Who's excited?? MEE!
💍✨
"Chaliyea, ab ijazat. We better get going." I hear daddy speak for the first time since they've got here.
"Khush raho bache." He chants, placing a hand on Saira's head before ambling out of the house. I notice his tense shoulders as he steps out the front door. Bidding farewell to everyone, mummy and I follow his suit. I move towards my motorbike but halt when he calls me over.
"My bike?"
"I'll send Imran to get it for you." Shrugging in response, I begin walking around, and reach for the driver's side only to be stopped by him.
"Peeche," He says curtly.
Ohkaaaayy.
Wordlessly, I slide into the backseat. The ride back home was thick with tension. The kind of a situation in a brown household where even a word can turn into a trigger, resulting in an explosion. Especially the fathers.
"We'll go to the clinic first, for getting his dressing done and then for the ring selection," Mummy says lightly, trying to break the ice, but frowns when daddy does not respond. Instead, keeping his eyes on the road without even nodding his head. "Maqsood, are you listening?"
"We're going home ." He snaps, throwing both of us off guard.
Mummy shoots me a quizzing look while I shrug in response, deciding to remain silent for the rest of the ride. Reaching home, Imran is waiting for us in the doorway. From the big smile on his face, there was no doubt that the news of our engagement spread already.
"BHAIYA!" He yells, crashing into me. "I'm soooo happy!"
"Control, Imran, control. Daddy mood mein hai aaj. Zyada excitement show mat kar, nai to tere uper baras jaate." I say, patting his back.
(Control, Imran, control. Daddy is in the mood. Don't get too excited else you'll be 'it' today.)
"Oh, acha, aysa?" He replies, pulling away and quickly getting his shit together. Putting on a serious and solemn expression, he cleared his throat for the extra effort. We make way for our parents to enter. Taking my shoes off, I go and stand by the couch like a good kid, waiting patiently for him to start. Heavy footsteps came my way, as I began counting.
1, 2, 3 and GO!
"Akhal hai tumaku? Hosh hai? Lihaz hai cheezon ka?" He fumes.
(Do have any sense of how things are done?)
"Arey," Mummy intervenes, rolling her eyes.
"Arey? Kiya kara ine dekhe tum? Kuch bhi hota to pehle amma bawa ko aake bolte bache nai jo dil me aaya karlete?" Turning to face me, he scolds.
(You've seen what he's done! If anything, he should've come to us first instead of doing whatever he pleased!)
"Ye tarbiyat diyea hum tumku? Jaake kiske bhi ghar me kisi ki bhi beti ko kuch bhi boldo. Amma bawa ko izzat ka zara mat socho? Ye sikhaye hum tumku?!"
(Is that what we taught you? Just go to anyone's house and say whatever comes to your mouth to anyone's daughter like that?)
Saira is not just anybody. I felt the need to counter, but at the same time, didn't want to drag things unwarrantedly.
"Nai," I answer calmly, staring at my feet.
"To phir?! Kiya zaroorat thi ye sab karne ki? Shah Rukh khan hai tum? Hero banne ka shaouk chadha ek dum? Hum baat karte the tumhare rishte ke liyea. Margaye tumhare amma bawa jo sab khud ich karliyea?!"
(Then?! Why did you have to do this? You're not SRK and certainly can't act like a hero. We would've spoken to them. Your parents are not dead yet!)
"Khuda na khasta! Allah aapki umar daraz kare. Kaiku ayse baatan karre aap, daddy?!"
(What are you saying?!)
"Tumhare harkatan aysich hai mere bete. Kiya karu mein?!" He retorts, sarcastically.
(That's the only thing I can say when you pull such stunts, my boy.)
"Itna sharminda hona pada meku Ayan ke saamne. Kuch bolne ke kaabil nai tha main. Na khushi me khush rehne, na isku ghussa karne. Tumaku malum bhi hai Ayan kaisa hai so apni family ku leke?"
