CHAPTER 9- QUBOOL HAI~ Ayesha💕

PART- II

"ما به يكى آصمان مى نكًريم."

"We look at the same sky."

A Y E S H A :-

Pâro (n): the feeling that no matter what you do is always somehow wrong.

A noun at the end of the lesson, I learned in ninth grade, in my English class, where this word meant nothing but a part of syllabus to study for exam at that time, but now this word came in mind, it's definition weighing heavily on my being, my heart is fluttering with unknown fear and excitement too.

Looking at my henna stained hands, the colour so dark, so beautiful which basically according to my Aunts, meant my Dulha [Groom] loves me so much. Now who is going to explain her that the stain is dark because of mom's trick of giving it cloves smoke and Sania's idea of applying vicks after it. Not the love and all.

These past days I have been given so much love, from known and unknown people, because I am leaving my house. Also one of the thoughts which is making me anxious. But I am not allowed to be because as safa said, anxiousness makes wrinkles appear on skin, and it's good for bride, so hear I am seated on dressers chair, wearing a silk robe which says 'Bride to be' brought by Sakina, and my comfy worn out pajama bottoms, with a tact green face pack on my face, now that i am not able to talk, all I am doing is talking to myself.

My bedroom door slams open and without opening my eyes I could tell it is Sakina, Sania is downstairs helping my mom, and Safa went to collect her dress for today from the boutique,

"My girl. How you dying?" She giggled

"Oops, I meant how you doing. Oh god, I am hilarious." She laughs and i control my smile so that's the mask doesn't cracks,

"Is it still not dried yet?" Sakina asks as the coolness on my eye lifts up, and i open one eye, squinting at her, who was holding the slice of cucumber in her finger.

Making an angry noise, I snatched it back from her and kept it back on my eyelid.

"Geez. The bride is snappy." She snickers and I wave her off.

"Dude, the mask is cracking, you are rocking it since last thirty minutes."

Thirty? Safa told twenty. I sit up and the cucumbers slices slides of my face, as i give Sakina a 'Really?' Face.

"Yes really, now go wash that off green goblin, you are gonna give me nightmares, if you stay any longer."

Shaking my head, I went to the washroom and washed off the face mask, my skin really had become soft and um....glowy? Safa really is an expert.

Walking back to my room, My mom brought my outfit which was zipped safely under the bag, she instructed Sakina about it, and hanged it in my closet, as the makeup artist was on her way. I wanted safa to do my makeup today too, but she was scared of ruining it, and suggested a makeup artist to arrive here, as knowing my lazy self won't go to a salon.

My mom left me and Sakina in my room, and went down to see the decorations in the lawn, as the function is being held at our lawn only, because A) we have only a few relatives here in turkey, and B) they couldn't find a venue in such short notice. my father requested it, and aunt ayeeza was more than happy to accept it, and had no objection. There is buffet system, all the food would be here, in the dining room, where the furniture had been cleared, this house has been chaos since morning, there are vendors setting up at the lawn and in living room, where I would be signing my nikkah nama [Marraige certificate] and the groom would be signing outside at the stage, So the only quiet place is my room, where no one was allowed except my friends, a rule made by my mom.

Sakina plops down on my bed opening a bag of Doritos, and started munching on them, "So tell me, what's going in that mind of yours?"

I sigh sitting on my dresser chair, Sakina tosses me a kit kat bar, knowing very well how sugar is my coping mechanism.

"Many things, many many things."

"One of them being?" She urges

"You know." I snapped one finger of kit kat and started munching on it.

"Ah, that dimwit whose name starts with a D." She plops a chip in her mouth,

"We don't talk about him."

"What is he, voldemort?" I chuckle taking a chip from her.

She hums, "Close enough."

"I um deactivated all my social media, and blocked him. So there is no way he could contact me," I chuckle bitterly,

"Well he wasn't contacting me since a month before so... it isn't a issue."

"Okayy... so what's the issue then?"

