Màu nền Màu tối Mặc định Xám nhạt Xanh nhạt Xanh đậm Vàng nhạt Màu sepia Vàng đậm Vàng ố

Font chữ: Palatino Linotype Bookerly Segoe UI Patrick Hand Times New Roman Verdana Tahoma Arial

Chiều cao dòng: 100 120 140 160 180 200

Kích cỡ chữ:

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Hey lovely people. This chapter is a bit rough and patchy because of a massive writer's block. But there are cute stuff.

Have fun reading.

***
#36 The Plans, Chats and Evasions

'You shaitan bachhi! I knew I spoilt you rotten, but I never believed it until today!' Dad scolded.

'Astagfirullah Dad! You can't call your daughter the devil!' I said, exaggerating while I was at it.

'I can when she goes around taunting boys and beating them to pulp,' he insisted, his face all scrunched up pixels.

'You should be proud to have a daughter who can defend herself! 'I claimed.

Taking the stairs two at a time and attending a video call at once was a feat I had long since accomplished. Dad loved talking to everyone in the house whenever he called. I had to travel all around Ashiana so he could converse with all from Dadi to Samar.

'You call that defending. I'm scared for all those kids who could be attacked by you. Ya Allah! I've raised a monster.' His antics proved that dramatics is also an inherited trait.

I feigned being hurt and rushed to Dadi's room.

'Look your son is calling me shaitan and monster Dadi,' I complained thrusting the phone out to her.

Dadi took the phone from me and glared at Dad. 'Are you badmouthing my darling Juni? Is this how I raised you, Badmaash! ' She admonished.

All of this was such a huge joke. Like really. Dad was calling me names and Dadi chastised him for the same. I couldn't help but burst out into laughter.

'Dadi you're the best!' I gushed giving her a high five.

Dadi grinned and raised an eyebrow at Dad, daring him to go against her. Dad shook his head and smiled.

'You're spoiling her Ammi. After all that happened she should have been punished,' Dad said his tone getting serious.

Uh oh. Really?

'What nonsense! She's aware of her mistake and regrets it. That's enough punishment. Stop harping on my Juni,' Dadi berated, stroking my cheek. I nearly pulled my tongue out at Dad.

'I wish my Dadi was there to defend me when you and Dad were all about punishments,' Dad whined like a kid.

Dadi just gave him an adorable smile. 'Wisdom comes with age beta. I'm sure when Juni's kids turn out to be just as naughty you'll protect them from her.'

Dad grinned. 'Of course. Seen anyone good for her yet Ammi?' He asked, looking at me with most mocking look in his arsenal. I narrowed my eyes at him, daring him to say one more word.

'You're plotting to send your Ammi to jail huh? I always knew you had something against me,' Dadi said, nodding gravely. I covered my mouth with my hands, stifling my laughter.

'Astagfirullah Ammi. Such accusations!' Dad burst out. As Dadi started shaking with laughter, he looked away totally embarrassed. Serves him right for teasing me and calling me names.

'Dad, do you need some gel for those burns?' I asked injecting concern into my voice.

'Give the phone to your Chachu. I need to speak to him!' He ordered, bristling angrily. Beneath it all I could see he was amused and happy.

When I first started telling him what happened, I was scared. And then his reactions actually made me carefree and relaxed. He did give me his grave silent treatment for about two minutes before he started messing with me.

I did as he asked and then hopped and skipped my way to Di. She was tying all the curtains to the side as they were wildly flying about with the wind. The weather was slowly cooling and winter was close by. It was a pleasant atmosphere. So far my suspension has been going great.

Dad was not too angry. Dadi told him not to tell my brother or Mom about it. She asked him to forget about it and focus on Di's wedding. He said he'd be here before the others, in sha Allah.

Phuppi was talking of going on a shopping trip. All of us had to get new clothes for Di's wedding after all. Time flew by so fast that there was only two months left. Just thinking of it made me experienced a mixed cocktail of emotions.

'We'll call Murshida Bi here and ask the Khans to send some cloth samples here,' Chachi suggested as she set cushions in order. 

'Ah. That's a good idea. I hate going to town anyways. ' Phuppi added as she sat down next to Chachi.

I went and joined them in the courtyard as well. 'Who is Murshida Bi?' I asked.

