Chapter 657: Epilogue

All the guests moved to the next venue which was just three stories in height from there. The elders took the elevators while the ones who could climb took the stairs. 

It was a perfect time for sunset. The lights were artistically lit without overdoing much. The guest area was around the dining table so that the reception could start immediately on the vast terrace around the swimming pool.

Towards one end, the simple yet beautiful square frames were arranged decorated in vibrant flowers. It was said to be specially searched and imported to be the same as the painting Noor had liked. The new President Morgan had his connections.

The newly wedded couple cozied together at the table ignoring the whole world. No singles dared to go near them.

Everyone naturally fell silent when Arsh walked the aisle covered in the flowers, lined by the candles facing the setting sun, unseen end of the ocean, and trail of the mountain range at the end. The Sky seemed to steal the colors from the vibrant flowers and painted itself more attractively. 

The first wedding, a black and white signified, two contrasting lives could fall together and blend themselves and lead a life. This wedding was merging the whole universe. The sun was at the horizon while the moon was up in the sky looking down at them. The twinkling stars were appearing one after the other, announcing their presence at the wedding.

Arsh and Noor proved a day and night could be one when she stepped on the aisle leaving the crowd astonished.

Arsh's eyes slightly widened looking at his bride. He had unawarely expected her to be in a beautiful ball gown but she was swept away by everyone with her sultry look.

Noor's face had a hint of pinkness when she walked with her father. She wanted something different, something none could guess. Something that could leave Arsh wondering.

Her hair was set free with a few strands holding a hair brooch. Her make wasn't in the pink hues but brown and black that gave a bold look to her innocent face.

She was wearing a sweetheart neckline off-the-shoulder dress.  Her small waist had a white belt around and a net was designed in a way, a big shimmering butterfly was hugging her waist. The design was trailed down in a small vine. The mermaid-style dress was hugging her curves with a long slit at her left leg. Her slender, pearly white leg was tempting on her high pumps.

Arsh realized he wasn't taking an innocent wife home but an alluring seductress who could be his death. 

Her hands held the bridal bouquet the same as the decor. She didn't want to smile but her lips were arcing up repeatedly looking at her groom who was frozen.

Arsh snapped back when the duo reached him. He showed his respect to his bride's father and took his bride's hand.

Noor passed her banquet to Naira when she extended her hand. And stood in front of Arsh, holding his hands. 

At a table, Ivan asked in the lowest voice, "How is Naira doing? Is she over Arsh?"

Arna's gaze shifted from the couple to a girl who was happy with the happiness of her first love and her little sister. She recalled what Naira had told her, 'If I am stubborn, Noor won't accept Arsh. Arsh won't marry anybody else. Three won't have happiness. Why shouldn't I let the two have the happiest life?'

Arna answered with a hint of sadness lacing her words, "I guess, everyone can't be lucky in love."

Ivan rubbed her hand. He didn't expect Naira would change but when she did, her heart was lonely. "She might get one who could love her."

Arna hummed and smiled looking at Noor who was confused seeing no officiant. 'My brother… Uff.'

Arsh asked her in a voice that reached only Noor, "Do you remember the wedding vow you told me at the church?" She had innocently recited the vow when they had been to church thinking it could be their wedding venue. It was an intimate and unexpected wedding for them.

Noor nodded and understood they will be taking their wedding vows instead of the officiant asking them. She wasn't nervous, she had a content smile when she took her vow audible enough to reach the ears of guests in complete silence.

"I, Noor Wood, take you, Arsh Morgan, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part." 

There was no hesitation or uncertainty in her voice. She vowed so smoothly that everyone had a smile as though they were marrying off their obedient daughter. They gave thunderous applause louder than before. Norah rubbed the trickling tear on her cheek and she clapped with her husband. 

Arsh watched his wife's half-face glowing under the golden hue of the sunlight and another under the artificial light. What he loved was her happiness for their day gracing her face in smiles. 

"I promise to be a husband who you look for in your happiness and sadness, in regrets and content, when you are down and cheery, when you are strong and when you feel weak. I will be there when you look back and be your strength to move forward. I will hold your hand when you need it, be a pillow for the tears, take you away when you want an escape, wave the magic wand to fulfill your wishes, give wings to your dreams. I will be the safe nest as my Little Bird has the wish."

A moment of silence filled the air. The calmness was in their heart and smiles on everyone's faces. The wedding is said to remind the couples of their own. With the Arsh's vows, their train of memories passed in their mind. Some were content with their life and some wanted to do better to earn more happiness in little things. A few in them hoped those magical words could become their reality. 

Noor's eyes moistened eventually and her tears rolled down hearing him. She tugged his hand with a small pout, for mentioning the nickname in front of all.

As though he knew she would cry, he removed tissue from his pocket and gently dabbed without affecting the makeup, "Don't cry, my wife. You have eye makeup on." He whispered endearingly.

"You are making me cry." She sniffed, holding her tears back so that she could enjoy the reception later. "I want the traditional vow too." She requested.

Arsh made sure she wasn't crying before he fulfilled, "I, Arsh Morgan, take you, Noor Wood, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part." 

Everyone snapped out hearing Arsh's voice and gave a round of applause while they exchanged the rings and went for the wedding kiss.

Arsh held the back of her neck and tenderly kissed her without making her uncomfortable due to everyone around. As though his ears buzzed, he heard, "Arsh!" It was muffled, causing him to break the kiss abruptly and look at her.

Noor was flushed calling his name for the first time. She confessed in a low voice when the crowd fell silent without knowing what happened. "Arsh… I- I always felt calling your name was too intimate, like confessing my feelings. So I was…." 'Shy.'

The rest of the words muffled away under his dominating kiss without letting her complete. For him, that's the best gift he could get at his wedding from her - His name, her love.

Love, everyone struggles to have true love, fighting hard to get it. Some try to covet and some sacrifice. No matter what, have hope and love yourself. One day, you will find the love you deserve.

The End.