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السلام عليكم ورحمه الله وبركاته

Hello people!

Enjoy.

***

#66 Yes or No?

I, Junaina Javed Ali made a plan of action.

1) Stay inside my room at all times.

2) Skip dinner if necessary, even if Chachi is making my favourite pasta with white sauce.

3) Avoid Iqra Bhabhi at all costs. That lady is dangerous.

4) As soon as the Azaan is called out pray Isha and go to bed.

Well, at least I made it even if I couldn’t stick to it. It didn’t take long for Kashaf and Abid to come running to my room with her new Lego set and start playing from here. They tried pulling me into their games several times but gave up on seeing my lack of interest. They had thrown the door to my room wide open. I had two options: shoo them out and lock the door after them or just let things stay the same. I didn’t have the heart to throw the kids out just because I was in hyperventilation mode.

Leaving my room, I approached the railing of the drawing room and peeked downstairs cautiously. The courtyard was deserted. As far as I could see no one was there in either the gents' drawing room or the dining area. I was about to sigh in relief and head back to my room when I heard the unmistakable sound of one of the bedroom doors being opened in the East wing. Quickly I donned my shawl properly as it had slipped off of my head when I was craning my head in my investigation. And just in time too, Zaid, Samir and my parents were walking out of their bedroom through the passage and to the drawing room. I thought of running back to my room, but Samir already spotted my presence and called me out.

“There you are Juni! I was just about to come and call for you,” he smiled wide as he walked over to me, ahead of the rest of them.

“What for?”

“Well, we need to talk of course!” he laughed, hooking an arm around my shoulder.

“Abid and Kashaf are playing in my room, there’s no one else there to watch over them,” I told him as I observed my parents and Zaid approach us.

“That’s no big deal, I’ll watch over them. You go ahead and sit with Mom and Dad and Zaid and hear them out,” he suggested with a wink.

I really should have followed through step one of the plan of action.

“Why is Zaid part of this?”

“Why don’t you go ask him and sate your curiosity?” Samir said with a big toothy grin. He was enjoying beating about the bushes.

There was no getting out of this conversation I guessed. And so, I shrugged his arm off and walked towards Mom and Dad who were expecting me to sit with them on the couch set that dominated the centre of the drawing room. Zaid occupied the single chair while I sat in between my parent on the long sofa. Dad looked ecstatic while Mom too radiated happiness. Zaid had a nervous smile one his face, but his posture was straight, he appeared very confident.

I had a whole jungle going wild in my belly and my heart was officially racing off the charts. As I sat down, I really hoped that none of it showed on my face. Clearly I knew what the conversation was going to be about. But it still felt surreal and no amount of pinching myself was enough to prove that I wasn’t dreaming all of it up. Mom held my hand and Dad pulled me close to him and gave me a quick side hug.

“Juni my child, I do not know how to break this to you gently. You’re no naive little girl, so you must have some idea of what’s going on. It goes without saying that I’m overjoyed that Zaid here has asked for your hand in marriage,” and he dropped the bomb, just like that with a great big smile on his face, eyes lit up with happy tears. Mom gave my hand a squeeze as I looked at her.

My heart skipped a few beats. I could feel him watching me, but I couldn’t lift my own gaze and direct it at him. The floral pattern on the rug seemed so interesting. I listened to Dad in silence as he said that he couldn’t find a better partner for me than Zaid. He was satisfied on all accounts, his father was his childhood friend and therefore there was no need to look into his antecedents. Zaid has always been like family and he knows him just as he knows Samir or Samar.

“I would have said yes right away but your Mom and Zaid both put me in check and reminded me that your opinion needs to be taken first. I got ahead of myself with happiness. So beta, your Mom and I will move aside and let you both talk before we come to a decision.”

“All the best,” Mom whispered time before she left and joined Dad on one the love seats placed near an open arch that led to the West wing.

My parents were seated close enough to oversee us, but far enough to give us privacy. We were practically alone in this huge and beautiful drawing room on the first floor of Ashiana. My senses were completely overwhelmed. Feeling restless, I pushed away a non existent strand of hair from my forehead and adjusted my shawl once more. I felt exposed.

“It still surprises me you know, to see you this way, such a far cry from the girl who used to boldly look me right in the eye from all those years ago,” Zaid said breaking the silence.

He was smiling when I finally looked up at him and the traitorous blush came up. I averted my gaze once more, wishing I could hide my face somehow. What do I even respond to that?

