Forever His

Chapter 11: Dholki night

Mahnoor's POV:

It was the day of my dholki. I only had one dholki, what a shame. I don't understand why it's so rushed. He's what - a millionaire? His money won't go running off that quickly. 

The dholki was at the house and the rest of the events in a hall that he owned himself. I was getting my makeup and hair done with Meerab. I only invited her from all the people I knew but she was more than enough. I told the makeup artist to do something simple but elegant and just a little shimmer on the eyes. I wasn't really in the mood for all of this. I hadn't even seen my dress or shoes or jewellery and didn't know what to expect. I'd seen these artists on TikTok and they were quite well known for their work. I trusted her with this.

After my hair and makeup was done, Kiran told me my dress was ready in the room and that I could go change. I didn't bother looking in the mirror to see if my hair and makeup looked good. Instead, I went into the walk-in closet to change. I opened the door to see four faces looking at me, with awe. I thought I had mud on the dress and looked in the mirror to see myself in awe too. The dress was beautiful. Stunning. It was a little heavy but I mean, I was getting married to a millionaire but I appreciate the fact that it wasn't THAT heavy. I wanted that for my baraat. I don't even know if I'll get it. 

I loved it. What I was confused about however, was how the dress fit me perfectly. The sleeves were the right length, the waist was perfect, the shoulder to shoulder length. Everything was exact. I mean at least it looked good, right?

"OH MY GOD NOOR, YOU LOOK SO PRETTY MASHALLAH!" Meerab had her eyes wide open and I could tell by her look she reallt liked the dress.

"Thank you Jaanu." I couldn't help but smile. It really was pretty.

The hair and makeup artists also looked amazed. "Miss, you look stunning." "Ma'am, I've never seen such a beautiful dress for a dholki before."

"Thank you so much but you two also completed the look." They had both done a great job. The makeup was natural with a little shimmer on the eyes, like I had asked. It fit well with the slightly heavy dress. My long thick hair was in braid with flowers in it and my earrings were also flowers. I was wearing gajrai (flower bracelets) which made everything look even prettier. They both left as they had other clients to attend.

"Noori Ji, Mashallah you have noor (light) all over your face. I told you Meeroo Ji has exquisite taste. The dress looks like it was made for you." She looks at me with tears in her eyes like a proud mother. I'd never felt the warmth of a mother but Kiran's gaze was enough to make me feel comforted. "I'd always dreamt since the day I started working here. I knew whenever Meeroo Ji got married, it would be the talk of the town. I hope you can bring a soft side in him. He will treat you well don't worry. I thought I'd never be alive to see this day, but here I am, helping his wife-to-be. 

He chose the dress for me? He was the one who told them my measurements? But how were they so precise?

"Thank you for being so warm and welcoming to me and I don't know how I feel about the whole 'he will treat you well' thing. Me personally, I'd say he's a devil in disguise." I say with a slight laugh.

"We'll see how quickly he turns from a devil to an angel for you Noori Ji."

"Oh please Kiran, that will never happen."

"Whatever you say..." she gives me a wink. And I thought I was delusional.

Yes, I did infact wear trainers because you couldn't see them and I was not going to wear heels for such a long time when no one was going to see them. Not even me. 

It was time to go downstairs. Yes I was nervous. Shahmeer said there would be more people at the baraat since he didn't want overcrowding in the house so that calmed me a little. We slowly walked down the stairs whilst Kiran and Meerab helped carry my dress.

Cameras flashing at me. Everywhere.