"The issue is.....me. I am doubting myself, Sakina, am i...betraying him?" I voiced my concern,

She settles the packet aside and turn to me fully tucking her legs up, "Look my love, betrayal means doing something knowing you have someone waiting for you, someone who is dreaming of you, but here that man neglected you from start, he started talking to you, because suddenly he was interested in you, only now, not before. And how much time has it been now? Almost a year, and now he is losing his interest, the first red flag, him forcing you to hide this relationship and not giving a label to it, even when you clearly said, you want to get married, not anything in between. Second red flag, him denying to send his alliance to you, and you know what he will do in future, try to contact you, when he will get over with his new adventures, and will try to manipulate you, making you think it was all your fault. And let me tell you." She reaches forward and grabs my hand, "It isn't your fault. None of it is."

It isn't your fault. The words clearing some of uneasiness in me.

"Stop yourself from degrading your self worth. You are a queen. A person who doesn't know how to treat you well.. is in loss. Not you. Never." Sakina sits back going back to eating her chips.

"You have a way with words don't you?"

I chuckle snapping another kit kat finger and munching on it, discreetly I tried peeking from my window, the vendors setting up the stage and flowers around it.

"By the way you didn't told me, what happened after your dad dragged you from college." She asks,

Turning towards her I snapped another kit kat finger and say, "Nothing destructive."

She gives a clear wtf look, so i go on,

"By the way, even you didn't told me what fight happened between you safa and Affan?"

She gives a tight lipped smile,

"Nothing destructive." She mimics.

The door creaks open as Safa steps in with her outfit zipper bag, "Ayesha, the makeup artist is five minutes away, are you-"

She stops and looks at me and Sakina in horror.

"Why are eating chips and chocolate now!" She shrieks sprinting in my direction, I looked down at my hand to see only one finger left, before she could snatch it from my hand I gobbled it down as fast as I could.

"Why!" She shrieks "What if you gain few pounds and won't fit in your dress." She stresses, sakina snorts eating her chips, safa snaps to her and snatches the bag from her, "You need to fit in your outfit too."

"Bu-but i am not the bride." Sakina protests weakly.

"Shh" she shush aggressively, and smacks my hand as I tried to take one dorito.

"Bride is hungry." I state.

"So eat in your wedding not now. The makeup artist is literally.." she checks her watch, "now three minutes away, and here you are. Oh my god." She stresses, pacing around the room.

"But you said five minutes-" she cuts me off.

"It's three now."

"Relax, Safa you are not the bride to stress." Sakina offers

"Stress?" Safa asks laughing, "If no one is stressing I have too, what are doing sitting here, we have to go to our appointment at the salon and get ready for function, Come on get up."

She drags sakina out of the room, and informs they all would be here ready with me for the function, my heart started beating loudly for no reason what, so before the makeup artist arrives I pray my salah, and made a long dua for peace from my Allah.

The makeup artist came and my mom brought her to me and instructed her to give me a nice makeup, and told her the jewellery which had to worn as if my mom didn't explained me that in the morning, she started getting me ready, and did few small talk with me, cracking some jokes, making me feel a little less anxious.

Finally what feels like years, my makeup and hair and everything were done. Now I can see myself.

The makeup artist, Naaz turned me towards my floor length mirror and a silent gasps left my mouth, she calls my mom and till the time i was getting ready, sania, safa and sakina came back from parlour all ready and gorgeous.

I looked down at the red attire which i adorned, to the jewellery which i wore, the bangles complementing my henna stain, the makeup done so perfectly, I always thought red lipstick doesn't suit me, but red on my lips contrast so well with my attire, the large nose ring, which I thought wouldn't suit me, to the four red roses which naaz tucked at the side of the low bun she made, everything looked perfect. And second time in two days, I felt beautiful and so good.

As i was standing in front of my mirror, mesmerised by naaz's skills, I heard a collective gasps from my door, turning back, i saw my friends standing near the doorframe, hands to their mouth, with an awe expression.