“However, I refuse to believe that you’ve changed so much that you’ve become mute. Have I shocked you into silence?” he asked prompting me to stare at him in incredulity. He had the nerve to laugh.

“Ahh there’s the famous Junaina Javed Ali glare.”

“I’m trying to figure out if you’re being idiotic because of nervousness or if this is how you actually intended to propose, by mocking me,” I retorted and there he was smiling again, rubbing his nape.

“I’m so sorry. This is as surreal for me as it is for you. That day I was convinced I had lost my chance with you,” and there he goes saying emotional stuff that made my heart warm up to him.

“As if you hadn’t taken your precautions. You really went and confessed to Dadi?”

He was grinning again.

“I needed advice. And so I went to her. Just like you do. And it was less of a confession and more of her figuring it out herself. She’s very smart.”

“That she is,” I agreed smiling, “Why are you her alone though? Where are your parents?”

“Good question Ms Junaina Javed Ali. I knew I picked out a smart girl,” he needed to stop it with the comments, I rolled my eyes at him.

“I’ve already talked to Ammi and Abbu earlier before coming here. They were just as happy as your parents and had absolutely no objections. Ammi was ready to come over bearing gifts and make things official tonight itself. However, I had to convince her to wait till tomorrow, so that I could talk to you and take your opinion as well, before proceeding officially. I didn’t want you to be surprised and also... this is my sister’s home and we have ties with this family from long back. I couldn’t upset any of that balance just because I wish to marry you.”

His lengthy explanation ended and brought in a heavy silence. There was an unasked question floating in the air and I knew he was desperate for my answer. He was however keeping his patience and I appreciated that. As overwhelmed as I was by the sensory intake and the whole situation, my heart screamed yes. Nonetheless, I still needed a few answers before I gave in to my desires.

“Why have you chosen me?”

He raised his browns and pursed his lips, his expression conveying the fact that he thought the question ridiculous. I stared right back, keeping a neutral face. He wasn’t getting out of answering this.

“I thought off late my feelings for you have been blatantly obvious,” he dead panned. I bit back a smile and kept my poker face on.

“That still doesn’t answer my question. People develop feelings and lose them too. And your petty jealousy hasn’t escaped my notice,” I smirked as his jaw dropped, “You’ve chosen me to be your wife. That’s a lifelong commitment. I’d like to get some solid reasons for that.”

“Fair enough,” he sighed and leaned back in the chair.

“Yes, I’ve chosen you for my wife. Would I have done the same if you were the Juni- I’m sorry Junaina of old?” the emphasis on my name wasn’t lost on me and I had to hold back a smile again.

“Perhaps not, even if I did have a soft corner for you back then as well. This Junaina sitting in front of me is a woman who I believe has the qualities to become the partner who completes half my Deen. You’ve changed so much in the span of six years and I am in awe of that. You’ve learned to prioritize your Deen. And so I’m confident that if I choose you as my spouse then together we can traverse the rest of the journey to Jannah in sha Allah. I’m also confident that I’ve chosen an excellent woman as the mother of my children. I’ve noticed that you love kids just as much as I do. I already know that you’re intelligent, independent and strong. And complimentary to all of these is the fact that I do happen to have feelings for you which I assure you are not of the temporary nature.”

By the time he was done speaking, I was blushing full on. And he was waiting for me to respond to his full blown speech. When he’s silent he’s silent as stone and when he talks, this guy’s here does love his speeches.

“What do you think of my ambitions? Do you think I should put a full stop to my career as a designer?”

“Not at all. I admit I do have my qualms with you opening a boutique in town. I was thinking of remodelling one of the rooms downstairs in Baithun Noor as a studio for you,” he said rubbing his nape.

“Aren’t you so sure of yourself!”

“What do you mean by that?” he asked, alarm written all over his face. He had clenched the arm rests tightly and he looked so tense. Poor dear Zaid. It felt nice to return some of the favour and keep him worried.

“Let’s skip to the part where you ask me questions if you have any of those?”

Sighing he said, “Fine. Do you always plan on irritating me this way?”

“Yes of course!” I blurted out and then realized a second too late what I had just done. That cunning, cunning man! He sat back with a relaxed posture, looking very pleased with himself.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said with a big smile.

“Will you act like I’m your favourite toy that you need to keep in your line of sight at all times?” I asked, before he could think this was wrapped up.

“Quit with the metaphors please?”

“Will you be bringing out that jealous streak of yours and treating me like I’m some object you possess and can do with as you please?”

