A Queen's Touch & Some Glitter

بیسواں باب - Chapter 20

بیسواں باب — Chapter 20
THE QUEEN CONFRONTS
& PROTECTS

THE CROWD STARED AT THE WOMAN IN SHOCK. Her grey hair pulled into a sleek bun, a coffee coloured shawl wrapped around her arms as she walked to the stage. Glasses decked with a string of pearls, kept them attached to her neck. Her nails painted a deep red to go with the light beige chiffon dress her body wore. Arched lips pulled into a small smirk.

"Who are you?" Lyana whispered.
Her eyes gazed at her mother and grandparents. They were her family, not this woman who was walking towards them with the leisure of a well fed tigress.

Rania turned to Lyana, holding her hand in hers. She had never in her whole life imagined that one day her past would stand infront of her. So vividly, that it would make her wish to have died. The pains and wounds of her childhood rushing back to her. How her mother had abandoned her when she was just born. The torture of her school fellows for not having a mother. The pain she felt seeing Zoya raise Hooriya. Her only mother was Nazia. The woman who had painstakingly raised her. Sat through her tantrums, gave her help when she started her periods. Let her cry on her shoulder when she had her first crush and so much more. All memories were with Nazia. Zeeniya was just a distant nightmare. Nothing more, nothing less.

"You were not invited for a reason". Raees was the first one to break out of his trance.
His straightforward reply shot right through Zeeniya's chest. Her eyes narrowed as she continued to walk towards Lyana. Stopped by the intervention of a broad chest.
"Who are you?" Alamgeer repeated Lyana's question.
Raising a brow as he stared at her. Confused about her identity.

"I'm Lyana's grandmother," she began.
Her voice full of confidence. Zeeniya had found out about the marriage through her sister, who was married to Ali's cousin.
"I have only one grandmother. And that is Nazia Ali. No one else!" Lyana peeked from behind Alamgeer.
Wrapping her arm around his bicep, stepping out from his shadow.

"Huh- so they never told their little precious that Nazia isn't your mother's biological mother?" Zeeniya flicked her finger.
Tutting at the family, turning to stare at her ex-husband.
"We did not. I only have one mama. And that is not you!" Rania stepped forward.

Nazia who stood behind her family, felt gratitude. That they were so loving to her, all the pain she had withstood in her early days of marriage, were worth it. For the reward of her family's love was a million times greater. Ali wrapped an arm around her waist, leading her to the front. Years ago, his life had been ruined by the woman standing infront of them. No more would he suffer at the hands of her.

"Bhai yeh konsay drama ki shooting hai?" [Which drama's shooting is this?] Rija interrupted.
Gulaab groaned, her sister-in-law could never mind her own business. Clearly it was a private matter and the family did not wish to flaunt it.
"Rija yeh humara masla nahi hai!" [Rija this isn't our problem!] Ahad warned.
And in all honesty it wasn't. Yes for Alamgeer it was, but the rest of his family needed to respect Lyana's family.

"Ap ko bhi nahi pata? Nazia Ali ki dursi biwi hai. Rania ki maa mein hun, aur mujhe kisi faislay mein shamil nahi kia gaya!" [You don't know either? Nazia is Ali's second wife. I'm Rania's mother, and I was not involved in any decisions!] Zeeniya sneered.
She loved the changing colours on the faces of Lyana's in laws. The shock melting into utter betrayal. Oh how she enjoyed it!

"And the reason for that is, Lyana is not your granddaughter. Only mama is, the woman who raised me. Who cherished abu and his family unlike you! And do not forget the crude words you used about me! Your daughter! When I begged you to attend my wedding with Raees. Time may have healed my wounds but I can never forget!" Rania spoke in a tight tone.

In front of everyone, stood not a confident businesswoman instead, it was a young girl. One whose eyes held hurt and uncertainty about her life. One who had a lifetime of complains. Not from the woman infront of her, but from life itself. It had broken her in the worst way possible.

"Is this a way to talk to your mother?" Zeeniya narrowed her eyes.
"You are not her mother! I have only one nano. Leave before I call the police. And you know they will come and take action!" Lyana shouted.
Her patience was ending. This woman, who ever she was thought she could barge in and tear her family apart. She was mistaken.

