Chapter 775: The world of Irth (part-41)
Azzy saw the uncertainty in her eyes and, without hesitation, pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her. "Listen to me," he said softly but firmly. "We'll set a date, next week, instead of a couple of months as we originally planned. We'll marry here, among your friends, and whatever family you have left. Then, after that, we'll leave this world behind, and I'll take you to my homeworld. We'll marry again there in the presence of my family."
He paused, watching her reaction carefully, wanting to make sure she heard every word. "I promise you, Leiza. I'll stay by your side until our baby is born, and only then will I leave for Elysium."
Leiza's eyes softened, and the tension in her face eased. Slowly, she nodded, her lips curling into a smile as she relaxed in his arms. "Okay," she whispered, her voice light with relief. "I believe you."
Azzy smiled back, the knot in his chest finally loosening. With a deep breath, he hugged her tighter, feeling her warmth and the steadiness of her presence. "Thank you," he murmured, pressing his forehead against hers. "I'll make everything right. I promise."
Leiza, now fully at ease, let out a soft laugh. "You always say that, but... I know you'll keep your word."
Azzy chuckled softly. "I will. I'm going to make sure of it."
And for the first time in what felt like forever, Azzy felt the weight on his shoulders begin to lift. He wasn't alone in this anymore. Leiza was by his side, and no matter what came next, they would face it together.
Ten days passed away in the blink of an eye. The news about Leiza's marriage spread like wildfire, all over the country, once the news about Leiza purchasing a bride attire from a store even though she already paid money to a custom fashion designer for handmade bridal attire, a couple of weeks ago.
As a result, the ceremony took place in a small, serene temple, tucked away in the heart of Silver City instead of making it grand.
The air was thick with anticipation. Invited guests had gathered, dressed in formal attire, with the hum of excited conversation filling the room. Azzy stood at the front, dressed in a simple yet elegant suit, his expression a mixture of calm and nervous excitement. Leiza stood by his side, radiant in a soft, flowing white gown, her hand tightly clasped in his.
The ceremony began with the "Blessing of the Betrothal" (Kiddushin). Azzy and Leiza stood before the rabbi, who began by reciting the prayers of blessing over a glass of wine. The couple each took a sip, symbolizing their shared life ahead—one that would have both sweetness and challenges.
The rabbi, a wise figure with a calm demeanor, turned to face them. "As you stand here before us today, you bind your hearts together not just in love, but in partnership. May your union be a blessing, and may you always find joy in each other's company."
Azzy smiled down at Leiza, his heart swelling with emotion. He felt the gravity of the moment as he reached for her hand.
The next part of the ceremony was the signing of the Ketubah—the traditional marriage contract. It outlined the responsibilities of both partners, ensuring that the marriage would be founded on respect, trust, and mutual care.
Azzy and Leiza stood beside the witnesses—close friends who had been by their side through thick and thin. The Ketubah was written in beautiful script on parchment, its words timeless and binding. The rabbi held it in his hands as Azzy and Leiza signed their names with a flourish.
With the signing of the Ketubah, their marriage became official. The words on the parchment, echoing the vows they had already made to each other, now held legal weight in the eyes of their people.
The ceremony continued under the Chuppah, the wedding canopy that symbolized the home they would build together. The Chuppah was held up by four pillars, each one representing the support and stability they would need to nurture their marriage.
Under the canopy, the couple exchanged vows, and promises of love, loyalty, and protection. "I will love you not only in this moment but every moment that comes after," Azzy said, his voice strong and sincere.
Leiza smiled, her voice steady with emotion. "And I will walk with you through every storm, side by side, as we build our future."
The rabbi then recited the traditional prayer, V'ahavta, the prayer of love, reminding them that the foundation of their marriage was not just commitment but a shared devotion to one another.
One of the most memorable and symbolic parts of Azzy's wedding is the breaking of the glass. This act has many interpretations, but the most common one is that it symbolizes the fragility of life and love and the fact that even in moments of happiness, there will always be challenges to face together.
Azzy took the small glass wrapped in a cloth and stomped on it, shattering it to cheers from the guests. "Mazel Tov!" shouted the crowd, their faces beaming with joy.
Leiza laughed, her hand over her heart. "That was louder than I expected."
Azzy scratched his cheek in embarrassment. "The glass is too fragile."
With the ceremony complete, the newlyweds walked hand in hand down the aisle, greeted with applause and smiles from their loved ones. The reception was held in a large hall adjacent to the temple, where the guests gathered around a long table laden with food, wine, and treats. It was a feast, a celebration of love, union, and the future that awaited them.
Azzy and Leiza were seated at the head of the table, basking in the warmth of their friends and family. Laughter filled the air as speeches were made, toasts were raised, and well-wishers offered heartfelt blessings.
The dance floor soon came alive with joy, music playing as couples swirled around, and Azzy and Leiza shared their first dance as husband and wife. Leiza smiled up at Azzy, her head resting against his chest. "This is perfect," she murmured.
Azzy grinned down at her. "It's just the beginning."
They danced the night away, savoring the moment, knowing that this day—their wedding day—was just the start of a beautiful chapter in their lives together.