Light Upon Light
السلام عليكم ورحمه الله وبركاته
Hello beautiful people!
Enjoy the update! ***
#58 Sajwa BeginsMom finally reached Salimabad. And just in time too. As per my plan I had managed to find out what Najwa needed in her future spouse and convey that to Samir. To say he was pleased would be understatement of the century. He has been on cloud nine ever since and desperately waiting for Mom to arrive home. I have never seen him behave this way. He was running into walls and doors and pillars and shelves and any other furniture and people too. Careful old Samir, he nearly toppled into Di the other day on his way to the kitchen. And he kept pestering me about Najwa. Oh my Allah. He just wouldn't stop asking questions about her. As if he was already engaged to her and getting married to her in a week. He wanted to know her favourite colour, food, travel destinations, what her hobbies were. He was basically driving me nuts. And when Mom came, I was more happier than he was because Alhamdulilah I'll have him off my back. Mom can handle her overgrown baby. Who knew marriage would bring out this side in Samir? And he's not even married yet. Allah knows how he will behave should things get settled and in sha Allah, he does end up getting together with my dearest Najwa. I was happy, over the moon in fact when I got to know what Najwa's heart desired. And should this work out, I'd be the happiest person in all of Ashiana. I'd be getting one of my best friends as a sister! Can it get any more awesome?Mom had reached around the time of Fajr. She had met everyone then and after prayer and tea she had gone to sleep off all the weariness from traveling for so long. The journey was a bit arduous. But Alhamdulilah she got here safe and sound. The moment she had come Samir had given me a look. He wanted me to open the discussion with Mom. After all the bugging in the last few days, he has suddenly gone into a silent spell. And I was planning to talk to her anyway, even if he didn't. I just wanted this fixed and settled already. And so around midmorning, I went into my parents' room and found both Mom and Dad seated on the couch talking. Mom was just finishing her breakfast. "Assalamu alaikum, Mom and Dad! How are you guys?" They returned my salaam together. "Alhamdulilah, we're fine. Come sit here," Dad said patting the spot next to him. "How are you dear? I'm sorry I couldn't ask after you properly earlier. I was so exhausted," Mom said stroking my hair. "Alhamdulilah mommy dearest, as you can see, I'm as fit as a fiddle!" I smiled and gestured at myself. Mom chuckled, shaking her head at my antics. "You're still such a child, how are we even going to think of getting you married?" Mom asked as Dad smiled at the two of us, and I cringed. Great. "Speaking of marriage," I said rubbing my hands together, Mom and Dad stared at me in confusion and a bit of alarm, "it's your son you ought to worry about first. Ever since he's heard about my dear friend Najwa, he's been antsy about sending a proposal to her family.""What?!" Dad and Mom exclaimed together. Mom looked at Dad for confirmation, only to find that he was just as clueless as her."Javed?""This is the first I'm hearing of it Suni. Since when?" Dad addressed the latter part to me. Oops. Maybe I should have told Dad huh. I held my ears in apology, "Sorry Dad, I should have told you I guess. I just thought it'd be better to talk to both of you together.""It's okay beta. If anything it's Samir who should have told me. Where is that boy? This is highly unlikely of him... And no wonder he's been behaving so oddly the last week or so.""Oh tell me about it," I sighed, "the idiot has been pestering me about her ever since he found out all that she desires in a husband."To be honest, I felt like laughing out loud. This was way too funny. Samir was going to be in for one hell of a teasing when the cousins come to know of this. And they will. I'll make sure of that as payback for all the torture. "Have they been talking then?" Mom asked."Oh no Momma. Samir told me to find out discreetly. Najwa doesn't even know he's interested in her. He wanted to send a formal proposal once you arrived," I explained, before they got the wrong idea. And then I proceeded to tell them of the activity I had done with my girls, including Sidra, to find out what Najwa wanted. The idea came out of Di's suggestion to me to make a list of qualities I desired in my spouse. I thought those of us who were single could do it together as a fun activity and the engaged Ms Lia can share her list with her bae after marriage or before too if possible. How she blushed when I suggested it. I had called a hangout here at Ashiana on a day I was certain Samir wouldn't be home for quite some time. Couldn't have him snooping around and finding it difficult to keep his eyes off of Najwa right. I didn't mention any agenda. Just called for a fun get together with snacks and stuff. All of them agreed. After chilling for a while and having cake and pudding and other savoury stuff that all of us made, I finally told Lia what she could do to surprise her husband to be."But what for? I'm already engaged? Why would I need to make a list?""So he can know why you chose him. And it'll be a keepsake that he can always refer to," I replied cheekily. Sidra and Najwa joined me on pestering her until she relented. Shikha just