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Assalamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

I hope you're all ready for this next chapter. I really enjoyed writing it. Have fun reading.

***
#27 The First Ship

For all the big talks by people from Jade and Coral, you'd think at least one of them would have taken the top spot. But little unassuming Sapphire came through and maintained its place on the scoreboard throughout.

Jade and Coral were funnily enough, tied at second place.

There were a few hours when Jade did claim the first place. When the events for our category was going on, Najwa made quite a difference on the scoreboard and so did I. Sapphire put us back down soon enough.

The highlight of the day for me, was when I heard Zaid's qiraat. The Qur'an recitation for boys was going on in stage 3 when I had finally managed to grab a break in between all the hassle. So I took a seat there and tried to blend in before Najwa found me again.

If yesterday's results had calmed her down, she was back with double the force today.

And by Allah so mesmerizing it was to sit there and listen to him recite Surah Ar Rahman. It was just perfect. The words of the Qur'an flowed from him so effortlessly. He looked so focused and at peace, it was like he was lit up from within. There was so much devotion and love on his face, it was beautiful.

And the smile he had once he was done, Subhan Allah it did weird things to me. Like a little tingling here and a race of heartbeats there. Completely normal weird reaction.

If only I could have recorded his recitation…

At the end of the day we were all happy. The results weren't bad and Jade and Coral stood as equals.

'We'll fix it on sports day,' Haseeb stated.

'We will,' Najwa agreed.

'Oh God no! Again?' I groaned.

The two of them just gave me smug little smiles.

'Don't you just love all the drama?' Najwa teased.

'And all that tension, uff!' Haseeb added.

'Yeah, next time you get to share it with me at Ashiana,' I retorted lifting an eyebrow and crossing my arms.

Haseeb looked a little pale. Najwa's eyes were widened.

'Really?' They're chorused.

'Yeah why not? It will be fun. We can have nice cold wars and hot exchange of words with Samar and maybe Zaid too, what say?' I pressed further, enjoying their discomfort a little too much.

They don't call me the drama queen for nothing. And all queens need entertainment, that's basic knowledge.

'Okay. We get it. Tone down the competition.' Haseeb said.

'It's just school. No biggie. Maybe I was being a little too crazy?' Najwa said meekly, peering at me through her lashes as she kept her head bent.

'That's just about right. Now who's up for some ice cream? Lia's treat. Sapphire has won above all odds!'

And so the school canteen was filled with people from all teams celebrating the unlikely victory of team Sapphire. Hey, they offered to pay. Isn't it good we didn't win the title after all?

The good thing about this whole month was that I got to make a new friend. She may be somewhat of an over achiever and unnecessarily competitive, but she was also fun to hang out with. I can't believe I stayed away from this girl just because of a guy.

Well not any other guy, it was Zaid Hashim of course.

I admit, I am bloody curios about their history. But let's not jump into such heavy things right away. I just became friends with her and I think I want to maintain this friendship. Najwa is an amazing person and there is a lot I can learn from her.

Samar and I walked home in good spirits.  Sidra was bubbling with happiness. She was a Sapphire too. It was fun watching her squeal and get all excited. With a promise that she'll visit with Iqra Di in the weekend, she hopped and skipped away after Zaid.

He won the qiraat competition by the way. Obviously.

And so with a huge burden off our shoulders we entered Ashiana. Only to see that the house was being set up again for yet another dinner party. Samar and I paused in the entrance hallway taking everything in and came to a conclusion together.

'Abrar's coming,' We both said to each other.

And then we parted ways rushing to our rooms.

I don't know about anyone else, but I had a giddy feeling of hope spread through my heart. Abrar didn't just crash into our lives just like that. He was a great guy, cute even, not Zaid standards but still. Most importantly his presence of mind and kindness saved my Di from a very unsuitable marriage. In my mind he was glowing with heroism. And there was also a ship preparing to set sail with the name …

If only!

My fantasizing was cut short when I saw my phone light up with notifications. When I saw Mom's name is realized that I forgot to call her from school and she must be gone. It was nearly 5 o'clock. Taking up my phone I read her message which had come at 3.

Salam Juni. I hope the whole fest thing went well. I've gone through checking and immigration and I'm waiting for boarding. I'll land in Dubai before 6pm. I know that you're waiting for me to reach out and I will. I realize that saying I'm sorry just won't cut it but still, please forgive me if you can. I'll come back to you as soon as possible. Take care. Love you.