(I felt so ashamed in front of Ayan! Neither could I be happy nor could I scold him. Do you even know how Ayan is when it comes to his family?)
"Uncle ke ek punch aur thappard ke baad malum chalgya."
(His punch and a slap was enough to get to know him.)
"Khali utne me pehchan gaye?" He scoffs. "Allah ka shukar karo tumaku maar nahi diyea une."
(That's it? Thank God he didn't kill you right there!)
"Hao. Allah miya bacha liyea meku." I counter.
(Thankfully. Allah saved me.)
"Dekhre Hafsa? Jawaban dera so dekho ine baap ku."
(You see? You see that, Hafsa? Look at the way he's talking back.)
"Aur kiya bolna bichara?" Mummy asks. "Meku aapke ghussa ke wajah samajh me nahi aari, Maqsood. Kuch bhi ghalat nahi hua. Ultha, jo hona tha, voich hua!"
(What else can he say? I don't understand why you're pissed off, Maqsood. Nothing wrong has happened other than what was meant to be!)
"Aysa bilkul nahi hona tha." He grumbles, crossing his arms over his chest.
(It shouldn't have happened this way, at all.)
"Daddy, mein kya karna tha aap ich bolo? Kal raat se wo Shoaib Saira ke aage peeche phirra tha. Apne aap ku kaisa control kara uska muh phordne se meku malum hai. Aur subha jab mummy bole ke Saira ok boldi rishte ku to main pagal hogya tha. Isse better mein nahi karsakta tha kuch bhi!"
(Daddy, tell me what I should've done? Since last night, that Shoaib guy was finding ways to stick around Saira. Only I know how I'd stopped myself from breaking his nose. And today when mummy announced she said yes, I lost my mind. I just couldn't have done anything better!)
When he doesn't respond, still clenching his jaw, I am forced to speak up again. Guess, it's a father's wooing day today.
"Acha, aap meri jagah rehte ko kiya karte the?"
(What would you have done, if you were in my place?)
"Main tumhari jagah nahi hoon."
(I'm not in your place.)
"Meri jagah rehke to dekho. Kiya karte the aap, agar mummy kisi aur ko pasand aagaye aur phir koi aapku bole ke mummy ka rishta pakka hogya to?"
(Put yourself in my shoes and think for once. What would you have done if some guy liked mummy and she said yes to him?)
He meets my gaze. "Hota tha bardaasht aapse? Aaram se baat karne ki situation rehti thi? Ya immediate action lena pardta tha? Aapich bolo." I demand, but he doesn't answer. Instead, his expression softens a bit giving me the hint I need.
(Would you be able to take it? Would you be able to talk the situation out? Or would you have taken immediate action? Tell me.)
"Nahi na? Toh main ghalat kaisa hua? Ultha main to beghair khoon bahaye, pyaar se situation under control me leliyea. Itna to mummy, aapke shohar bhi nahi karsakte the." I wink. He scoffs, shaking his head.
(No right? So, how am I wrong? You should actually be proud of me, 'cuz I handled everything without shedding blood. Had daddy been in my place mummy, he'd fail in the task.)
"Haye mera shehzaada! Aapse zyada samajhdar hai mera beta." She says. "Aap hote to wo bache ko maar dete the."
(You charmer! See? He's smarter than you. You would've killed the guy in one shot.)
"See? Ahimsa pasand hai apan." I joke, giving mummy a hi5.
(I am against violence.)
"Abhi bhi time hai waise. Aapko chalna hai humare saath kal ki tayyari karne ke liyea to most welcome. Gaadi me jagah hai." Mummy teases, poking a finger in his side. But old man being old man refuses to budge.
(We still got time, by the way. You can join us if you like. Plenty of room in the car. Your most welcome.)
"Kiya daddy? Mood off karke hai. Aapke bade bete ki engagement hai kal. Dulhe ke baap hai aap. Kuch to excitement dikhao!" Imran chirps, jumping between us.
(C'mon daddy, don't be a party boomer. It's your oldest child's engagement tomorrow. You're the groom's father. Show some excitement atleast.)
