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Assalamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

So here's part two of the double update promised by Juni. I'm aware that I'm late and I'm truly sorry for that. That being said I felt a whole new level of emotional highs and lows as I wrote this chapter. Ayesha as a character means a lot to me as in I envision the elder sister I never had.

Not boring you guys more with an extended author's note. Enjoy.

***

#47 The Absha Wedding

All those months we talked of a wedding finally coming to Ashiana never did full justice to the day of Di’s Nikkah. The day before we had no functions, but all the hustle and bustle made it look like we were hardly prepared. Shoaib Bhai’s room was locked and all the workers were sent away for a week. But we still had electricians and decorators all around the house. It was madness. Someone putting floral décor in the top floor dropped a basket of flowers all the way down to the canopy of fairy lights and jasmine strands that was set up in the courtyard. A section of it was ruined and had to be redone.

That was not the only damage. Clothes went missing, Chachi lost the key to the safe in Dadi's room and panic ensued, only to find that it was tied up to an end of her dupatta all the time we wasted combing the house down. In her frazzled state of nerves Annu ended up breaking some fine china cups, she kept apologizing for the same until Sumi Phuppi scolded her to silence. Let’s not even get into a discussion of what a mess the kitchen was.

The calm amidst this storm was Dadi and Di was told to stay with her and not venture out unless called for. It was in Di’s nature to not sit still though. Every time I passed through Dadi’s room she offered to help me with the chores. I had to blackmail her to get her to stop.

‘Di if you keep offering to help me out, I will not talk to you,’ I said as I deposited Dadi’s freshly pressed salwar kameez in her wardrobe.

‘But Juni...’

‘No buts Di. Dadi, please knock some sense into your granddaughter.’

I caught Dadi smirking as Di slumped down next to her. She was trying to escape the torture that our dear khalas and chachis and mamis were inflicting on her with their chatter. She was blushing red when one of them made a bawdy joke about her and Abrar Jiju. While it was inappropriate, the expression of mixed horror and embarrassment that Di put on was hilarious.

On D-day, after we prayed Maghrib together, Iqra Di and I kicked out everyone from Di’s room and helped her dress up. Once she put on the shararas and the top, Iqra Di worked on Di’s hair while I started her makeup. Di didn’t want anything over the top, so I kept it simple with a wash of colour on her cheeks, a little tint for her lips and a some shimmer on her eyes. As Iqra Di adjusted the a multi stranded necklace of emeralds and pearls, Di put on the matching earrings.

Just before Di wrapped the off white satin finish hijab, Sumi Phuppi and the other ladies of our family came to see her, even Dadi had come up.

‘Aww Nani you need not have climbed up the stairs, I would have come down to see you,’ Di said as she stood up to hug Dadi.

‘Ma sha Allah! Barak Allahu Feeki, may Allah protect you from evil eyes. You look beautiful beta,’ Dadi said with moist eyes. Mom and Chachi and Razi Phuppi smiled in agreement and even Jaad was giggling and clapping his hands.

‘Abrar and the men from his family have reached. The Nikkah will begin soon,’ Phuppi said kissing Di’s forehead.

On hearing that, Di’s nerves returned in full force. Her hands shook as she struggled to put on her hijab. After Iqra Di and helped her don the dupatta with the beautiful pearls attached, she grabbed both our hands in a death grip. She only let go of our hands once to hug Jaad and give him a peck. Then she took our hands and didn’t let go. Her vice like hold hurt me, but I didn’t mention it.

Iqra Di and I were not done getting ready either. We had hastily put on our dresses and Iqra Di only had time to wrap the shawl of her churidar around a messy bun. My hair was still in a French braid I’d thrown in earlier in the morning and it was quite a mess. We couldn’t leave Di and go though.

The upstairs drawing room was set up for the ladies to sit and hear the Nikkah. Speakers had been fitted earlier and extra seats were added. The sofas were pushed right next to the railing so we could see the courtyard. A couple of sofas from the living room were set in the courtyard facing each other. Abrar Jiju was seated in one while Irfan Phuppa in the other. While Phuppa kept wiping his hands in his handkerchief, Abrar Jiju had his clenched tight and face lowered. A third seat was set aside for the Imam of Yahya masjid who would be conducting the Nikkah. Chairs were arranged in concentric circles for the rest of the relatives and guests to be seated in. I spotted Samir and the rest of my cousins at the end of the courtyard welcoming people and getting them seated. Zaid was standing right next to my brother. No he did not look amazing in his forest green kurta which was definitely not the same colour as my dress.

