Journey of Souls

10. Mehendi | مہندی

Qurat-ul-Ain, dressed in a bright mustard gown with a heavily beaded magenta dupatta draping her head and shoulders, walked down the central aisle to the center of the venue. She gracefully held onto the bottom of her gown as she walked. She was a true sight to behold and everyone in the crowd looked at her in awe. She was led by a few friends in the front and a few in the back who held a flowery canopy over her head.

Alizey gave her the brightest smile and winked at Badar as she walked past to take her place on the decorated wooden swing where she would sit for the night. She took her place and the mehendi ceremonies began. A few girls sat near the dhol and played a beat while singing. One by one all members of her family went up and performed their part of the ceremony.

When it was Alizey's turn, she walked up to where Badar and Qurat were sitting. Zafar was sitting on the chair on Qurat's side and Alizey sat down next to Badar. She took the stick from the pot of mehendi and scooped a little before applying it to the leaf placed on Badar's hand. She repeated the act for Qurat. Then right as she was going to pick up a piece of mithai, she looked over at the soon-to-be wedded couple and asked a question.

"Okay you two, tell me which piece you prefer."

"Honestly, Alizey we've had so many bites that now it's all starting to taste the same." Badar chuckled.

"Okay then I'll just feed you my favorite, gulab jamun."

She picked up a piece of gulab jamun and fed it to Qurat before feeding it to Badar.

"MashAllah, jhoota khane se pyaar barta hai." She smirked and winked at the couple. [Eating the each other's bite spread love].

She took her seat next to Badar again so that the photographer could take a few more pictures. Zafar took a few with them before getting up and leaving so that Alizey could have some with just the couple.

However, there was one thing Alizey hadn't noticed. Zafar had watched every move of hers, from the moment she walked up and participated in the ritual to the moment she posed for pictures. He was observing and watching like a hawk watches its prey, except the look in his eyes was gentle. It was unusual for a man like Zafar.

Alizey happily retreated towards where her family was sitting, allowing other attendees to have their turn with the couple. She sat down next to her mom and clapped and sang along to the songs before her mom nudged her to go ahead and sit next to the girls surrounding the dhol. Alizey got up and took her place in an empty spot.

The next half hour was spent in singing and dancing, where a few girls had performed to traditional mehendi songs. After their performances were over, dinner was served. Everyone gathered and lined up to get their dinner before sitting down at a table. Alizey served herself and walked towards the table where Badar and Qurat were sitting. They ate their meal together and joked around.

"Alizey, dessert will be set up in just a few minutes and I can't wait to see your reaction."

"Ooh is there a surprise for me?"

"Yes there sure is." Qurat-ul-Ain spoke with a sparkle in her eyes.

The dessert table had been set up and Alizey walked over and her eyes immediately widened.

"Oh. my. goodness. There's falooda?! You've got to be kidding me. How did you know?"

"Well Badar told me that falooda was your favorite and since I wanted a dessert bar for my mehendi, I really wanted to include it. I hope you like it."

"Are you kidding? I am so excited. Thank you so much!"

"Hey hey, you're so welcome but bhai deserves some credit too. He was in charge of all the catering orders and he made sure to find someone who could cater this for us."