The marriage formula between Imam ‘Ali (as) and Hadhrat Zahra (as) had been recited in the year 2 ah, but the wedding ceremony took place only later (after one month or one year, as per varying reports).
During this period, ‘Ali (as), out of shyness, would not utter the name of Fatimah (as) and she too behaved likewise.
This continued till one day, the wives of the Noble Prophet (S) approached ‘Ali (as) and asked: “Why do you delay the wedding ceremony? If you experience a feeling of shyness and timidity, permit us to speak to the Noble Prophet (S) about it.” Imam ‘Ali (as) granted them permission. En masse, they arrived in the presence of the Noble Prophet (S).
“O’ Prophet of Allah!” they said. “Had Khadijah been alive, Fatimah’s wedding ceremony would have left her overjoyed and Fatimah (as) herself would be happy to set her eyes upon her husband. ‘Ali (as) too awaits his wife and we look forward to this joyous occasion.”
Hearing Khadijah’s name, tears welled up in the Noble Prophet’s eyes. With a heave of sigh, he said, “Where is there the like of Khadijah…?” and then added, “But why did ‘Ali (as) not approach me directly for this?”
The wives replied, “His modesty restrained him from doing so.”
Hearing this, the Noble Prophet (S) directed them to make preparations for the wedding ceremony( Fatimah al-Zahra, Page 283 )