Dad and Chachu soon stepped through with the Imam and all of a sudden a magical silence spread through all of Ashiana. Di’s grip on my hand seemed to tighten.

'Abrar Jiju looks handsome in that cream sherwani, right Iqra Di?’ I asked as I nudged Di. Her cheeks were tinted pink.

'Well he’s okay,’ Iqra Di dragged out just as Bhai took a seat right next to Jiju.

‘Ah of course you won’t find him as good looking as Bhai. By the way you can thank me later for matching your outfits,’ I giggled and then Mom hushed me. Iqra Di rolled her eyes but a smile did light up her face. It was no coincidence that Shoaib Bhai's pastel green kurta and cream dhotis matched Iqra Di’s patiala suit. Chachi was my partner in crime for this little bit of ingenuity.

The Imam gave a short but beautiful sermon in which he talked of the importance of marriage in a Muslim's life and what it truly means to complete half the deen. And then the Nikkah commenced. Under the guidance of the Imam Irfan Phuppa and Abrar Jiju sealed the deal. It hardly took five minutes. And Di was married.

There was a chorus of ‘Barak Allahu lakuma wa baraka alaikuma wa jama' baynakuma fi khair', and one by on the elders came to greet Di and pray for happy married life. A few tears slipped down Di’s face as she hugged her Mom. In turns all the adults of my family hugged and kissed Di. When it was my turn I had to bite my lips hard to stop the tears from falling. I didn’t want to start crying already.

'Mabrook Di! May Allah bless you with a beautiful married life and lots and lots of children whom I can spoil and pamper, after all I will be their only aunt!’

Di slapped my shoulder as she pulled away and and then kissed my forehead. After Iqra Di and Di shared a moment we had to step aside for all the relatives that crowded around Di. Samir sent me a text asking Phuppi to go downstairs as Phuppa was waiting for her. Once I passed the message, she went down and came back with two jewelry boxes. It was Di’s mahr. Phuppi opened the box to reveal a beautiful thin gold chain with a diamond pendant and matching earrings and a ring. The other box contained a few gold coins. I loved the jewelry, it was exactly what Di would prefer, simple and something she'd get more use out of as compared to the jewels she was wearing.

Our relatives were escorted out into the gardens where pavilions were set up for food. One side was set out for men and the other for women. The ladies side had no gent staff and had a concealed pavilion set up.

Phuppi sent Mom and Razi Phuppi to manage and attend the guests. Dadi, Chachi and the rest of us waited with Di in her room for Abrar Jiju to come. I sat next to Di and Iqra Di tied up her dupatta properly.

Then he came, the dashing groom accompanied by Irfan Phuppa and our cousins and brothers. He had his hands clasped tight and looked just as nervous as Di. He fidgeted with the collar of his sherwani and took tiny peeks at Di. It was so cute.

‘Should we turn up the AC Abrar bro, you're sweating bullets,’ Shoaib Bhai said, throwing his arm around Jiju. He instantly pulled out his handkerchief and started wiping his face. Laughter ensued as the newly married couple blushed.

'Oye Shoaib stop teasing my son in law. Don’t forget that it will be your turn in no time,’ Phuppi called and then helped Di stand up.

Before she could lead her to him all of us cousins surrounded Jiju as planned and asked for ransom before he could meet his wife. The adults tried to intervene but Chachi supported us remembering how both Phuppis didn’t let Chachu in the room until he had promised both of them gold jhumkas. There was a riot of laughter as Chachi finished telling the tale.

‘Aye hayee Phuppi, now that it is your son in law’s turn you are stopping us, how unfair,’ Samir said hugging Phuppi with his charming grin.

‘So Jiju what will it be? Road trip to Hyderabad? Or two thousand rupees each?’ Faiz asked as he pushed Jiju into a sofa and started massaging his arms.

'Decide fast Jiju, Di is growing impatient,’ Di directed a glare at Samar as he said so and he winked at her.

'Hyderabad it is,’ Shoaib said taking the decision for his friend. Abrar sent a glare of his to his friend and Bhai rolled his eyes.

'Okay kids you’ve had your share of fun, now scoot,’ Phuppa said as he drew Di next to Jiju.

The next moment was the cutest. I think I cried a little as Phuppa slowly took his daughter’s hand and placed it in Jiju's. And then he clasped both their hands in his. Without shedding the tears that glistened in his eyes he let go of their hands and after hugging his daughter, he walked out of the room. Phuppi hugged the newly married couple and followed her husband. Chachi shooed us all out of the room and shut it behind her.

