It was destiny ✨

Chapter 6

"Haya, what kind of woman are you? Girls your age love to get ready for festivities." Hamna struggled to knock some sense into her girl while following her down the stairs.

"I'm different. I despise these kinds of useless get-togethers." Haya tried to reason with her mother.

After sprinting down the spiral staircase, she ran straight to her dad's office space in the house.

"Abba, your dear wife is forcing me to attend the function," Haya protested to her dad.

"Haya, I've hanged your dress. You better get ready in 2 hours!" Hamna strictly added, entering her husband's workspace.

"Kiya hogaya, why are you teasing my daughter, Hamna?" Faris inquired, folding his arms.

"Faris Sahab, your daughter is saying she will not attend Azlan's engagement."

"Hm, is that it? Haya beta, I won't force you to go, but I would appreciate it if you attend. Your phupo requested all of us to be there," Faris politely added.

Haya couldn't say no to his father's humble request.

"I'm only saying yes for you, Abba. Only for you." Haya revealed.

Haya and her father shared a special dynamic, Faris Khan adored his eldest child. Both of them couldn't say no to each other, but Hamna Khan kept a check on both of them.

Haya changed into a pastel green chiffon anarkali and loosely curled her chestnut-colored tresses. Haya had to apply more make-up than usual, or her mother would scold her for looking dull. She opted for soft brown smokey eyes and nude pink lips. Haya rarely applied dark make-up, but when she did, she looked nothing less than a Greek goddess.

"Ready to attend your love's engagement, Haya," Haya whispered, glancing at her reflection.

The Yousafzai's organized the event on their lawn as it was huge enough to cater to all the families. Haya and her household entered the garden, and Tehmina and Ali greeted them. The Khan family met all their relatives one by one and sat together at one table, awaiting the couple's entry.

Haya was glaring at her nails, struggling to curb all the emotions inside her, when she heard murmurs in the crowd. She lifted her head to see what the fuss was. Azlan and Zaina were striding down the path hand in hand. She felt a sudden pang in her heart when she looked at their interlaced fingers. It was never hard for Haya to keep her sentiments a secret, but at this moment she wished otherwise. She craved for a shoulder to weep on. 

"Mashallah they look so good together, Faris," Hamna said, with a smile on her face.

After exchanging the rings, a photographer called Azlan and Zaina for some shots. Just as every couple, the photographer requested them to stand close to each other. Azlan's arm snaked around Zaina's waistline and Zaina's hand was on Azlan's chest. They passed each other a genuine smile. Haya did not miss this entire scene. It's when it dawned upon her he is content with Zaina. Azlan was not her's anymore, and she'll have to live the rest of her life like this.

Haya was so mentally exhausted that she kept pestering her mother to leave. She just wished to take a hot shower and go to sleep. It was the only way to get rid of her pain. But since it was an important gathering, Hamna denied it every time.

When it was late enough, according to Hamna, the Khan's prepared to leave.

"Oh, Faris thori deir or ruk jaao," Tehmina insisted when the Khan's mentioned to her it was time to go.

"Oh, Faris, please stay for a little while"

"It's late, Shayan has to go to college in the early morning," Hamna tried to create an excuse.

"Alright. At least let me introduce my future daughter-in-law," Tehmina requested.

Tehmina called Azlan and Zaina from the stage. Haya dreaded that. She lowered her gaze to not make eye contact with anybody. Or within a second they would notice something is amiss as your face can mask the emotions, but your eyes can't. However, her attempt was futile. The moment Azlan stood in front of them, Haya tore her eyes from the ground and peered straight into his eyes. When she lifted her eyes, he was already looking at her. The moment their eyes met, it startled Azlan, but he wasn't able to fathom the reason behind that. Haya averted her eyes almost immediately, but Azlan's eyes lingered on for a solid minute. He was studying her features intently. Her small but slightly turned-up nose, a sharp jawline, and doe-shaped eyes were the most prominent. But the highlights for him were the freckle-free, glowing skin and the soft brown eye shadow which accentuated the green in her eyes. The conversation between the elders and Zaina became background noise for him. He completely lost, in her, but Azlan shifted his attention when he heard his name in the crowd, and he was baffled by this action of his. This never happened. 

The Khan's left the venue and headed back to their home. Shayan dozed off in the back, and Haya stared outside the window and kept replaying Zaina and Azlan's interaction. Her thoughts about that drifted only when they arrived at their home. As planned, she took a hot shower, changed into comfortable clothes, and snoozed off.

However, there was someone in the city who was not at peace. Azlan wasn't able to sleep even when it was 3 in the morning. He was exhausted by attending to all the people, but still; the sleep was far away. The reason? Those green eyes were the reason behind his messed-up mind. He couldn't get them out of his head. They were like a whirlpool. When someone got caught in them, it was tough to escape.

He opened the sliding door of the gallery in his room and tiptoed outside. The crisp air caressing his face calmed him down. He remained there for half an hour, absorbing the beauty of the sky. He prayed Fajr right there on the terrace and it was nothing less than meditation. His soul was at peace after praying.