"Huh— so much trust in your parents? Eik dafa pucho tou sahi usnai, keh who am I?" [Ask them once that] Zeeniya grinned.
Lyana turned to her mother, her eyes full of worry.
"Mama you do not have to prove yourself to me. I trust you more than life itself. I know if she was someone of importance, you would have informed me. But she isn't hain?" [Right?] Lyana hugged Rania.
Rania patted her back softly, taking small breaths as she nodded her head. Staring at her own father who held nothing but pride in his eyes.

"Listen miss, whoever you are, clearly my daughter-in-law does not know you. Even if she did, you were for a reason not invited. Leave before we call for security. I am asking you in the most respectful manner, don't make me loose my morals," Ahad's voice tore through the silence.
His eyes and words held a finality. No one could challenge what he had said. Zeeniya, knew that she had failed. A part of her could not understand why she showed up. Perhaps to ruin Lyana's day? Or to make her daughter feel her absence? Or was it once again a way to make Zoya feel inferior? For now she had no idea. All that she knew was, her hands were empty once again.

"Zeeniya kyun Rania aur apnay ap ko takleef mein daalti ho? Jo rishta bacha hi nahi uska haq kyun jatana chahti ho? Kyun abhi bhi saalon purani nafratein rakh kar bethi ho? Duniya aagay nikal chuki hai. Behtar ho ga tum bhi iss sab sai aagai nikal jao!" [Zeeniya why do you put Rania and yourself through such pain? Why do you invoke feelings for a relationship that no longer exists? Why are you still holding on to ill feelings for what happened years ago? The world has moved on. Its best if you move on too!] Zoya patted her shoulder.
It hurt her more than anything to see Zeeniya still hung up in such a position. In an age when they were all a day closer to death. She hoped Zeeniya would learn her lesson, before it all changed into something worse.

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ✯ ⋅.} ────── ⊰

As the stars continued to glimmer in the sky above. The lights burning like stars on ground, people crowded together in the open field. The ceremony was about to end and despite the drama that had unfolded earlier in the evening, the spirits were high, on the large.

Seats had been arranged in an orderly manner. Men and women with their ceramic cups filled to the brim with Kashmiri tea, took place on them. The soft cushions soothing their backs as they made contact. The bride and groom at the front, staring into the sky above.

The large moon hung low, the dark skies, glittered more than usual. Constellations came out into the large canvas, every breath stuck in the throat as they enjoyed the fine work. The workers rushing to get the elaborate fireworks prepared.

"You see that star?" Alamgeer whispered into Lyana's ear.
Pointing towards a dimly lit one. Lyana nodded her head, the star was in its own right, absolutely breath taking. It might not have been the brightest but it took the centre stage.
"That's you for me. You may not be the brightest star. The most unique star around me, although that is a lie. But you are the centre of my sky. And I'm that small asteroid that has no choice but to revolve around you and worship you". He kissed the side of her head.

Lyana smiled at him, her husband was a true romantic. Placing her hand in his, her head on his shoulder, she grinned. Kissing his clothed chest subtlety as the workers gave signal for the lights to he dimmed. Within a few seconds, everything around the was dark. Nothing but the light of the sky fell on them.

Then it happened. The first of the firecrackers exploded. In all its might, leaving a trail of bright white as it raced for the sky. Immersing into a ball before bursting in the atmosphere. Reds, oranges and yellows filling the dark sky. Leaving everyone breathless as they continued to stare at it.

"Breathtaking". Lyana mumbled under her breath.
Her eyes filled with the sight infront of her. Lyana's heart raced inside her chest as the noise fell into a dull thrum. Nothing but the vibrant lights that exploded filled her with ecstasy. In that second it was just her and nature. Everything else ceased to exist.

"Lya?" Alamgeer toyed with the ends of her veil.
His wife had gone in a trance it seemed. Breaking her out of it was proving to be the most difficult thing he had ever done in his lifetime. Chuckling under his breath, Alamgeer brushed his fingers against her cheeks.
"Lya?" He poked the point where her dimples would emerge.

"Huh?" Lyana turned to him.
Light redness coating her cheeks, embarrassed to have been caught in such a position.
"Jaan you okay?" [Life] Alamgeer kissed her hairline.
"Yeah I am. The colours of the fireworks just make me overwhelmed. Its too beautiful". She breathed out slowly.
Nuzzling her head inside his chest, searching for warmth.
"Not as overwhelming as your beauty makes me," he brushed his fingers against her bare navel.
Smiling as Lyana's skin flushed.
"Stop Alam!" Lyana whined.
Pushing his hand away, a frown marring her face at his actions.

