life." Just saying those words made her stomach fill up with knots.

The ministers glanced at each other and nodded, then Mr. Bhatti spoke. "It is customary for me to meet with the bride and groom before the ceremony, and I will ask you again during it."

"Yes, sir. I will say qubool hai three times or ten times. However many I need to say it, so I can officially be married to the love of my life." Luna slightly burned with embarrassment and glanced down. "I mean, Amir . . . Mr. Khan."

"You can call him Amir, dear," Mr. Bhatti said, smiling. "I can see that this is a genuine match. I have spoken to both of his parents. They welcome you and your daughter. And your parents are happy as well with this marriage. I am confident to proceed and document it."

"Ms. Carlyle?" Reverend McDaniels murmured. "Once I marry you both, I will also document it and send it to the Baton Rouge Clerk of Court. Don't stress over any of the details."

"Okay," she said, smiling.

"Reverend McDaniels and I would also like to say a little prayer for the both of you individually and in front of witnesses," Mr. Bhatti said.

"Okay."

"Have you looked over the Nikah documents?" Mr. Bhatti asked her, and she shook her head. "It's standard that we ask your wali to look over the contract, but it is your solemn right to read over it as well."

Luna took a seat at the vanity and stared at the documents in their hands. "Do I look at it before we marry, or . . . ?"

"It's whenever you feel like it. I just wanted to go over one of the items that are listed on the document. For Mr. Khan's Mahr, Amir is free willingly giving you a certain amount from his bank account in Pakistan. Do you know what that amount is?" Luna shook her head, and he passed her the paper.

Her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped.

Twenty-five thousand dollars to be awarded to Sarah and me if we end in divorce, or in case of death?

Luna didn't realize he had that much in his account. He never told her that was his mahr. They discussed signing her studio back over to her if things calmed down for them. She and Amir will never separate or divorce, but this will leave him with nothing if anything goes wrong. She let out a breath and smiled, loving how generous her future husband was. 

"Whoa," Liberty said, gazing down at the paper. "Faisal said Amir was a planner and makes good money, but this is huge."

"I know. And he never discussed it with me."

"Ms. Carlyle," Mr. Bhatti said, peering at her. "Do I need to make any revisions to it?"

Luna shook her head. "I have read all that I need to, sir, and there is no reason to revise this. I am happy and content with everything inside these papers."

"Splendid."

There were other items on the list, such as Amir's home going into Luna's name. His car, too. If something were to happen to him, Luna could do whatever she wanted with his belongings, because everything was signed in her name. He had his cousin, Farooq, fax over each document that was in Amir's name to have them signed over to her. Once they marry, everything would legally be theirs, in both names.

The men stood up and walked over to Luna. Then Mr. Bhatti said a prayer in Urdu over their marriage. He prayed to Allah about blessing their union and keeping the enemy away from their home. 

Luna grumbled, thinking of Chase and the institution as the enemy.

It was then Reverend McDaniels' turn, and Luna was used to Christian prayers, considering her family believed in Christianity.

Holding her hands in his, and praying softly, Reverend McDaniels looked at Luna and said, "Once the ceremonies are finished, I'll file your wedding license." He paused for a second and glanced at Irfan Bhatti, who was busy looking over the papers in his hands. "Once I do that, you and Amir's whereabouts will be exposed. It'll show up on the State of Louisiana database." 

Luna shuddered at the realization. She and Amir used their real names when they applied for a marriage license in Baton Rouge. Shortly after the men left, she heard Liberty shriek at the doorway and Luna her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Carlyle, looking in awe at her dress. She reached her arms around her shoulders, pulling her into a gentle hug. 

"Mom."

"My beautiful daughter. You look ravishing. Lawrence and I couldn't miss your big day."

"Dad is here?" Liberty asked.

Elizabeth nodded. "He is. Right now he is downstairs with the groom."

"Oh no," Luna mumbled. "Dad may run him off."

She let go and laughed. "Not at all. Even I have met my new son-in-law and his family. His parents are wonderful people."

"Amir's mom and dad are here, too?" Luna couldn't help but smile.