He was a bit taken aback.

“I can’t help but be possessive Junaina. You won’t understand. I don’t like it when other men talk to you or even look at you for a second too long. I cannot help but think that you’re mine.”

“Well Mr Zaid Hashim, while the gheerah is appreciated, I’m not yours. I belong to Allah alone. Just as you belong to him. You need to work on that self entitlement.” I said crossing my arms.

“Subhan Allah, that was excellently put..." He said after a thoughtful silence. "Do you have any more questions?”

I shook my head no, my nervousness returning back in full force. And then he stood up and I followed suit. Mom and Dad came over and stood by us. I could feel the wild forest that was going haywire in my belly.

“So Juni beta, have you decided? Do you like this fine young gentleman here?” Dad asked gesturing at Zaid and making him feel abashed. Mom shook her head at Dad’s exaggeration. Zaid looked up at me expectantly. Even though he pretty much got the answer out of me earlier.

Narrowing my eyes at him I said, “You know what Dad, let me think about it and let you know later.”

It was so worth it. Zaid’s eyes widened and the look of despair on his face was so adorable. I felt like bursting out laughing. However, I kept my expression neutral and pretended to be serious. Zaid was definitely not getting an affirmation before he left. He can deal with a little bit of torture after all.

Dad was about to refute me but Mom gestured for him to stay calm. He closed up and took a step back, looking at me with a mix of bewilderment and disappointment. I almost changed my mind about things.

“It’s okay Juni. Take your time and let us know whenever you’re ready. Whatever decision you take, we will support you,” she addressed the last part to Dad who nodded reluctantly. Turning to Zaid she said, “everything will work out as Allah has planned Zaid beta. Don’t worry. Why don’t you have dinner with us and then leave?”

He returned her smile and politely declined her invitation. Dad pulled him aside and talked to him for a bit, patting his shoulder and all. Zaid shook his hand and nodded with a small smile.

That’s too harsh Juni.

Patience bears sweet results. Zaid won’t be disappointed. So shut up dear heart and stop falling for him so easily.

Zaid and Dad walked back towards us. “I’ll take your leave then. Assalamu alaikum wa barakatuhu Aunty, Junaina,” he said and looked at me. Mom and I returned his salaam and then Dad escorted him to the stairs. He turned to look at me and smile one last time before descending.

Once he was gone Mom smiled at and then together we walked to my room knowing Samir was probably going antsy to hear the outcome. We were right of course, as soon as we stepped in he accosted us and asked, “So? Are they coming tomorrow? Did everything go well?”

“Juni said she needs time to think. I do feel you’re being unkind to him, bechaara” Mom said shaking her head at me indulgently.

“If you knew then why did you step in and persuade Dad to give me time?” I asked her grinning wide.

“I thought I’d let you have your fun,” Mom said and I couldn’t stifle my laughter.

“I don’t understand. She said no?” he asked, flabbergasted.

“Nope.”

“Then?”

“I told you she asked for time.”

“If it isn’t a no then why does she need time?”

“Because she’s having fun keeping Zaid on his toes. If Juni was the nervous one in the start then by the end of their little conversation he was on the edge.” Mom laughed.

Samir threw a cushion at me and the children paused in between their games to look at us. “Juju ki bachhi, you’re being really petty!” he told me sternly.

“Samir Chachu is bad. Chachi he is beating Ju Phups,” Kashaf rushed to Mom and complained indignantly. Samir stared at my smug smirk and Kashaf’s cute little frown and clutched his heart in despair.

“It’s your Ju Phups who is bad,” he said crossing his arms as Mom took the little one in her lap. Abid also chose his side, running up to Samir and handing him another cushion to throw at me. I made my best hurt expression and looked at Abid. Poor boy was torn between supporting Samir because he thought it was fun to throw cushions and proving his loyalty to me as well.

“Relax Samir. Don’t teach the children your bad habits. I’ll tell Dad it’s a yes right after dinner.”

“You better, I don’t think you’d find anyone better than Zaid in all of Salimabad.”

“I have to agree with Samir on that. Zaid is perfect for you Juni. It’s so silly that we never considered him,” Mom said with a thoughtful smile, stroking my hair.

The door to my room was thrown open and in walked my future elder sister-in-law, browns frowned in confusion and struggling not to trip over Ihsan who was clinging to her legs. Samir helped her out by grabbing the little man.

“You didn’t give him an answer?” she asked as she stepped right in front of me, bristling.

