Sukoon-e-Qalb

8.

Aira rushed around the haveli, trying to hurry and finish the preparations for the baraat last minute.

Dressed in a long white dress, her face with simple makeup, the tikka in her middle partition and her ears adorned in jhumkas that had little strings of beads extending into her hair. She indeed looked no less than a fairy. She was born to steal hearts and make people die for her.

"Bhai put the baskets in the car." Aira said as she ran around the haveli doing short tasks.

"Aira beta we have to go now, finish everything and make your way to the venue soon" Asmat said as she walked downstairs with Alamgheer Khan, her husband.

"Ji Badi Ammi, by the way you look really pretty. You look like you're the sister of the bride." Aira replied.

"My lovely girl, you have a way with your words. You look extremely beautiful, may Allah keep you protected from any nazar." Asmat said dotingly.

Aira smiled as Asmat and Alamgheer made their way towards their car. Aira hurried to finish everything before rushing to her room. She grabbed her clutch and made her way to the front of the haveli.

There was only one car there and she sat in it without looking as she was in a hurry, afraid of getting late.

"Aira?" Aira jumped hearing a deep voice next to her.

She slowly turned and saw Zayaan sitting next to her. "Chote Khan?"

"You still haven't gone to the venue, I thought everyone left." Zayaan acted lost, acting like he didn't send the driver, she was supposed to go with, away.

"Sorry Chote Khan. This was the only car and I thought it's my car. Sorry I'll go." Aira replied feeling scared. She really didn't want to get on the wrong side of Zayaan, who was infamous for his intolerance for mistakes.

"It's okay, we're both going to the same place anyways. There's no harm in going together." Zayaan said trying to control his heart. He wanted to pounce and make Aira his then and then.

"But...." Aira started but before she could finish, the car started moving.

"So Aira, are you currently in university?" Zayaan said trying to initiate a conversation with Aira.

"Yes, I'm in my second year." Aira gave a blunt reply, feeling uncomfortable talking to Zayaan.

"Are you scared of me?" Zayaan questioned feeling Aira's hostile behaviour towards him.

"Huh, I...." Aira started not knowing what to say as she couldn't help but admit she was scared of the man.

"Don't be scared, I'm not as bad as everyone makes me to be." Zayaan said before Aira finished replying.

"Okay, Chote Khan." Aira replied trying to finish the conversation.

"I don't like the way you call me." Zayaan said, scaring Aira to her wits.

She started sweating as she thought 'Is it over for me? Have I offended him? Oh my days, does he still remember how I called him an uncle the other day?' Aira was lost in her thoughts not knowing what to say next.

Before she realised she started rambling "Chote Khan, forgive me for calling you 'uncle' the other day. I didn't know it's you and I was in a hurry. Please forgive me I won't call you an uncle again. You're anything but an uncle. Please don't punish me."

Zayaan started laughing, scaring Aira even more. 'Today's definitely my last day' Aira thought as she was about to start crying.

"You silly girl. I forgot about that matter. I'm not an uncle though, I'm only 28. I was telling you to call me by my name." Zayaan said as he saw Aira panicking and overthinking.

"But how can I call you by your name? You're older than me and it's disrespectful." Aira said in a confused manner.

"I'm telling you to call me by my name though." Zayaan reasoned trying to convince Aira.

"Okay." Aira said complying with Zayaan.

Before they noticed, they arrived at the venue. Making their way out of the car together, they walked side by side towards the entrance.

"Aira, Zayaan. You both came together?" Asmat questioned as she saw them entering together.

"Ji Badi Ammi, the driver left without me and Zayaan Bhai was still at home so I came with him." Aira said as she started walking with Asmat towards the bridal room.

Zayaan froze, he was happy to hear her call him by his name but when he heard 'bhai' he felt as if someone poured a bucket full of water on him.

~~~

Zaynab made her entrance with her parents. She walked to the stage and Shahmeer Shah, her husband, held her hand helping her onto the stage.

They had been engaged since they were 23 and they had their nikkah when they turned 24. Now they were both 25, stepping into a new world together. This was their rukhsati and walima combined as Zaynab didn't want to bother with too many events.

Soon it was time for the rukhsati, everyone hugged Zaynab feeling sad she was leaving. Aira hugged her and she couldn't help but cry.

Zayaan's heart pinged with hurt as he saw Aira crying uncontrollably. Indeed it was a sad time as his baby sister was leaving but it hurt him to see Aira cry.

As the night ended, they reached their homes and another day ended.

This is the longest I've written. Happy readingg~~