'She's a dressmaker. Her mother used to make our clothes before and now she has taken on the mantel.' Chachi said smiling.

'I still remember the beautiful dress with pearls sewn in all over that her mother Ishrath Bi had made for me. Murshida was about a few years younger than you then.' Phuppi reminisced.

'I was hoping to wear your dress for my wedding actually,' Di said as she sat with us.

'That's a splendid idea actually. We could ask this Murshida Bi to fit your dress for Di, Phuppi! 'I remarked feeling excited already.

Phuppi nodded thoughtfully.

'Your walima outfit will come from Abrar's family anyway. If that's what you wish then we can ask Murshida Bi to rework the dress,' she said smiling as she took her daughter's hand in her own. 

There was a thought that was in my mind since Di's wedding has been fixed. 'Why don't we all get outfits that match with Di's? Like a dress code?' I asked looking from Phuppi to Chachi.

They in turn stared at each other, a whole mental conversation taking place in the span of a few moments.

'It's not a bad idea. We could colour coordinate for all the functions. I hope the men won't mind,' Phuppi mused.

'They needn't mind. They should just put on whatever is chosen,' Chachi said.

Bhai joined us in the courtyard just then. He always popped in home whenever he had a break at work. Since I was enjoying my suspension, I could be part of Di's wedding preps for once. Chachi, Phuppi and Di sat at them with one of the men joining in time to time when the rest of us were at school.

'My nose is itching, who's badmouthing me?' He asked as he plopped into a seat next to his mother and dropped his messenger bag.

'Of course you're the centre of every damn discussion of ours,' I remarked dryly.

'Oh shut up. You're under punishment. Be a little... docile,' he snapped irritably.

Before it could escalate between us Chachi did the right thing by pinching Bhai's ear. 'Ow Ammi!' He cried in pain and I laughed like the sadist I am.

'If you don't learn to leave your office stress back there and come home then I'll have to pinch it out of you,' Chachi said letting him go.

'Okay okay, I'm sorry my Ammi.' He said loosening up.

'I'll get you some tea,' Chachi said and went to the kitchen.

'And I'll bring down my dress,' Phuppi left for her room.

When the two of them were gone Bhai suddenly sat up straighter and then called out Di's name in a sing song manner.

'A-ye-shaa… guess who came to meet me today.'

The teasing look in Bhai's eyes gave the answer just as much as his little question. We all knew who he was talking about. He just did it to watch her blush.

'Ay hayee… look at those tomato cheeks. Ma sha Allah, Ma sha Allah. Abrar's face looked similar when he asked me what your favorite colour is,' Bhai said smilig his adorable crooked smile.

'Aww!' I gushed clasping my hands, 'So cute!'

'Oh shut up you two!'

Bhai and I laughed as Di portrayed the epitome of shyness. Just as I stopped laughing to get some air I spotted someone pretty interesting at the entrance hall.

'This is your state now. Just imagine what you two will be like after Nikkah!' Bhai teased further and cracked up, laughing even more. Since his back was to the entrance he didn't know who was coming in with quiet steps.

She had an endearing smile on her face as she stepped into the courtyard, taking in Bhai laughing and Di blushing.

'Oh Bhai! Look who's here,' I pointed out. Di caught my look and saw Iqra Di before Bhai did. She gave me a five under the table and grinned slyly. The tables are going to be turned.

'Who is here?' Bhai asked and turned around.

He had been balancing on just two legs of the chair like a kid. When he saw Iqra Di he nearly toppled down to the floor. He flushed as he tried to recover. Iqra Di looked amused by the whole scene.

'Assalamualaikum Ayesha, Juni … Shoaib.'

I didn't miss the little pause before Iqra Di mentioned bhai. Di and I shared another conspiratory look.

'Wa alaikumasalaam!' We chorused with excitement. Iqra Di stared at the two of us suspiciously. We gave her our best nonchalant looks. She was distracted from us when Bhai got up from his seat.

'I'll leave you girls to… do whatever you do,' he said and initially walked in the direction of the kitchen. Then he retraced his steps and went upstairs, playing with his hair all the while. It was messed up looking like a fine bird's nest.

It might have been an unconscious action, but Iqra Di took the chair bhai had vacated. I knew I was taking the fangirling too far, but they were so adorable.

