ISHQ SUFIYANA

19|.

Inaya sat in her room at the family's farmhouse, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. The Mehendi function was about to start, and she was eager to look her best. The room was filled with the soft hum of activity. The makeup artist, Ayesha, worked meticulously, applying delicate strokes of eyeliner to enhance Inaya's almond-shaped eye.

"Close your eyes for a second," Ayesha said softly.

Ayesha had chosen a palette of emerald and gold tones to complement Inaya's outfit.

"You're going to look stunning," Ayesha said, adding the final touches of highlighter to accentuate Inaya's cheekbones.

Meanwhile, the hairstylist, Rina, was skillfully weaving intricate braids into Inaya's long, dark hair, putting tiny jasmine flowers that added a touch of elegance. 

Inaya's lehenga was a breathtaking ensemble of deep green with gold embroidery. As Ayesha and Rina finished their work, Inaya stood up and admired herself in the mirror. She looked every bit the picture of grace and beauty, ready to shine at her brother's Mehendi function.

A knock on the door startled her. "Come in!" Inaya said

The door creaked open, revealing Mrunali and Ishaan. Mrunali, dressed in a vibrant green sharara suit and Ishaan, wearing a green kurta, stopped in their tracks, eyes wide with admiration.

"Wow, Inaya! You look stunning!" Mrunali said

"Yes, you look gorgeous!" Ishaan added

 "Thank you guys. You both look fantastic too!" Inaya replied

"Hey, Mru, think Advay bhai will be able to take his eyes off her tonight?" Ishaan said teasingly

Mrunali laughed and said "Doubt it. If he does, I'll owe you a treat, Ishaan."

"He'll be too busy picking his jaw up from the floor," Ishaan said and they both chuckled

Inaya rolled her eyes at their banter but couldn't suppress a smile. Just then, Inaya's mom called her as the function was about to start.

"Stop it guys and let's go, mom is calling us," Inaya said and headed out

As she made her way down the stairs, the lively atmosphere of the farmhouse enveloped her. Guests mingled, laughter filled the air, and the scent of flowers and mehendi hung delicately around. Inaya scanned the crowd, her heart beating a little faster.

Then, she saw him.

Advay stood near the entrance, his dark eyes scanning around until they settled on her. A smile played on his lips, and Inaya felt a rush of warmth spread through her as their eyes met. She greeted other guests distractedly, her attention was drawn to him.

Advay walked over, his gaze never leaving hers. Inaya excused herself when is saw Advay coming towards her.

"Inaya, you look absolutely breathtaking," Advay said

"Thank you, Advay. You look quite dashing yourself." Inaya replied feeling a blush rise to her cheeks.

"Um... I wanted to ask you something, Inaya." Advay said

"What is it?" Inaya replied

"Umm... about yesterday...What did you mean by that? What was your answer?" Advay said leaning forward

"It was a yes, Advay.  I want to give us a chance." Inaya replied softly 

 "You have no idea how happy that makes me," Advay said as his face lit up with happiness as he wrapped his arms around her in a gentle hug. Inaya leans into it for a moment before pulling away slightly.