"Marfa karu ab?" He snaps, thinking we'll spare him.
(Should I do Marfa now?)
"Arey, mast idea. Abbi play karru mein phone pe." Imran says.
(Great idea! I'll just play it on my phone.)
Everyone's decided to hold the engagement ceremony at our place, cozy and home. And so, Barkat villa had turned into a mela in the last 24 hours. Sleep was out of the question when we had so many things to do in such a short time.
Mummy had rushed me to a clothing boutique to get my kurta, and then the rings, and the food for the night, along with decorators for the house, then to the clinic for the dressing of my wound which was due. All in a day. Wajih dropped by like a bomb when he came to know about everything, taking me in a hug and then tackling us to the floor.
"Saira aur Rehana ku dekhne mat do ye scene. Dono baher rahe so hai, tumlogon ku gay samajh ke chordinge. Tumhari engaement aur Wajih aapka Walimah bhool jao phir." Daddy snorts watching us laying on top of each other in the doorway.
(Don't let Saira and Rehana see this scene. Else, they'll leave the two of you thinking you are gay.)
"Hat re uppar se mere jaldi. Saira bhot pyaari hai meku meri. Hat!" I squeal, kicking Wajih's bony figure off me.
(Get off! I can't let my Saira go because of you.)
"Abhi khali baat pakki hui tera aur ye haal hai? Nikah hogya to kaisa phir?" He frowns, propping on his knees beside me.
(You guys are only getting engaged. What's going to happen after you get married?)
"Kaisa bolto?"
(How do you mean?)
"Aapse milne appointment lena pardta phir!"
(I'll have to make an appointment to see you!)
"Mm-mm, koi faida nahi. Main available ich nahi rehtu. Saare appointments Saira ke naam." I reply with a wink.
(Mm-mm, no use. I won't be available. All my appointments are booked for her.)
"Saala!" He grumbles, while I laugh in response. "Ja ab! Saira ka aaj raat ka dress dikhane aaya tha. Lekin aapke tevar to hai ke bas, kabhi bhi meku uthake baher phek sakta."
(Fine! I was here to show you Saira's dress for tonight. But your attitude is such, you can kick me out any minute.)
"How do you know?! Meku nahi malum ab tak uske aaj raat ka dress teku kaisa malum?" I cock my brow.
"Humare begum subha se Saira ke paas hai. Naye shohar ko bhool gaye. Khaali behen ki engagement yaad hai." He pities, shaking his head.
(My wife dearest is with her since morning. Husband is out of the question when it comes to her sister's engagement.)
"Tsk. . .Ek Rehana hai," I pause dramatically, pointing towards the sky. "Aur ek tu!" I exclaimed, gesturing to him. "Kiya kara bhai ki engagement ke vaaste?"
(Look at her, and look at you! What have you done for me?)
"Main? Uhhhh. . . Dress ki photo laya na!"
(I, uh. . . Got you a picture of the dress.)
"Kaafi impossible kaam kiye hai aap." I mock, rolling my eyes.
(Such an impossible task.)
"Ja! Nahi dikhata! Huh! Kisi ko meri qadar nahi hai yaha."
(Fine! Suit yourself.)
"Cut the drama and show it to me."
"Main nahi dikhaunga!" He switches into one of his million of modes, suddenly jumping on his feet with a wicked glint in his eyes.
(I am not going to show!)
"Dikha na!"
"Nope."
"Thoda sa dikha!"
"Clue doonga main, aur batainge mere intelligence. Imran aur Abdullah." He mocks, pointing towards Imran strolling by us, carrying a box of flower petals in his arms. "Imran miya," He starts, draping an arm across Imran's shoulder. An involuntary groan leaves my lips but nobody pays a heed. "Dabangg ka dialogue--"
"Thappard se dar nahi lagta, sahab. Pyaar se lagta hai."
"Poori baat sunle meri pehle."
(Let me finish first.)