rolled her eyes at us, as always. "Fine! I'll do it, but on one condition," Lia said at the end of it. She was playing right into my hands. I couldn't help but carry an evil little smirk within. How devious you are Junaina Javed Ali."You guys have to do it with me!"There was instant protest from Najwa and Shikha. "Oh come on, you ladies can do whatever you want. Get married, make babies, play house. Do not include me in it! I'll come as an aunty who will teach your kids the ropes to life because you guys will still not be grown ups you know," Shikha ranted, stepping away from the bed and walking towards my bookshelf. Lia threw a pillow at her. I laughed at her very accurate description of us, at least as far as I was concerned it was true. I don't think I'd ever act my age. After much discussion and arguments and back and forth all of the girls except Shikha agreed to do it. She said she'd spend some time with Dadi while we 'pursued this mad and empty task', her words not mine. I'll admit it was difficult for me to write it out. And I'm definitely not going to share what I wrote with anyone, well except the girls because there was no other way I could get them to share theirs with me. And I also managed to click a picture of Najwa's once she was done, which I sent to Samir later. She wanted only three things. 1) Allah to be his priority number one.
2) Someone who chose her for who she is and not what she looked like.
3) Someone who would be supportive of her career.
Which was a lot less in comparison to my list with twelve points. And no, it was not a list of Zaid's name written in multiple styles. Please, I'm better than that. Samir was ecstatic when he found out. Obviously. She asked for so little, he felt like it was kind of unfair. And he was also talking about harming the people who had rejected her with regards to her appearance. He was also hell bent on finding out as much as he could because he really wanted to fulfil her second clause. It was so cute. And annoying. He was being so calm and rational before he got her list. When I finished telling my tale, Mom and Dad were in a contemplative mode. Mom was staring out of the window, face propped on her hand and Dad was messing with his phone. "So?""Well I've always liked that friend of yours. She's a nice girl," Dad opined with an encouraging smile. I wanted to throw my fist into the air in celebration."Call my dear son in here. Couldn't he simply have come and approached us?" Mom said with an amused glint in her eyes. As soon as Samir came in to the room I left him with Mom and Dad and wished him the best of luck. I had done my part, now it's Samir and the parents who have to decide how they would proceed with the matter. I went back to my room and took up the gift box I was preparing for Lia. I had left it unfinished last night as I was way too tired and I wanted to complete it. There was only a week left for her wedding. She had asked me to go and stay with her for a whole week. Shikha wouldn't be able to make it, and Najwa would only be coming the day before the wedding. Dad was okay with Lia's request so I'd be joining her in a day or two. I got her a silver ring, some cosmetics and body care products and a scrapbook which she could fill with pictures and other things after her marriage. Apart from that I made her a picture diary and filled it with all our memories from that one year we were together and our random meet ups from my occasional visits to Salimabad. I wrote her a long letter filled with my wishes and duaas for her. There was a nice baby pink shoe box that I had. I spruced it up a bit with some patterned paper and ribbons and carefully placed all the little bundles inside. Once I was satisfied with the whole thing I sent a picture of it to Najwa and Shikha. The wedding was going to be in Noor auditorium of course. Nikah and Walima on the same day. Talha's family was not into stretching the wedding function out for too many days. And that was rare, because fancy wedding functions were becoming a thing in Salimabad. I had to go to a wedding last week with Samir on Dadi's insistence. It was in another hall. A mixed gathering, not even a partition to separate the men and women, way too much food and ya Allah, the bride looked inhuman with all the makeup on her face. As someone who used to use makeup, I could definitely call it a cake face. We had to go there for three whole days. It was a nightmare. Thankfully since I had gone with Samir, Shoaib Bhai and Bhabhi, we didn't stay there for too long on all three days. Lia's family was hosting a mehendi function the day before at their house. I really didn't want to go, but since she was insistent I had no choice. Dadi was apprehensive about my staying at her home, but she didn't object to it. I wish she did. But then, Lia was one of my best friends. I had just finished packing my bag with all the clothes and other necessities I would be needing when Samir came to my room. "Ahh brother dearest... What did Mom and Dad say?" I asked giving him a wide grin. He gave me a sheepish smile and surprised me by enveloping me in a hug. I'm the hugger, not him. So the fact that he overcame his non hug initiating policy means he must have lost his head out of being so ecstatic."We're going with the proposal today. I want you to come with us," he said as he pulled away and sat next to me on the bed.
