A Queen's Touch & Some Glitter

CHAPTER 8 - آٹھواں باب

CHAPTER 8 - آٹھواں باب
BETROTHAL BETWEEN THE KING & PRINCESS

LYANA LOOKED OUT OF HER BEDROOM WINDOW. The usually empty garage was filled. Her whole family had arrived for her engagement this evening. She was looking forward to the event, in her heart, a feeling of euphoria. Yet deep down there was a tiny part of her that was scared. Scared of the new title and the responsibilities that would come with it.

Alamgeer, who had been in contact with her through her father's phone has been nothing but a thorough gentleman. None of his actions making it seem as if he had no respect for her. His carefully spoke words and soft tone was proof of his claim about liking her. And she knew she too was falling deeper in love with him. After all it was not a hard task to love a man like him. So full of life, love and light. Alamgeer was the epitome of her prince charming - except that he was already a king.

She sighed as she saw the line of their male guards load the trunk of the cars with gifts that had been prepared for Alamgeer and his extended family. Her father supervising it all. Not a single thing was to go wrong under his scrutiny.

Ever since both she and Alamgeer had been verbally engaged, the air in her home had shifted. Her already loving parents were now more open with their love. As if they sensed that she was not going to be among them for a much longer time. Her father had informed Saleh's family of the change and development, to which they had reacted in a positive way. The family wished her good luck and made the Raees's promise they would be invited to the wedding.

Lyana looked down at her hands. The fair skin stained a dark maroon with the vines and leaves of the henna. Alamgeer's name written in soft cursive. The writing so small that anyone who did not raise her hand to their eyes, would not be able to see it. She walked away from the large french windows. Walking to her floor length mirror. Touching her dress ever so softly. As if it were made of glass and lightest of pressures would break it. The ivory blue lehnga was filled with white beaded thread work. Silver stems and shades of pink gemstones used to make flora on the ends. A thick pink border touched the floor. The blouse ended a few inches below her breast. The sweetheart neckline lined with silver zardosi. A large Swarozski crystal motif in the centre. Strings of white beads hung below to cover her bare stomach.

Lyana had gotten the dress with Gulaab. And the two had fallen in love the moment the touched the dress on the mannequin. She was wearing a diamond kundan set. A gift from her dada and dadi, made when she was just a mere eight months old. The tikka resting on her small forehead. Her hair tied in a low bun. The thick veil, resting on one of her shoulders. Her hands were largely bare, save for the thick diamond bangle that was a gift from her nano.

The bangle had been gifted to her nano by her nana abu, on their wedding. As a kid, Lyana held fascination towards it. Playing with it anytime her nano wore it. So she was well surprised to see her grandmother part with something so dear to her. But Nazia had just smiled, and told her that to her nothing was more precious than her granddaughter's smile.

"Lyana- meri bachi. Look at you! Allah!" Rania who had stepped into the room, lost control of her emotions.
Hugging her daughter tightly. Lyana wrapped her arms around her mother. Resting her head on her shoulder. Feeling grounded at the connection.
"Mama don't cry! I'm still here!" Lyana gripped the soft wet wipes and wiped away her mother's tears.
Rania nodded, controlling herself a bit.

Rania had opted for a red organza dress. The shirt was fitted and had golden zardosi on the neck, hem and sleeves. The trousers, plain and bell shaped. The organza embroidered duppata on her arm. Her hair in loose waves. Despite being the mother of the bride, Rania had decided for something relatively simpler. She wanted to enjoy the event rather than worry about carrying her dress.