ROLEPLAY HQ - riddle-me-this

Marriage. A legally recognized union of two people. Generally it is something that is decided between the two parties as an act of devotion, of love. However, there are few instances where parents pick and choose the perfect marriage partner for their children from a handful candidates. It was that exact type of situation for two young adults who would be the protagonists for this very story. *This would be their first meeting since the two were but children, the families already sitting at the restaurant and awaiting the last main party to arrive. * "She should be here any moment." The father of the bride stated, his eyes glancing down at the phone in his hand. "Commute from work, you know how it goes..." He chuckled nervously, his hand moving up to rub the back of his head. "Here, have some more tea, won't you?" His wife, the mother of the bride stated. A pleasant smile on her face as she moved to fill up the teacups. "You must be excited Aqil, yes? I'm sure Naya is just as excited for this union! The heavens have surely blessed the two of you with such an auspicious wedding date." She beamed, her own excitement clearly evident on her face. "Yes, surely she is... did you receive the pictures we had forwarded last year?" Her father continued, almost as if he was trying to fill the room with anything other than the sound of the clicking tock. "I know I am her father, but Naya is truly a unique beauty, no?" He forced a laugh again, his eyes glancing once again back down to his watch. @Ruvik the Unchained Predator

"Uh...." Aqil looked at his own father and mother, looking so pissed, it was like they went nuclear on the sun, "You know, uh, if Naya doesn;t want to marry me, it is okay. I do not think I know her that well, anyways." Aqil rubbed his head, he was feeling a bit embarrassed. To be rejected, while he was at the altar. Mr. Benny Lakatos and Parveen Raj-Lakatos, looked at him with an anger that did make him give a questioning look at them. Parveen asked politely to her mother: "Is Naya...?" she asks in a gentle tone, "Not happy with the arrangement?" Benny asked the father, "Should, should he not have come with you and your wife?" It seemed odd she did not. However, he trusted his friends and hoped rthis would be a good union. "Maybe it is better if she does not come around." Aqil whispered but his mother stared him down. Taking him aside, "What is wrong with you? Naya is a nice girl. It is about time you got married. You even said 'no' to that guy Father Martin saw you kiss a long time ago. And, I know you also like girls. So, what's the issue? You been without anyone with four tyears, Aqil. It is time to settle down." "I mean, I have the tech business I started with Dad and my own independent branch." Aqil rubbed his head. Truth be told, he knew jackshit about Naya, aside she was pretty. So, he did not know how this arranged marriage and convenience of union, would work out. What if she hates me? She is quite beautiful. What if she thinks I am a total geek and nerd and does not think anything great about me? Deep inside, he was very nervous, and Naya's delay had his stomach in knots. What if she abandoned him at the altar? What if she did not want him? What if this was all a mistake? He was perspiring a bit. "Mama, why am I doing this?" "You are usually so brave, Aqil. Do not be a coward at your own wedding." His mother teased him and he just sighed. @Nymphy ❦

She was late, really late. While ten minutes on a normal errand was perfectly acceptable where she was meant to be today was one of those times where even a minute could be frowned upon and Naya was already on edge. For the tenth time since she'd hopped in the cab after her shift she glanced down at her phone, the timing ticking another minute forward. Biting her lip she pulled up the group text conversation with her parents. Quickly typing away at the keys at the same time of asking the driver if he could go any quicker.

Naya: Ma, Papa. Traffic was backed up...three minutes. I'll be there. Please please don't let them leave!
Ma: I just served another round of tea...hurry.
Papa: This is why I told you to take the day off, child.
Naya: I know, I'm sorry but I told you I couldn't! I'm trying for the pastry chef position Papa!

She groaned, locking her phone and shoving it in her small backpack. As the car pulled up to the restaurant Naya jumped out, paying the taxi driver a decent tip before shutting the door. She glanced down at herself, the dress her mother and her had picked out specifically for their first real meeting. It was sexy yet tasteful and she hoped it did her body justice... She was to meet the man she was to marry after all, the last time she'd seen them they had been ten...but now? They were both of a marrying age and her parents truly wished for this and she couldn't disappoint them. Sure in today's age an arranged marriage was almost extinct, especially in America but her father and his friend had set this up in their home country. Their family even moving here when Aqil's had, if that didn't scream the importance of this union Naya wasn't sure what would. One last glance down at herself and she headed inside, giving her name to the waitress and then she was led into the private room her father had rented for the occasion (edited)

