Saad and his family had arrived the venue earlier and Saad was made to sit on a small throne on the stage. He felt like a show piece sitting there. Thankfully, he had his friends and Zoya beside him. The most annoying people were his Bua and her friends. They were buzzing around him like he is a sunflower and they are the annoying bees.
'The bride is here.' Someone announced and everyone straightened. Saad is relieved as everyone left him. Zoya jumped down from the throne's armrest and rushed towards the main entrance.
Soon, Raabia is brought in. She had her arm entangled with her father's as she walked in. Dhruv nudged Saad to stand up as he looked rude sitting down. Slowly, Saad stood up. His gaze fixed on Raabia.
She didn't look like the Raabia he knew, instead, she looked stunning. With her unruly wild curls straightened they looked longer, her black straight hair fell till her waist. Half parted and resting on her shoulder while the rest at the back hidden behind the Dupatta that covered the top of her head.
Saad' gaze traveled from her hair to the golden Maang tikka in the center of her hair and then to her face. She had used minimal make-up, yet she looked beautiful. Saad noticed she has worn a light golden Jhumka and a delicate gold and diamond necklace stuck to her throat.
Wow! Is what his head said
'Yuck.' Is what he said out loud.
As she reached the stage, slowly Raabia moved her head up and saw Saad standing on the stage. He is dressed in a navy-blue suit with an ink blue tie and white shirt. Raabia noticed he has a slimmed down compared to before, not that he was very healthy before but now he looks much more toned. Raabia guessed he must be hiding an awesome physique under the layers of his suit.
Damn it! Raabia what the hell are you thinking? – She mentally scolded herself. She is made to stand next to Saad. He didn't even bother faking a smile. Raabia didn't smile either. Standing close to each other they noticed how much the other has changed over the years.
Meeting after ten years they didn't even realize who they were until their names were revealed.
Saad noted her doe-shaped dark eyes were the same, her nose sharp but her thin lips appeared fuller, maybe it is the effect of the velvet red lipstick. He realized her jawline has become slightly more chiseled, perhaps she worked on it.
Raabia looked at Saad realizing how his boyish charming face has now matured into a handsome young man. His slightly trimmed stubble matted his square cut jaw, his gray eyes lacked the twinkle that always had appeared whenever he had challenged her or beaten her in something back in college.
'Ahem, Ahem!' Hearing someone clear their throat both looked away. Zoya grinned at them, she ignored her brother's glare.
'Bhaiya? Bhabhi? If your staring session is over shall we proceed with the ring ceremony.' She teased them. Neither replied Raabia stared at her feet while Saad looked elsewhere.
Mrs. Alam opened a small red velvet box revealing a beautiful golden solitaire ring. She forwarded it to her husband. Mr. Alam plucked out the ring and forwarded it to his son. Mrs. Junaid held Raabia's hand and forwarded it to Saad. He noticed the beautiful Mehendi pattern adorning Raabia's white hand.
Raabia cringed as Saad held her hand. She didn't look up and so didn't notice the faces he made as he slipped the ring onto her finger.
Saad and Raabia retracted their hands so quickly as though they have touched something disgusting.
Oblivious, everyone clapped.
Mr. Kaif passed a beautiful Silver and stone studded engagement ring to his daughter. Raabia took it. Saad rolled his eyes and forwarded his hand. Raabia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She self-motivated herself and quickly slid the ring onto his finger and they moved back. Everything happened with such lightning speed that even the cameraman didn't have time to click photos. He began whining but Saad insisted that once done they can't repeat the ritual.
Mr. Kaif shook hands with Saad. He congratulated him and patted on his shoulder. Saad forced a smile. The women rushed towards Raabia, and one by one began hugging and congratulating her.
Mrs. Alam made them sit and then hurried to attend to the guests. Saad's friend stood by him while Zoya seated herself on the armrest next to her Bhabhi. She spoke with her but Raabia simply shook her head as a reply to everything she said. Though she found Zoya charming she didn't feel like talking to her. The only thing that revolved in Raabia's head was – how will she manage this lunatic Saad all her life.
Saad looked around and on finding everyone distracted he shifted little towards Raabia. Feeling their arm brush, shocked Raabia turned her head to look at him.
'I thought I would get married to someone who will be gorgeous and will be madly in love with me. Take care of me and my family. But,'- He looked at her with disgust-, 'looks like I will die as a virgin.' Saad whispered crossly.
Raabia opened her mouth to counter that when someone interrupted them.
Looking up, Raabia smiled, - 'Sebastian.' She got up and hugged him. Saad watched them making a face.
After they broke apart, Sebastian urged Raabia to introduce him to her fiancé. Both Raabia and Saad made a face.
When Raabia didn't introduce him, Sebastian took the honors, - 'Hey, Sebastian. I work with Raabia. And I also happen to be her friend.'
Raabia stamped Saad's feet and he winced. When he glared at her she glared back gesturing him to stand up.
'Any problem?' Sebastian asked concerned. Raabia shook her head while Saad sighed standing up. They shook hands.
'You are a lucky young man. Raabia is a wonderful woman.' Sebastian placed his arm around Raabia and pulled her closer. She smiled awkwardly at him. Saad didn't care.
He is then introduced to Rosy, Sebastian's girlfriend. They shook hands and then Rosy hugged Raabia.
'Lucky girl, this man is very handsome.' Rosy whispered into Raabia's ear. She cringed.
************************************************
Woohooo *_* Our leads got engaged
This calls for celebration *lets dance till we drop*
What are thoughts on the Chapter? Liked it? Enjoyed? Drop your comments ;)
Precap:
As Saad neared the bathroom, the door opened and Raabia ran from inside the washroom and dashed into him.
'Uff.' Both fell on the floor. Saad fell on his back and Raabia fell over him.
They looked at each other briefly before realizing that Raabia is clad in only a pink towel.
Shit!
They broke apart. Raabia sat clenching the towel close to her chest. Saad noticed it has loosened little from the back. He quickly looked away.
How is the Precap, guys? *burning cheeks*
Thanks so much for reading, my jaan-e-maans :* :* :* Please be kind; vote and comment before you leave :*