"Wow! Today! But why do you need me to be there? Najwa won't be home. She's back at her hostel. She will only be arriving on Saturday morning, In sha Allah.""Oh," his face fell. It was so cute."Aww look at you, if you had your way she'd be in Ashiana already huh?" I poked at his heart and he pushed me away. "Well it's not like you haven't seen her. So it's mainly about asking for her hand. You have my blessings, go and come back happy! And get me a chocolate truffle cake. This calls for celebration!" "You're annoying. I don't know how your future husband is going to tolerate you," he said shoving me once more. I laughed at him."Well, you ungrateful human. I've done all your work for you and now you call me annoying? Thank Allah you have an awesome sister like me!" "Of course. That goes without saying. Alhamdulilah for you," he said choking up and pulling me in for a hug again."To think it won't be long before we'll be send you off with your spouse... " he mumbled and that made my eyes sting. Oh goodness ... No! "Oh shush! I'm not going anywhere, not for a long while," I said shoving him away and quickly wiping the tears that had slipped. He just gave me that enigmatic smile, just like Dadi does at times. These people loved making me upset. They went to Najwa's house in the evening, right after Asr. Samir went with Dad and Chachu and Faiz. Mom was very happy and so was Dadi. The two of them were sitting and having a deep conversation in the courtyard about kids and how they grow up too soon and how time flies. It was too much for this girl. So she didn't join in. Instead she was out in the garden playing in the mud with Kashaf and Ihsan and Abid. Someone had to teach the children the importance of playing in the mud and getting clothes dirty and enjoying childhood. There were way too many adults in the house. Iqra Bhabhi and her best friend were sitting close by and having a chat, shaking their head at my childish antics as I ran around and played with the kids. When Bhabhi had returned from Baithunnoor she had taken me for a walk around the garden to have a private chat. I had expected it and was well prepared for it. "So Zaid came to talk huh?""Obviously Bhabhi," I said rolling my eyes."I'm so sorry. I didn't think he'd do that," she said, sincerity written all over her face. "Aww Bhabhi relax. He just loves giving me lectures. You know it's nothing new," I smiled. "Right. Did he say anything...""Nope, Alhamdulilah he did not. He almost slipped in front of Samir. There would have been a lot to explain if he did. Samir was very curious about finding out who Zaid was referring to. But then his interest in Najwa side-tracked him."Bhabhi gave looked at me with a smug little smile. "Ahh so you do know his intentions," she teased. I blushed. "When is he planning to talk to your parents?""Why don't you ask him yourself?" "I'm definitely planning to, I just wanted to see you blush." "Bhabhi!" She laughed away as I covered my face in indignation. These Hashim siblings will be the death of Junaina Javed Ali. "So what have you decided?""Nothing. There's a month's time. He can very well meet someone from Hyderabad and fall in love and change his mind," I responded, kicking away a stone in my path."As if. I'll be the first in line to murder him if he does so. And either you're really dense or you're pretending to be. However, I will let this go now. We don't have to talk about it. Sajwa huh..." "Yes! Sajwa!" I said clasping my hands together in excitement and Bhabhi laughed. That was a few days back. Samir doesn't know the fact that Iqra Bhabhi was well aware of his interest in Najwa. I knew she would keep it to herself so it didn't matter. When the four of them came back after meeting Najwa's parents, Samir had the widest smile on his face. He was so happy! And I was so happy for him! "Her parents are very happy with this rishta Ammi. They would have fixed it today itself if not for the fact that Najwa wasn't home. After taking her opinion they'd be