Chahat 7

Author's POV

After the engagement, both families just had 2 weeks to prepare for everything. Since both of the families were traditional they decided to do a bunch of traditions including, mayun, dholki, mehndi and other traditions.

Right after Hoorain and Asfandyar's engagement, everyone started shopping and got busy with preparations for everything. In the first 3 days, Hoorain was dragged from shop to shop and was made to try on different attires. It was really hectic for Hoorain and like everyone else, they too had wedding dress issues. At the end, Asfandyar selected the dress and asked Hoorain about it. Hoorain who saw the dress and just fell in love with it and said yes. (A/N: It's so funny, everyone I've asked about their wedding always say they had dress issues, is it that common?)

On the fourth day, it was Hoorain's mayun. Her mayun only consisted of her family, friends and her mother-in-law. She was clad in a yellow shalwar kameez void of any makeup and barely any jewelry, the people invited would one by one rub a paste on her and bless her while making her have something sweet. The mayun was something Hoorain herself wanted. She was always fond of traditions no matter what they were.

Mayun also marked her curfew. After her mayun, she was not allowed to leave the house and Asfandyar was also not allowed to meet her before their Mehndi, this irked Asfandyar so much. Asfandyar did not mind other traditions but this one really had him irritated but he had no say because it was Hoorain's decision after all.

But that did not stop Asfandyar from meeting Hoorain. He tried everything to get a glance at her but luck was never on his side. He would come to their house with his mom or sister with an excuse to deliver something unannounced and try to catch a glimpse of his dushman-e-jaan but apparently she would always be in her room or in another room. He went as far as to climb Hoorain's balcony once at night but as always he couldn't see her as she was downstairs having a dholki with the females.

He would message her and literally beg her to show herself but Hoorain was enjoying him being tortured, so she would reply with a simple, "Mehndi pe dekh lena." This would tick off Asfandyar, she was like a drug to him and right now his drug was denying being consumed. The cat and mouse game was immensely fun for Hoorain right now but Asfandyar was not going to let her get away with it, he would surely get back at her.(You can see me on the Mehndi.)

These days were really busy for everyone apart from Hoorain, she was staying at home and taking care of herself. While Asfandyar was looking over every little detail of the wedding as well as handling his office work. Of course he got help from Wali but he wanted to make sure that he would be free for at least one month after their rukhsati.

From the day of Hoorain's mayun to the day of her mehndi, she had dholkis every other day. The females would sit around and sing songs while some people would be busy in dance practices. Another thing Hoorain was very excited about was the dance performances.

At last, the day of her mehndi finally came. They were having a joint mehndi at a venue chosen by Asfandyar. It was out in the open, it gave out really nice vibes. There was a huge stage in the middle for the performances.

Hoorain was currently getting ready at her home. The makeup artist surely did an amazing job on keeping it light but highlighted her features. Hoorain quickly changed into her dress which looked really pretty on her. She already had her mehndi done in the morning and didn't wash it till the evening because as the saying goes, 'the darker the color of your mehndi, the more your mother-in-law loves you ;)'. Hoorain also had a little challenge waiting for Asfandyar and he did have a hint about what that could be.

(A/N: So this is what I originally thought but you can imagine whatever you want. I will put the other option further down.)

Hoorain was in front of her mirror admiring herself, lost in thought when Mr. Alam entered the room. He looked at Hoorain and his eyes started to water a bit, "Meri bachi itni bari ho gayi. Mashallah" Mr. Alam managed to croak out. (My little girl is so big now. Mashallah.)

Mr. Alam had a special place in his heart for his daughter. Hoorain saw her dad tearing up, she quickly came and hugged him. On the other hand, Mr. Alam tried to push back his tears as he caressed his daughter's head which was halfly covered with her dupatta.

The moment ended as Mrs. Alam as she enters and admires Hoorain. Mrs. Alam hugged her daughter too, trying to really control her tears. It wasn't her Nikkah yet and they were already an emotional mess. "Dekhein Zaheer, kitni pyari lag rahi hai humari beti. Mashallah" Azra Alam said to her husband who just hummed, sending prayers towards her future.(Look Zaheer, our daughter is looking very beautiful. Mashallah.)