Giving them a little twirl, I lifted my arms in air, asking 'how is it?'

"You look so pretty Masha'Allah !" Sania gushes, her eyes glistening.

"I have no words." Safa whispers.

"Is it appropriate for me to get emotional now?" Sakina asks looking at me wide eyed.

"No please no crying. You just got your makeup done for the love of god." Safa snaps at everyone.

"Okay, say that to yourself too." I chuckle as she glares at me with tear filled eyes,

"I have allergies, i am not emotional." She snaps wiping the corner of her eye,

"Sure, babe." Sakina snickers blinking her eyes rapidly.

"Yes, of course allergic to happy moments." Sania says dabbing a tissue under her eyes,

"You emotional fools, come here." I beckoned them, raising my arms wide, my bangles clinking loudly with my actions,

They all sprinted in my direction, sakina pushing safa to get to my side, and some how we all were in a group hug, with occasional sniffing.

"We were never emotional." I sniffle,

"You made us." Safa says with a teary chuckle.

"I was emotional from the start." Sania says wiping her tears.

"Okay, it's getting awkward now." Sakina says laughing and breaking the hug, turning her back to me, her hands furiously moving over face,

"You guys cleaned pretty good." I say

"I always wanted to say that."

They all were wearing same golden embroidered gowns of different colours, safa was wearing a blush pink shade, sania a jade green one, with a sequinned golden duppata on her shoulder, and my girl Sakina rocking a pastel blue one.

Sakina turned around and gave me a smile, her eyes were unmistakably red rimmed, but the glitter eye makeup making it less noticeable. She took my hand in hers and gives me a smile, my eyes started to sting again, same as her, she gave a little laugh and say,

"Now Steve Rogers is all mine."

"Oh my god, Sakina. Way to ruin it." I hit with my tissue. Safa and Sania chuckling behind me.

My mom knocked on the door, she was all ready wearing a heavy navy blue silk saree, looking all versatile and beautiful, she was saying something but stopped when she saw me, bringing her hands to her mouth she approached me with teary eyes,

"Mama." I whisper and gestured to my red attire,

She let out a teary laugh and looked at me up and down, as if she didn't knew this day would ever come. "Are you......you are a bride." She whispers disbelievingly and grabs my hand, looking at me with adoration, "My baby is a bride." She chuckles.

I kissed her hands, "I am." She gave me a long emotional hug, which made safa and Sakina shed two tears, noticeably.

After the emotional session I noticed the photographer who was standing near my door recording the whole moment, she instructed to do some shots for the video with my mom and friends, which were basically, my friends making me wear bangles, or adjusting my jewellery, or touching up my makeup, and my mom putting up my ghoongat, making me a complete bride. Taking all the necessary shots, the photographer gave us a thumbs up, and the makeup artist naaz, re checked everything and gave me good wishes and left after my mom paid her.

The photographer, gave the idea of having the reaction of Murat and baba seeing me first time, Murat could do it, and after a sideway knowing glance to me, she said my baba isn't interested in this types of things, he is reserved kind of man, I didn't missed the disbelieving look at the photographer's face, she might be used to covering an emotional father- and bride moment, sorry sis it ain't like that here,

Bringing me downstairs, mom instructed Murat to stand with his back to us, near the dining room, which was empty, because all the filling guests were at the lawn, a giggle was forming in me, as murat's back came to my view, wearing a pista green sherwani, he was tapping his feet, a nervous habit. The photographer, directed us and started recording I walked up to murat clutching my red lehenga in my hands and tapped his shoulder, taking a deep breath he turned back with his eyes closed.

The ever so dramatic Murat.

Slowly opening his eyes, he gasped soundlessly, his mouth hung open, a smile hung on him, making me giggle, closing his mouth after few moments, he got in his element and gasped rather dramatically.

"Are you ought to scare the people out there, looking like Doormammu?"

"Shut up." I say taking offence.

"Your makeup is too dark." He say frowning, and i touched my face, really considering it.