contacting us in a few days in sha Allah," Dad told Dadi as he settled in next to her. "Oh Alhamdulilah. Of course they won't refuse. I mean, I'm not being arrogant but my grandson is one in a million. You don't find the likes of him every day," Dadi said stroking Samir's head fondly. He melted into her touch. "Ma sha Allah ma sha Allah!" Chachu said. "Well, what are they like?" Mom asked Dad. "Her father Bilal is one of the leading surgeons in our government hospital. A very humble man Ma sha Allah Barak Allahu Feeh. And her mother I found to be just like our Sumaiyya here." "Who else were there?" Chachi asked as she served some juice to everyone."Bilal's invalid sister lives with them. She frightened our Samir here with her questions," Chachu laughed. I knew about Najwa's Fathima Phuppi. She was paralyzed from waist down and bound to a wheelchair for life. She was older than Najwa's father and never married. She loved Najwa and her siblings as if they were her own children. Obviously she would test Samir to see if he was fit for her princess. Najwa adored her Phuppi as well. So if Samir managed to get into her good graces, then Najwa wouldn't even think of saying no. The family were discussing of going to Najwa's home on Saturday when she comes, to formalize things and maybe fix a date. In sha Allah, it was just a matter of time. The next morning Samir said he'd drop me off at Lia's house on his way to town. When I grabbed everything I wanted and went downstairs he was already in the driveway. When I was about to get into the passenger side he stopped me. "Hop into the back will you? I'm picking Wazim on the way, he's coming with me.""I can just change seats when we reach Khushnuma right?" "Oh no, he'll be joining us from the bus stop.""He might as well have come here and met everyone then," I remarked as I got into the back."Stop whining already." Samir commented.I didn't deign to give him a response. Wasim was his cheery self as he got into the car from the bus stop. "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu Ali siblings! How are you guys?""Wa alaikumassalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu, we are good Alhamdulilah," Samir said smiling at him."And where is Ms Junaina off to?" he asked turning to look at me."To Lia's house. My friend. The one that's getting married to your Talha Bhai.""Ahh yes! I forgot that she's your friend. When are you getting married you crazy lady?" he asked quirking his brows at me."Always the same question? You know desperate doesn't look good on you Wazim." Samir barked out a laugh at my response and shoved at Wazim's head so that he was facing up front again. Three cheers for tactful protective older brothers. "Oh please. As if I am dying to put myself in trouble," Wazim retorted weakly."Do you want some gel for that burn? It's okay if your ego is hurt. I won't tell anyone." Samir couldn't hold his laughter back. Wazim chuckled and didn't bother butting heads with me again. I mean it's not his fault, not everyone can take my comebacks. And I practiced with the likes of Azhar. That's like skill level: savage. I was at Lia's soon enough. When I got out to leave Samir came out of the car and said, "Take care and I'll be coming on Friday to get you in sha Allah. And do update me if she texts you or calls you."
Pulling his cheek I said, " Aww, aren't you eager. Don't get ahead of yourself yet. She has to say yes.""You told me that if I got her Phuppi's approval, it's pretty much equivalent to her seeing yes," he pointed out in a panicked tone. "Relax Samir Baba. I'm sure she'd say yes. In sha Allah. She'd be an idiot not to do so. I mean come on, you're our heera as Dadi said. Can I go now?""Yeah. Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu Juni jaan."Wa alaikumassalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!"
***And they lived happily ever after.
The end!:PI know it was rushed. In sha Allah, I'll edit it out later.Till next time,Much love.f.m.f
Hello beautiful people!