"Yar mama baba aaj to sirf mehndi he, aisa na royein warna mene bhi rone lag jana he." Hoorain said, trying to ease her parents.(Mama baba, it's just the mehndi today so please don't cry or else I will cry too.)

The elder just chuckled and smiled seeing her effort at making them stop crying. "Ok let's go, we were here to take you." Mrs. Alam said as she helped Hoorain with her dress while Mr. Alam held the room door open for them to pass through.

As they reached the end of the stairs, they met with Jaziba. She insisted on joining from the bride's side because according to her, 'Bride side means more money'. But deep down Hoorain knew she was joking and she actually wanted to be able to support Hoorain through this life changing decision.

Jaziba rushed towards Hoorain and engulfed her in a bone-crushing hug. "Mashallah bohut pyari lag rahi ho." Jaziba whispered in her ear. Jaziba stepped back, not meeting Hoorain's eyes she pretended to help her with her dress. (Mashallah you look very beautiful.)

Hoorain suddenly grabbed Jaziba's hand and forced her to stand in front of her only to be faced with eyes filled with unshed tears. "Shush. No crying, you told me you wouldn't cry." Hoorain said lightly.

"Who said I'm crying sad tears, these are happy ones. You are finally going to stop disturbing me."Jaziba flipped her hairs acting sassy in front of Hoorain. Hoorain just chuckled and didn't say anything.

Mrs. Alam and Jaziba helped Hoorain in the car and they drove off to the venue.

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Asfandyar had been unusually happy the whole week. It was the best week of his life till date, a very busy but really exciting week. He was currently in his mansion getting ready. He had showered and wore his mehndi outfit, applied some cologne and wore the necessary accessories. He draped his ajrak around his shoulders and headed down towards his living room.

In his living room were two men who wore matching fits, they were none other than Wali and Aariz. They saw the dulha coming down in all his glory. "Saajan ji ghar aaye, dulhan kyun sharmaye" Wali and Aariz sang as Aariz acted as a shy bride hiding his face in his black chadar. (Your beloved has come to the house, why should the bride be shy.) (A/N: It feels so wrong to translate it in english.)

Asfandyar couldn't help but grin at his best friends. He went down and punched them on their shoulder playfully. They gave him a bro hug and shared a few words. Asfandyar checked the time and told his idiot friends that they should leave as he had to check and make sure everything was great.

They settled in one of the cars and sped off. During the car ride, Asfandyar mentioned to his friends about the 'challenge' Hoorain had prepared for him. "Zaroor doodh pilai hogi. Yar tum pese laye ho na? Men tumhare liye paise nahi de sakta men khud kangla hon." Aariz joked trying to guess the challenge. Asfandyar was second guessing about why he had him as his friend while Wali just chuckled. (It must be doodh pilai. You brought money right? I am not going to pay for it, I myself am broke.)

"Nahi doodh pilai nahi hogi, bhabhi ne zaroor apni mehndi mein tumhara naam likh waya hoga, wo tumhe doodhna hoga." Wali took his guess, Asfandyar liked this option better than the doodh pilai. Although he was ready to give money, thinking about his Ain having his name on her hand just gave him a different type of pleasure. (No, it won't be doodh pilai, sister-in-law must've written your name in her mehndi and you would have to find it.)

Aariz and Wali bet on it, whoever got it right would have to give the other 5000 rupees. Before further arguments, they reached the venue and started checking the arrangements.

After checking everything, he called his father who said he would inform the Alams. Asfandyar was now seated at the stage socializing with his friends and business associates but in reality he was just passing time, waiting for his Ain.

Hoorain finally arrived and was helped out of the car, she slowly began walking with her parents towards the main stage. She looked up and her eyes met with Asfandyar's eyes, she couldn't maintain eye contact so she looked down but she could still feel his eyes on her, butterflies erupted in her stomach by small actions like these.

Before she knew it, she reached the stage and Asfandyar extended his hand as he looked at Mr. Alam for permission to which Mr. Alam slightly nodded silently, giving him permission.He grabbed her hand and helped her up on the stage and both of them settled on the huge couch.