"Murat!" My mom scolded and Murat let out a laugh as I smacked his shoulder, he grabbed my hand brought me in a half hug,

"You look so happy today, stay happy always." He whispers.

"I hope what happiness and protection your brother couldn't give you, your husband will give you always." His voice cracks, at the tears which i was holding starts rolling down my cheeks.

"You will always be my brother, Who gave it to me first." I whisper.

"Of course i would be your brother, didn't said I would be a neighbour now." He chuckles wiping the corner of eyes, releasing from our hug, making me giggle.

He looks at me for a moment and say to my mom, "Can we not say everyone this was a prank and send them back?"

My mom laughed wiping away her tears,

"Wish we could really do that." She says and puts her arm around my shoulder, and other hand on murat's cheek, he wrapped his arms around us, bringing into a hug, as we have our little moment.

"Perfect click ma'am." The photographer smiles.

"Can we like not go without crying every two minutes at this wedding. I've never cried this much even after watching titanic." Safa says fanning her face.

Breaking from our hug, Murat wipes under his eyes, and chuckles, "No can't do."

"Ayeeza Aapa has arrived along with groom, the moulvi will be here in a few."A cold voice came from the entrance of living room.

Wiping my tears, i saw my baba standing there, wearing his white kurta set, along with a brown shawl around his shoulders, his stoic expression itched on his face, like always, he glanced at me and then looked away.

"Yes baba, we were on our way." Murat said muttered a quick 'will be back' and ran towards the lawn,

"Sir, one photo with the bride." The photographer requested and me and my mom looked at each other wide eyed,

"No it's not-" mom cut him off.

"Just one photo humza, please." My mom requested, she pleaded him with her eyes.

Nodding quite unwillingly, he came towards me and placed a hand on top of my head, and photos were clicked, I didn't failed to notice how his hand lingered a little longer, I think i just thought about it.

"Come on, ayesha lets go!" Safa says clapping her hands,

Baba was still at the door frame, he gave me a glance of whole three seconds and went out.

"Thank you." I mouthed to the photographer, and in return she winked at me.

"Okay, it's your turn for nikkah." Mom says as she places a red net ghoongat all over my face, like a veil. My surroundings were all now red and blurry because of it, but not much of it being net material.

Sakina and Safa grabbed my hands, and i took a deep breath, sania gave my hand a reassuring squeeze, Sakina whispered, "Sania has a ferroro in her clutch, do you want it?"

"Yes." I nodded, "Sania, ferroro." Shaking her head sania discreetly took out that golden wrapped ball, away from safa's eyes, who was busy being instructed by my mom of throwing flowers when i enter. Turning me back she lifts my veil and pushes the chocolate in opened mouth, quickly getting accustomed to it's size I chewed it and sania dropped my veil back, turning alert and normal,

I stopped chewing as safa came back and showed me the flowers which she is going to throw on my entrance. Swallowing the sweet goodness, i sighed in relief. If i eat anymore sweet, my teeth will ache now.

We started to walk towards the living room, which is decorated by flowers and satin all over, the large deewan set where I always chill laying down, is now pushed against the wall of the backdrop, the centre table was gone, and the rest of the furniture was pushed aside, giving everything an aesthetic vibe.

My mother in law slash Aunt Ayeeza was already present there also looking versatile and beautiful in what what i can tell is a beautiful mauve kamdani saree, because of my veil all over my face.

She smiles brightly hugging me and gives a kiss on top of head,

"I have waited for this day for so long." She whispers.

I was made seated at the centre on the deewan sofa, various photos being clicked, my anxiety soared in me, as safa, sakina and sania went and stood with the rest of the ladies, aren't they supposed to sit beside me, I tried to eye them, but my dumb self forgot they couldn't see my eyes through this veil.

Anxiety level: starting

Hallelujah

Sudenly I heard clicking of camera rapidly, turning to the sound i saw its mina. why is she clicking? There are photographers here for a reason no?

