Mannat

22 | Their photoshoot

Q U L S U M

“Why are you so shocked Zayaan, it’s not something unusual in our family. When the bride enters the house for the first time, the groom carries her in his arm. It’s our family tradition.” Grandma said swaying her hand in air.

“C'mon quickly pick your bride now. I can’t stand here at the door.”

I constantly bat my eyelids feeling anxious about Zayaan's family tradition.

I knew agreeing to Zayaan's request was a bad idea.

Trailing my tongue over my dried lower lip, I angle my head left to look at Zayaan.
Zayaan gave me a apologetic glance and stepped closer to me.

His manly aroma fogged my brain, I glance at his blue eyes which were painfully perfect.
“May I?” he whispered leaning closer to my ear, his breath fanning my cheek. I duck my head lower to stop him from seeing my crimson red cheeks.

“Mashallah, kitni pyari hai Zayaan ki dulhan.” [ Zayaan's bride is so sweet] Grandma stated peering at us, her eyes shimmering delight.

{ Mashallah’ is generally used to express amazement, praise, thankfulness, gratitude, or joy for an event that has already occurred. }

His hand lightly brushed against my shoulder causing a sudden burst of adrenaline in my veins. Snaking his hand around my waist, he picked me up in bridal style. I fist his shirt firmly while a shriek escaped my lips.

Feeling embarrassed, I rambled my eyes at his parents and grandparents only to find them laughing and then nonchalantly I avert my gaze to Zayaan. He had huge smirk laced on his face.

Why God? I mentally reprimand myself for acting like this in front of whole family.

Pulling my body a bit closer to himself, Zayaan stepped inside the house. While he padded towards hall, I could literally feel his well build muscles which caused tiny butterflies to erupt in my stomach. I was engulfed in his scent which was very addicting.

I didn’t meet Zayaan eyes nor looked at his face cause I was already conscious about our close proximity. I was feeling like any second my heart will pop out from my throat.

Zayaan took ample amount of time to walk past the hallway. I assume he was enjoying this, every now and then I felt his intensified gaze on me which didn’t help my thumping heart.

After what felt like eternity, he finally made me stand on my feet. Hastily I took a step away from him and avert my face in other direction. I couldn't face him with my burning cheeks.

Letting out a chuckle, he sauntered towards the couch and stooped down in front of his grandmother and turned around to look at me. Forwarding his hand towards me, he gestured me to come closer.

I felt my stomach lurch with nervousness when I peered at his extended hand. With measured steps, I moved forward and leisurely slipped my hand in his.

Electric sparkles jolted through my wrist. A sense of warmth sweeped through my body as a thought crossed my mind.

This is our first time holding hands.

Copying Zayaan's action I crouched down next to him.
My cheeks refused to go back to their normal pale tone.

“I am so glad you came in his life. Finally, my last wish is fulfilled. I have heard a lot about you from Zayaan.” She said smiling.

“About me?” I couldn't help but ask,  then a second later realisation dawned upon me and I regretted the words that escaped my lips.

“Yes about you... I will tell you everything but before to that —” she trailed off and picked up a jewelry box which was placed on adjacent table and forwarded it in my direction.
“This is your marriage gift — the bangles are our family heirloom.”