'The satan kissed her eyes and asked for repentence'
.
There might be something else
"For the first time I believe that the venue is going to outshine the bride," Ayat cried looking at the picture of the arrangements. The wedding was in a few hours now. It was a solo event, combination of the nikkah ceremony and the reception as an after party. They had decided on the event not being so extravagant. It didn't look like that promise was fulfilled.
Haya laughed nervously tossing the phone away from her and looking at the screen herself. If she had looked some more her mouth would have opened in awe. She clicked her tongue in denial. "No you idiot, the venue isn't that great, look at it. What does it even have? Only some imported lotuses from Vietnam and that huge chandelier in the middle which could cost me cat lives to make money for and the tiles are so shiny that there is no need for mirror, see not gorgeous at all,"
"Oh no," Ayat got up. "I knew it. I told Maaz that this event needed to be done quietly, what was the deal with so much exposure now. We are high at risk already, within thousands of people what if someone gets in and tries to hurt us all? I can't believe they all could be this irresponsible,"
"Okay champion, that is a lot of over thinking I am hearing," Ahsan came inside with the jewelry she sent him to the jewelers to get. Placing it on the bed, he sat beside her. Haya nodded in encouragement. Ayat was having panic episodes and it was getting out of Haya's control now. "Nothing is going to happen,"
"Oh you don't know that," Ayat whined. For Haya and for Ahsan it was refreshing to see her acting like a thirteen year old, whining and being so carefree. This wedding was breaking her enclosed shell containing all the past grievances.
"Ahsan bhai is right. However, I do feel disturbed thinking that he can do wars, mafia wars, are you freaking kidding me," Haya spoke heedlessly as per her routine. "Like what kind of block buster film is this?" she completed.
"Haya," Ahsan said in a scolding tone. "Someone will hear this, and I am telling you all the guests will then run for their lives. I heard no one encourages attending a crime boss's wedding," Ahsan made a serious face. He could be joking or he could be serious, it could be either of the those, maybe it was both. Ayat was still surprised they had agreed to Maaz, they knew what he did, just not the intensity of it, and only after Maaz promised to quit it on much indulgence.
Almost immediately she came to his defense. Ayat's strong and annihilating voice grunted. "I agree he might cross some limits, but he isn't evil,"
"You little idiot, I was joking, akhir damad ha hamare, aur itne khatarnak wale sa panga ham nahi lete bhai, koi risk nai lene ka," (After all he is the son in law of the family, and much threatening so, we won't take any risks of sorts)
Ayat rolled her eyes, smiling. Maaz was strange, but she had seen her family being understanding and accepting him for the likes of her. She was ever grateful. She understood how hard it must have been.
"Ahsan bhai, dramaybaaz kitne ha aap koi nahi darte Maaz bhai sa," (Ahsan bhai you are so melodramatic, you are not afraid of Maaz). Haya chirped in between. Ahsan nodded agreeing to Haya and spoke in a determent voice, each of his words seemed genuine and assuring.
"Obviously, choti, I am not, I am the big brother after all," He winked and left the two girls partially shocked and smiling. In her subconscious, Ayat knew none of her brothers feared Maaz, and even if it was someone else, they wouldn't think a second before they told him his place if he ever tried to hurt their little princess.
Ahsan was and has been being the biggest moral support for her and there Arsalan was working his butt off with the police for grounding and arresting Khawar. After facing a tragic end in his football career last month, Arsalan decided to do something fruitful paired with an un harmful revenge. Arsalan joined the police force as an ASP. Finally decided to give his long awaited CSS exam and secured the job. He was content he was helping the family out in some way or the other.
While Haya had been here for her all day, without thinking about herself getting ready, acknowledging each and every need of Ayats. Mirha and Ali from the start of the day were on the venue making sure each of the things were in place and ready, they were the ones who gushed about it and sent them countless pictures of the place making sure Ayat wasn't getting anxious, which kind of backfired.
"Girls," Ali finally arrived. Ayat jumped up from her place, looking expectantly at him.
"Is it more boujee than me?" Ayat asked in haste.
"What?" Ali removed his shades and sat on the bed stretching his arms out.
"The wedding venue, you freak, is it much better than me?"
"What? No...No, no, no. Absolutely horrible, bad interior designing I swear," He answered calmly.
"Hold on genius. First of all its outdoor so what interior designing are you even talking about and second of all I saw the pictures with my own two eyes," Ayat bore holes in the poor man. Before he could find a decent cover for his ridiculous attempt at lying, Mirha barged inside.