06:26

The wooden and paper door slid open and Naya was greeted with five sets of eyes, two of which held relief while the other three held a variety of emotions. Naya's eyes locked with Aqil's and she bowed low, an apologetic look on her own face. "I apologize for arriving so late..." "Papa, Ma." She greeted them and turned her attention back towards the rest. "Please accept this gift as my apology." She nervously placed a small box on the table in front of Aqil's parents, inside contained a variety of pastries she'd made at work. Shyly she glance up from the box at Aqil, her heart thudding in her chest. He looked so different from how he had back then, handsome even. She was sure he thought the same, or perhaps he didn't even remember her. She was no longer the pigtailed freckled mess of a child with her awkward weight. Instead she had taken care of her health, getting fit and working to keep it that way. "It's...nice to see you again, Aqil." @Ruvik the Unchained Predator

her dress

Aqil thought her wedding dress was bit unconventional. It looked more like a summer dress. It hugged her curves and made her look very pretty; though he wondered if she was not supposed to wear a long dress, and a veil? Those things seemed to elude him. Well, it was not like he had really wanted to get married. "Uh, again? " Aqil looked at her unsure while Parveen and Benny, his parents, had the pastries. I wonder why she is late. If Aqil was a bit annoyed, it was because, he was not enthusiastic about getting married. He had been a bit of an introvert, especially when in his early 20s, his then almost fiance, and girlfriend, Sarah, seemed to dump him out of nowhere. Well, he had been beginning a tech start up, side business from his own parents' medical tools and real estate business. He found success and Sarah kept calling him then, wanting to get back together. So, he had avoided marriage and most relationships. He even had a text from her this morning. Even now, could not find himself blocking her ass.

 Sarah: Heard you are getting married?
    Aqil: AND?
    Sarah: I saw her pictures, Naya Riddle, she looks 'okish.'
    Aqil: Knowing you, that means in your language ugly or something.
    Sarah: She does not hold a candle to me.
    Aqil: Who does, Sarah? rolls eyes In your world, Even God does not hold a candle to you.
    Sarah: LMAO! I miss your witty humour.
    Aqil: You are missing my money.
    Sarah: That too.
    Aqil: Good, as long as you do not hide it.
    Sarah: Babe, your parents were already rich. I was just bored, hanging out with you, while you got your shit together. I still love you. I needed to know if I wanted to date your ambition and failures? Or, would I be satisfied with you, the way you were?
    Aqil: AND?
    Sarah: I realised, when you got successful, that your ambitions and dreams, even if annoying, are what makes YOU, YOU, so I could tolerate the late nights and cheap Chinese dinners. 
    Aqil: Fuck You, Sarah.

13:09

 Sarah: Sure, tell me when ;)
    Aqil: =/

Most of their conversations ended with him getting royally pissed. Even on his wedding day, she managed to crawl out of the compost and tell him about coming back to him. Now, he was looking at Naya, in her less than traditional wedding dress, and wondering, is she the right person for him? She looked like she dressed at the last minute. "So, uh, why were you late? On this special day?" Aqil candidly asked. He was looking for commitment. And, the bitter taste of Sarah, made him realise, he wanted someone loyal. He did not wish to second priority and boy toy to someone else's plans. So, he was being transparent. @Nymphy ❦

"I had a shift at work... Normally I would have requested off, but due to my father not listening when he originally scheduled things for today with your father things got mixed up. I'm sorry." Naya bowed again, her hair falling forward and tickling her collarbone. "Before we part here to head to the ceremony I will change into my actual dress." She flushed red a little, feeling his parents eyes on her as if to evaluate her. "Oh yes! I brought her dress prior to our arrival!" Her mother chimed in. "Couldn't very well go to work in a wedding dress, no?" She chuckled nervously as she motioned for Naya to take a seat. She shook her head slightly and turned her attention back to Aqil. "I have undoubtedly offended your parents, but more importantly I am sure I have caused you to worry and that was not my intention." She righted herself and smoothed out the skirt of her dress. "I look forward to this union, but my career is something that I am very passionate about and I hope that you can excuse my tardiness. I know it was not ideal..." As her words trailed off her father cleared his throat. "Now, let us head to the church. Give Naya the time she needs to change into her dress, no?" He rose from his chair and waited for the others to join them. Naya was getting irritated that even still her father was brushing off her own feelings and thoughts while she tried to smooth things over, but as everyone else began to rise she bit her tongue and followed everyone out. She kept taking glanced at Aqil, chewing on her inner lip until each family parted in separate vehicles. As they arrived at the church Naya's mother had her father usher the dress into the church so Aqil wouldn't have a moment to look. Already guests were arriving and filing into the church and as she stood there she felt her nerves growing. "Oh here they come...should I ask her? Yes...I think so. Need to smooth things over more, no?" "Ma, please...you act like my job-" "Shh." .