Maybe I read it once. Maybe a couple of times. Maybe I just sat there staring at the phone for a while. Maybe I just don't want to accept that my throat was suddenly starting to feel all choked up. Maybe I didn't feel that tear slip out of my eye. Just the single one.

I would have sat there typing no response and trying to decode the message as though it were poetry the likes of Shakespeare's sonnets. But there was a dinner party to attend and ships that needed desperate sailing. So after a bath and praying and changing into casual clothes, I ran downstairs and into the kitchen. I almost messed up the whole place by nearly crashing into Annu who was carrying a huge stack of ivory white dinner plates with golden trimming.

Dadi was going all out.

Maybe I'm not the only one hoping for a ship then. Oh my my…

Since I wanted a distraction from my lovely emotions, I set myself by one of the long kitchen counters. Pulling out all the ingredients I'd need for my classic brownies, I got ready to bake.

'Looks like Juni's supplying desert today,' Sumi Phuppi commented.

'We should cancel the rasgulla then,' Chachi said smiling.

'Oh no you don't Ammi!' Wailed the baby of the house Shoaib. He was having his tea from the kitchen.

'We don't need so many sweet dishes!' Razi Phuppi said.

'Actually if the whole dinner was sweet it wouldn't be enough for sweet tooth here,' Chachi said poking her son with the rolling pin.

'Ow Ammi. I just think we might want to impress Abrar's family. We'll tell them Ayesha made everything with so much gratitude.' Bhai remarked smirking.

It was a good thing neither Di or Samar were in the kitchen. Shoaib bhai would have received a pounding within an inch of his life. And maybe not from Samar.

But his comment proved that there were a lot more people on this ship than I thought. Is it just me or are all this little things building up to one great event?

'Badmaash!' Sumi Phuppi said smacking him. She had a smile on her face though.

I gave bhai a distant high five. He was such a cunning mastermind. We'd totally make the best crew for this great ship.

'Abrar is a very nice guy. Must come from a good family to have such manners.' Chachi said seriously.

'I agree, the way he helped is unforgettable,' Razi Phuppi added thoughtfully as she flipped a batoori in the kadai.

'Plus he is cute,' I supplied with a smirk and exaggerated fangirling. Batting my lashes, holding my heart and all the works.

There was like a microsecond of a pause before everyone started laughing. Like cheeks hurting, can't hold it in all out laughing.

'Seriously though, you should consider him,' Bhai addressed Sumi Phuppi once we had all calmed down.

A thoughtful silence settled between us all again. It was a huge thing and right after all that happened a few days back, it won't be easy. But that being said, Abrar is a really good guy.

'I mean he's well mannered. He's got a stable job with Hashim uncle's firm just like his dad. Not in accounts though, IT I think. And someone whose character I can actually vouch for,' Bhai  continued.

A match made in heaven, I added in my mind.

'I'll have to talk to your Phuppa about it. I admit even I find him very suitable,' Sumi Phuppi remarked.

'Take your time Phuppi. We'll be meeting his family today anyway. You can appraise them all then,' Bhai said smiling.

Chachi smacked him and he rubbed the back of his head.

'Ow Ammi what was that for? You do realize I'm not just four but twenty four now right?' He whined like the baby he was.

'Exactly. Twenty four and concerned about everyone else's wedding but your own!' Chachi fumed.

'Oh come on Ammi. You know I won't get married before Ayesha.' Bhai tried to pacify Chachi. She wasn't taking any of it though.

'Don't get married. At least consider a few proposals, planing to stay single for the rest of your life and deprive me of grandkids!' She huffed.

'You know Chachi, you're right. He's such a big baby he doesn't want you cooing over any other baby, even if it is his own kid,' I said in mock seriousness.

'Spoilt brat!' Razi Phuppi agreed.

'Hey! Why is everybody ganging up on me now?' Bhai asked irritated.

Ignoring him I continued, 'You know what Chachi if Di refuses we can suggest this Abrar proposal to Haseena Aunty. Sidra was telling me that they were groom hunting for Iqra Di.' I was merely playing a hunch here and watched bhai carefully for a reaction.

He was pretty good though. Acting all nonchalant he continued to munch on his snacks and sip his tea without a care. I've been noticing that everytime someone mentions marriages he just evades by mentioning Di or diverting from the topic all together. My suspicions were raised further during Eid. If only I had paid more attention that day instead of staring pointlessly at Zaid.

I didn't just admit ogling Zaid. That was someone else.