Enjoy the update! ***
#58 Sajwa BeginsMom finally reached Salimabad. And just in time too. As per my plan I had managed to find out what Najwa needed in her future spouse and convey that to Samir. To say he was pleased would be understatement of the century. He has been on cloud nine ever since and desperately waiting for Mom to arrive home. I have never seen him behave this way. He was running into walls and doors and pillars and shelves and any other furniture and people too. Careful old Samir, he nearly toppled into Di the other day on his way to the kitchen. And he kept pestering me about Najwa. Oh my Allah. He just wouldn't stop asking questions about her. As if he was already engaged to her and getting married to her in a week. He wanted to know her favourite colour, food, travel destinations, what her hobbies were. He was basically driving me nuts. And when Mom came, I was more happier than he was because Alhamdulilah I'll have him off my back. Mom can handle her overgrown baby. Who knew marriage would bring out this side in Samir? And he's not even married yet. Allah knows how he will behave should things get settled and in sha Allah, he does end up getting together with my dearest Najwa. I was happy, over the moon in fact when I got to know what Najwa's heart desired. And should this work out, I'd be the happiest person in all of Ashiana. I'd be getting one of my best friends as a sister! Can it get any more awesome?Mom had reached around the time of Fajr. She had met everyone then and after prayer and tea she had gone to sleep off all the weariness from traveling for so long. The journey was a bit arduous. But Alhamdulilah she got here safe and sound. The moment she had come Samir had given me a look. He wanted me to open the discussion with Mom. After all the bugging in the last few days, he has suddenly gone into a silent spell. And I was planning to talk to her anyway, even if he didn't. I just wanted this fixed and settled already. And so around midmorning, I went into my parents' room and found both Mom and Dad seated on the couch talking. Mom was just finishing her breakfast. "Assalamu alaikum, Mom and Dad! How are you guys?" They returned my salaam together. "Alhamdulilah, we're fine. Come sit here," Dad said patting the spot next to him. "How are you dear? I'm sorry I couldn't ask after you properly earlier. I was so exhausted," Mom said stroking my hair. "Alhamdulilah mommy dearest, as you can see, I'm as fit as a fiddle!" I smiled and gestured at myself. Mom chuckled, shaking her head at my antics. "You're still such a child, how are we even going to think of getting you married?" Mom asked as Dad smiled at the two of us, and I cringed. Great. "Speaking of marriage," I said rubbing my hands together, Mom and Dad stared at me in confusion and a bit of alarm, "it's your son you ought to worry about first. Ever since he's heard about my dear friend Najwa, he's been antsy about sending a proposal to her family.""What?!" Dad and Mom exclaimed together. Mom looked at Dad for confirmation, only to find that he was just as clueless as her."Javed?""This is the first I'm hearing of it Suni. Since when?" Dad addressed the latter part to me. Oops. Maybe I should have told Dad huh. I held my ears in apology, "Sorry Dad, I should have told you I guess. I just thought it'd be better to talk to both of you together.""It's okay beta. If anything it's Samir who should have told me. Where is that boy? This is highly unlikely of him... And no wonder he's been behaving so oddly the last week or so.""Oh tell me about it," I sighed, "the idiot has been pestering me about her ever since he found out all that she desires in a husband."To be honest, I felt like laughing out loud. This was way too funny. Samir was going to be in for one hell of a teasing when the cousins come to know of this. And they will. I'll make sure of that as payback for all the torture. "Have they been talking then?" Mom asked."Oh no Momma. Samir told me to find out discreetly. Najwa doesn't even know he's interested in her. He wanted to send a formal proposal once you arrived," I explained, before they got the wrong idea. And then I proceeded to tell them of the activity I had done with my girls, including Sidra, to find out what Najwa wanted. The idea came out of Di's suggestion to me to make a list of qualities I desired in my spouse. I thought those of us who were single could do it together as a fun activity and the engaged Ms Lia can share her list with her bae after marriage or before too if possible. How she blushed when I suggested it. I had called a hangout here at Ashiana on a day I was certain Samir wouldn't be home for quite some time. Couldn't have him snooping around and finding it difficult to keep his eyes off of Najwa right. I didn't mention any agenda. Just called for a fun get together with snacks and stuff. All of them agreed. After chilling for a while and having cake and pudding and other savoury stuff that all of us made, I finally told Lia what she could do to surprise her husband to be."But what for? I'm already engaged? Why would I need to make a list?""So he can know why you chose him. And it'll be a keepsake that he can always refer to," I replied cheekily. Sidra and Najwa joined me on pestering her until she relented. Shikha just rolled her eyes at us, as always. "Fine! I'll