04:10

Her mother, Ava plastered on a smile and clapped her hands together, rushing over the remaining distance. "Parveen, would you like to accompany us while we get Naya all dressed and settled?" She motioned towards her daughter. "We would love to have your opinions on her makeup and the like-" Naya's father Emir chuckled and looked at the men, "Then should us men head in for now?" She arched a brow and motioned towards the entrance. He clapped a hand on Aqil's shoulder. "Son, you're nearly a foot taller than me... making this old man feel lacking. Naya is lucky indeed." He chuckled and headed inside. Naya and her mother ushered Aqil's mother inside and to the room where her dress was already waiting. Forty-two minutes later and she was in her dress as her mother and Aqil's did last minute adjustments. Once satisficed they headed to their spot, delivering Naya to Aqil. "Alright, you ready for this?" Her father beamed down at her. "You look like a princess love, he is one lucky man..." Her father's voice cracked as they heard the music begin, the guests hushing their chatter and turning towards the door. As the door swung open Naya felt her heart freeze as all eyes were on her. If it wasn't for her veil she would have probably tried to flee. She hated being under this much attention, there were people sniffling at the sight of her, some making quiet comments about her style of dress, the modern american dress clearly offending some and she was doubting everything. Her hand tightened on her father's arm as he pulled her along. "Remember to breathe and smile Naya, this is your day. Don't let them old coots and crones ruin this for you. You look beautiful." Her father mumbled under his breath before they reached where Aqil was. "I entrust my daughter to you, Aqil Lakatos." He placed her one hand in his and squeezed gently before going to his own seat.

04:11

@Ruvik the Unchained Predator

Aqil wanted to say something. But decided against it. He did not want to seem like he was ungrateful and hyper judgmental. Already, this was an arranged marriage and he knew less about Naya and she knew less about him as well. The last thing he wanted was her to feel he was, from the offset, a bad wedding groom, a potentially awful husband. Aqil may not have shown it; but he was clearly very afraid of this. To be someone's husband, was clearly a lot of responsibility? What if he failed her? What if she found him lacking in almost every way? This truly made him feel a fear in his gut he had not have known before. When his mother, Parveen, went to help Naya get dressed in more ceremonial clothes, he had just nodded to her father. He did not wish to make any mistakes or sound rude or say anything that would make this union seem worse. He was just happy the event looked good and that Naya seemed happy. He hoped he could make her happy. Aqil doubted he was the sort of man most women wanted to et married to - and then there was Sarah. Wait a minute! Aqil looked and saw Sarah in the audience. She had the audacity to come! While he got quiet not knowing what to say or do, he saw Naya being walked over with her father and people rejoicing their union. Even Sarah clapped a bit, scrutinising Naya and making a face, akin to a snort and a challenge. She was not serious was she? Why would she come? This antagonism was clearly unwarranted. Soon, he nodded to her father, he hoped he was able to properly satisfy the promise of families. Well, most importantly, he had to make sure, Naya was happy enough. Why is she marrying me? She is quite beautiful and can have anyone, really. He sighed. As the priest came in, he showed his respects. The sermon started, on family, of righteousness, of God in Heaven, showering them with Bliss, of Man and Woman, the Unity (Well, this part was ironic to him as he quite gay, pansexually oriented), and how he had now found his Half as did she, in

04:58

sickness and in health, in poverty and prosperity, through endurance and enlightenment, through surrender and devotion. Well, Aqil always liked this part, when he heard it. The aspect of enduring chemistry, filialness, fidelity and love. Romance burned on a smouldering flame and burned away. Love burned slow, with warmth and eternity. He wondered if he could love Naya, the way women and men pined for love. She deserved duty and more; loyalty and a sense of adventure. He was more reserved at times than openly passionate. He had acquired sensibility for many things yet required some aid in executing that knowledge. Hopefully, he would make Naya happy and feel complete. Even if there need be growth, he was sure he would not at all step away from it. @Nymphy ❦

She recited back all that she was told to, her voice surely shaky enough for other to hear it but what more could Naya do? She was only twenty-three, marrying a man she hadn't known since her early childhood of course she was a nervous wreck. What did he think of her? Would she be able to be a decent wife when her career had just barely begun to take off? What if their personalities clashed? "You may now kiss the bride." Naya looked up from the ring that was now on her hand, the gold with diamonds sparking in the light and she couldn't help but wonder what the future held. The thumping of her heart was wild as she looked up from the ring and into Aqil's eyes. It was almost as if they were in slow motion as her veil was lifted and he moved in for the kiss. Their lips touched and Naya squeezed the bouquet tightly. Counting each heartbeat that their lips continued to touch. When they parted and faced their families and friends she couldn't help but notice the woman sneering in the audience on his side. Was she just a friend, a lover? Oh god...had she inadvertently broken up a couple and now his jilted lover was here to ruin their day? What did this mean for her? The priest cleared his throat and leaned in, "You can head down the isle now." He whispered to them and Naya simply nodded, taking Aqil's hand in hers as they were ushered to the car they would take to the wedding reception. @Ruvik the Unchained Predator