"Bhabhi! Masha'Allah you look so pretty!" She gushes excitedly i just smiled in return,

I could hear aunt ayeeza speaking to my mom saying to call my baba, for nikkah, as the bride's father reads the nikkah to her. Being a mehram [Blood related, no stranger.]

I started shuffling in my seat.

Oh my god i am getting married today with this person who is on the other side of my house right now, my heart started to beat erratically, my finger tips starting to get cold, despite the early autumn weather.

Everyone's constant staring is not helping me at all.

"Ayesha."

Hmm, nice embroidery on my sleeve. Not helping. Why my heart is beating so loudly. Is it some kind of disorder?

"Ayesha."

Wait this name sounds so familiar i think i heard it somewhere.

"Ayesha."

Ohh yeah its my name.

I jerked my head up to see mom and aunt ayeza means my mom in law looking at me,

"Huh?" Wow. what a response ayesha what a impression on my mil way to go! Bravo!

Aunt ayeza chuckled and said,

"Beta don't be nervous i wont eat you up. just think positive and about your to be husband!" She whispered the last part as if telling me a secret.

How sweet, her words helping so much.

Sarcasm.

How can she expect me to be calm by sitting infront of all the ladies who were eyeing me like i were some kind of show piece.

"Bhabhi look here smile!" Mina came in front of me with her camera again.

"Come on bhabhi smile, like when you see my brother!"she brings the camera more closer.

I am so close to a mental breakdown, behind this veil, all the while looking down with a neutral expression, and now if she does not move her camera i will break it now, and cry like a baby.

I am serious.

"Mina! Come here don't trouble her, she is already nervous. your behaviour is making her more nervous." Aunt ayeeza came to my rescue.

"Okay, Relax bhabhi. My brother wont eat you up!" This has been said to me second time, now i am sure he is going to, so god help me.

Now tony stark sarcasm is my coping mechanism.

Anxiety level: upto earth

"Okay humza is here, step aside everyone." Aunt ayeeza calls out, and i am sure now I can't even feel my heartbeats, my fingers and toes becoming cold, for a second I couldn't even feel myself sitting, until my mom urges me to sit aside to create space for my father.

Anxiety level: reaching mars

I called my mom, "Mom can i go to washroom?"

"What? Ayesha are in your mind? Your nikkah is going to start now. relax nothing is gonna happen okay, read ayat ul kursi! I'm right here, sitting next to you, Calm down honey!"

I read and i calmed down a bit, clasping my hands together, As said my mom sat on the spot beside me, and aunt ayeeza sat on the sofa beside mom, mina standing behind her, Murat came in after baba and gave me a wink, someone squeezed my shoulder from behind, and i took no second guess to see it my friends, I tapped their hands and heard safa whisper, "I am so excited and nervous, it's not a joke."

Same safa, same.

They all surrounding me put me at ease.

Baba sat beside me, a small set of papers with legal stamps and urdu written in them in his hands, Murat stood beside him, and father started reading it to himself,

How long will it take to catch me if I sprinted down from here? Will that cause a scene?

I grabbed my mom's hand as my father recited A Bismillah [ we say this before doing anything good or doing anything in general.] Clearing his throat, baba asked in loud and clear voice.

"Ayesha Humza Abbas bint Humza abbas aapka nikkah Farhan Junaid siddque wald Junaid ali siddque haq meher 5000 lira sikka rijulhaq ke sath tay paya hai, Kya aapne ye nikkah qubool kiya?"

[Ayesha Humza Abbas, daughter of Humza Abbas, you are to be wedded to Farhan Junaid Siddque, son of Junaid Ali Siddque, with Obligation of 5000 Liras, Do you accept this marriage?]

I felt my breath hitch, and my whole body froze, dull pulsing sound of my erratic heartbeat ringing in my ears, making everything momentarily vanish around me,

Is this really happening? Am I really going to sign my life out by a simple two words, those two words and my past would mean nothing, two words and every gash on my heart left behind, two words till I step in my new life with a person so unknown yet so familiar. Two words until there is a surge of bond in me of this nikkah.