'Hmmm. You're right. Haseena did ask me to mention any good proposals. I would have asked for Iqra's hand for my own son if he wasn't so stubborn about not getting married.' Chachi said, she was glaring at Bhai.

The latter all but choked on his tea. I snickered as he finally managed to regain his composure. In lightning speed he finished his tea and ran away from the kitchen.

Maybe I had more than one ship looming in the horizon.

Ashiana was all decked up again and it was stunning. More than the vastness of this house, it's beautiful architecture or breathtaking interiors, it was the love and warmth emanating from my family here that made this place so welcoming. Nobody ever went away from Ashiana without a smile. And everybody is always happy to return.

I couldn't be thankful enough to Allah for making me a part of this beautiful family.

I was just finished with my Maghrib prayer when Dad came to my room. He was not around the house much today. He had gone with Mom to drop her off and only returned later in the evening. He had gone straight to bed then and so we didn't meet up like we usually did. Dad and I always made it a point to catch up with each other's day and have random chats.

'Assalamualaikum princess,' Dad said smiling.

'Wa alaikumasalaam Dad. How was the trip?' I asked hugging him.

We both settled down on the couches in my room. Dad looked tired, a two way trip like that was bound to be tiring. Thank God he took the train though.

'It was fine alhamdulilah, everything went well without any difficulty. You tell me, how did the fest go?'

'Well, Sapphire won. Jade and Coral were tied at second place. Thank God it is over. It was fun while it lasted but I'm missing good old classroom fun.'

Dad grinned. 'I'm sure Samar is not happy.'

'Meh, he should grow up.'

We both shared a laugh.

'Sunaida called. She has reached Dubai safely. The driver has picked her up and she's on the way home to our flat,' Dad said giving me a small smile and a knowing look.

'Alhamdulilah, that's good. I'll text her In sha Allah,' I managed to respond. I still didn't reply to Mom's message. Not because I didn't want to, rather I just didn't know what to say.

'Do it before the party begins. I understand it may be hard, but your Mom deserves a chance sweetheart. She has realized her mistake. And she wants to rectify it. Don't be hard on her,' Dad said taking my hand in both of his.

Swallowing I nodded.

'I'll leave you to get ready. Something tells me we have an eventful night ahead.'

And I knew there were more people on board this ship than I thought.

I put on the green suit that Dadi had given me and styled my hair in a braided half up do. Keeping my makeup simple, I finished my look by putting on golden jhumkas. I looked pretty good.

Before leaving my room I took my phone and typed a reply up for Mom.

Wa alaikumasalaam. Glad to know you've reached safely. Dad just told me. The fest was fine. Abrar and family will be here for dinner soon. In sha Allah, give me some time Mom and I won't disappoint you. Take care. Love, Junaina.

Without thinking twice about it, I hit send and put my phone down. I didn't have time to wait for a response as Di had come to get me. The guests had arrived. I was happy to note that Di was dressed in a lovely black anarkali. She looked stunning. All the more better for my ship.

Abrar and his family stood in the courtyard as my family congregated from different directions to welcome them. Apart from Abrar and his parents, there were two guys and a girl. The guys were obviously his siblings. All three had the same warm brown eyes as their mother and their father's tall stature. One of them looked older than Abrar and the other looked as old as Samir.

'Assalamualaikum Dawud bhai! I have heard a lot about you and your family. It is great to finally meet in person.' His Dad greeted Chachu heartily.

'Wa alaikumasalaam Ziyad sahab. The pleasure is all ours. If not for your son my niece would have been bound in a bad marriage. We can't be grateful enough,' Chachu responded warmly.

'Oh no, it was the humane thing to do.'

After that a round of introductions took place. Ziyad uncle introduced his wife Layla, sons Naeem and Wazim and Naeem's wife Alia. Chachu took longer to get them acquainted with the lot of them. After that the ladies and gents separated.

We had put up a curtain in the living hall so as to have two different sitting areas for gents and ladies. After Layla Aunty and Alia were settled and Dadi too, we all took our seats. Pleasant conversation started up between the ladies. Dadi talked of common relations and stuff with Layla Aunty while Chachi and Phuppi supplemented their chat. Razi Phuppi had gone to get the refreshments set up.

On the other hand we could here laughter and great conversations from the men's side. Things were looking well for the ship, especially as I caught Aunty appreciating Di more than once and roping her into conversation.

'So what are you both doing?' Alia asked me and Di.