Asfandyar looked at Hoorain while she just avoided all sorts of eye contact, she was extremely nervous. "Itna bhi bura nahi dikh raha mein." Asfandyar chuckled lightly. (I don't look that bad.)

Hoorain gave him a confused look not getting what he was saying. "Tum Meri taraf dekh bhi nahi rahi." Asfandyar cleared her misunderstanding. Hoorain couldn't help but blush at his comment, she did not in a million years imagine him to be romantic.(You are not even glancing at me.)

Hoorain looked for Jaziba to save her from the embarrassing situation and as soon as their eyes met, she knew what they had to do.

Jaziba went up on the stage and said to Asfandyar, "Asfandyar Bhai, chalein ab ap humari Hoorain ke haathon men apna Naam dhoond ke dikhayein phir hi humein yakeen aayega ke aap humari Hoorain ko waqayi pyar karte hen." (Asfandyar Bhai, you have to find your name in Hoorain's hands, only then will we believe that you actually love our Hoorain.)

"Bas itni si baat, mein to apna dil khol ke dikhane ko tyaar hoon." Asfandyar replied, not moving his gaze away from his Ain. (That's it? I can open my heart and show you that I love Hoorain.)

The youngsters hooted and cheered his comment while Hoorain's face turned completely red. Hoorain looked up and her eyes met with Asfandyar, she gazed in his love filled gaze for a few seconds and then averted her eyes.

She slowly extended her hands towards Asfandyar allowing him full access to her mehndi so that he could find his name. He ever so softly gripped her arms, turning it around trying to find his name. After about half a minute, he was able to find his name but instead of saying something he just traced his finger over it. It was a very small gesture but to Hoorain who was experiencing these for the first time had a zoo in her stomach.

Asfandyar was ecstatic seeing his name on her hand and declared that he did in fact find her name, "Ye lo dhoond liya." Jaziba was shocked that he found it so quickly but he was Asfandyar Akbar Mir afterall. (I found it.)

"Arey wah! Ap hum mein se kisi se bhi aik favor maang sakte hen." Jaziba said as they lost the challenge and it was fair to pay the penalty. (Wow! You can ask a favor from either of us.)

Asfandyar found this as an opening to make Hoorain suffer from all the times she refused to let him see her throughout the week. He smirked looking at Hoorain, "Favor to men apni biwi se hi loon ga magar idhr kehna pasand nahi karoon ga." Asfandyar tried to be respectful but failed miserably. (I will take the favor from my wife but won't really like to mention it here.) (A/N: It's not what you think, you dirty minded people🤡.)

Youngsters erupted in a cheer and now moved towards the dance stage to start their dance performances. One by one everyone started performing, some had pair performances and by the end of everything. Aariz dragged Asfandyar while Jaziba dragged Hoorain towards the stage and surrounded them with the rest of the people.

Asfandyar twirled Hoorain around as the music created the lively atmosphere. As the sun went down, everyone started dispersing from the venue. Hoorain and Asfandyar were having their photoshoot at the side.

The cameraman was giving them different poses to make but Hoorain was really confused as to what the cameraman wanted. Seeing her frustration, Asfandyar pulled her towards himself and connected their forehead. "Akhir dekh hi liya tujhe aik hafte baad. You look absolutely breath-taking Zargeya." Asfandyar said. These little nicknames really got Hoorain everytime.

The evening ended there and everyone retired to their homes to gain energy for the upcoming event tomorrow unaware of the soon-to-be couple that couldn't get a wink of sleep. The stars smiled down upon them, tomorrow was going to be the start of a new chapter of their lives.

(A/N: Ok so hear me out, this was kind of what I imagined them as, through the photoshoot but I didn't like the male's outfit. WHY IS IT SO HARD TO FIND DRESSES FOR MEN?????? Like there are barely any good traditional ones.)

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Assalamualaikum!!!!!!

I AM SO SORRY I am two days late but its sooo hard to find good pics and get time out. I would like to mention that I don't own any of the pictures.

I feel like this chapter was very bad and rushed so I am sorry for that too. Next chapter would be next week probably, Till then Allah Hafiz lovely readers!! <3