Aqil felt strange kissing Naya; had not known her for a long time and now they were getting married. He hoped he would be able to do her justice and make her feel loved and appreciated. Though, she seemed to very interested in her career as a professional in the catering, baking and cooking industry. Well, he was more of a forensics student and IT sort of guy, so for him, it was another kind of science. Well, still it was a science and so he would be able to talk to her about her work and passions. He was also thinking if Naya favoured books, what kind of films she liked? Hence, they still had a lot to know about each other. It was exciting in its own way. Maybe, in dating at times, you knew someone and so you were thinking marriage could a form of 'settling' into a routine? Well, here, it seems to be better it was NOT a routine. It was hard to have a pattern when you just met someone. They would making those mechanisms of habits with each other, figuring each other now and all of that. Well, it was better than the boring rigamarole of routine already enforced. He rolled his eyes when he saw Sarah sneering at Naya. Well, she was also twisting hard this handkerchief so badly that it looked like it would become bloody from her hands. He did not know if his male pride should be impressed with this or if he would actually be completely miserable that this was happening in his wedding? On Sarah's feelings, well, she left him first and started dating one of his friends and then even had a long tumultuous affair with a married lawyer. Aqil did not know what Sarah was searching for; at least things he did want and did not want. She seemed completely removed from that equation.

19:59

As they walked down the aisle, he saw, for a moment, this depressive overcast on Sarah's face. Well, whatever they had shared, it was clear to him now, for a moment, it had held meaning. There was no pretence in her looks — she was sad he just married someone else in front of her. Had she expected this was the ending of The Graduate when Dustin Hoffman's lover screams out his fictional name "BEN!" And abandons her groom at the aisle to get in the bus with him? EH, not really happening here. That ending and movie itself had issues but he was not doing things to copy celluloid archives. Aqil could sense and then see that Naya had noticed Sarah. He felt guilty even by association. He had not known she would be bold enough to show her face and then also seemingly challenge his bride to now and now wife to live with such eyes. Falcon-like as she Naya as a mouse she was supposed to get rid of and destroy. With sharp talons and no mercy. Well, Aqil could not care less in that expression. Naya was by legal and societal definitions HIS WIFE. Sarah was just some ex-girlfriend and even if we wax existential, a marriage, even by today's standards, seemed to hold more weight and meaning than most other unions.

20:04

As he got into the car, the sexy white limousine with silver accents, he noticed Sarah was part of the crowd. He expected she was waiting to go to the reception as well. This was too much. Sarah could not insult Naya; she kind of won him fair and square. They were not really in love but they swore and oath and duty. And, she did not leave his ass for one of his friends and then some married lawyer. Naya was someone who was dependable. And, maybe he did not wish to get married. However, he could not deny the allure of having someone dependable by your side. Aqil immediately started texting while asking Naya to excuse him for a moment:

 Aqil: Sarah, What the fuck are you doing?
    Sarah: Language, Aqil. I am not your girlfriend anymore. I do not need to take your shit. 
    Aqil: What 'shit' Sarah? You are the one who left me for Randy and then you dated my Father's Friend and Associate, Harold. You know you literally ruined his marriage with my Parents' friend, Edna. Now, Edna looks at me as if I am the one who ruined his marriage.

20:10

Aqil nervously smiled at Naya as he could see Sarah was still typing:

 Sarah: What is your point, Aqil?
    Aqil: You Fucking know what my point is!
    Sarah: Language.
    Aqil: Fuck you!
    Sarah: Come one, she is not that pretty. And, I saw her when she came in. Someone said she is a pastry chef? Seriously, you are okay marry a cook and a maid?
    Aqil: Wow, Snob much, Sarah? 
    Sarah: Not many people can handle you. You were always someone who had issues making friends and getting along with others. What makes you think some Rando Kitchen Witch is going to make you swoon over her stale bread pussy?

The last statement made Aqil almost gag. He forget how competitive and gross Sarah could become when she put her mind to it:

 Aqil: Do not dare talk about my wife that way!
   Sarah: Chivalry like this suits you as that wedding dress suits this Naya. That dress is too good on a Kitchen Witch as her. 
   Aqil: If you ruin my wedding reception, Sarah, My parents and I, will press charges.
   Sarah:...
   Aqil: You heard me!
   Sarah: Fine. But there is no law, that says, I cannot catch the bouquet ;)

@Nymphy ❦