"Lyana ready to leave?" Rania called out from behind.
The couple broke away from each other, Lyana nodding her head. Alamgeer gave his arm to help her off of the chair. Leading her towards his mother-in-law.
"Let's go mama," she wrapped her arm around Rania's shoulder.
"Do you not want to say goodbye to your husband?" Rania teased.

Alamgeer's face was crestfallen. His heart was grumbling about the century old traditions that tore his wife away from him just a day after their marriage. Nature had not been kind to him, after so long it gave him his soulmate. And then took her away within seconds.

"He'll live mama!" Lyana waved her arm.
Winking at her heart broken husband as she walked behind her mother. Who was having a loud laugh herself.
"Aisay na kaho. Larkay ko neend nahi aani saari raat!" [The boy can not sleep all night!] Gulaab pulled Alamgeer's cheeks.
Alamgeer groaned under his breath, he knew his family would be pulling his leg all night. Meanwhile his wife, she would enjoy the pampering of her family. As she should though, she deserved everything good the world had to offer.

"Allah Hafiz!" Lyana waved at her in laws.
Hugging Gulaab, half-hugging Ahad and waving at her brother and sister-in-law's.
"Allah Hafiz. See you tomorrow meri jaan," [my life,] Gulaab kissed her head.
Alamgeer helped her into the car, kissing the back of her hand softly.
"See you tomorrow!" He whispered.
Taking a step back, greeting Gulaab and Raees before joining his own family.

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ✯ ⋅.} ────── ⊰

Lyana felt a smile grace her face as she stepped inside the threshold of her home. The white glass chandelier at the centre of the foyer, lit up the millions of small sequins sewn into her dress. A kaleidoscope of colours falling onto the white wall behind her. Tracing the intricate pattern of the railing, Lyana felt nostalgia run through her.

It crippled her with full force as tears began to burn her eyes. Eyelashes intermingled as she was taken back to the days of before marriage. When she was nothing but a carefree bird. Roaming the vast skies inside her parent's home with not a single care on her back.

"Welcome home Lyana," Raees whispered from behind.
A sturdy arm wrapping around her huddled form. A silent embrace to provide her with comfort as she took in the changes brought into her life.
"Abu," she whispered.
Her tone that of a scared child.
"Yes Lyana?" He hummed.
"I feel so old". She let out a breath.
Emotions holding her by the throat. In a tight grip, refusing to free her from their burden.
"That's not a bad thing. No matter how old you feel, you'll still be my little Lya," he kissed her head.
The two standing silently as they stared at the family photograph placed in the large gallery.

"Saari raat idhr hi rehna hai ab? Chalo Lyana aakar kapray badlo lo. Phir baatein kartay hain," [Are you going to stay here all night? Come on Lyana come change your clothes. Then we'll talk,] Rania tore the duo apart.
Sending Raees to change out of his three piece suit, she helped Lyana into her bedroom.

Lyana felt tears wash down her cheeks as she entered the familiar room. Nothing was out of order. The little marvel figures she had collected over the years still threatened to spill from the wooden shelves. Her novels crowded the racks and the remnants of her make up and skin care littered her vanity. Lyana was taken back to the time of her life when she was naive. When no responsibility, duty or expectations sat on her shoulders. An era of her life where she was Lyana Raees. Not Lyana Alamgeer, wife of a potential minister. Daughter-in-law of the former prime minister. None of these titles mattered then.

"Lyana kia baat hai? Itni pareshan kyun ho?" [Lyana what is the matter? Why are you so stressed?] Rania inquired.
Rania was helping Lyana take off her make up when the silence and hollow look in her eyes had her worried. Perhaps they had gotten her married too soon.
"I'm scared. What if mama I can't be a good wife? I'm scared. That I'm more Alamgeer's wife than I am Lyana," she choked out.
A desolate face looked at her in the mirror. She had been so happy a few moments ago. What had taken over her in just a few short moments?

"It's natural for you to feel that way. You have stepped into an important phase, this feeling will go away so long as you don't make it the centre of your brain. Go with the flow Lyana. Leave things you have no control over to Allah," Rania kissed her head.
She could only hope that her daughter would act sensibly and not take a step that would in turn cause her more hurt. Shaking her head in agreement, Lyana took off her veil, opening the bun and removing her jewellery she turned to Rania for help with unzipping her dress.

"Now tell me how has Alamgeer been treating you?" Rania brushed her hair after she had changed into her silk night suit.
"Perfect. I couldn't have married a man better than him mama," she smiled.
Her feet gently moving as she waited for her mother to make a plait inside her hair. Raees downstairs fixing them large bowls of ice cream to devour.