"Sure is. Adnan as well. We all met at the airport while waiting for Raul to pick us up."

"Y'all could have been followed," Liberty said, fluffing out Luna's long hair.

Sarah dashed forward and hugged her grandmother around her legs.

Elizabeth leaned down and swooped her up into her arms. "I don't think we were. Raul drove around a few times and went into different neighborhoods just to be certain we weren't."

"I'm so glad both of you are here." Luna gave her a soft hug.

"Amir is . . . quite the looker. He is also courteous."

"Have you met Cami and Cassie?" Luna asked, waving her hand at both girls.

"Hi there. I'm Elizabeth Carlyle. I'm their mother and Sarah's grandmother."

Both Cami and Cassie waved at her.

"Hi," Cassie said.

"It's good to meet you," Cami added.

"Likewise," Elizabeth finished.

"How long have you been here?" Liberty asked her, standing next to Luna.

"Not long. I met Sue and Darren downstairs. I love their Australian accent."

"New Zealand. They're from New Zealand," Liberty and Luna said in unison.

"Sorry. I met them after meeting Amir, then met the pastor, and I met Irfan Bhatti. We know each other."

"What?" Luna mumbled, shocked by this news. She knew our Iman?

"Irfan Bhatti was my late boyfriend's guardian before I met Lawrence," Elizabeth explained. "Isaiah was his name, and he passed away after battling leukemia. He was nineteen. While I was in the hospital in London to pay my respects to Irfan, I met Lawrence. That's how our family came to be."

Just listening to her mother's sad story, one thing came to Luna's mind: things truly do happen for a reason. She and Sam were together throughout high school; Sam was in Pakistan the day of Sarah's birth; Amir was trying to resuscitate him; Then their abilities became active six years later after she was already in a relationship with Chase; Chase putting her into a hospital that allowed her to meet Cami, who was now involved with Faisal. If her mother was never at the hospital the day she met her father, neither she nor Liberty would exist.

"Hello," Vikram's voice was heard in the hallway. "Everyone is ready downstairs."

Luna took a deep breath and shook her nerves away. She and Amir had worked too hard for this moment, and they had risked a lot to finally unite as one. The ceremony must go on with no problems.

The ladies walked with Luna and Sarah, bringing a beige covering over their bodies as they wandered down the stairs. The railings were decorated with tiny flowers twisted around them, and small tea light candles lit a pathway toward the side door. Then, at the end of the staircase, stood Amir's family, with Faisal right beside them.

Luna gazed at Amir's parents, both with shiny dark hair and caramel-colored skin, who were wearing a lehenga and a shalwar kameez from their homeland. She started to feel light-headed and weak, but she pulled herself together, meeting her new family. Adnan looked presentable and handsome, wearing a red, stylish-looking kurta with jewels sowed in the front.

As she stepped down from the final step, Mrs. Khan immediately pulled Luna into her arms and placed a soft kiss on both of her cheeks. Sarah stepped down and looked at her, then at her mother. She giggled and reached around Mrs. Khan's waist, smiling.

"Assalamualaikum, Mrs. Khan. I am so happy to meet you," Luna greeted.

"Same here, my new daughter. This must be Sarah," she said, bending down to hug her. "Welcome to our family, Luna, and Sarah. My son is very blessed to have you in his life, and I am glad he chose you both to be his family." Luna felt a tear sliding down her cheek as she stared at her, and Amir's father, Nasir. "And please, call me Maryam. Everyone can call me by my name."

Luna nodded and formally introduced herself, shaking Nasir's hand.

"It's lovely to meet you, Luna. The pictures we've seen of you don't do you justice. You are much prettier in person," he said, smiling at her.

"Luna and Sarah are very lovely, Uncle. They will make a fine addition to our family," Faisal said. Then the whole family greeted Liberty.

"It's lovely to meet you, Liberty," Nasir and Maryam said at the same time.

"Same to you," she replied.

Adnan nodded and stepped around his parents, then took Luna's hand, and said, "I'm happy for you and my brother. I'm thrilled to be an uncle to this beautiful young lady." Sarah smiled up at him as he lowered his gaze to hers. "Hi, Sarah. I love the little bouquet you have in your hands. Are you excited about your mom and dad?"