'What's up with him?' She asked as she settled well.

'Wouldn't you like to know,' I teased.

'Huh?!'

Di stamped my foot under the table. Vicious. I couldn't stop myself from wincing in pain.

'You okay Juni?' Iqra Di asked, eyes narrowed. She looked so much like Zaid then that I lost it for a moment. Iqra Di was waving her hands in front of my face to get me to respond.

'Just dandy. Suspension and all you know,' I joked with a kind of fake smile.

'Yeah. Zaid told me about it.'

I nearly choked on air as I gasped not so subtly. 'He did?!' That Iqra Di would know everything I was sure of. I assumed Sidra would be her source and not that guy.

Both the girls gave me weird looks. I tried to shrug it off casually. It was the perfect entrance of a middle aged lady clad in a magenta salwar kameez that saved me. She was followed by a few men with some bundles.

It was Murshida Bi. She was quite short and stout. Her dress was simple yet elegant. Nimble fingers played with the bead work on her shawl draped loosely over her head of auburn hair neatly parted in the middle. She wore no jewelry except for the little white stud that adorned her nose. Her thin lipped smile was lovely.

'Assalamualaikum,' she greeted us all.

Phuppi had just come down with a garment bag and Chachi too had returned from the kitchen.  She probably sent Bhai's tea upstairs with one of the ayahs.

'Wa alaikumasalaam Murshida Bi. It's a pleasure to have you here,' Chachi said.

Phuppi directed the men to leave their baggage in the ladies living area. They left after doing so and agreed to return to collect later.

'The pleasure is mine. My Ammi and I owe much to the Ali family.' Murshida Bi responded still smiling. 'I'll just meet Razeena Bi and join you all. Mabrook to you Ayesha beta,' she added as she went on her way to Dadi's room.

We went into the living area and started examining the fabric samples. Phuppi took out her dress from the garment bag. It was an exquisite affair of pearls and golden thread work on off white chiffon and net which was soft and flowy. The top had a French collar and little white pearl buttons from the neckline to the waist. From there it flared out till the hem. The bottom and dupatta were of the same color as well. The lehenga had embroidery and pearl work on it as well and was pretty heavy too. The net dupatta had tiny pearls sewn in randomly and an inch thick border with pale pink roses embroidered and more pearls.

'I can't imagine how hard it must have been to carry the dress along for the whole day,' I remarked as I set it back on the sofa gently. I had a hard time just holding it upright.

'Oh. Don't remind my of the horrors. I wonder if something could be done to reduce the weight, ' Phuppi wondered.

Murshida Bi joined us just then. She saw Phuppi's dress and held it up reverently. 'Yours was the first bridal shawl my mother gave me to work on,' she said, her voice heavy with nostalgia.

'It is heavy. And I am sure you'd feel better if it were lighter. I'm thinking of reducing the flare in the top and replacing the lehenga with moss green banarasi type shararas. The banarasi style is in fashion right now and it is quite light weight. What do you think?' She asked as she settled down and examined the dress in detail, gesturing the portions she meant to cut out.

'I think it's a splendid idea,' Chachi said and Phuppi agreed. Di just gave a shy smile. She never cared much about clothes, my Di. But in every outfit she wore, she shone.

'I'm sure Ayesha would look beautiful in the dress,' Iqra Di said, giving voice to my thoughts.

Murshida Bi made Di stand and starting taking her measurements. Di was not as tall as Phuppi and she had a slightly fuller figure. The dress would have to be adjusted to fit her variations. As she got on with her work, I started checking out the fabric samples. Iqra Di sat next to me and did the same.

Chachi said we'd have two main functions. The Nikkah which will be on the same day as the mehendi and the Walima which will take place the next day. There would be a small function limited to the members of Ashiana only the day before the mehendi called Manjha. On that day Di would be getting a traditional Indian facial treatment with turmeric and sandalwood and rose water. It ought to be fun.

'What do you think? Should we go with green or off white?' I asked Iqra Di, gesturing two fabric samples as I did so. The green was a lovely dark shade with golden self design. The off white one had silver and white thread work all over.

'I think green. That way Ayesha would stand out, right?' She said, pulling out yet another green fabric, this one brocade with paisley prints.

