The call of destiny

Bonus Chapter

Mature content: Strictly 16+and above. ⚠️

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There was a hidden burst of dread, anxiety and excitement, all at once, swirling in the rather chaotic whirlwind ceremony of his younger brother. His own nerves were on high alert. He had smoked three cigarettes in a row and extracted another from the packet. His friend watched him as he clicked on his zippo and lit it up.

“I can smell the air as dense as it was on the day of your nikah. But I had never envisioned that the cheeky doctor would also follow your steps.” Aki aka Akash Sharma implored with a mocking proverb.

“That's what is concerning me the most. He has never sacrificed a pencil in his life. I want to know what has gotten into his head.”

“Now, you are just dumping his sacrifices into the trash. Don't forget he once sacrificed his girlfriend for his brother, whom you are…”

“Complete the sentence and you won't be leaving on your legs when the ceremony ends.” Rehan threatened his best friend.

Akash smiled like a devil and winked at Sahil, gesturing him towards the pissed face of Rehan.

“Bhai, Mahi apa is asking for the gajre (garlands). Did you send someone for them?” Alia emerged from the gigantic arch which served as the main entrance of the building which separated the lawn. Rehan threw his cigarette down, and also eyed Sahil to do the same. Sahil looked at her for a briefest moment before turning his back on her face, but didn't throw his cigarette away.

“Yes, tell your apa that I am bringing it up for her. I have got them; they are just in the car.”

“Give me the keys. I will get them myself.” Alia moved forward in his direction but her brother stopped her in her track.

“No, you are not going into the parking lot, go inside. I have got them.”

“Uff bhai, I'm not a kid anymore.” The girl stomped her feet on the carpeted floor before she turned and left her brother and his best friends. Her brother wanted to counter her declaration but she had already left the trio of friends in fuming abandonment.

“Don't smoke in front of her again.” Rehan warned his friend Sahil and left them to fetch gajre for his wife.

“He still treats Alloo like a baby. He is bound to get a heart attack when suitors come rushing down for her in the near future. She has turned into a fine young woman.” Akash stated with a smile as he shook his head, unaware of his other friend's disturbed stance who was glaring at the entrance as if he wanted to fire the whole decoration down with his burning gaze.

“I will not stay for the customary wedding feast later tonight. My father is also attending it with his family.” Sahil announced while dusting ash from his leather jacket.

“Oh!” Aki looked up at him. He knew that if Sahil's father is attending the wedding dinner of Zimaan, it meant that his friend won't make it to dinner. He would rather eat cardboard than attend the same dinner as his father.

“Chal (come), we will leave just after the Nikah. No need to stay here. The doctor Dickinson is not our close friend anyway.”

They helped Rehan with some last-minute preparations, welcomed the guests with him on the main gate and attended Zimaan’s Nikah. But then they immediately informed their friend that they are leaving.

“The hall is quite big for you to avoid your parents if you want to. Have your dinner early and then leave. Sheikh Sahab will haul you in the middle of the celebration if he sees you departing.”