"He's my papa!"

While she was laughing with her daughter, soft steps approaching from behind them were heard. Luna turned around and stared straight into her father's blue eyes, then immediately gave him a warm hug. The others began walking outside, and she had a private moment with her father.

"You came . . ." Luna mumbled with a shaky breath.

"Of course, darling. Just because I ignored the reason you were placed in that god-awful facility, I had to come out here and make it up to you." Tears started watering down both of their eyelids. "I'm sorry about how things went down. Chase had filled my head about you seeing Sam again. I knew I shouldn't have listened to him. I should've trusted my instincts."

"It's okay, Dad. You're about to see me get married."

"Well, that, and I am acting as your wali. I like Amir. I know about you two. You're tethered."

Her heart stopped when she heard a soft melody humming from outside.

"What?"

"We'll talk about it another time."

"I've heard that saying before," Luna said, and they both chuckled. "Are you a Tethered Soul, Dad?"

"Honestly, I don't know. If I am, my powers haven't become active. Truthfully, I hope I don't have the gene." Luna stared at him and nodded her head for him to continue. "Today is your day. We will chat more about it later. Just know that I love you and accept you, Luna, and I am sorry I ever let you down."

"You haven't."

"I did when it came to St. Matthew's hospital. I didn't realize it was a false institution until Vikram explained everything that went on there."

"I forgive you. It wasn't your fault I was there. I love you, Daddy."

He lifted his arm. "Are you ready, princess?"

"Yes," Luna said, on the verge of crying again. "Thank you."

"For what, princess?"

"For being here when I needed you most. For giving us your blessing. This means the world to us."

Lawrence stopped them before they reached the door that lead to the altar. "Luna, I want to tell you I am proud of you. I am proud of the young woman you've become, for being the strong and courageous person you have to be, and for raising my granddaughter to the best of your ability. I admire the soul that is within you, and I admire your choice of a husband. Amir is the perfect one for you, regardless of your connection to him. He'll take care of you both, and I couldn't be prouder than I am right now. We'll have to visit Pakistan, again."

All Luna could do was stand still and try not to cry all over her white dress. Her father said the most beautiful words she'd ever heard him say, and he said it with kindness and acceptance. She was honored that he was her father.

"I wanted to tell you something," Lawrence said before stepping outside. "The love that you and Amir share has nothing to do with your connection. It's pure and real. Tethered Souls have a feeling inside them that draws them to each other. But it's not a feeling that evolves into love. That is why Darren and Cami, or Faisal and Cassie, and many other countless pairings, aren't together in a romantic relationship. You and Amir are a different pairing, and both of you will be united as one."

Luna's lips trembled. Their love never had anything to do with their connection. She didn't think it did, but she could sense everyone else thought about it. She inhaled a breath as the side door opened wide, and she viewed the small area they were having for their ceremonies.

A canopy was set up in the front of the wedding, with white and red rose petals scattered down the aisle. The reverend stood at the front with a bible and Irfan Bhatti was holding The Holy Qur'an. Luna's family and friends shifted their gaze her way, snapping pictures of her dress, grinning, and waving at her with happiness. When Luna saw Amir, the love of her life, his back was turned and his neck was knocked forward. It wasn't customary for him to see her until they sat and signed the Nikah first, but he stood taller despite his white clothing matching hers. Eight months ago, she wouldn't have thought this moment would come true.

If she wasn't mistaken, she could have sworn tears filled his eyes as she watched little droplets falling to the ground where she stood. He was truly happy, and she could sense his soul burning for this moment, even though they both had their lead rings on their fingers. In a few moments, they'll be husband and wife, soulmates for life.

━━━─── • ───━━━

For Faisal lovers — If anyone wants to read a deleted scene from his POV, it is located in the older version under "The Hangover: Tethered Souls edition." It is a spoof/parody chapter of The Hangover films. Faisal is hilarious. "Ahmed" in that version is Vikram. I had renamed his character in this book.


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