Maybe I should have thought it through. I forgot that his sister could come and eat my head for putting him on an edge like that. Yikes. Samir smiled at me I’m satisfaction as Iqra Bhabhi stood over me, arms akimbo and a stern glare fixed on her face. Mom was about to jump in and explain for me when Bhabhi lost it and burst out giggling.

“I did tell him to tone down that over confidence down. Good going Juni!” she said giving me a five and poor Samir was left shaking his head, mumbling something about women as he left the room with the boys.

Bhabhi then pulled me in for a tight hug and said, “oh I’m so so so happy! Alhamdulillah, I knew this would work out. I just knew it.”

She then hugged Mom and they congratulated each other on the new relationship that was going to be forged between us soon, in sha Allah. Watching them converse I felt my heart become light and soar away in happiness. It had found its home after all. When I thought back to my earlier nervousness, I felt like hitting myself in the back of my head.

“Look at her Chachi, smiling to herself. She’s already dreaming about her Nikah with my brother,” Bhabhi pointed out bringing me right back to earth. Mom smiled and said Alhamdulillah.

“I’ll go talk to Javed and Ammi. Let’s not keep your family waiting for too long. After all, it’s not just Zaid who’s waiting for an answer,” Mom said and left the room.

When Bhabhi looked at me, laughed and embraced me again, Kashaf got in between us and pushed us apart. “What happened Mommy?”

“Your Ju Phups and Z Mamu are going to get married my jaana!” Bhabhi gushed. As if the little one even understood what getting married meant.

“Ju Phups is going to wear pretty dress and jewellery?” she asked eagerly. Ah, she did see Lia dressed up as a bride.

“Yes beta and Z Mamu is going to take her away to Baithun Noor,” Iqra Bhabhi said.

She looked at her mother and then me and then burst into a sudden fit of tears. “No! Ju Phups cannot go away,” she wailed and Bhabhi had to shush her and console her. She didn’t stop crying until Bhabhi explained to her that she can always see me since Baithun Noor is so close by.

Frankly speaking, I felt like bursting into a fit of tears too. So what if Baithun Noor was right next door? I’m still going to have to leave my house and start a new life and oh my goodness, I really shouldn’t be thinking about it at the moment.

The news spread and it felt like the very house was celebrating. Dinner was a festive affair as everyone shared laughter and talked of the upcoming events. Dadi was radiating that mellow happiness of hers, not talking too much but basking in the smiles that lit up everyone’s faces.

Shoaib Bhai asked me why I chose his poor brother-in-law for torture and lamented at his fate. Bhabhi smacked him and told him Zaid was lucky. Samir sidled up to Samar and said, “Well Samar my brother, the two large thorns in your path to marital happiness have been cleared. Shouldn’t we start the search for you?”

Samar pushed Samir away and had to be the butt end of everyone's joke after that. Dad told me he thought that I would reject Zaid as well. Dadi flicked his head and said he was way too unobservant, making me blush as she directed her knowing little smile at me. Bemused, Dad pulled me in for a hug and his voice became a little emotional as he said that he couldn’t believe his Princess was going to be engaged. Things became a little mushy after that. Until Ihsan gave his father a nice present of a leaky diaper.

All hell broke loose as he lifted the giggly little boy up and held him away, yelling for Iqra Bhabhi to take her son and get him cleaned up. Chachi couldn’t stop laughing as her son all but dumped Ihsan in Bhabhi’s hands and ran for his room, already pulling his shirt off halfway.

The Ali family stayed conversing in the courtyard late into the night after that. Dad had called Mohamed uncle earlier and given him the good news. Sidra made a video call on Bhabhis phone shortly after that and talked to me for a long time. She was so giddy with excitement she was jumping around the house. I was quite worried that Zaid might hijack the call with his smug little smile. Mercifully, Sidra only took the phone to her mother. Haseena Aunty was also beaming with joy.

Although they wanted to come the very next day, make things official and pick a date, Dadi said it would be better to wait for Sunday, both the families would be unoccupied then and there would be no need to rush into things. Dad and Mohamed uncle agreed with her decision.

And so I have my engagement to look forward to in just a few days. And cue the butterflies.

Oh my Allah!

***

Zaina peeps! You guys happy?

I don't know when the next update will be. They're going to be sporadic again here on out. I'm going to be busy with my final project and at the same time prepping for life ;) :P

Do let me know what you thought?

Till the next update,

Much love,

-f.m.f