'I'm in tenth and Di completed her software engineering course last year.' I answered smiling brightly.

'Ahh. That sounds great. I used to work at Hilal gold before getting married. Are you the only girls on this family?'

'Yep. Just Di and I. You're an only daughter?'

'No, I have two sisters and a brother of my own. It's just me at Khushnuma though.' Alia said with a smile.

'Must be so lonely without any other girls there, huh?' I pressed.

Fully aware of what I was doing, I barely let Di join our talk. All she could do was smile and nod politely.

'I do miss my sisters, but Ammi is amazing. And since she doesn't have any daughters she treats me like a princess,' Alia said.

'Oh Di isn't that nice. Layla Aunty sounds like a cool Mum-in-law.' I remarked pointedly at Di.

'That she is. I'm blessed really. Not everyone gets such a lovely family as in laws.' Alia agreed.

'Alhamdulilah good for you,' Di said with a genuine smile.

'I'm sorry about what happened to you Ayesha. I wish that you'll find someone truly special,' Alia said earnestly.

'Jazak Allah. It's not easy to come to terms with. But it was Qadr of Allah and I can't dispute with that. Maybe it was for the best,' Ayesha Di conceded.

I squeezed her hand in mine to offer comfort. Time for a little diversion.

'It was so kind of Abrar to help, really.' I noted with a smile.

'He's always been that way, kind and helpful. He's the most subdued one of the three brothers.  Naeem is the loud elder brother and Wazim is the fun prankster. Abrar is the mellow middle one. Any girl who marries him would be lucky.' Alia agreed. She even gave Di a look towards the end.

'Do thank him for me,' Di requested.

'Why don't you thank him yourself? He's here, I can ask Naeem to come with him!' Alia said excitedly.

Oh yeah. That would be perfect. I agreed enthusiastically. If I'm right and sparks do fly then it would be just perfect.

'Yeah why not Di? We can ask Samar or Samir to be there as well,' I prompted.

Di flushed. I mentally fangirled and squealed. Even Alia had a secretive smile on her face. I couldn't wait to get her alone to discuss the ship with her.

Razi Phuppi had served the drinks and then the men left for Isha prayer. All the ladies who had to pray went to the prayer room. Alia apparently didn't have to. So I stayed back and waited for everyone to leave before talking to her.

'Hey, you think Abrar has an interest in Di?' I asked without even considering the implications.

Maybe it was stupid of me, but I was just too excited.

'Oh I was just about to tell you. I think they'd make a cute couple!' Alia squealed.

I just about danced with joy.

'I know right. But seriously, did he express any interest? '

Alia looked thoughtful. I probably looked hopeful. Oh if only things would work.

'Abrar is such a secretive guy that it is hard to comprehend his feelings. He had become even more of a recluse when his Nikkah was broken. He didn't really want to marry that girl but did it for Abba's sake. Ever since that happened he's been glum and forbid anyone from mentioning marriage. Since he's heard about Ayesha and came here, he's been acting a bit different. That's what piqued my interest. What he did for Ayesha he would have done for any other girl. But his whole demeanor when he mentioned your family and this dinner and what he did for Ayesha was different. And Naeem and I really want the best for him. So we thought we'd meet you guys, see Ayesha, check out if our suspicions are correct and talk to Abba and Ammi,' Alia explained.

'Ahha,' I responded, I couldn't get any further because Di had come to call me for salah, noting my absence.

After the men returned, I left Alia to sort out matters with Naeem bhai while I texted Samir and Shoaib bhai. Di had volunteered to help Phuppi with serving dinner knowing something was up. It gave me enough time to narrate things to my brothers. Apparently Naeem had approached them too and Shoaib bhai being blunt as hell had told him about our evening chat with Chachi and Phuppi.

So Alia dragged Di and I with her to the courtyard saying the former could thank Abrar in person. I supported her fully, forcing Di to come. Abrar also seemed to have been dragged to meet us by his brother and Samir and Bhai. He did have a nervous excitement about him though, subtle but noticeable for someone like me. I was watching him like a hawk of course.

And it was so cute the way they nervously exchanged salaams. The way Di blushed as she thanked Abrar, refusing to meet his eye. Abrar also looked sheepish as he ruffled his curls and said it was nothing. And then how they awkwardly stood as the center of attention while the rest of us watched them intently to gauge their reactions. It was just too cute!!!

Like watching a love story play out live in front of me. Adorable!!! I almost clasped my hands to my heart and swayed in a fangirling haze. Romance blossoming in the courtyard of Ashiana.