Two words to my destiny.

"Ayesha." My mom whispered, I could feel tension radiating off baba beside me,

Choking back an embarrassing sob, i closed my eyes, and felt a tear roll down my eye and I fisted my red duppata which was drawn over me, effectively hiding my emotions to everyone to see, and forced out those two words and walk on the footprints laid by my destiny.

"Qubool Hai!"

[ I do.]

The same question was asked to me two more times, until I felt a weird feeling in me, my mom gave a me a side hug, as baba pushed the nikkah nama [marriage certificate] and instructed me to sign on all the blanks which said was for the girl/ bride.

A chorus of  'Mubarak' and 'Congratulations' was heard, my mom kissed the side of my hug, and aunt ayeeza patted my hand with affection.

Baba and Murat went out with the signed papers, now it was groom's turn for signing it.

Taking the tissue from safa, I wiped it under my eyes, and asked my mom holding the hem of my veil, "I am removing it."

Discreetly she slapped my hands off,

"Wait for a while. Not now."

Everyone took their seats as the sound of mike setting was heard, sania sat beside me winning the race between the three of them, Sakina beside her, and a whiny safa at the end of the sofa.

The photographers went out to cover the rest of the nikkah, and all the ladies were chatting among each other,

"How did i do?" I whispered to sania in my veil,

"It was so beautiful. You made me cry. Again." She whispers

Sakina reaches for me and say,

"Killed it." She retrieves back as safa says something to her and bends to me again, "Safa says, she thought you well, and you were outstanding." I looked up at safa through my veil, and she winks at me.

The voice of someone testing the mike filled the speaker, kept near the staircase. It was molvi saab I assume,

The molvi started saying about role of husband and wife in islam, then he recited some surah's and i listened to it attentively, trying to get some distraction from what is about to come.

Finally when he was getting towards it, my one hand was in my mom's grasp, and the other one in Sania's, Sakina placed our joined hands at her lap, and she and safa placed their hands on top. Giving me strength.

"Farhan junaid siddque wald junaid ali Siddque  aapka nikkah Ayesha humza abbas wald humza Abbas, haq meher 5000 lira sikka rijulhaq ke sath tay paya hai.kiya aapne ye nikkah qubool kiya?"

[Farhan Junaid siddque son of Junaid Ali siddque, you are to be wedded to Ayesha Humza Abbas, daughter of Humza Abbas, with Obligation of 5000 liras, Do you accept this marriage?]

He replies after few minutes, as if thinking about it, what if he rans away?

"Qubool kiya." Oh ok he won't. As he said safa's hold tightened, as well as my mom's on my other hand.

[I, Do]

He was asked two more times, and he Answered the same.

"Masha'Allah, Congratulations Hira!" Aunt ayeeza stood up and hugged my mom, everyone in the room got up, even my friends, should I stand too?

I stood up as Aunt Ayeeza approached me and hugged a little longer, and said.

"Aaj se tum meri beti howi."

[from now, you are my daughter.] her eyes glistening, as she tells my mom the same and my mom nodded tearfully, and then hugged me, and now the tears come,

"I have nothing but my Duaa, my wishes for you. You didn't deserved anything which happened." She whispers.

"It is enough for me." I whisper back.

Everyone stood up started hugging my mom and Aunt ayeeza, Mina gave me a big hug and gushed over, she's cute i take my previous statement back.

Sania, safa and Sakina gave also gave me a big hug,

"You are married woman now." Sakina chuckles "Ew."

Safa lifted my veil, and dabbed the tissue under my eyes, and retouched the makeup, jewellery and hair.

"Gotta make you appear good, when your hero sees you."

Right. Hello anxiety my old friend.

Bringing my veil back, my mom said,

"Sania and Sakina you both will bring Ayesha outside. And safa flowers?"

"All ready, Aunty." Safa grins holding up the basket of rose petals.

