Journey of Souls

11. Wedding | شادی

After having the hardest time sleeping last night, I woke up feeling drowsy and exhausted but my realization that today was the day of the wedding led me to leaping out of bed to see the rest of my family rushing around for the day.

I quickly washed up and went downstairs to have breakfast with everyone.

"Good morning Alizey beta! Come sit and eat." Sufyaan Mamoo instructed.

I took my seat besides Ammi. It was 8 in the morning yet everyone was as awake and cheery like it was noon. I took a few pieces of toast and some eggs and munched on them while taking momentary sips of creamy chai. The chai made by the chefs hired for us truly was magical.

After breakfast had finished, I decided to walk around the garden area and take in some fresh air. For today, my family had convinced me to have my makeup done by one of the makeup artists. I hesitated a lot because I know they usually have a heavy hand, but they told me I could tell them exactly how I wanted my look to be. That comforted me so I gave in. The MUA's wouldn't be arriving until 2 so I had a few hours to kill before the function.

I walked outside with a shawl wrapped around me. There was a slight breeze that left goosebumps on my skin but the weather was beautiful regardless. I took a few steps towards the garden and my eyes caught on the wedding decorators frantically trying to make last-minute adjustments. The wedding was going to be held at a grand hall nearby and our side of the family would arrive with a baraat just like the traditional way. Seeing the hustle and bustle of preparations made me jittery. I was having fun hanging around my family, being part of my best friend's wedding. It was an escape from my normal life. An escape from the loneliness I felt within the walls of an empty house. I know Ammi needed this too. After Baba Jaan left us, she needed her family.

I strolled through the vast gardens before stopping in front of the rose and jasmine bushes to breathe in their comforting aroma. Just as I was about to touch the rose bush, I heard a voice from behind.

"Be careful beta!" It was Ahmad Shah Uncle.

I took a step back before turning to him.

"I'm sorry Uncle I didn't mean to intrude."

"No bachey you did nothing wrong. I just wanted to make sure you didn't hurt yourself. The thorns on these roses can sometimes be brutal."

"Oh I see. Thank you Uncle. I must say, your garden is absolutely beautiful and I'm very fond of the selection of plants and flowers."

"Thank you for the compliment Alizey. You know, gardening has been a hobby of my ever since I established this estate. I often spend time out here perfecting it."

"It's truly beautiful uncle. I have a few plants in my garden and inside my house back in America as well."

"Ah you are just like me!"

We both laughed and smiled firmly at the comment. Even though Ahmad Shah saab was a highly esteemed person, his soul was down to earth and he made me feel comfortable in his presence. I was grateful for that.

I kept admiring the rest of the garden as I walked around with Ahmad Uncle as he gave me a tour of all the parts. Just as we reached poolside, Zafar came up to Ahmad uncle.

"Baba, Ammi has been looking for you everywhere and here you are strolling in your beloved garden."

"Ah yes my bad. I was just showing sweet Alizey around."

Zafar looked in my direction as Uncle mentioned my name. He was wearing his signature shades but dressed in all white kurta and pants. A bead of sweat dripped down his forehead. He had been running around getting everything ready.