Then according to plan my brothers and I took Di to a corner and Abrar was taken away by Naeem bhai and Alia. The adults could see everything that was happening of course. Dadi had a knowing smile on her face as she watched us. I gave her a wink making her smile wider. Layla Aunty's eyes flitted between the two groups and she had the same hopeful look as Sumi Phuppi.

'So Ayesha what do you think about Abrar?' Bhai asked bluntly.

Ayesha Di looked stunned and blushed furiously as she grasped the implications of bhai's words. Samir smacked bhai as I stomped his foot. Did I mention I was wearing heels?

'Ow?! What was that for?!' Bhai wailed.

'Maybe for being so freaking obvious!' I seethed.

'But obvious or not, that is what we wanna know right?' Bhai asked rolling his eyes.

'You're hopeless.' I said shaking my head.

'Alright you two, stop. Let's hear what Ayesha has to say.' Samir intervened.

And then all three of us stared at Di waiting for an answer. She looked like she wanted to be anywhere but there. She kept playing with her dupatta and biting her lips.

'Well?' Bhai prompted earning another glare from Samir and I.

'He's nice,' Di managed to say and then escaped.

That was all that we needed. We decided to talk to the adults once the whole party was over. Dinner went on uneventfully thereafter. The food was praised and everyone had a great time. The tandem between our families was nice. Nothing was strained or difficult. Soon it was time for us to part ways. Alia and I had exchanged numbers and she promised to keep me updated. Even the adults looked hyped.

'In sha Allah, we'll see you again!' Ziyad uncle said grasping Chachu's hands.

'Yes, in sha Allah.' Chachu agreed.

'It was wonderful meeting you all,' Layla Aunty added.

I looked on as they left waiting for Abrar to just turn to take a peek at Di. He had to. I mean, come on the whole ship was at stake. And I almost gave up hope, but he turned and waved just as Di had left us and gone back inside.

Ugh, such a nice moment it would have made. He was a second too late.

Bhai had promised to talk to the adults. Samir told me to let them handle it and not interfere. And as much as it irritated me, he was right. I was just a teenager, messing with adult stuff. If things didn't work out, I'd feel awful too.

So I did what was best, prayed to Allah with all my heart to make things work out.

It was better than being meddlesome. Funny how I find poking into people's business wrong now. A few months back I would've intruded gladly and now I'm being all sensitive. It amuses me a lot sometimes, the way I've changed so much and yet essentially I'm the same Junaina Ali. A little narcissistic, a huge drama queen and just bloody brilliant.

I don't know about everyone else, but I slept soundly last night. So deeply asleep I was that I didn't notice all the messages pouring in from Samir and Bhai, the cousins group and from Alia too. When I finally took a look at my phone next morning, I nearly fainted trying to keep up with all the messages.

Faiz and Samar were curios about all of yesterday's shenanigans. There were about two hundred messages from just the two of them bothering Shoaib bhai, Samir and I for an answer. Since I was slumbering like Princess Aurora, I didn't have to evade their questions or finally promise to answer them in private. Di had probably seen all the messages but remained quiet.

Samir had sent me a text asking me if I was asleep. Duh

Shoaib bhai was wondering how I could sleep at all. He had also told me that the adults were interested in Abrar. They were just worried about Ayesha Di. Irfan Phuppa was not sure if Di would be ready to look into another proposal so soon. It seems Dad and Chachu had agreed with him. But they also said Di had to get married anyway, be it now or later, and that good guys like Abrar don't come our way everyday. Dadi agreed with Dad and Chachu. Irfan Phuppa finally decided to put the proposal forward after talking to Ayesha.

Phuppa's decision was correct. But I really wanted  Di to be convinced somehow. I was itching to go talk to her. Still, I held myself back. This isn't some book I'm reading or a drama I'm watching. It's my Di's life and I can't just mess around with it. I'm sure Dadi and Irfan Phuppa would make her understand well.

Alia's messages were much in the same tone as bhai's. Their parents were interested in an alliance with our family, but they were worried about Abrar's readiness. They would contact if there was any proceeding.

I was with Di after breakfast when Irfan Phuppa came to Di's room. Knowing their conversation might be somewhat personal in nature, I decided to go.

'No need to leave Juni beta. You can stay. What I gave to say might benefit you someday as well,' Phuppa stopped me with a smile.