Everyone left the living room, leaving us behind, safa walked in front of us beckoning us. As we stood near the glass doors backyard, safa says. "All the best."

Before she goes out,

and we all walk outside, as soon as I stepped on the carpet laid on the grass, safa started throwing petals in the air, every camera, every flash, every gaze on me, as I walked down the...um aisle? To the stage, the afternoon sun shining through the thick canopy of silk and flowers on the top of the stage, i risked a glance up, everyone present was looking at me with awe, and camera on their hands, I looked up at the stage, to see my baba standing with his hands on his back, beside him stood my brother grinning like a idiot, Uncle Junaid grinning standing opposite to him, beside him was well... um stood my.....um husband? Yes. Wearing black sherwani, hands behind his back, he looked no less like a king, waiting for his queen....um me?

We reached the stage, which had two steps to it, The photographer asked me stay put and asked the groom to come forward and help me on stage, she...she really playing with me ain't she?

Through my veil i saw him approach me, after a pat from his father, reaching me he offered his hand, and sania pushed my elbow up, reluctantly i placed my hand in his rough hands.

He helped me up the stage, where a large plush green velvet couch was placed, with two identical single sets on the opposite sides of it, the backdrop was a large board covering the perimeter of stage were all different types of flowers were tucked in compactly giving it an aesthetic feel, with two large cursive initials hung on the tuft of flowers.

A & F

Turning back towards the ... audience who were just looking at us, awkwardly i freed my hand and clasped them together, peeling the skin around my finger.

My mom along with aunt ayeeza and mina climbed on the stage, from the vision through this veil, I could see my friends taking a seat on a table near the stage, the path between the house door to stage was carpeted, and on the opposite of its were tables situated, where all the guests were seated enjoying refreshments, i am hungry too you know.

Aunt ayeeza hugged her son congratulating him, while Murat stood beside me with my mom and whispers, "Congratulations. Sis." I pat his hand on my shoulder, aunt ayeeza turned towards me and say, "Now, Farhan lift her ghoongat."

Through my veil i saw him giving his mom 'um what' look, but after few seconds reluctantly he pinched the hem of veil and slowly started to lift it up from my face, I looked down at the carpeted floor of stage, suddenly having a stare competition with the floor. Looks like i am winning. The cool autumn winds hits my face softly as the veil lifts off my face completely, finally I could see. Ah, sunlight my old friend.

I felt the rest of my veil get removed from my head from back, my mom must've removed it.

"Give a big clap, everyone." Mina yelled from the stage, making everyone clap, and few people hooted too, i very well knew those people.

"Bhabhi, come on have a look at your groom now, don't be shy." Mina teases, I felt the blush rising on my face, which resulted in Mina's increased giggles

I am not looking up because i am shy. The floor is more interesting. Also because i am scared if i look up in his eyes, I would burst out laughing because of the anxiety bubbling in me.

They made me sit on the couch with him beside me, mina came by my side and arranged my lehenga properly, along with my ghoongat, and gave me my clutch which I might've left in the living room, I passed her a smile after she was done and stood back.

Aunt Ayeeza passed Farhan a square velvet box, and says "Farhan, wear her this bangles."

He opened the box, and took it out, my mom pushed my elbow from behind so that I could be ready to forward my hand, he took my hand and slid a gold bangle in my wrist, taking the second bangle he was about to slid on the same hand when aunt ayeeza interjected,

"The other hand, Farhan."

"Come on Farhan, I thought you better." Uncle Junaid laughs patting his back.

He took my other hand, and slid the the other bangle on my wrist too, the photographer called out and said to not to leave my hand as she wanted to click a picture, after that she insisted on taking family pictures, because everyone was on stage already.

The pictures were clicked and everyone got down from the stage, getting busy with guests and other errands.

I risked a glance at the table where my friends were seated and saw them giggling to themselves, their phones shoved up their faces, in my direction. They are definitely recording me.