do it, but on one condition," Lia said at the end of it. She was playing right into my hands. I couldn't help but carry an evil little smirk within. How devious you are Junaina Javed Ali."You guys have to do it with me!"There was instant protest from Najwa and Shikha. "Oh come on, you ladies can do whatever you want. Get married, make babies, play house. Do not include me in it! I'll come as an aunty who will teach your kids the ropes to life because you guys will still not be grown ups you know," Shikha ranted, stepping away from the bed and walking towards my bookshelf. Lia threw a pillow at her. I laughed at her very accurate description of us, at least as far as I was concerned it was true. I don't think I'd ever act my age. After much discussion and arguments and back and forth all of the girls except Shikha agreed to do it. She said she'd spend some time with Dadi while we 'pursued this mad and empty task', her words not mine. I'll admit it was difficult for me to write it out. And I'm definitely not going to share what I wrote with anyone, well except the girls because there was no other way I could get them to share theirs with me. And I also managed to click a picture of Najwa's once she was done, which I sent to Samir later. She wanted only three things. 1) Allah to be his priority number one.
2) Someone who chose her for who she is and not what she looked like.
3) Someone who would be supportive of her career.
Which was a lot less in comparison to my list with twelve points. And no, it was not a list of Zaid's name written in multiple styles. Please, I'm better than that. Samir was ecstatic when he found out. Obviously. She asked for so little, he felt like it was kind of unfair. And he was also talking about harming the people who had rejected her with regards to her appearance. He was also hell bent on finding out as much as he could because he really wanted to fulfil her second clause. It was so cute. And annoying. He was being so calm and rational before he got her list. When I finished telling my tale, Mom and Dad were in a contemplative mode. Mom was staring out of the window, face propped on her hand and Dad was messing with his phone. "So?""Well I've always liked that friend of yours. She's a nice girl," Dad opined with an encouraging smile. I wanted to throw my fist into the air in celebration."Call my dear son in here. Couldn't he simply have come and approached us?" Mom said with an amused glint in her eyes. As soon as Samir came in to the room I left him with Mom and Dad and wished him the best of luck. I had done my part, now it's Samir and the parents who have to decide how they would proceed with the matter. I went back to my room and took up the gift box I was preparing for Lia. I had left it unfinished last night as I was way too tired and I wanted to complete it. There was only a week left for her wedding. She had asked me to go and stay with her for a whole week. Shikha wouldn't be able to make it, and Najwa would only be coming the day before the wedding. Dad was okay with Lia's request so I'd be joining her in a day or two. I got her a silver ring, some cosmetics and body care products and a scrapbook which she could fill with pictures and other things after her marriage. Apart from that I made her a picture diary and filled it with all our memories from that one year we were together and our random meet ups from my occasional visits to Salimabad. I wrote her a long letter filled with my wishes and duaas for her. There was a nice baby pink shoe box that I had. I spruced it up a bit with some patterned paper and ribbons and carefully placed all the little bundles inside. Once I was satisfied with the whole thing I sent a picture of it to Najwa and Shikha. The wedding was going to be in Noor auditorium of course. Nikah and Walima on the same day. Talha's family was not into stretching the wedding function out for too many days. And that was rare, because fancy wedding functions were becoming a thing in Salimabad. I had to go to a wedding last week with Samir on Dadi's insistence. It was in another hall. A mixed gathering, not even a partition to separate the men and women, way too much food and ya Allah, the bride looked inhuman with all the makeup on her face. As someone who used to use makeup, I could definitely call it a cake face. We had to go there for three whole days. It was a nightmare. Thankfully since I had gone with Samir, Shoaib Bhai and Bhabhi, we didn't stay there for too long on all three days. Lia's family was hosting a mehendi function the day before at their house. I really didn't want to go, but since she was insistent I had no choice. Dadi was apprehensive about my staying at her home, but she didn't object to it. I wish she did. But then, Lia was one of my best friends. I had just finished packing my bag with all the clothes and other necessities I would be needing when Samir came to my room. "Ahh brother dearest... What did Mom and Dad say?" I asked giving him a wide grin. He gave me a sheepish smile and surprised me by enveloping me in a hug. I'm the hugger, not him. So the fact that he overcame his non hug initiating policy means he must have lost his head out of being so ecstatic."We're going with the proposal today. I want you to come with us," he said as he pulled away and sat next to me on the bed.
