Haya's POV
I cursed as I tripped again. Damn my genes for making me so clumsy. I frowned as I straightened my lehnga. Today is my dearest cousin Api Faria's Nikah and look at me I'm still not ready.
I am not usually late. I am a responsible 16 years old girl. Yes responsible. Well, mostly. A 16 years old girl who likes to study, well not study but I am a good student.
Even though Api Faria is 6 years older than me we are pretty close, she is Baba's brother's daughter who happen to live next door, so we all are very close to each other. By we I mean Api Faria and my two sisters. Api Zainab who happens to be my elder sister and Dua who is a couple years my junior. I was late because first, I woke up around noon, then as I said we are pretty close to each other, that means we had to prepare for the wedding together, so a lot of work had to be done, a great deal of guests were also staying over so after one thing, another came and so I had no time left for myself.
Then after all the work, I was exhausted so despite the fact that I woke up late, I took a little nap, then took a bath, changed into the clothes, I had bought for the wedding, put on a little makeup and now here I was. Going to see Api Faria, my other two sisters were already there and we were about to leave for the Wedding Banquet. And every one was getting late because of me. At least that is what they told me.
So I got up brushed my teeth took a bath wore a red lehnga with black embroidery and a black shirt with black pumps and red hijab with black net on it and after a little makeup went to my Uncle's house which was right next to our house. The bride was also still getting ready but no one blames the bride.
As I entered her room, I saw Api Faria sitting comfortably in a comfortable chair as the makeup artist was adding the last touches to her work. Api Faria was looking gorgeous. There was a smile permanently plastered to her face since the start of the week. She was very happy and we were all very happy for her.
"All done Ma'am, you look lovely." The beautician complimented her as she started packing her stuff. Api Faria thanked her and checked herself in the mirror. Her eyes landed on me.
"So you are finally here?" She asked while trying to frown. I smiled at her.
"Congratulations again on your wedding, I will leave now." The beautician said and with one last look at her work she left.
"You are looking good." The compliment was for me.
"Not as good as you are." I sat down. "I bet Khawar Bhai will be dreaming of you for days and days."
"He would not need to, I will be right beside him." She took in a deep breath. "Oh My God I am getting married." She squealed.
I laughed. "Now you realized it?"
"She has been realizing that every five minutes but the surprise is never lessened." Dua came into the room.
"You will know my feelings when you get married."
"Which will not happen till another century." I imitated her voice.
"Yeah right." She laughed. "But please do not forget that fate works in strange ways.
At the same time there was a knock on the door.
"Hey Fari are you ready?" Ahmed Bhai who was Faria Api's older brother asked.
"Aslam-u-Alaikum Bhai." I greeted him.
"Waalikum-Aslam beta how are you?"
"Fine and yes she is ready."
"Then I'll be waiting in the car." With that he left.
"Zainab is going with us." Api Faria spoke in a sing-song voice.
I laughed as Ahmed Bhai blushed. He was engaged to my sister and after this wedding the next would be their. So they were the objects of our teasing these days. At the same time, Api Zainab came in and to avoid any awkward situation Ahmed Bhai went out.
"Ok Haya can you take my cell phone I have alot of other things to carry." Api Zainab asked me.
"Sure let's go."
We were at the marriage hall where we took Faria Api to the bride's room. We teased her endlessly until the Moulvi Sahib came and we were asked to go out.
After Nikah the bride was brought out.
The food was served. Me and my sisters took our food and went to sit with Api Faria.
It was then sitting there that I felt someone's eyes on me. I looked at the table at my left and saw a guy looking at me strangely.
He looked like one of those models on covers of magazines. For a second I was lost in his looks. He had beautiful eyes as deep as oceans, red lips, a heavy stubble with high cheekbones. His hair were a little messy and he was dressed in a well-fitted full black suit. I looked back into his eyes there was a hint of amusement there as he kept staring at me. Oh My Gosh I was checking him out. I felt my face heating up I bet I looked like a tomato. I turned around completely so he couldn't see my face anymore.
"What happened to you?" Faria Api asked me.
"Nothing." I said and continued eating my food. I could still feel someone staring at my back but I didn't turn around this time.
After a while me and my sisters went to the ladies' room to retouch our makeup. Zainab Api's cell phone vibrated I opened it to see Api Faria's message.
"Zainab Api Faria Api is asking for you."
"I am busy can't you go?"
I shook my head.
"Haya please." She said.
"Dua please?" I turned to Dua.
"Haya please?" Dua turned to me. She was also applying mascara.
"Fine." I said and opened the door and went out giving them one last look but they were not looking at me.
I was about to enter the hall when I tripped and fell on my back and just when I was thanking God that no one saw me in this embarrassing situation, I saw someone in front of me. I bet my face was as red as tomatoes. I looked up to see it was the same man staring at me earlier, his hand extended out to help me.
I did not want to be rude so I took his offered hand and he helped me up.
"T-thank you." I stuttered damn it what was wrong with me.
He leaned forward until our faces were only inches apart, my eyes widened, I could not breathe. My heart sped up I could hear it beating. His breath was fanning my face as he was looking into my eyes. I felt so exposed.
He smirked and leaned in further to whisper in my ear "It's okay, love. Just be careful next time." My heart skipped a beat and my face heated up.
Wait what? Love? Oh now I have hearing problems?
What the hell was wrong with me?
He was gone by now and I was breathless I had never been so close to a man before.
I hope no one saw you. My inner voice spoke.
So what if someone did? I did nothing wrong. I argued.
Well you did not push him back. She argued back.
Well I did not have time to fight with her. Api Faria was waiting for me. I quickly stepped inside and went to the stage.
"What is it?" I asked her in an annoyed voice. She looked at me questioningly.
"Sorry I just fell on my way here." Making an excuse I apologized to which she laughed.
"So you wanted something? I asked.
"Just some company." She said "it gets weird when people are staring at you and you are just sitting there doing nothing."
I frowned but sat with her nonetheless.
"Where is Khawar Bhai?" I asked.
"With his friends." She said "One of them has to leave so he is gone to say goodbye."
I sat there for a minute until Khawar Bhai came with none other than the same green eyed man.
"Hey Faria meet my best friend in the world Armaan Malik."