Chapitre 37: Chapter Thirty-Seven

The priest initiated the ceremony, speaking occasionally in English for the benefit of some of their guests. Their vows, however, was spoken in their native language. After they exchanged rings, keeping her hand in his, they moved to the table beside the altar where they knelt on identical velvet cushions.

It didn't take long to finish signing and filling out their certificate where Malik, Ziza's brother and King Zahir acted as their witnesses. As soon as that was out of the way, two bejewelled goblets filled to the brim with sand and a large ornamented glass bowl replaced the legal paperwork. Another Dhakhari wedding tradition. One that signified their marriage as bonding into one, never to be separated again. One goblet—hers contained golden sand, representing her the bride. Rafiq’s goblet contained the darker, copper sand.

While the priest prayed for their union as husband and wife, they each took turns pouring measured portions into the bowl until the cups were emptied.