"Acha, ok, sorry. Continue,"
"Sonakshi ka scene nai hai ye--"
(It's not Sonakshi's scene.)
"Bhaiya ji, smile!" Imran blurts out.
"Imran--"
"Nai, nai sorry. Ye wala. 'Hum tum mein itne ched karenge ... ki confuse ho jaoge ki saans kahan se le... aur paadein kahan se.' Na?"
"Between two legs itna danda maarenge ki na bajne layak rahoge na bajane layak. Ye wala." I chime in, receiving a glare from Wajih.
"Insaan baat sunta pehle, bolta baad me. Mera bolna shuru nahi hora, tum dono beechme ghus jaare. Golmaal se Dabangg me leke aagaya meku! Magar Robin hood ka dialogue nahi bole koi."
"Seedha bolo na yaaro phir. Why bite more than you can chew? We were talking about Saira's dress for tonight, btw."
"Wajih boss, show!" Imran plays along.
"Nahi hai uske paas kuch bhi." I state flatly. "Isliea itne nakhre karra."
(He's just bluffing.)
"I know the color of the dress Saira is wearing tonight."
I couldn't help but think, why am I not surprised? Nonetheless, I further inquire.
"What?"
"Robin's blue color ka dress. Don't got the picture, but why do you need it? You'll see her tonight anyway!" Wajih beams out of pride.
"Wah! Bhai wah!" I slowly clap my hands, while Imran snorts beside him.
"What? It wasn't that bad." He tries.
"Fahad baba, yaha kiya karre aap? Wahan jao bete, kaam karo. Kiya mantakhan marre yaha pe!" Mummy scolds, walking towards us. Immediately, Imran scurries away carrying on whatever task he was told to do.
(Fahad, what are you doing here? So much left to do and you're standing here and talking.)
"That's what I told him! Bekar mein itta time kharab kara. Huh!" I snicker when she turns her gaze at him.
"Wajih, bete aapki toh shaadi hogayi Allah ke fazal se. Humare bache ki bhi hojane do sukoon se. Jaake zara kaam to bi karlena tha aap." Mummy says. Her tone laced with sarcasm. The shocked look on Wajih's face, had me jam my lips together to keep me from cracking up.
(Wajih, by God's grace you got married. Now, let my son have his engagement too. It would be much appreciated if you'd left around.)
"Ji aunty." He mumbles, shooting daggers at me.
The sun had gone done, bidding us farewell and calling it a night, letting the moon shine like a giant white ball in the dark black sky. Barkat Villa had gone silent, people retreating to their rooms to prep for the ceremony.
I stepped out of the steaming shower, securing the towel around my waist. Water dripping onto my forehead from my wet hair. I was walking over to my dresser when the door bell sounded. I waited a second for someone to attend it but thinking it must be Imran who forgot something at home, I casually amble towards the font door and pull it open.
"Kiya bhool gaye tum Im-ran--"
"Assalam--"
Ayan uncle, Hafsa aunty, Rehana's parents, their sister, Pho, her husband, in fact, the Maliks were standing in front of me. All dressed up and with stunned faces. Probably, because the towel only look I was sporting.
"Isn't it too early for a free show?" Uncle jokes.
"Yea, uh, Hehe."
"Kiya hua? Kon aaye--" I hear daddy call from behind me. "Arehh, ayea, ayea! Dekhe? 10 baje bole, aur 10 baje aagaye dulhan wale." He taunts, giving me a once-over then remarks.
(Who's there-- Oh, come in, please! See? He said 10 and they're here."
"Aap kaiku abhi se suhaagraat ki taiyaari karre? Jaake kurta daalo. Dulhan ready hai miya, dulha towel me phirra."
(Why are you in the first night's outfit? Put on your clothes. The bride is ready, but our groom is in a towel.)