"Oh my god girls. Me and Ali just saw the venue, a...m...a...z...i...n...g, like you wouldn't be able to take your eyes off..." Mirha's merry go round expressions turned into a frown as she observed Ayat's glum face.
"Why does it looks like you are going to spend the rest of your life with nine cats, knitting sweaters in a crappy apartment, wearing old jeans,"
"Maaz said the wedding was simple, how the hell is this simple? Imported what the flowers! Really?" Ayat whined in dismay.
"Don't kill the man for making an effort," Mirha frowned holding her hand. "You are panicking for no reason, take a deep breath and relax, and Haya you are the reason for this depressed ass environment,"
"Me?" Haya shrieked. "Miss smarty pants, I was doing my best,"
"I told you not to tell her about the flowers, I knew she'd panic," Mirha snatched the garlic bread from Haya's hand. "And stop eating that greasy bread, you have started to resemble a tractor,"
Haya's nostrils flared in anger. "You are such a bitch, Mirha, you eat so much butter chicken and naan that you should star in that show 'my 600-lb life' now. You moti,"
Haya snatched back her bread, silently continuing to munch.
Mirha tried to claw Haya like a wild cat. "You idiot. How dare you? I am weightless...I don't even eat much, you are the one that eats half a dozen doughnuts and don't even feel the weight of it..."
"Ali tell me who is more fat, me or this fatty Haya?" Mirha asked Ali.
"No way, I am entering female politics, I am better off away,"
"I am a fatty! I am going to fill your corpse with scorpions I swear," Haya shouted.
"SHUT UP YOU BOTH!"
Ayat's voice halted the growing argument.
"ENOUGH. THIS IS MY WEDDING, ONLY I AM ALLOWED TO FIGHT AND CRY AND FEEL ANXIOUS, SO CUT THE CRAP AND BOTH OF YOU GO TO YOUR HOUSES AND GET READY, BECAUSE I WANT MY BESTFRIENDS READY OKAY!"
"Okay...Spiderman," They both said.
"I don't resemble that actor," Ayat said in a threatening voice.
"The resemblance is uncanny!" They both shouted and ran for their lives. Ali came closer to her and whispered a great advice in her ear, just what she needed before her big day.
"Beware of guns, drugs and bombs, you might very casually spot them in the premises, and ghabrana nahi ha," Ali gave the last of his charming smiles and glided off from the spot, before she could even think of replying.
.
With the hustle of the wedding, each day she has had less and less time to reflect on life, on how far she's come, but you don't ritualistically sit and think about it, it hits you unexpectedly. It hit her in the morning, she hadn't even opened her eyes yet, and it hit her like a truck. This was the pivotal change in her life. She had cried endlessly, silently for this time to come, for her to overcome worldly barriers and reach him.
The night had settled in, the low whispering of the night coddled her, Ayat descended from the car with her family escorting her out to the venue, a bunch of daisies in her hand and a small smile adorning her lips.
"You look like a daisy yourself, so beautiful and delicate my dear," Sara kissed her daughter's forehead. Tears brimmed her eyes, she breathed deeply. This was finally happening, and no matter how many times this repeated she'd never feel ready for this. Never. She hadn't seen him for three months, he was in Islamabad. He took a detour back to Lahore, just to pick his sherwani once, but on that day too, they didn't see each other, he chose it with Sara. She was grateful that he showed interest despite his packed schedule. After all it was their wedding.
"Mom..." Her voice got caught in her throat.
"You are feeling anxious, It happens, it is going to be alright, he is a good person," Her mother reassured, and this time her warmth radiated and tended to comfort her. She put on a confident smile, leaned her shoulders back and walked further with her mother towards the venue.
The place was as vast as a football field, it had servants lined on each of its sides, tables arranged in parallel lines in the middle, in the heart of the hall were kept several refreshments for the nikkah, dinner was to be served in the reception after.
A chaperone patrolled to their side, before they entered. Mr. and Mrs. Mirza Hassan with both of Ayat's brother and her sister in law seemed awestruck by the protocol of the place, even though Ayat's father insisted on splitting the bills and money for the event, since it was single, but Maaz insisted that even though he has no family, he is more than fine to accommodate a durable and extravagant event, as it is traditionally the groom's responsibility. He was always a man to abide by the book. Usually if not always, but in matters involving her, there were no risks, no buts and ifs. It had to be precise, accurate and perfect.