Rania hummed in satisfaction, tapping the top of her head. Signalling she was good to go. Flopping on the mattress of her bed, Lyana played a horror movie just as Raees walked inside. And for the night, she forgot she had a husband who was dying to hear her voice for one more time.

Standing in the large pavilion of their garden, the one where he had gotten engaged, Alamgeer sighed. His gaze running to the screen of his sleek smartphone time and time again. He had sent text on text to Lyana. With no response, his heart ached.

"Alamgeer ja kar so jao," [Alamgeer go sleep,] Ahad walked over.
His white kurta fit the build of his body perfectly. The grey hair, shining under the moonlight.
"Neend nahi aarahi," [I can't sleep,] he groaned.
Rubbing his hand over his face.

"Uss kai khayal sai niklo gai tou aai gi na!" [If you'll get out of her thoughts then it'll come!] Ahad slapped his back.
Taking seat next to him on the stone benches.
"Uskay khayal nikalna hi tou mushkil hai," [Getting rid of her thoughts is the difficult part,] he huffed.
His hand running through the already messed up strands of hair.

"Oye majnu meri bahu nu tang karna band ker. Message tai message kari ja rahaein aai. Thori tai sharam kar mundeya. Baap di nak katwani aai? Nai puldi teri voti tenu eik raat vich!" [Oh lover stop disturbing my daughter-in-law. You're sending her message on message. Have some shame boy. Do you want your father to loose face? Your wife won't forget you in one night!] Ahad pinched Alamgeer's nose.
"Meni tai lagda aai pul gai aai," [I think she has forgotten me,] Alamgeer sounded dejected.
Staring at his father, with a lost expression on his face.

"Pagal mat bano. Lyana kyun bhulay gi? Kal shaam ko wapis aajaye gi. Usko tang mat karo. Larki keh liye uskay maa baap bohat zaroori hotay hain, samjhay?" [Don't be crazy. Why would Lyana forget you? Tomorrow evening she will be back. Don't disturb her. For a girl her parents are very important, do you understand?] Ahad patted his back.
And without giving him time to reply, he dragged his son inside the home. Powering off his phone, and taking it to his own room. He ordered Alamgeer to sleep or else he would call Gulaab over. And a sleep deprived Gulaab, was a Gulaab you did not want to meet.

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ✯ ⋅.} ────── ⊰

Time passed by smoothly. So fast that Lyana did not even realise it was already four in the evening. Moments spent with her parents, resulted in time flying by. It was something she would enjoy for her entire life. The small strokes of her father's fingers in her head, the constant nagging of her mother, asking her to eat something from the large spread prepared for her.

Walking into her bedroom, for the first time in quite a few hours, Lyana turned her phone on. She had switched it off last night, or well more like, her father had. The constant texts of Alamgeer were annoying their movie night and so he had no choice but to switch it off.

Her phone instantly began to buzz. Vibrating for a good five minutes before stopping. Thirteen missed calls, and over a two hundred unread texts from Alamgeer. Oh boy! This man would be the end of her she realised. Clicking the call icon, Lyana waited for him to answer.

"Yaad aagai meri?" [Did you miss me?] Alamgeer huffed.
His tone gave away that he was acting or was actually slightly pissed at her.
"Alam ap ko hi tou yaad karti hun!" [Alam I only miss you!] Lyana said in a sing-song voice.
Her eyes stared at herself in the mirror, eyes shining with happiness, cheeks turning red with warmth. Lyana looked all in all like someone in love.

Hearing the prolonged silence on the other side, Lyana groaned. Her man was upset with her, a first in all the time since their Nikkah.
"Alam sorry. Please— abu turned my phone off. I'm sorry na!" She pleaded.
Whining softly, biting her lower lip in anticipation.
"We shall see in the evening," Alamgeer ended the call.
Lyana sat on her bed, worried. While Alamgeer grinned. It was time for his little bride to suffer. Just as he had all night.

The crystal blue skies were a great contrast against the dark green foliage of the lawn. Baby breath and jasmine flowers, covered the path from the large glass doors of the drawing room to the open air wooden table. The white oakwood table was covered in white and gold embossed china plates. Silverware placed on the sides with crystal glasses.

Nazia and Ali were standing on the doorway. Awaiting the arrival of Alamgeer and his family for the maklava*, a centuries old tradition. The theme for the night had been chosen by Lyana herself. Everything was to be in tones of black, white and gold.

