𝑬𝒏𝒕𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒚

15.

Sofia stared her reflection at the mirror of her dressing table she still can not believe she was about to get married and start a life that holds lots of responsibility she doesn't doubt herself to carry out any responsibility that comes her way she is just nervous about settling in the new environment with new people whom she never knew until a month ago. A month ago she was not even ready to get married and here she is standing in a beautiful golden embroidered floor-length lehenga in maroon red colour with a full sleeve shirt equally heavy embroidery as the lehenga. Her head felt like it would go backwards due to the heavy dupatta set on her head. Everything on her body felt heavy even the khandani jewellery by Abidi's. Her eye makeup made her brown eyes look bold, her lips were coated in the dark shade of red her cheekbone was shimmering with a golden highlighter both her hands were full with golden khandani bangles and red glass bangles.

A thought came across her mind and she blushed thinking how would Arsalan look in his sherwani? Would he be thinking of her as well the way she is thinking about him?

Unknown of the turmoil of awaiting night that was about to approach her which will leave her in an utter shock that she would have only wished for the night to never happen.

"Sofia?"

Sofia turned around and smiled as she saw Zulfiqar entering her room looking a bit emotional which Sofia caught through his glistening eyes.

"Baba?" her voice came out a little weak than usual she too was feeling emotional now. Leaving her baba all alone to himself was never her plan.

"Masha'Allah my daughter is looking so beautiful" Zulfiqar kissed her forehead lovingly and then started reciting the supplication under his breath before blowing on her "may Allah give barkat in your nikah."

Sofia whispered an "Ameen" and rested her head at her father's chest while Zulfiqar wrapped one arm around her back and the other on her head patting it ever so lovingly.

"Nervous?" he asked.

"A little" she replied her voice a little muffled.

Zulfiqar chuckled "your Mama was also the same she was freaking out the entire ceremony I had to keep talking to her sweetly so she could relax a little."

Sofia smiled "guess Mama had left all her genes to me including getting panic about being married."

Zulfiqar smiled "marriage is a beautiful relation Sofia you would see it to yourself and I hope Arsalan would make you believe that."

"I hope to Baba" Sofia sniffed the nerve soothing cologne of her father her only protector and all she wants to do is stay forever inside the protective wings of him.

The sound of barat with bombing loud crackers and the happy roar downstairs made them pull apart.

"They are here I guess," Zulfiqar said caressing her cheeks and Sofia leaned into it.

"Uncle the barat is here! You would be needing downstairs to welcome them," Shahana said breathlessly.

Zulfiqar hands drop to his side when he turned around to look at Shahana and Sofia instantly missed the protective warmth.

"I will get going then. You are my warrior bacha Sofia don't be nervous baba ki jaan I believe you will be the best daughter-in-law the Abidi's would ever have," Zulfiqar said puffing his chest with pride.

"I believe too" Shahana nodded.

Sofia giggled at them and nodded at her father assuring and promising him that she will come up to his expectations.

Zulfiqar left after patting her head so did Shahana as she didn't want to miss out on the groom's entry. Afnan came up to give Shahana the company until she is taken down.