"Five minutes!" I fervently nod my head and rush back into my room. Shutting the door behind me, I toss the towel away and hop into the slim-fit bottom. I grab the hem of my designer cream-colored plain kurta, pulling it down my head and arms, before slipping into the sleeveless jacket. Intricately embroidered all over, although the same color as my kurta, effortlessly finishes the look. Moving towards my dresser, I unscrew the lid of the styling gel, hastily dipping my fingers into the cold gel and hand combing my hair, pushing it back into a classic quiff. I spray my best cologne and step out of my room just as quickly I came.
"Assalam Alaikum!" Our heads snap towards each other, who enters the living room at the same time. Saira from the front door while I, from my bedroom. The corner of my mouth twitches up in a wide grin on looking at her.
Standing barely a foot away in a rose gold long Kurti style lehenga with the front slit running from above her exposed belly button to her feet. A white satin crop top hugged her upper torso like skin. Her creamy arms peeked from under the net fabric of the long sleeves covered in heavy zari embroidery all over the top. Exquisite detailed gold-jeweled Kundan earrings with a pearly border adorned her ears. A raspberry red color filled her lips, making them look luscious and kissable than ever.
"Aye haye, koi to rok lo!" The words rolled out of my mouth without a second thought. Saira's cheeks turned flushed as she blinked, turning her head away from me.
Rehana popped between us, chuckling. "There's still time, y'all. We can get them married now instead of the engagement. Fahad doesn't look like he can control himself anymore."
Everyone present in the hall laughed, making me bite my lip and look away clearing my throat.
"Arey, sharma gya!" Wajih hoots. I mouth him a 'fuck you' getting my shit together.
We were took to sit on the couch and the ceremony commenced. Salma aunty and mummy came to stand before us with wide grins on their faces. Fresh rose garlands were draped around our necks followed by a bite of ajmeri khalakhand to which Saira made a face, scrunching her nose upwards and pretending to take a bite from it. Pink 2000 rupee notes were circled around our heads at the same time our gazes locked.
Mummy held the velvet box of her ring open by my side. Gently plucking it off, I grab hold of Saira's warm hand in mine and slide the jewel in her finger. Bending forward, I plant a firm kiss on it earning cheers. Her fingers tightened around mine in reflex. Looking up, she had the smallest of smiles on her face, her head lowered.
"Welcome to my life, Jaana," I whisper. Her eyes fluttered towards me, clouds of passion evident in them.
I watch her clumsily attempt to hold my gigantic hand, wrapping two fingers around my one and slipping the silver band but drop it on the sofa below. A chuckle left my mouth, when she huffed and tried again.
"Ye lo, haath lelo mera. Araam se pehnao. Tumhara ich hai."
"Mera nahi hai Hulk wala haath." She counters, finally pushing the ring in its place. Rose petals fluttered around us, cheers and consecration floating with it.
"YAY! WOHOOO!" Rehana screamed in our ears, jumping over to hug Saira. From the other side, Maryam launched herself, squeezing them.
"Get off her, you two!" I clamor, swiftly pulling her struggling form from under them. Colliding against my chest, she laughs then coughs. I shoot the duo a glare, demanding a glass of water. Rehana rolls her eyes before complying to my words. Pressing the glass to her mouth, I make her gulp the water down. "You okay?" She smiles, with a nod of her head clearing her throat then glancing at the smirking faces behind us.
"Mashallah, mashallah," Daddy chants, placing his hands on our heads.
"Now, if you'll excuse them," Wajih speaks up. "Photoshoot time for the newly engaged couple."
"OOH LA LA!" Rehana hoots, flashing us a sly grin.
"Photographer?"
"Tera bhai hai na abhi!"
"Fine by me." I say getting to my feet. "Dekho, main toh all kinds of poses ke liyea ready hoon. Dunno about Saira."
"Yeah! That's more like it."
"Oh?" Saira cocks a brow at Rehana. Her gaze follows me as I get on one knee, offering her my hand.
"Is that the first pose? Perfect!" Wajih chuckles, pulling out his phone and clicking a picture.