Taking Iqra Di with me, I went to my now empty but really messy room. The function was not yet over. We had to set dinner for Jiju and Di in the dining hall and also attend the guests downstairs. After washing my face and freshening up, I combed my hair until it was tangle free and after pulling it into a quick braid I knotted it in an updo. Iqra Di also put her hair in a proper bun and wrapped the baby pink hijab she had chosen for her outfit and draped the dupatta of her suit on her shoulders.

After applying some light makeup, I took the golden dupatta came with my churidar and draped it around my shoulders. My dress was pretty simple and resembled the outfit Dadi had gifted me for Sara Di’s wedding. This one had a plain boat neck and no buttons and it’s hem was a high low one. Instead of sequins, this dress had golden floral embroidery on the hem and cute cigarette pants with golden buttons on the side. No doubt I accessorized it with my favorite golden jhumkas and nothing more.

Once we were fit to be presented to the outside world both Iqra Di and I descended the stairs and looked for Phuppi. After greeting many people and confirming that yes it was Shoaib Bhai’s fiance with me and no she’s not here because of that but because she happens to be Di’s best friend and our neighbor to about a bazillion people, we finally found Phuppi in conversation with Bhai at the entrance of the ladies' pavilion.

‘There you are! We’ve been looking for you everywhere!’

'Juni beta, just the person I was going to call. I’ve had the ayahs keep the food warm in the kitchen. Both of you go and serve them in the dishes with the golden trimming. Shoaib will go and bring Abrar and Ayesha downstairs by the time you finish setting the table,’ Phuppi instructed as soon as she saw me. I nodded as she finished explaining everything in detail.

Just as I was about to set off she grabbed my hand to stop me. ‘You look beautiful today. Both of you do,’ Phuppi said with a big smile. Pulling Phuppi in for a quick hug I mumbled my gratitude and then the three of us set off.

Shoaib Bhai was working up his courage to say something on the way. I could see it in the way he kept brushing his hair, obviously fighting the frustration to pull it up in different directions as he usually did. He kept clearing his throat and averting his gaze when I looked at him. Meanwhile Iqra Di kept her gaze on the path and refused to face Bhai. And I was stuck smack dab in the middle of these two idiots.

On reaching the stairs to the porch I stopped both of them by putting my hands out. ‘ What is it Bhai? Do you want to say something or should I get an ayah to make you some kaada for that cough?’ I asked as I turned so I stood facing both of them and crossed my arms

He glared at me and then sighed and then started drawing circles on the ground. My own impatience got to me and I started tapping my foot. ‘Will you cut it out?,’ he snapped and I froze on spot.

‘Okay, if you want to say something be quick about it,’ I said and then averted my gaze so he could have a semblance of privacy. Knowing how reserved he was when it came to admitting his feelings, he probably found it hard to do so in my presence. Unfortunately for him, I won’t leave him alone with Iqra Di though. If I left Shaitan would jump in to fill my spot and he isn’t classy enough for that.

‘Alright… Iqra, you look lovely in that dress. The colour suits you well,’ after blurting it out so quickly that it almost made no sense, he ran inside the house and out of our sight.

I couldn’t help but gush over how cute it was. Iqra Di looked rosy and even more lovely after Bhai’s adorable compliment. For a few moments she was quite dazed until I pinched her cheeks.

'What was that for?’ she asked as I giggled and skipped my way into the kitchen.

‘Proving that it was not a dream Bhabhi, Bhai did compliment you!’

‘Juni ki bachhi!’

I ran away as she yelled at me, almost colliding into Zaid who was coming out of the kitchen. This guy always pops up at all the wrong times in all the wrong places. Side stepping him without a glance or even an apology, I made my way to the island and began setting the dishes.

Iqra Di didn’t let him leave though. She made him carry the dishes to the dining hall one by one as we served them. It was like tit for tat. I became the mute one as she gave instructions and did all the talking. As I was taking out two bowls to serve some gajar ka halwa for  Jiju and Di, Zaid came and told us they had reached the dining hall.

‘Juni you’ll get those and come there right? I’d like to sit with Ayesha for a bit,’ she said as she wiped her hands with a washcloth lying on the island.

'Sure Bhabhi, I’ll be out there in a minute,’ I smiled. Giving my shoulder a squeeze she walked out of the kitchen.

You know those chilly winter breezes I always talk about, a pesky one decided to come and mess with my fringes and make my hair fall into my eyes as I was serving the halwa. Since both my hands were occupied I couldn’t push them away. I was beginning to get irritated with them when the spoon and the bowl with halwa was taken out of my hand.

It was stupid of me to think Zaid left with his sister for as I looked up I found him finish the task and set the two bowls on a silver tray I had set aside. He looked up at me when he was finished. And he smiled.