"Wow! Today! But why do you need me to be there? Najwa won't be home. She's back at her hostel. She will only be arriving on Saturday morning, In sha Allah.""Oh," his face fell. It was so cute."Aww look at you, if you had your way she'd be in Ashiana already huh?" I poked at his heart and he pushed me away. "Well it's not like you haven't seen her. So it's mainly about asking for her hand. You have my blessings, go and come back happy! And get me a chocolate truffle cake. This calls for celebration!" "You're annoying. I don't know how your future husband is going to tolerate you," he said shoving me once more. I laughed at him."Well, you ungrateful human. I've done all your work for you and now you call me annoying? Thank Allah you have an awesome sister like me!" "Of course. That goes without saying. Alhamdulilah for you," he said choking up and pulling me in for a hug again."To think it won't be long before we'll be send you off with your spouse... " he mumbled and that made my eyes sting. Oh goodness ... No! "Oh shush! I'm not going anywhere, not for a long while," I said shoving him away and quickly wiping the tears that had slipped. He just gave me that enigmatic smile, just like Dadi does at times. These people loved making me upset. They went to Najwa's house in the evening, right after Asr. Samir went with Dad and Chachu and Faiz. Mom was very happy and so was Dadi. The two of them were sitting and having a deep conversation in the courtyard about kids and how they grow up too soon and how time flies. It was too much for this girl. So she didn't join in. Instead she was out in the garden playing in the mud with Kashaf and Ihsan and Abid. Someone had to teach the children the importance of playing in the mud and getting clothes dirty and enjoying childhood. There were way too many adults in the house. Iqra Bhabhi and her best friend were sitting close by and having a chat, shaking their head at my childish antics as I ran around and played with the kids. When Bhabhi had returned from Baithunnoor she had taken me for a walk around the garden to have a private chat. I had expected it and was well prepared for it. "So Zaid came to talk huh?""Obviously Bhabhi," I said rolling my eyes."I'm so sorry. I didn't think he'd do that," she said, sincerity written all over her face. "Aww Bhabhi relax. He just loves giving me lectures. You know it's nothing new," I smiled. "Right. Did he say anything...""Nope, Alhamdulilah he did not. He almost slipped in front of Samir. There would have been a lot to explain if he did. Samir was very curious about finding out who Zaid was referring to. But then his interest in Najwa side-tracked him."Bhabhi gave looked at me with a smug little smile. "Ahh so you do know his intentions," she teased. I blushed. "When is he planning to talk to your parents?""Why don't you ask him yourself?" "I'm definitely planning to, I just wanted to see you blush." "Bhabhi!" She laughed away as I covered my face in indignation. These Hashim siblings will be the death of Junaina Javed Ali. "So what have you decided?""Nothing. There's a month's time. He can very well meet someone from Hyderabad and fall in love and change his mind," I responded, kicking away a stone in my path."As if. I'll be the first in line to murder him if he does so. And either you're really dense or you're pretending to be. However, I will let this go now. We don't have to talk about it. Sajwa huh..." "Yes! Sajwa!" I said clasping my hands together in excitement and Bhabhi laughed. That was a few days back. Samir doesn't know the fact that Iqra Bhabhi was well aware of his interest in Najwa. I knew she would keep it to herself so it didn't matter. When the four of them came back after meeting Najwa's parents, Samir had the widest smile on his face. He was so happy! And I was so happy for him! "Her parents are very happy with this rishta Ammi. They would have fixed it today itself if not for the fact that Najwa wasn't home. After taking her opinion they'd be contacting us in a