The night passed by laughing and posing around the decorated house. Rehana and Wajih being our instructors, not that we needed any, forced us into all of the classic Bollywood poses. The 'Hum Aapke Hai Kaun' pose, where I have my forehead resting on Saira's shoulder, 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' pose, where I wipe an imaginary smear off my cheek from her dupatta, the 'Dilwale' pose where Saira has her arms looped around mine, the 'Aashiqui 2' pose where I drape my sleeveless jacket over us like crazy people, and the final DDLJ pose, where I have to lift her in my arms.
"I'm done!" She says raising her arms, trying to chicken out. "I'm hungry. I want khana. So, I'm just gonna go and grab--"
"You want food? I'll get it for you. Maryam," Rehana summons. The 'oh shit' look on Saira's face was just priceless as she froze for a second watching Maryam walk away.
"I, uh. . ." She trails off falling silent before blurting. "Restroom. Haan! I
need to use the restroom." She starts moving away from me only to be stopped by Rehana, the great.
"Restroom jaana hai? Use this one here." She points to the door on her right.
"Not this one!" Saira protests. "The one in. . .Fahad's room!"
"That is under maintenance." I stood back laughing to myself at her stunt.
"It's not."
"Ask Fahad." Saira turns to look at me expectantly, motioning to help her out. But I just started having fun. How could I let go now? Swallowing down the smile, I click my tongue in negative.
She narrows her eyes at me, mumbling something under her breath. "Papa is calling me." She gives it another try.
"He's not." Ayra enters the room. "I was just with him." She says with a grin.
Saira suddenly stomped her foot. "Sab ke sab mile hue hai! All of you!"
"We only want one thing, Turkey." Rehana replies, leisurely examining her nails.
"I am not doing that!"
"Oh c'mon! It's no big deal."
"Haan, Jaana, it's not a big deal. See?" Striding towards her, I take her hand pulling her towards me in a quick second, and sweep her off the floor, slinging her over my shoulder like a bag of rice.
"OH MY GOD! FAHAD! PUT ME DOWN! PUT ME FUKING DOWN!" She yells turning my ears numb while struggling under my hold.
"Hold still."
"OH GOD! OH GOD!"
"The longer you struggle, the longer I'll hold you like this." I husk in her ears, bringing down the thrashing a notch.
"This is embarrassing. This is soo embarrassing!" She continues to ramble, burrying her face in the crook of my neck, making me gulp tightly. Her scent inundated me, turning my vision lightly hazy. Her breath tickled me everytime it hit the skin on my nape. I squirm lightly, unconsciously titling my head towards her when I felt something warm graze my skin.
"Fahad," I hear her breathe ever so gently that no words came out of my mouth.
"Hmm?"
"I'm heavy. Put me down."
Before I could form a reply, Wajih's voice booms around us. "Chalo, done! It's a wrap everyone. Good work." The next second Saira bounces back on her feet giving me no time to protest.
"We had asked you to pose for the picture, Turkey and you came down kissing his neck!" Rehana says after a moment, gesturing with her fingers.
"No! I didn't--" Saira twirls around. Her eyes nearly popped out of her sockets. "Oh, umm," She swallows, locking gaze with me.
"Well, well," Wajih moves towards us, quickly clicking a picture even before I could touch it, and shows it to me. "Kiya baat hai! Tu to merese bhi aage nikla." He teases with a nudge.
"Ahem, ahem." My heart starts to drum against my chest. The tip of my ears turning hot. Looking at the picture, I couldn't even smile properly without shuddering and blushing in front of these demons. I shoot Saira a helpless 'what-are-you-doing-to-me' look, who mouths a 'sorry' in return, holding her ears with a luscious kissable pout.
Fu💋k!
🖤✨
MY BABIES ARE FUKING ENGAGED!! ITNI KHUSHI! ITNI KHUSHI!! 😭🤧
Comment down your favorite part of the chapter.
See you in the next chapter! Hasta la vista, babezz!
Much love,
~𝓓𝓲𝓱𝓪