The groom had given him strict instructions: ‘Keep away from the bridesmaid.’ Here’s what happened next
Ariff Hassan arrived at his friend’s wedding in Kazakhstan with strict instructions: “Stay away from the bridesmaid.”
It was August 2018. Ariff had traveled from Singapore to Kazakhstan to attend the wedding of an old friend. Both had grown up in Malaysia, but drifted apart when Ariff moved to the UK. They reconnected when Ariff moved to Singapore, leading to the wedding invitation.
Ariff felt honored to be invited, especially since his friend’s fiancée was from Kazakhstan, and the wedding was in Almaty, the country’s largest city. A passionate traveler, Ariff eagerly RSVPed “yes,” excited to explore a new destination.
His friend was thrilled Ariff could attend but issued a firm warning about the bridesmaid, his fiancée’s cousin. To avoid potential family drama, Ariff’s friend advised him to steer clear of her, especially since he thought Ariff wasn’t looking for a serious relationship.
Ariff laughed and agreed, focusing on celebrating his friend and experiencing a new culture. The bride and groom organized daily activities for their guests, allowing Ariff to enjoy Almaty’s mix of Soviet architecture, modern buildings, serene parks, and lively bars. He also stayed in a chalet in the nearby breathtaking mountains.
The night before the wedding, at a dinner hosted by the bride’s family, Ariff noticed Liliya Dauletaliyeva for the first time. Unlike the other girls in evening dresses, Liliya stood out in a check shirt. She was friendly, confident, and at the center of conversations, translating between Russian and English.
Ariff, remembering his friend’s warning, awkwardly avoided engaging with her. Liliya, born and raised in Almaty, was focused on her studies in Astana and loved traveling. She tried to make Ariff feel comfortable, thinking he might be shy or experiencing cultural shock, but he remained distant.
The wedding was a lively 12-hour affair filled with drinks and dancing. After the formal event, the younger guests continued the celebration at a karaoke bar. In the early hours, Ariff and Liliya finally sat down and talked. After hours of drinking, Ariff forgot his friend’s warning.
“The instructions went out the window,” he says, as they connected amid the singing and dancing.
