𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐈 [Completed]

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑-11

Under the scorching midday sun, the roads shimmered with heat. It was the second day of their wedding, and he had left early in the morning for an urgent matter, leaving her a message to inform her of his absence.

Today, some ladies were scheduled to visit to meet the new daughter-in-law. She adorned herself in a maroon net shirt with delicate tilla work and a heavily adorned hem, paired with a shalwar. Her hair was side-braided and pinned at the back, complemented by elaborate golden jhumkas, rings, and bangles on her hands. Her makeup was kept light and graceful.

Descending the stairs, she encountered her mother-in-law, who veiled her face and guided her to the spacious sitting area where the ladies were gathered. Taking her seat in the center of a three-seater sofa, her grandmother and mother-in-law positioned themselves on either side.

Following the customs and traditions, her grandmother unveiled her face. The ladies showered her with compliments, admiring her beauty. They circled money over her head and presented her with gifts as a token of blessings. Subsequently, she moved to the kitchen to partake in a customary ritual.

A large wooden table adorned with vegetables greeted her in the kitchen. As part of the rasam, she was to demonstrate her ability to cook by skillfully cutting the vegetables. Nervous under the watchful gaze of the ladies, she found solace when her mother-in-law placed a comforting hand on her back. Mustering a gentle smile, she commenced the task of finely slicing the vegetables.

Once the rasam concluded, the guests were served snacks. Exhaustion began to set in as she diligently maintained a pleasant demeanor, offering smiles to the ladies, even the ones harboring ulterior motives, hoping to secure a marriage alliance with the prestigious Shah family.

Entering the room, she discovered Jahan seated on the bed.

"Assalamu Alaikum. When did you arrive?" she inquired.

"Wa Alaikum Assalam. Just a little while ago," he responded, extending his hand to hold hers.

Placing her hand in his, she took a seat before him, her cheeks being gently caressed by his touch.

"Everyone was asking about you," she mentioned, losing herself in the mere sensation of his touch.

"I dislike gatherings, especially when I have to interact with those who wear fake masks," he replied, pressing kisses on both her palms.

"Forget about it. We're going to Bahawalpur tonight for two days," he said, sensing her perplexed state, swiftly changing the subject.

"Why?" she inquired.

"I have some work to attend to, and I also want you to accompany me," he informed her, to which she nodded.

"By the way, my love, you look exquisite," he uttered, causing her cheeks to flush with a rosy hue. Planting a gentle kiss on her lips, he removed her dupatta and embraced her. She recounted the events of the rasam, and later, she packed their belongings as they embarked on their journey to Bahawalpur in the evening.