He had the audacity to smile at me. I could have died of a heart attack. True I must have looked comical with my hair in my face and hands still frozen as though I were holding the spoon and bowl and jaw dropped to the floor.

'Come, let’s go before they look for us,’ he said and walked out of the kitchen, tray and hand.

A whole minute passed before I shook myself out of the stupor I was stuck in. Unbelievable, the Zaid Hashim who used to ignore me back when I made the effort to smile at him, now has the nerve to try and murder me with a smile. How unfair, especially since I’m trying to sort out my feelings.

I had to run out of the kitchen to catch up with him. Did I mention that I hate running in heels?

By the time I got to the dining hall, the newly weds were seated at the table. Iqra Di and Bhai were serving Jiju and Di as Zaid stood aside. Knowing I might kick Zaid out of pure spite, I walked around and stood next to Iqra Di.

‘Why don’t you guys join us?,’ asked Jiju as they started eating.

‘That’s sweet of you Jiju, but this is probably the only meal you’ll share with Di alone in Ashiana. Enjoy it,’ I said flicking my hair away.

‘You guys are still here though, I’m not exactly alone with Ayesha now right?’ he asked with a playful smile.

‘We gave you enough and more alone time with her, brother. Now eat,’ said Bhai clapping Jiju on his back.

‘I am sure you won’t be saying the same when it is your turn in a month Shoaib,’ Di said as she looked at Iqra Di first and then Bhai.

With the exception of the lovebirds in question, the rest of us cracked up as Bhai struggled to make a comeback. The remainder of the meal went by with more jokes at each other’s expense and Di and Iqra Di blushing in turns.

After all the guests left except for the Hashim family, Layla Aunty and Alia Bhabhi came to Ashiana. Ziyad uncle, Namir Bhai and Wasim were in the living hall with the men of our family and us ladies were in the courtyard when they arrived. Layla Aunty was all praise for Di as she pulled her into a hug. Alia Bhabhi was also warm in her welcome of her new sister.

They had brought with them a small trolley bag which contained Di’s clothes and jewelry for the Walima function which would take place in Noor auditorium. We had to reach there by eleven.

They didn’t stay for long after that. Jiju was the last to leave the house. Wasim had to drag him out as he spoke to Di. It was so adorable the way he gestured he would call her and she responded with her cute dimpled smile.

Soon after the Hashim family took their leave. Bhai made his own gesture of love by offering to drop them home. Hashim uncle declined his request though.

'Oye lower your gaze,’ Dadi said and nudged Bhai as he watched Iqra Di walk out of the house. Grinning sheepishly he moved away from the doorstep and went upstairs to Samar’s room. All the boys were camping in one room since Bhai’s was closed up.

After a late dinner none of us had any energy left to stay up. We split up and went to our respective rooms. I slept with Di as my room was being used by our relatives. The next morning I woke up at ten thirty. We had to reach the hall by eleven and Di was still drying her hair.

After freshening up quickly, I didn’t bother changing out of my PJs and busied myself in getting Di ready. Razi Phuppi came to my help. Di’s outfit was a lehenga with an anarkali top that had a slit going down the centre. It was not the traditional bright red or maroon but a nice burgundy. It was a bit heavier than her Nikkah outfit but still not over the top. Golden roses were embroidered in bunches all over the top and her skirt had a thick golden zardosi border. The jewelry consisted of a heavy polki necklace and matching earrings and matha patti. There were also polki bangles to match.

Di wouldn’t be wearing a hijab inside the hall so I had to pull her hair up in an elegant up do. I parted her hair in the middle and pulled her fringes into a lace braid on either side which looked lovely with the matha patti. I went heavier with the makeup when compared to the day before, with golden eye shadow and a nice dusky nude shade on her lips. It was still not too much when compared to the looks that brides went for these days with excessive contour and highlight and false lashes.

By the time Di wore her abaya and loosely draped her hijab over the dupatta of her dress, it was eleven fifteen. They were going to be late by half an hour. Sumi Phuppi, Phuppa, Mom and Dad and my cousins were ready to leave by then. Our relatives had left in a bus that was arranged for their transport. Samir opted to come back for Razi Phuppi and I. We had half an hour to get ready.

I don’t know how I managed to pull on my cream lehenga that Dad got me for Bakrid and do my hair and makeup in record time. Mom did insist for me to get a new dress, but I decided I didn’t want to seeing as I wouldn’t wear the lehenga again. And I hardly wore it for a few hours on Bakrid as Safwan had spolied the dress that day and I had to change.

