ishq lost & found

7; Attempts

"Are you sure you don't want to pick him up with us at the airport?" her mother asked, perched on the edge of the bed as she ran her hand through Ranya's hair, trying to wake her up gently.

"No, it's 5 in the morning" she grumbled, angry someone would disturb her in her peaceful slumber, pulling her blanket over her head before flipping to face the opposite side 

"Aren't you curious? Don't you wanna see him?" She asked, trying to bribe her daughter into waking up to pick up Saad. 

But there wasn't much that could come between Ranya & her sleep, and her mother knew that. Realizing she would only be defeated, her mother gave up, letting Ranya continue her beloved rest. 

"No, let it be a surprise." She mumbled, quickly dozing back to sleep, something she would come to regret when she finally woke up, recognizing the opportunity she missed. 

As Ranya lay in the comfort of her bed, nestled in her blankets, she delayed getting up, apprehensive to start the day. Saad's impending arrival and her irrational decision stirred a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within her. After many moments of contemplating, wondering how this reunion would go, she finally found the courage to get up. 

Taking a quick hot shower to sooth her anxious thoughts & fears, she stepped out of the steamy bathroom towel draped around her body & hair. Speedily getting dressed, she made her way to the living room, hearing an unfamiliar voice as she descended the stairs. 

Towel still wrapped around her hair, she peeked over the wall between the stairs & living room, noticing a man with a wide set of shoulders sitting with his back facing her. She stayed for a moment, considering who could possibly be visiting her so early in the day. Then it dawned on her. 

Her eyes grew wide, the life draining from her face before she bolted back up the stairs & into her room. Today was the engagement. Today she was close to becoming Saad's wife. And whether it was him in her living room or some other man, it didn't matter. It didn't change the fact that she'd be coming face to face with her first heart break in just a few fours. 

With the event starting in a couple of hours, Ranya lulled herself into believing she had just enough time to mentally & physically prepare. Rummaging through the cocoon of blankets on her bed, she scrambled for her phone, throwing decorative pillows all around the room.

"Dua!" She exclaimed into the phone, "Dua I'm getting engaged... today!" 

Picking up, somewhat confused she answered, "Well yeah? In a few hours, I'm preparing for that right now. Is something wrong?" She asked, concern tinting her tone. 

"No- well, yes but no. I think your brother is here. In my house. Talking to my father. As you & I speak. Right now." She urged, a sense of dread laced in her voice 

"So? But just wait til later tonight to see him for the first time! I'm glad you didn't come to the airport, I can't wait so see your reactions! I'll be there in a bit!" 

After hours of work, Dua was finally placing the final touches in her best friends hair, grinning at her work. All those years of practicing together using YouTube tutorials was coming in handy. And that certificate from beauty school too, I guess. 

"You look so pretty" She cooed, backing up for a moment to get a full look at her best friend. "Saad bhai will lose his mind seeing you like this oh my gosh!!" She cheered, unable to wait much longer, whipping out her phone to snap some pictures 

"Wha- are you sending those to him?" Ranya jumped, trying to snatch Dua's phone. 

"Don't be silly, I want to see the look on his face when he finally sees you! It's going to be priceless, I can't wait!" She squealed, "Mama said she'll text me when they're here and ready in the living room."