YEH DILKASHI

Chapter-23

Umaira, with renewed confidence and a lighter heart, successfully completes her Civil Services exams. She emerged from the grand building, her heart pounding with a mix of relief and anticipation. Clutching her folder, she took a deep breath, the reality of having finished her UPSC interview slowly sinking in.

Her eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on him. Standing by the gate, her husband Talal wore a warm, encouraging smile, his eyes twinkling with pride. She walked towards him, her steps quickening with each moment.

As they met, he pulled her into a tight embrace.

"You did it," he whispered, his voice filled with pride and joy.

Tears of gratitude welled up in her eyes.

"I couldn't have done it without you," she said, her voice choked with emotion.

"Your support, your encouragement... it means everything to me."

"I knew you could do it. You've worked so hard for this moment Meri Jaan."He gently wiped away her tears, his thumb brushing her cheek.

They stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other's arms, the chaos of the world around them fading into the background. It was a moment of pure, unspoken gratitude and love, a testament to their shared journey and the strength they found in each other.

"Ab bas mujhe Zoheb Bhai ki Shadi ko enjoy karna hai" She said with her face still buried in his chest.

"Yes Jaan" He kissed her forehead.

"Let's go celebrate," he said, taking her hand in his. She nodded, a smile breaking through her tears. Together, they walked away from the building, ready to embrace whatever the future held, as long as they were together.

___________________________________________________

Preparations for the grand baraat function were in full swing. Zoheb's family, adorned in vibrant attire, was busy with the final touches. The air buzzed with excitement and anticipation, the sweet aroma of marigolds mixing with the mouth-watering scents of traditional delicacies.

In the midst of this joyous chaos, Umaira arrived home in the evening, with Talal. She had just returned from her UPSC interview, which, in an unfortunate twist of fate, had coincided with Zoheb & Sumaira's  wedding day. Her dedication to both her family and her career was evident in her tired yet determined eyes.

"Assalamualaikum" She greeted while entering the house and went to hug her Mother in law cum phuppho, Naeema.

"Walaikumassalam meri jaan, kaisa Raha interview" She asked, kissing her forehead.

"Alhumdulillah phuppho aapki dua'on se bahot accha raha" Umaira replied.

"Ma Sha Allah..Mujhe toh pehle hi ummeed thi ki meri beti bahot accha karegi" She said with love and pride in her eyes.

"Ji bas dua kariye ga selection bhi ho jaye" Umaira kissed her cheeks now.

"In Sha Allah zaroor hoga aur ab jao jaldi se tum dono bhi ready ho jao, Sumaira bhi salon ja chuki hai" She lovingly patted her hair.

"Bas saari duayein Bahu ke liye hai mujhe nahi dengi kuch?" Talal interrupted their Saas-Bahu moment as he approached to hug his mother and Umaira went towards her mother, Noori for a hug.

"Meri toh duayein humesha tumlogon ke sath hain" She kissed his forehead.

"Ammi" Umaira closed her eyes and hugged her.

"Meri jaan...kitna thak gayi hai" She kissed her forehead.

"Jao beta jaldi se ready ho jakr...Baraat ka bhi time ho raha hai" Said Noori as she ran her fingers through her hair to which Umaira reluctantly went to get ready with Talal.