Just as I finished putting the final touches to my appearance Samir popped into my room. I had to go on an empty stomach to the hall and Razi Phuppi was worrying about Jaad as she had left him in Faiz's care when she came to help me out. She did set aside some bananas and milk so Faiz could feed him. But the latter was often forgetful. And it was pointless to expect Marwan to remind him especially since he’s back to being one half of the evil duo with Safwan.

The clothes that went missing? It was those two idiots. They made Dad and Mohammed Phuppa walk around without their shirts for a long time yesterday.

When we got to the hall Di was seated on stage with Abrar Jiju. Relatives from both sides of the family went up to meet them and get their pictures clicked. Di was a mass of nerves. Her smiles were not as natural as they were yesterday. It was understandable though, there were twice as many people present today and she was not in the comfort zone of Ashiana.

It was in the hall that I got to meet my Nani's side of the family properly. The day before I had only managed a cursory greeting amidst all the running I did to and fro. Nani made me sit next to her and Mom and talked to me at length. It has been ages since I last visited Dar-e-Rahma and I forgot to call her during the last two weeks too.

‘Look at how thin you’ve become!’ Nani said taking my hands in hers and staring at me from top to bottom.

'Ya Allah Nani! I’m fine. You haven’t seen me in a while right, maybe that’s why you think I’m thin,’ I said. Mom had to step in though.

'No Ammi you’re right. She forgets to take care of herself often. Half the time she’s busy studying and the remaining half she’s busy with the family. But she does eat and drink well, so it’s just the exertion.’ Mom stroked my hair as she spoke and for a moment I was lost in the tenderness.

Nani had different plans though. ‘In sha Allah as soon as summer comes you’re coming to Dar-e-Rahma and I’m going to make sure you put on some weight.’

To be honest I was a little frightened by the promise in her tone. I turned to Mom and grabbed my throat in an ‘I am so dead' gesture and she laughed at me. She looked so good while she laughed.

All too soon lunch was over and it was time for Di’s Rukhsati. Time for her to bid farewell to her old family and truly become a part of her new one. Time for us to accept the fact that Di will not be a part of Ashiana as she once was. Time for new beginnings. Time for all of us to adjust to this great new change.

I couldn’t hold my tears at bay anymore. I broke down when I saw Di hug Dadi and cry. Dadi’s tears were not stopping as she held Di close and whispered advice to her. She was trembling as she kissed Di’s forehead. Di’s eyes were still moist as she hugged Dad and Chachi, Mom, Chachi and Razi Phuppi. The boys looked close to tears as well. Iqra Di and her stayed glued together for quite some time. I wasn’t willing to let go of her when it was my turn either.

‘Oh Di! I’ll be so lonely without you,’ I cried as I held her.

‘Don’t be silly Juni. You have Nani and the rest of the family, you’re not alone. And I’m always a phonecall away. Promise me that you’ll call me whenever you need me,’ she said pulling away and holding my face, forcing me to look into her eyes, red rimmed with all the crying.

‘I promise,’ I blubbered like a baby.

It was hard to watch Phuppa and Phuppi as they bid farewell to Di. But the worst of it was Di looking for Samar. He was nowhere to be seen. None of us noticed him slip away and Di wouldn’t go to Khushnuma without him. Picking up her heavy dress she went around the hall looking for him. She was pleading with him and scolding him as she cried even more. 

Eventually she found him seated at the back of the auditorium, curled up in a ball and refusing to talk to her. Samir and I joined them as the rest of the family stood a few steps away and watched us.

'Samar please?’ she begged holding his hand, trying to get him to look at her.

‘Samar!’ crying she sat next to him and put her arms around him. And then he fell for her embrace and it was heartbreaking to see them breakdown in each other’s arms.

I looked up to find Samir watching me and in that moment I was grateful that it was not my turn yet. It would be unbearable, the thought of saying goodbye to one of the sources of my strength. Reaching out, I held his hand in mine and he responded with a gentle squeeze, knowing exactly what I was thinking of.

Eventually under Samir's persuasion Samar pulled himself together and got off the floor. He dusted his pants and helped Di up and took her to Jiju.

‘She’s my only Di,’ he said to Jiju, ‘You only get to keep her if you can give her more happiness than we ever did.’ Jiju could only nod and shake his hand.

And in after a final tear filled salam, Di was led by her new family to the car which was decorated with beautiful flowers and in sha Allah with this begins Di’s beautiful new life.

***
Too much?

Did I do justice to Ayesha's wedding?

I'm going to miss her. *sniffle*

Let me know what you guys thought.

Much love,

Ann