Dilbar (دلبر) -
Lover
*****
Samaira Baksh has sworn off love. The emotion in itself brought memories that were synonymous with a weak nightmare. For her, love was a forgotten feeling and farthest away from what could be considered...
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*****
Shyness was a word too bland to describe what Samaira was feeling.
If she thought he made her heat race, tonight was something entirely different. She could hardly glance at him, let alone digest the fact that she was now married to him- Zaigham.
"Mubarakan! Even though this is one of the most unexpected news I have heard in a while, I'm happy for you, Zaigham."
An elderly man laughed lightly, patting Zaigham on the back. His eyes held adoration for the groom and Samaira smiled, knowing well the fondness people held for Zaigham Abbasi.
"Ek dam chand ka tukda lag rahi ho, bache!"
(You're resembling a piece of the moon, child.)
The woman beside him gushed upon seeing Samaira. The elder woman pulled her in for a hug and Samaira was grateful for the distraction for it would help her in hiding her flustered expression.
Beside her, Zaigham smiled warmly at the woman's compliment as though he couldn't have said it better. Samaira shied away once again when she realized she wasn't the only one who took note of the intense emotions in his eyes. The older couple was quick to send their blessings to the newlyweds, praying for their happily married life.
The chain went on until Samaira could hardly smile.
Some were welcoming while others- not so much.
She had noticed the way Zaigham's palm would inch closer to hers before he fisted it and retreated it back. Every time she wished to take hold of his palm and soothe herself with the comforting warmth of his minimal embrace in a setting that left her feeling out of place. The two were yet to say anything to each other and it was a wonder how they had been obliged to silence for so long.
Samaira bit the insides of her cheek when she heard him take a deep sigh, as though frustrated to no end and she had to fist her dupatta to stop the surprised gasp from spilling when he took hold of her palm in his. The emotions that the simple action evoked within her were far too... indescribable.
If she once thought that her heart would rest in peace- not literally, of course- she was utterly wrong.
When the next couple came to greet them, Samaira could no longer focus on their words no matter how much she wished to stay attentive. Zaigham had commenced caressing the back of her palm with his thumb, a touch that practically forced Samaira to pay attention only to it and forget all that lay around her.
It was shortly after that when people scattered to the food section. Zaigham's mother came to Samaira's assistance. She helped her adjust the lehenga and took hold of one end of it so that it would not get under her feet.
Tripping in front of these many people was surely not on Samaira's bucket list.
Zaigham had not let go of Samaira's palm, instead, once the two were up on their feet, he subtly pulled her a little closer. If possible, Zaigham could've gazed at her to his heart's content- which would take quite a lot of time- when she smiled at the ground. Even though he loved her smile, he had a hard time dealing with the fact that she had not yet sent one his way and all these strangers had been acquainted with it much to his annoyance.