The menu for the night was prepared meticulously. Nothing went unseen from the eyes of Rania. She had looked over the preparation of everything. From the gauze streamers wrapping their stair railing to the way the meat was cut and cooked. It all had a touch of the great Rania Raees.

"The pulao is ready. Qourma bhi bas tiyaar hai. Naan lagwanay driver chala gaya hai. Salad fridge mein rakh dein aur kheer jab kahun tab lana theek hai?" [Qourma is almost ready. The driver has gone to get the naan. Put the salad in the fridge. Send the rice pudding when I ask to okay?] Rania pointed to people left right and centre.
The staff all nodded heads simultaneously.

Signalling for the team to leave, she turned to Raees. Fixing his waist coat on him, her fingers tapped his chin lightly.
"You got the gifts ready right?" Her eyes narrowing.
Raees chuckled, nodding his head.
"I did. Relax Rania, everything will go perfectly. Have some faith in your husband," he hugged her.
Rania sighed, taking in his deep manly scent, one that he had continued to wear ever since they got married. It gave her a sense of belonging.

Raees and Rania turned their heads to the staircase, upon hearing the sounds of heels against the thick staircase tiles. A white lehnga with gold embellishments coming into sight. The gota made patterns of stars and mandalas. A light sprinkling of the gota work spread around. Lyana waved at her parents, the black organza veil rested on one of her shoulders, the borders all heavily embroidered with thick copper and gold tilla. Rhinestones littered in between. The short black shirt with large flowers on the bottom, tilla work and rhinestones. A delicate gold set rested on her neck, with black beads holding it up. A large maang tika in between her head, hair lightly waved.

"Lyana bilkul pari lag rahi ho!" [Lyana you look like a fairy!] Rania kissed her head.
Hugging her daughter, she turned to Raees.
"Chalein tareef karein, but ban kar kyun kharay ho gaye?" [Come on complement her, why are you standing like a statue?] Rania raised her eyebrows.
"Meri beti hai. Mujh par gai hai, lafz kam parh gai hain, ap kon?" [She is my daughter. She is just like me, I am short of words, who are you?] Raees teased.
Taking Lyana into his own arms, praising her.

Their moment was broken by the arrival of Nazia and Ali into the foyer. Behind them, Gulaab, Ahad and Alamgeer walked in. In Alamgeer's hands a large basket of fruits and sweets. Lyana smiled at Gulaab, hugging her tightly. Nodding at her father-in-law who was smothered by her father's embrace.

"Where are the rest?" Rania inquired.
"On their way. They stopped to pick Rija baaji," Gulaab smiled.
Then turning to Lyana, she patted her hand gently.
"Did you sleep well? Humaray tou larkay nai eik pal chain sai nahi guzara," [Our boy did not sit calmly for one second,] Gulaab shook her head.
Lyana giggled, looking at Almageer who did a good job of ignoring her.

"I think hum sab chaltay hain. The newly weds deserve privacy," [I think we should all go.] Nazia gave a soft smile.
Lyana nodded at her grandmother with large smile on her face. Thankfully someone understood her.

Seeing everyone exit, Lyana stalked over to her husband, wrapping an arm around his back. Staring at his black cotton kurta with the printed golden leaves. His biceps taut against the fabric, her head leaning against them.

"Alamgeer sorry! Par waqai abu nai phone band kia tha," [But truly abu switched off the phone,] she uttered softly.
Her nude lipstick coated lips, pulled into a small smile, staring at him with hopes. Placing the basket on the table at the entrance, Alamgeer turned to her.
"Are my feelings a joke? Could you not have texted me once?" Each of his words were shrouded in bitterness.

"Sorry. I was too excited to be with mama and abu again. Please na Alam!" Lyana whined.
Staring at his stone cold face, tears began to cloud her vision.
"I knew this would happen!" She sniffed.
Negative thoughts piling into her head.

Seeing her sorry state, Alamgeer had to break out of his role. He could not be mad at her for too long.
"Acha na kia maaf. Ab rou tou nahi," [Alright I forgive you. Now don't cry atleast,] he wiped her cheeks softly.
Leaning down to place a soft peck on her nose, he smiled hugging her to his chest.
"And now stay in my arms forever. Okay?" His lips turned slightly upwards.
Lyana nodded her head against his chest.
"Okay!" She whispered.
Pecking his lips softly. Oblivious to the fact that time would test that claim well in its right.