Hikayat ✔

Chap. 16

Vania quickly ran out of the room and saw him hurrying down the stairs. She moved to go after him but Hafsa Khala's voice called her back.

"Vanu! Kidher jaa rahi ho betaa?"

"Woh main.. Woh Harris.. " She mumbled.

"Haan! Larkey waley phonch gaye hain. Harris or Haider sb ke sath nicheyn jaa rahey hain hum bhi welcome ke liye jaayen ge, chalo.. Or woh rose petals ki plates pakr lo, jo set kiye they... Or beta suno! Mere sath khari rehna... Airaa nichey hai.....uss sey door rehna.... Theek hai?" Hafsa explained and Vania nodded mutely.

The guests were welcomed with bright, cheery smiles and showered with gorgeously fragrant rose petals. An exchange of hugs, salams, gajray and garlands took place then all the guests were seated.

Harris ignored Vania, avoiding eye contact every time she looked at him.

In his heart, he was enjoying her anguished look because it showed him, she loved him back. She cared.

The thought made his pulse race and he couldn't wait for the nikkah to end to give his surprise to the bride and groom.. Which he had more kept for her then them.

***

Vania stayed far away from Airaa and her hostile, envious glares trying and failing to get Harris's attention.

Aylaa on the other hand, chatted amicably with her, after she realized Vania was not angry at her for yester-night's incident.

Hussnain, the groom, looked incredibly dashing in his white Sherwani with gold embroidery on the corners and the lapels. His hair gelled back, his eyes radiant with elation, a big smile showing off his dimples, as he eagerly awaited this Nikkah.

Everyone settled down, the bride entered with her brothers on her side holding a large red cloth over her, Vania and Airaa stood beside her while Aylaa and a few of Hania's friends stood behind. A shy smile graced her lips. The cloth was held between the bride and groom while the Nikkah took place and was then removed.

A series of Mashaallah, hoots and claps rang after the Nikkah and no one could measure the bride and groom's happiness at becoming one.

Bitter sweet tears, ran from Hafsa, Maniha and Vania's eyes as they hugged a teary Hania and wished her well.

After the dinner took place, Harris came on to the mic and everyone stared at him in astonishment.

Harris making an announcement??

He cleared his throat and fisted his hands to hide their tremor. Beads of nervous sweat, appeared on his forehead, and his voice shook slightly as he spoke.

"To my dear sister Fiona and her Shrek...

The crowd cackled and the family gave Harris weird looks.

"I sing this as a tribute to their love...and their bond.." his voice broke and he cleared his throat his shyness taking over momentarily.

The man servant placed a stool for him and lowered the mic then handed him his guitar. Hafsa, Hania, Haider, Maniha and everyone stared with wide open eyes... Disbelief evident on their faces.. Vania thought she was in an alternate universe altogether.

He cleared his throat again, and finally his eyes found hers,

"Sun rahi niggah
Khaamosh dastaan,