Raste Ishq Ke

10💗

Author 

The Khan family sat around the lavish dining table, the clinking of silverware and quiet hum of conversation filling the room. Amara sat beside Zain, their playful banter lighting up the evening as Zain teased her about a mishap during their recent bike ride. Across the table, Aaraiz and Aisha sat together, Aisha's smile soft but a little distant, while Aaraiz kept glancing at her from the corner of his eye, noticing the slight change in her demeanor but keeping silent for now.

Fatima and Yusuf, along with Faraz and Sara, were deep in conversation, and it wasn't long before the topic everyone had been thinking about finally surfaced.

"So," Yusuf began, his voice carrying authority but warmth as well, "I think it's time we officially discuss the engagement for Amara and Zain. What do you all think?"

Zain's grin widened as he glanced at Amara. "Well, I'm all for it," he said with a laugh. "As long as Amara doesn't get cold feet."

Amara rolled her eyes, nudging him playfully under the table. "I'm more likely to drag you to the ceremony myself."

The room chuckled at their banter, but Aaraiz, who had been silent so far, leaned back in his chair and spoke up, his deep voice cutting through the casual atmosphere.

"Why engagement?" he said thoughtfully, his gaze sweeping over the family. "Why not go straight for the Nikkah?"

His suggestion took everyone by surprise. The room fell quiet as they absorbed his words. Yusuf raised an eyebrow in surprise, while Fatima exchanged a glance with Sara. Zain, who had been chewing on a piece of bread, froze mid-bite, blinking at his elder cousin.

"Nikkah?" Zain repeated, his usual playful tone replaced with curiosity. "You mean, skip the engagement?"

Aaraiz nodded, his expression calm but firm. "Yes. Why wait? You both have known each other for so long. There's no reason to delay if everyone's in agreement."

Amara's eyes widened slightly, but she didn't protest. In fact, the idea didn't seem entirely unwelcome. She glanced at Zain, who seemed to be mulling it over, and then at Aaraiz, who had always been the practical, decisive one.

Yusuf cleared his throat, nodding slowly. "It's not a bad suggestion," he admitted. "If both families agree, there's no reason to drag it out."

Sara smiled at her son, sensing Zain's excitement. "What do you think, Zain? Amara?"

Zain, always the lighthearted one, shot a glance at Amara before looking at Aaraiz with a grin. "If it means I can call her my wife sooner, I'm all in."

Amara blushed slightly but didn't object, which everyone took as her agreement.

"Good," Aaraiz said, satisfied. "Then it's settled."

The conversation shifted back to more lighthearted topics, with Zain and Amara both trying to hide their excitement as they navigated this new reality. But amidst the joy, Aaraiz's gaze kept drifting to Aisha, who had been quieter than usual throughout the meal. She smiled when necessary, laughed when the others did, but there was a distance in her eyes that only Aaraiz seemed to notice.

After dinner, Aaraiz stood up, clearing his throat. "Before we finish for the night, Aisha and I have something for Zain and Amara."

Zain looked up, intrigued. "What is it, bhai?"

Aaraiz signaled to the staff, who brought in a set of car keys on a small velvet tray. He handed them to Aisha, nudging her forward gently. Aisha, though hesitant, stepped up and handed the keys to Zain with a soft smile.