So I retraced my steps and sat next to Di on her bed. Phuppa took a seat facing us. He looked quite serious. I could feel Di tensing up beside me.

'Ayesha beta, you know I have no family of my own. I'm an orphan and if not for your Nana ji's kindness and love, I would have remained lonely and destitute. He gave me a job and more importantly he gave me a place in his family.' Phuppa began speaking calmly.

It was no new knowledge for me really. But it still roused sadness and hope in me. Allah may take things away from us, only to bless us with something better. Phuppa was only one of many examples.

'Getting a job at Ali Co. is one thing. Receiving a proposal of marriage from the boss for his daughter is something else entirely. I was scared, worried I might be rejected by Sumaiyya for being an orphan and found myself unworthy of her status. But by Allah's infinite Rahma your mother did accept me and I got the one thing I was always craving, a family.' Phuppa paused with a smile as he stroked his daughter's head.

I may or may not have had tears in my eyes at that point. Blinking a couple of times, I focused on Phuppa again.

'My point is, I could have refused out of my insecurities. And there were many of those. But then I would have lost the chance at attaining happiness, being blessed with beautiful children and a wonderful family. I understand if you're worried. And I realize that you may be skeptical of every proposal that comes your way after what happened with Fareed. But I don't want your worries and fears to cloud your rationality and make you walk away from happiness in your life.' Phuppa stopped to wipe the tears away from Di's face as she cried silently.

'It is scary and wonderful at once my dear. And I would appreciate it if you'd think about it and consider Abrar as a spouse. We haven't initiated any talks with their family. I understand it may be too soon for you. But maybe it might be just the perfect time that Allah has decided, that we are all waiting for. I'd like for you to think and decide.  Take your time and let me know. Don't let what happened before bother you. And when you're ready with an answer that's well thought out, I'll accept it. Even if it is a refusal.'

Saying that Phuppa left the room. And I followed soon after, knowing that Di would need some time to figure things out.

Samar was surprisingly okay with the whole thing. For once he wasn't throwing tantrums about his Di being taken away.

'Abrar's a nice guy,' was all that he said when he was asked for his opinion.

Everyone at Ashiana wanted the answer to be yes from Di. But no one wanted her to feel pressured into acceptance. So we all steered clear of any conversation regarding her wedding or Abrar. We talked about monsoon coming to a close, new contracts at the company, food, school life coming to an end for Samar and so on and so forth. It was a healthy distraction and we all needed it.

So at tea time we were all gathered in the living hall, all strung up and trying to hide our growing anticipation. Small talk was starting to die down and Dadi was also too quiet. When Di finally came and joined us it was all tense and awkward. We were acting all weird and it was making Di nervous. Dadi came to all our rescue.

'Ayesha beta, have you made a decision?' Dadi asked. It was a wonder how her tone was so even and level.

We all waited with bated breath for her answer. She was staring down at the floor and wringing her hands to death. Finally she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

'Yes.'

That's all she said. And there was a frenzy.

'Yes?! Yes!'

'Yes you've made a decision or yes you're okay with the proposal?'

'What's with the one word answer girl? Explain!'

'Oh my God! We will finally have a wedding in Ashiana!! '

'You're confusing us all Di!'

'That's enough!' Said my Dad, most surprisingly. 'She's already nervous and you lot are making it worse.' He chided.

Dadi looked at Di calmly, waiting for her to elaborate. She didn't say a word. Just sat there with all the patience in the world.

'Yes… I agree to this proposal,' Di said meekly, blushing so hard it was way too cute.

And cheers broke out in the living room. I rushed to Di and enveloped her in a tight hug, probably squeezing the life out of her. But I was oh so happy for her. Now all we need was for Abrar to say yes and wedding bells will be ringing in Ashiana.

'I'm so so so glad you said yes!' I squealed and Di laughed through tears.

Dadi was so happy she had tears in her eyes as she kissed Di's forehead and hugged her. Di was passed around like a doll as all her uncles and aunts hugged her and prayed for her happiness.

Once we had all settled down Dadi asked Chachu to contact Ziyad uncle. Tomorrow Chachu, Dad and both the Phuppas will be going to Khushnuma with the proposal. In sha Allah, if all went well then their family would come here on Friday to fix things.

Oh joy!

Now how do we make Abrar say yes?!

***
How indeed?

I feel accomplished for typing out more than 5500 words in two days. 😆

I hope nothing was rushed and the chapter was good. Do let me know your thoughts.

Love,
Ann