Safa pointed at something down at my lap and was fan girling, what is she doing? I looked down at my lap, and blushed crimson, matching my attire, when I noticed he was still holding my hand, in his the same as the photographer instructed to and haven't left it since, looking up I smiled at the guests and freed my hand discreetly, and adjusted my hair inside, to not make anyone feel bad.

Anyone. Shore.

"Lagta hai hath choda ne ka Shock hai tumhe." A deep, husky voice said from beside me, making an involuntary shiver run down my spine, despite the sun.

[Seems like you have a interest in leaving hands.]

On reflex, I turned towards him and he looked at me at the same moment, I don't know what happened but it was identical to what happens in movies, the chattering of the guests seemed to dull in my ears, the surroundings blur, as my eyes clashed with hazel ones, my eyes scanned his face, from his combed back, dark hair to his defined cheekbones, his sharp nose to his groomed beard, his sharp jaw which might be a well 45 degree, to his pink lips, which pressed together. Everything about him screamed perfect.

The eye contact, the hold of his hand, felt like a déjà vu to me. I feel like someone had told me this, this had been done before.

"Huh?" I reply, still lost in his eyes, the surroundings becoming a bit clear now as she shook his head, and muttered something under his breath.

Few of our cousins climbed up the stage to take pictures with us, and I couldn't help but think that maybe I heard him say, 'Still the same.' Or I think he said something else.

************************************

The sun was now set, leaving it's trails of light in the clouds, the sky were hues of orange and pink hiding behind the fluffy clouds, making it a snap worthy shot.

Murat helped me sit inside the car, Mercedes, I noticed, i tucked away rest of my flowy skirt under it, as I wiped my tears,

After settling me down, Murat kissed on top of my head, and say,

"I am taking your room, now." I smacked his shoulder, and he laughed wiping the corner of his eyes.

He patted my shoulder and closed the door, I waved at my mom who was crying, Murat walked towards her and put his arm around her shoulder, constantly wiping her tears she waved at me, I looked at my baba who was standing beside her, bidding bye to Aunt Ayeeza and uncle Junaid, who along with Mina sat in the car standing behind.

On the instance of my mom, baba just kept a hand on my head and told Murat to make me sit in the car, he really did my rukhsati now. In true way, he threw the girl out of his house, who tried to disown his family values and culture, in a way that others call as a father bidding his farewell to his daughter, who is now someone's wife. But I wasn't his daughter to begin, so who did he bided farewell too?

Farhan hugged my dad and murat and greeted my mom, who kept a hand on his shoulder and said something to him, which made him still for split second, before he nodded and rounded the car,

The car shifted as the door opposite to me opened and Farhan sat beside me,

My heart was hammering in chest as I waved at my friends who were crying, yes all of them, Sakina and safa were crying and sania was wiping her tears waving at me, as Affan kept a hand on her shoulder,

The driver started the car engine and slowly the car started rolling on the road, catching the site of my family, till they disappeared, I kept waving at them.

As my house left my view, i stared at the familiar neighbourhood, and again the tears came, not to sound embarrassing, i sniffled quietly.

It's not like I could never come back here to visit, but the thing which hurts more is how i could never be the same person when i go there, how I won't go there as a member of the house, but as a guest. The place which I called home, would be called my parent's house now, not mine. Everything which was their of mine, is not now. And I hate this part of starting a new life. I hate this ritual.

I felt something tapping on my hand, looking at my right i saw a tissue box in the middle of seat, looking up i saw the driver driving the car silently, and Farhan was on his phone, busy typing away something. If i am not wrong i saw him taking a glance at me from the corner of his eye.

Might thinking how ugly are my crying sounds, and so the tissues, taking some tissues in my hand I wiped my tears, thankfully naaz used waterproof makeup.

Leaning back on my seat, I watched my neighbourhood passing by completely, the car now on the main road, the sun now completely set, making the sky appear much darker, faint hues of orange in the sky, making my stomach flip thinking about my new life which i am going to step into.

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Hey you. Yes you.

How was it? Took me three days to write. Did you like it? Hope i didn't left anything.

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