The Enchanted Hearts

CHAPTER-18

After a long day at work, I finally arrived home. As soon as I walked in, I could sense the excitement in the air. Everyone was buzzing with anticipation for Zohan’s birthday party. I decided to give them a bit of a push to get moving.

"Everyone, get ready," I announced. "We're going to Zohan's birthday party."

The house erupted into a flurry of activity as everyone started getting dressed for the occasion. I headed upstairs to change, looking forward to a brief moment of quiet before the evening's festivities.

Once in my room, I chose a traditional deep blue kurta with intricate embroidery on the collar and cuffs. It was one of my favorites, elegant yet comfortable. After changing, I stood in front of the dresser and sprayed on some cologne, the woody and fresh scent helping me feel more relaxed.

Just then, Zara entered the room. The sight of her momentarily took my breath away. She was dressed in a soft pastel-colored traditional outfit, the kind that effortlessly combined elegance with simplicity. The light fabric draped beautifully over her frame, adorned with delicate embroidery that shimmered subtly under the room's light.

Her hair was neatly styled, falling softly over her shoulders, framing her face in a way that highlighted her natural beauty. The jhumkas she wore, dangled elegantly, adding a touch of grace to her overall look. They swayed gently with each of her movements, catching the light and drawing attention to her expressive eyes.

Her eyes, however, were filled with a mix of emotions—discomfort, vulnerability, and a hint of sadness. The makeup she wore was minimal, just enough to enhance her features without overshadowing her natural beauty. There was a gentle glow to her skin, a result of both her inner strength and the subtle cosmetics.

When our eyes met, it was a brief but impactful moment. She quickly looked away, clearly feeling self-conscious. But even in that short glance, I could see the effort she had put into her appearance. She looked beautiful, a perfect blend of traditional elegance and modern poise. Her presence had a calming effect, a stark contrast to the turmoil of the day's events.

Seeing her like this, I felt a surge of protectiveness and admiration. She deserved to feel confident and beautiful, not just tonight, but always. The beauty of her traditional look wasn't just in the clothes and jewelry she wore, but in the grace and dignity she carried within herself.

"Why are you taking them off?" I asked when I noticed her removing her jhumkas in front of the mirror.

"It's nothing," she replied, her voice hesitant.

I could tell something was wrong. "Zara, tell me what happened," I insisted gently.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she finally spoke. "Zain was downstairs... his words... it made me uncomfortable."

Anger surged through me. How dare he? I was ready to storm out and confront Zain, but Zara grabbed my arm, her touch stopping me in my tracks.

"Please, I don't want any trouble tonight. Let's just go to the party," she pleaded.

I took a deep breath and sighed heavily, trying to calm myself. "Okay, but wear your jhumkas again. They look beautiful on you."

She hesitated, clearly not wanting to put them back on. So, I picked up the jhumkas and gently placed them back on her ears. "You deserve to feel beautiful and confident. Don't think about others," I said softly, surprising even myself with my words.

Zara looked at me, her eyes wide with surprise. For a moment, we shared a rare understanding. Then, she composed herself, and we headed downstairs to join the rest of the family.