'You're right. Let's pull out all the green clothes. We'll need to choose something for the boys as well.'

Chachi and Phuppi helped us. In the end we chose two slightly varying shades of green fabric for the men's kurta. They'd be paired with off white dhotis or trousers as per preference. Murshida Bi suggested that all the boys vary the style their kurta be cut in, either Achkans or Bandhgala or Angrakha.

For the ladies we chose a plain chiffon cloth and a sequin and pearl fabric for hemlines or sleeve borders and other embellishments. Murshida Bi took all our measurements and suggested a different pattern for each of us. We'd be pairing the tops with matching green dupatta and cream bottoms.

It felt like almost half the day was over by the time Murshida Bi left. The gents tailor would be coming tomorrow to get all their measurements. Those who are abroad would have to send theirs through text.

Murshida Bi had stayed for lunch as well. Once she was gone we were all back in the courtyard, nursing some mint tea and enjoying random conversation. I mostly just listened to Di and Iqra Di's chat as well as that of Chachi and Phuppi's. Amidst discussion of which friends to invite and what jewelry to take out of the locker, I let my mind drift off.

I would have nearly dozed off if Chachi had not brought up the best subject ever.

'Our Ayesha is all set to get hitched. What about you Iqra beta?' She asked, with a glint of amusement in her eyes that only the Ali girls understood.

Iqra Di nearly spat out the sip of tea she had just taken. 'What about me?' Iqra Di echoed, looking totally oblivious. I couldn't decide if she was feigning it or not.

'Do you not want to get married like your best friend? ' Chachi probed. Di was trying to stifle her laughter.  Phuppi silently observed Iqra Di. Poor girl wasn't even aware of the kind of spotlight she was under. Not that Phuppi was in on the secret.

'Khala. Such a tricky question!'

'Let me ask you an easy one then… what are the qualities of your ideal husband?' I asked grinning. All four of us leaned in to listen to her answer.

'Well… ' she trailed off, suddenly not being able to meet our gaze.

'Come on Iqra, do tell us!' Di prompted, looking so unlike the normal kind and sweet person  she was as she teased her best friend.

'Obviously he has to be serious about his deen. A kind, understanding and fun person. Not too serious and yet not too carefree. Someone who can make life a memory book of smiles.' Iqra Di spoke after much deliberation. I almost thought she wouldn't say anything.

'Sounds like quite a personality. Tall, dark and handsome or anything will do?' I asked knowing fully well that she didn't care for appearances like Di. But the appearance had to match just like the personality does to my dear bhai right?

She flushed pink and looked away. I couldn't help but snigger a bit. If only bhai made an appearance then… sadly he had gone right back to office a few hours before lunch. He said he'd have food from the office canteen.

'Ahem… come on. Why is it so hard to describe a vague appearance?' I probed further. Chachi had the biggest smirk on. Phuppi looked so out of the loop, her confused face resembled Samar's. I wish we could proclaim Shiqra out loud and have two weddings together.

'Tall maybe… the rest, I don't care much.' Iqra Di murmured.

'I feel like I really know someone who fits that description perfectly,' I pretended to think about it. Di slapped my shoulder as Chachi averted her face so she could hide her grin.

Iqra Di looked really uncomfortable. Knowing her nature, I kind of felt a little guilty for pestering and teasing her so. But indirectly she just described her interest in Shoaib bhai to us. And that's all the confirmation Chachi needed.

I can't wait wait wait for Shiqra to set sail as well. Things were coming together just so well. If I were an anime character my eyes would have grown almost as big as my face with sparkling tears of joy in them.

Alhamdulilah for so much joy I thought.

Iqra Di was saved from further embarrassment as Zaid came to take her home. He had come to Ashiana straight from the bus stop with Samar.

The sight of him put a damper to my mood. I took it as my cue to leave. Ever since yesterday's argument between us I've had such a mix of emotions where it concerned Zaid that just mentions of him frustrated me. But my decision was firm. I'm not going to let my fickle heart lead me astray. Feelings can go die for all I care. And I'm going to put all my will power into making sure I go back to being the Junaina Ali who didn't care much for any boy.

Not even ones with beautiful deep brown eyes and silences so captivating.

***
There. How was it?

Do stay tuned for more.

Love,

Ann