The Crown Of Agony

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The room was adorned with the beautiful colors of floral garlands adorning the walls. Relatives and neighbors had gathered to celebrate Zara's Haldi Ceremony, a traditional pre-wedding ritual, and the environment was fiilled with laughter and joy.

Clad in ochre- yellow color dress, Zara, was seated on the beautifully decorated sofa, her eyes shining with excitement, mixture of nervousness and happiness playing on her face. while her cousin Zarnoor, sat beside her, adorned in a embroidered mustard yellow dress,  paired with her favourite color, crimson Red dupatta, placed on her left shoulder. All their relatives and neighbors were surronding them to start the rituals of Haldi Ceremony.

Zarnoor glanced at her cousin Zara, her heart flutter with joy, "I can't believe it, Zara, you're getting married!"

Zara smiled shyly, her eyes twinkling, "I know, right? It all seems like a dream."

Amidst the vibrant atmosphere, the elderly women of the family, clad in their colorful dresses came there carrying beautifully decorated tray on which bowl of turmeric paste was placed. After reciting some religious melodies in the praise of their Lord, they started the rituals, with gentle hands, they began to apply the paste to Zara's cheeks and arms one by one, as the girls began singing traditional songs that enhanced the of joy the function. Zara smiled shyly, enjoying the beautiful moments of her special days. The sweet fragrance of flowers & earthy aroma of turmeric filled in everyone's nostril.

As the function progressed, Zarnoor's heart dance with lot of happiness for her sister like cousin, Zara. She was so happy for her as it was her cousin's special day, as the stars of new journey were seen sprinkling the shimmers of new beginnings. "Zara, I'm so happy for you, but I can't help but feel a little bit melancholic thinking about your departure."

Zara's smile softened, "Zar, I know what you mean. But Zar, we're always gonna be together, no matter what, In Sha Allah."

Zarnoor nodded with a faint smile dancing on her rosy lips, beneath her cheerful appearsance, she was hiding the condition of her heart which was filled with different kind of uneasiness. Zarnoor watched, Zara, with a mixture of amusement and longing, her mind drifting towards her own dreamland and aspirations.

Seeing Zarnoor lost in her thoughts, Zara playfully patted her shoulder and winked at Zarnoor, a mischievous shine in her eyes. "Zarnoor, don't think I didn't notice that dreamy look on your face. Are you secretly planning your own wedding?"

Zarnoor blushed, her gaze dropping to her hands. "Oh, Zara! It's not like that. For now, I have other important thing to chase, other than planning about wedding."

Zara nudged her playfully, "I know dear, I know. Our topper Zarnoor is going to conquer the world with her knowledge."

Zarnoor chuckled at the statement of Zara, "Well, let's not forget that I'll be the one teaching your kids when I become a teacher."

"Sure, madam!" Their laughter mingled with the festivities, the shared moments of joy etching memories that would last a lifetime.

Later, after performing all the rituals, as the elders left the room, Zara's friends and cousins stayed in the hall, enjoying the warm vibes and teasing Zara. Girls began to sing and twirl,
Zarnoor clapped enjoying the function, forgetting her worries momentarily as she let the positive environment to embrace her body, finding herself savoring the joy that surrounded her, grateful for pleasant atmosphere. She exchanged their childhood stories and laughter with Zara, their bond growing stronger with every shared moment.