few days in sha Allah," Dad told Dadi as he settled in next to her. "Oh Alhamdulilah. Of course they won't refuse. I mean, I'm not being arrogant but my grandson is one in a million. You don't find the likes of him every day," Dadi said stroking Samir's head fondly. He melted into her touch. "Ma sha Allah ma sha Allah!" Chachu said. "Well, what are they like?" Mom asked Dad. "Her father Bilal is one of the leading surgeons in our government hospital. A very humble man Ma sha Allah Barak Allahu Feeh. And her mother I found to be just like our Sumaiyya here." "Who else were there?" Chachi asked as she served some juice to everyone."Bilal's invalid sister lives with them. She frightened our Samir here with her questions," Chachu laughed. I knew about Najwa's Fathima Phuppi. She was paralyzed from waist down and bound to a wheelchair for life. She was older than Najwa's father and never married. She loved Najwa and her siblings as if they were her own children. Obviously she would test Samir to see if he was fit for her princess. Najwa adored her Phuppi as well. So if Samir managed to get into her good graces, then Najwa wouldn't even think of saying no. The family were discussing of going to Najwa's home on Saturday when she comes, to formalize things and maybe fix a date. In sha Allah, it was just a matter of time. The next morning Samir said he'd drop me off at Lia's house on his way to town. When I grabbed everything I wanted and went downstairs he was already in the driveway. When I was about to get into the passenger side he stopped me. "Hop into the back will you? I'm picking Wazim on the way, he's coming with me.""I can just change seats when we reach Khushnuma right?" "Oh no, he'll be joining us from the bus stop.""He might as well have come here and met everyone then," I remarked as I got into the back."Stop whining already." Samir commented.I didn't deign to give him a response. Wasim was his cheery self as he got into the car from the bus stop. "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu Ali siblings! How are you guys?""Wa alaikumassalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu, we are good Alhamdulilah," Samir said smiling at him."And where is Ms Junaina off to?" he asked turning to look at me."To Lia's house. My friend. The one that's getting married to your Talha Bhai.""Ahh yes! I forgot that she's your friend. When are you getting married you crazy lady?" he asked quirking his brows at me."Always the same question? You know desperate doesn't look good on you Wazim." Samir barked out a laugh at my response and shoved at Wazim's head so that he was facing up front again. Three cheers for tactful protective older brothers. "Oh please. As if I am dying to put myself in trouble," Wazim retorted weakly."Do you want some gel for that burn? It's okay if your ego is hurt. I won't tell anyone." Samir couldn't hold his laughter back. Wazim chuckled and didn't bother butting heads with me again. I mean it's not his fault, not everyone can take my comebacks. And I practiced with the likes of Azhar. That's like skill level: savage. I was at Lia's soon enough. When I got out to leave Samir came out of the car and said, "Take care and I'll be coming on Friday to get you in sha Allah. And do update me if she texts you or calls you."
Pulling his cheek I said, " Aww, aren't you eager. Don't get ahead of yourself yet. She has to say yes.""You told me that if I got her Phuppi's approval, it's pretty much equivalent to her seeing yes," he pointed out in a panicked tone. "Relax Samir Baba. I'm sure she'd say yes. In sha Allah. She'd be an idiot not to do so. I mean come on, you're our heera as Dadi said. Can I go now?""Yeah. Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu Juni jaan."Wa alaikumassalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!"
***And they lived happily ever after.
The end!:PI know it was rushed. In sha Allah, I'll edit it out later.Till next time,Much love.f.m.f
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