Risen from dust

Thirty Seven

Zaviyaar decided to go out and buy her a new dress. He wanted it to be perfect for her, to show her how much he valued her presence in their lives.

Zaviyaar quickly picked out a beautiful dress that he believed Noor would like. It was a simple yet elegant design adorned with delicate patterns and made from soft fabric. The dress featured a flowing A-line silhouette adorned with intricate and colourful embroidery. Bright shades of green, yellow, and orange danced across the fabric, creating beautiful floral patterns that symbolized the blooming love in the air.

The bodice of the dress was embellished with delicate sequins and beads, adding a touch of shimmer to the outfit. The sleeves were designed with sheer fabric, allowing a hint of Noor's skin to peek through the exquisite embroidery.

The dress's neckline was gracefully adorned with fine threadwork, forming an elegant collar that accentuated Noor's features. The waist was cinched with a contrasting belt, featuring dazzling embellishments that sparkled like stars in the night sky.

Zaviyaar wondered if she would like it. Their last encounter still hurt him. How could she think he was one of the guys who touched women and then threw them away like trash. He didn't even understand what he felt for Noor. He wanted to protect her like she was his own soul, but at times, he wanted to destroy her too when she didn't see eye to eye with him. How could she love Allah so much? He never even blessed her with new clothes all her life!

Zaviyaar rushed back home before the mehendi function started. He knocked on Daadi's door, thankful that Noor was nowhere to be seen. "Daadi, I got this dress for Rabail, but she doesn't like it. She wants to wear something else. You can give it to Noor if you like. I'm sure she doesn't have anything to wear."

Daadi looked at Zaviyaar with a mix of surprise and skepticism. Why would he go out of his way to buy a dress for Rabail when she already had one? But she could see the sincerity in his eyes. "Thank you, Zaavi. That's very thoughtful of you. I'm sure Noor will appreciate it," she replied, touched by his gesture.

As Zaviyaar handed over the dress, he couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth. Maybe, just maybe, he was starting to understand what it meant to care for someone else's happiness. With that little act, he took a step towards breaking down the walls he had built around himself for so long.

The mehendi function was in full swing, and Zaviyaar tried to immerse himself in the celebrations. He watched Rabail dance with Daniyal, their happiness and love evident in their every move. While he felt genuinely happy for his sister, a part of him couldn't help but feel a tinge of envy. He longed for the kind of connection they shared, but he couldn't seem to find it within himself.

As the night progressed, Zaviyaar found himself stealing glances at Noor, who looked stunning in the dress he had chosen for her. He noticed her laughing with Daadi and sharing light moments with the family. There was something about her that intrigued him, something he couldn't quite put into words.

The mehendi function was in full swing. The room was adorned with colorful decorations, and the sweet fragrance of mehendi filled the air. The soft glow of fairy lights added a magical touch to the ambiance. Guests were gathered around, chatting and laughing, as the beats of traditional Pakistani music filled the room.

Daniyal and Rabail were in the center of attention, the brides hands were beautifully adorned with intricate henna designs. They danced gracefully together, lost in each other's company, while their families and friends cheered them on. The happiness and love between the couple were infectious, and everyone couldn't help but smile at the sight of them. Nearby, Zenia, Rabail's little sister, twirled around in her colorful frock, imitating the dancers with adorable enthusiasm. Her giggles and laughter added to the joyous atmosphere of the event. Noor watched Zenia with a warm smile on her face, feeling a deep sense of affection for the little girl. Daadi sat with her friends Sairah and Waliya, chatting animatedly about the auspicious occasion. They exchanged stories of their own weddings and shared fond memories of their younger days. Daadi's eyes sparkled with happiness as she recounted old tales, and her friends listened attentively, reminiscing about their own past.