"Ma'am, you need anything, from a glass of water to a meal from Japan, this servant is at your service," The man offered modestly. The people had already surrounded them. Maaz hadn't seen them yet.
"We'll inform you, if we do," Her father said smiling. Her father's words blurred as she caught sight of him beside the stage informing a bunch of servants to do god knows what. He was clad in a black sherwani. His black shoes shining from mile afar and his hair perfectly gelled, his beard freshly trimmed. Both his best pals, Danial and Shahzain accompanied him.
The world could shatter, the glaciers melt, the quakes conquer, met the eyes of two yearning lovers amidst the cheering crowd who had acknowledged the bride, and rounded to see her, but the only voice she could hear was the melody of everlasting love. Just as his bear brown eyes clashed hers, her limbs became weak, the way his eyes beheld hers and wouldn't let it go, she felt caged and imprisoned by his gaze. She felt flabbergasted. His face furtive void of a hint of what was going on in his mind, but his world had stopped too. The time had stood still.
"Someone can't get their eyes off you hunh?" Haya whispered in her ear. Even being caught in his spell, Ayat didn't forget to nudge Haya in her stomach. Sara smiled at Haya's words, their son in law was smitten. He had forgotten to speak seeing her dressed up as a bride. His bride.
He stood at the verge of the stage, waiting for her to finally come, she moved towards him in a painfully slow pace. People cheered as she reached the stage, a slow song played in the background setting the mood. He took his hand out towards her. Hesitantly, she put her small hands in his rough large ones completely embezzled by his electric touch. A smirk replaced his straight face. She bit her lip from smiling, she never knew she'd feel this stupid. This happy. His heartbeat quickened as she stood beside him and the waft of her fragrance reached his nostrils. He felt bewitched.
She might have waited for a word or two of praise, yet his lips were sealed as if he had never spoken. He acknowledged his aunt and uncle (Ayat's parents).
"Assalam o Alaikum," He greeted them respectably.
"Walaikum assalam, Maaz beta aj tou apne hume surprise he kar diya, lagata ha kafi parties plan karte rehte ho," Sara gushed looking around. (Son, you surprised us today, seems like you plan alot of parties usually)
Ayat giggled thinking how much of those parties were worth dying for, and if not careful you could actually die getting high in those. So not these kind of arrangement, those were different kind. If Ali was nearby he wouldn't let this chance go to taunt on him.
Maaz curiously watched, thinking what was on her mind. He shrugged the thought concentrating back on her new found family.
"Beta you impressed us, sure, but I am still mad. Why didn't you let me share the..." Maaz cut Ayat's father in between putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Uncle, aunty , you both say that I am like a son to you, then why this formality, don't treat me like a stranger. I did this because I wanted to," He said. Who would have thought such sweet words would escape this haughty man's mouth.
"That is your respect for us, my son," Ayat father acknowledged his efforts whole heartedly. Maaz could never disrespect the two people in front of him, they had showered him in love and affection in these few months. He would protect these souls with his life, and their daughter till the last breath in his dying lungs, and the last drop of blood in his body.
"Maulvi Sahab is here," Mirha reported as Ali and both her brother escorted the Maulvi towards the stage. Maaz smiled idiotically and shrugged his shoulders, God knows what came and went in his mind.
"Yad rakhein, cheeta ha tu, bhabhi ka anay sa bher mat ban jana," (Remember you are a cheetah, don't turn into a lamb on our sister in law's arrival) Danial said from above, as the Maulvi Sahab prepared the nikkah nama. (Wedding papers)
"Wait and watch my son, these Hassan women are not easy to tame, they are feral, they are the ones who'll put shackles on you,"Â Mr. Hassan added mischievously. Maaz's heart was glowing, this seemed normal and fluffy, not his normal Tuesday at all, but perhaps, this was the normal for a lot.
Sara's reply was quick to her husband. "Bohat buri baat ha, ab ma itni bhi buri nahi hoon," (Very bad, now I am not that bad)
"Aisay he ya saaray kaam nikalwa letin ha," (This is how they get all of their work done) He further added. "They are clever, and even my daughter Ayat, she knows how to get her work done,"
Maaz muttered under his breath only audible to her. Her cheeks reddened. "Or work me up,"
"Uncle isi baat ka tou dar ha, ki kahin hamara larka joru ka ghulam he na ban jaye," Danial agreed. (Uncle this is what we are fearful of, what if our boy becomes henpecked)
"Hhahaha you bet he is," Mr. Mirza Hassan said. Ayat was enjoying the banter and loved that all these men had bonded quiet well, except for Arsalan, he was busy being the 'intimidating older brother'.
