Raah-e-ishq

CHAPTER 7

ZIMAL'S POV :

The day started with Bi Jaan asking me to come with her, and now, here we are in a boutique. I was scared at first because what if her choice was backward? But looking at this boutique made me realize how good her fashion taste is.

As we walked in, the luxurious interior of the boutique immediately caught my attention. Soft, ambient lighting highlighted the elegant racks of clothing, and the subtle scent of fresh flowers filled the air.

Bi Jaan settled herself on a plush sofa, while I wandered through the store, feeling slightly out of place. It's been so long since I've bought anything desi. My fingers grazed the fabrics on a rack filled with Maria B's pret collection.

The intricate embroidery and delicate details reflecting a rich heritage of design. Seeing these beautiful dresses in Pakistan had a unique charm, a blend of tradition and modernity that resonated deeply with me.

Lost in admiration, my thoughts shattered when my eyes caught a glimpse of a price tag. 40,000 rupees? My breath hitched. I had never liked buying anything with someone else's money, and now the thought of purchasing these expensive dresses, especially with the money of people who were also giving me a home to live in, felt overwhelming and wrong. I turned away from the rack, a heavy feeling settling in my chest.

Just then, someone tapped my shoulder. I turned to see Bi Jaan standing right behind me, her expression soft yet firm. She whispered, smiling forcefully, "Tum wahan bethi hui achi lag rahi thi. Ye kaam mujh pe chor do."

She turned to speak with the shop assistant. I watched her with a sense of awe, realizing just how much she cared. Despite my reservations, I knew she had my best interests at heart.

They began conversing fluently in Urdu, discussing different pieces of clothing.

Just as I was about to ask her to let me handle this myself, she turned to me and said, "Zimal, ye kesa hai?" She held up a pink kameez. I peeked at the dress from behind her, and my breath hitched. It was pretty but "This color is bright..." I started to say, she cut me off.

"To tum safed rang ke kapre lena chahti ho?" she retorted, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. I shook my head, feeling a bit trapped. Kahan phas gayi hoon mein, I thought.

"Wear this," she insisted, handing me the dress. The sales assistant guided me to the changing room, and I silently walked in. Changing into the dress, I turned to the mirror and a little gasp left my mouth. The dress was absolutely gorgeous.

The pink kameez was a dyed straight-cut shirt with an overlap V neckline adorned with intricate lace, pearls, and organza detailing. The center pane featured beautiful 3D florals and pearl embellishments, while the side panels boasted exquisite cutwork embroidery.

The organza front border, embroidered and detailed with pearls, added a touch of elegance. The full sleeves also had embroidered borders, and the dyed back complemented the overall design.

The dupatta was a printed peach, adding a final touch of grace to the ensemble.

I couldn't believe how stunning the outfit looked on me. It was as if it had been made specifically for me.

*****

AUTHOR'S POV :

The card slid smoothly against the machine, confirming the purchase with a soft beep. The changing room door unlocked with a gentle click, catching Bi Jaan's attention as she moved towards it.

Zimal stepped out, the light in the boutique catching the delicate details of her dress. Bi Jaan whispered a reverent "masha'Allah" under her breath, her eyes filled with pride and admiration.