When the sun and moon collide

Mere Yaar ki Shaadi hai!

June
Farhad and Ayah's wedding day.

Maha's POV

Weddings. They are a mix of emotions for me. I love the food and the celebratory atmosphere, but I hate the forced socializing and familial obligations that come along with it. The thought of awkwardly interacting with my distant relatives and being scrutinized by creepy aunties looking for potential suitors makes me cringe. Thankfully, my mum decided to keep it small this time, only inviting close family and friends. But she did let me invite Zafirah and Aarish, my closest friends. As much as I dislike weddings, today was a big day and there was a lot to be done. The house was chaotic, with people running around and my mum constantly yelling for everyone to hurry up. It's only 7am and we have to be at the hall by 11am for extra preparations. Despite my distaste for wedding season, I know I won't be alone since I'll have my trusted moral supports by my side.

"Farhad, hurry up." Mariam was banging on the toilet door, urging him to hurry up. The house has two bathrooms and dad was clogging the second one. I got up early around six and had a shower and ironed my clothes. But they won't be up to my mum's standard. Noor practically had it easier, she was at her own house preparing.
"Would the pair of you stop fighting. I will come up there and beat you up with my shoe." My mum yelled at Mariam and Aryaan. It's too early for this. I packed what I needed, including make up, clothes, a pair of shoes and some other extra stuff and decided to go to Aarish and Zafirah's apartment. I'm getting claustrophobic just being here.

"Oi, where are you going?" My mum was not in the mood, and when she is like that, the whole mood of the house is off. I get it, she's stressed but don't take it out on me.
"To Aarish and Zafirah's."
"Why? Can you not get ready at home?" For the love of God, I didn't want to lash out , so I just calmly gave my answer.
"No. Because it's hectic and I will not be able to get ready. Also, I need to pick up a few things for the wedding that Noor ordered and give it to her."
"Fine, but be at the hall at eleven."
"Ok." I grabbed Farhad's car keys and quickly notified him, "Yo, Farhad, I'm taking your car." I quickly ran out the door and stuffed the car with my things before driving off to the my friends' house.

The sky was a clear, tranquil shade of blue, signalling the start of a beautiful summer morning. Yet, despite the promising hue, a chill hung in the air, causing me to shiver as I made my way towards the apartment complex. I balanced an array of items in my arms, carefully navigating the steps to avoid dropping anything. While using the elevator may have seemed like the obvious choice, it was often unreliable and prone to breaking down. So I opted for the stairs.

Finally reaching my destination, I knocked eagerly on the door. Zafirah, still dressed in her night clothes with sleep still clinging to her features, answered with a curious expression.

"Maha, what brings you here so early?" she yawned.

Before I could answer, Aarish came bounding up the stairs, headphones on and clad in an oversized tracksuit. It seemed she had already been on a morning run or possibly hit the gym. I hesitated before replying, "Is it possible for me to get ready here? It's just too noisy at home." Zafirah immediately nodded in understanding while Aarish helped me gather my belongings.

"Have you eaten yet, Maha?" Zafirah asked politely, gesturing towards the kitchen. I woke the bechari girl and now she is asking if I ate. I truly did have really good friends.

"If you're going to make breakfast, make me some, I'm going to hit the shower. I smell like sweat." Aarish yelled from the bedroom which in response Zafirah rolled her eyes. For the next couple of hours, the three of us had gotten ready and were good to go.

The three of us were busy getting ready, Aarish in the bathroom and Zafirah used her vanity table and I opted to sit in front of a long mirror. We couldn't be bothered to style our hair since it wasn't going to be shown anyway, so I just focused on my make up.