"I can't complain about mine," Ahsan looked at his wife, and his little kid. Even though his sentence was casual, and everyone laughed as Ahsan just proved their suspicion right, but Ayat caught onto something else.
"No way bhai!" Ayat almost jumped. Not so bride like I guess.
Ahsan nodded his head in agreement. Anaya smiled at her husband blushing.
"Yes, yes," He gushed in excitement to his sister.
"Oh my god, congratulations!" She said. "I can't believe this, actually I can,"
The whole lot beside them looked ever confused. Ahsan cleared his throat announcing the news to them. "Anaya is expecting,"
Sara got up and hugged the couple. "Congratulations to me! I am getting another grandchild,"
"And a lot more coming soon, Aunty," Danial joked looking at Maaz. Ayat's face turned tomato, she was going to kill Danial. A harmless joke never hurt someone was danial's motto, if only everyone lived on it.
"Why not? Inshallah. Inshallah," Sara smiled, she couldn't contain her love and excitement anymore.
Everyone congratulated the couple and then the Maulvi Sahab came in the frame. They eagerly waited as the maulvi Sahab started the quranic verses and then initiated the nikkah ceremony. Everyone quitened on the call and settled down.
"Ayat Mirza Hassan apka nikkah Maaz Farooq Chaudhry wald Farooq Chaudhry, haq mehr 70 lakh rupay te pata ha, kia apko qubool ha?" (Ayat Mirza Hassan, your nikkah is arranged with Maaz Farooq Chaudhry with jointure 70 lakh rupees, do you accept?) The maulvi Sahab asked. Oh, the pause. She drew in a chunk of breath and uttered the words out.
"Qubool hai," (I accept)
Came her stern and passionate yes, for some odd reason he had thought that she'd back down, not agree, but as she did it gave a thunder boost to his growing ego.
"Kya apko yeh nikkah apne hosh o awas ma qubool ha?" (Do you agree to this in your complete senses) He asked again, she nodded her head repeating her words. Even though the man asked it ceremonially, it felt like a taunt. The world was even joking with her.
"Qubool hai," (I accept)
And on the last time the imam asked, she muttered a yes and all of them exchanged congratulatory appellations. The maulvi Sahab proceeded to the final part of the nikkah.
"Maaz Farooq Chaudhry, apka nikkah Ayat Mirza Hassan jo ke aik kunwari ha, ke saath haq mehr 70 lakh rupay tey pata ha, kia apko yeh nikkah qubool ha?" He demanded. (Maaz Farooq Chaudhry your nikkah is being set with Ayat Mirza Hassan who is a virgin, with jointure 70 lakh do you accept it?)
"Jee hann, qubool ha," (Yes, I accept) I didn't held back a second, like my tongue was meant to say these words from innatism.
"Qubool ha," He replied upon being asked the second and the last time, he looked at her pitch black orbs looking down and he said 'qubool ha' for the last time. Everyone raised their hand for the prayer.
"Mubarak ho koi bandooq nahi chali," Ali joked soon after the prayer ended. Ayat's head snapped to him. The air held tightly, silence fell upon each of their faces.
Maaz's velvety voice resonated. Ayat let go of the breath, she didn't know she was keeping and sighed. The lot hugged and congratulated. Who thought that this day would bring them two good news.
Arsalan's phone rang in the background.
"Excuse me," he said and descended from the stage to talk in privacy. Ayat was busy welcoming the gifts that she was receiving. Arsalan came back on the stage in urgency. He asked Maaz to come with him. Maaz immediately stood up and left.
Arsalan face didn't show any emotion as they reached a quiet space.
"What is it?" Maaz demanded. Long silence fell, and then Arsalan spoke.
"They found Khawar Javed Chaudhry,"
Satisfaction grew on Maaz's face. "That motherfucker, but there is something else is it?"
"There might be something else you need to know,"
...
Greetings Fellas!
*Guilty face* I know that it has been some time, but been busy a lot due to exams and stuff, pray for me that they go super duper great, so that I can write well as well, and if you know what's coming next, you know *wink. wink*
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