Veiled Emotions

CHAPTER-19

The witnesses for the nikkah were carefully chosen from both families. Hammad's father, Ahsan, and his chacha (uncle) Muzaffar stood as witnesses for Hammad, while Inaya's father, Tariq, and her nanajaan (grandfather), Niaz, represented her side.

After the official ceremony concluded, everyone was busy congratulating the couple. Hammad, feeling the surge of emotions and wanting to express his affection for Inaya, was hesitant about how to approach her in front of everyone. Sensing Hammad's dilemma, Hamdan, ever the playful instigator, loudly suggested, "I think you should hug and kiss the bride after the wedding, right?" This drew everyone's attention, making Hammad blush slightly.

Hammad looked towards Fahad, silently seeking permission or assurance. Fahad smiled and nodded, as did Dadajaan, indicating it was okay. Encouraged, Hammad moved toward the flower curtain separating them and stepped to Inaya's side.

Inaya, who had just finished hugging everyone, felt a wave of nervousness and shyness wash over her. The realization that Hammad was no longer just her 'bhai' but now her husband made her fidget with her fingers. As Hammad stood in front of her, waiting, it took a moment for her to realize he was expecting her to stand. When it finally dawned on her, she quickly rose to her feet.

Hammad wrapped his arms around her, enveloping her in a warm and comforting embrace. Inaya felt an unexpected wave of security and affection wash over her. It was a hug filled with love and reassurance, and she found herself not wanting to let go. For Hammad, it was a deeply emotional moment, as he held the woman he had loved for so long, now officially his wife.

After a moment, Hammad gently pulled back and kissed Inaya on the forehead. She closed her eyes, feeling the tenderness and warmth of the kiss, a gesture filled with love and promises for their future together.

Still in each other's embrace, Hammad whispered softly into Inaya's ear, "Mubarak ho, Mrs. Inaya Hammad Mirza." (Congratulations, Mrs. Inaya Hammad Mirza.)

Inaya blushed deeply, feeling overwhelmed but content. The room was filled with smiles and a few happy tears from the family, witnessing this tender moment between the newlyweds.

Hammad said, "Won't you congratulate me?"

Inaya looked at Hammad with a pout and replied, "Aapko bhi mubarak, Mr. Hammad Mirza." (Congratulations to you too, Mr. Hammad Mirza.) She mimicked Hammad's tone.

Hammad chuckled slightly, enjoying their playful banter right at the beginning of their new relationship. The family members were delighted to see them together.

Ayaan approached and said, "Abb bas hai, hum sab ko bhi Inaya se milna hai. Agar aapka milna ho gaya toh, bhai, kya hum mil sakte?" (Alright, enough. We all want to meet Inaya too. If you're done, brother, can we meet her now?)

Hammad responded, "Agar mein mana karoon, toh kya tum nahi miloge?" (If I say no, will you not meet her?)

Ayaan retorted, "Abb aapki kaun sunne wala hai? Hamari behen, hamari marzi." (Who would listen to you now? Our sister, our choice.)

Hammad said, "Agar aisa hai toh phir meri biwi, meri marzi. Woh kisse se milegi ya nahi milegi, woh main tay karunga." (If that's the case, then my wife, my rules. I will decide whom she meets.)

Inaya blushed deeply when she heard Hammad referring to her as his wife.

Everyone was laughing as they watched the brother-in-law and brother-in-law teasing each other over their sister. Hamdan chimed in, "Kya yaar, abhi abhi toh shaadi hui aur tum abhi se haq jatana shuru kar diye." (Hey, guys, the wedding just happened, and you're already claiming rights?)

Hammad responded, "Haq abhi se nahi jatayein toh phir kab jatayein?" (If I don't claim my rights now, then when should I?)

Hamdan replied, "Arey, haq jatane se kisne mana kiya, par abhi uske bhaiyon se toh milne do usse." (No one's stopping you from claiming your rights, but let her meet her brothers first.)

Fahad, Hamza, Ayaan, and Hammad all said in unison, "Arey bhai, tameez se, behen hai meri." (Hey, show some respect, she's my sister.) Then Hammad added, "Arey bhai, tameez se, biwi hai meri." (Hey, show some respect, she's my wife.)

Hamdan raised his hands in a gesture of surrender and said, "Acha baba, acha." (Alright, alright.)

In the midst of all this, Inaya stood beside Hammad, his hand resting protectively on her waist, holding her close. Fahad then said, "Aisa baatein karne se kuch nahi hoga," (Talking like this won't help) and moved towards Hammad, taking Inaya from him to give her a hug. Hamza and Ayaan joined them, saying, "Mubarak ho, little princess." (Congratulations, little princess.)

They then led her to the main stage in the garden, where everyone would come to congratulate them. Hammad walked alongside them, with Hamdan and Qavi by his side, and the girls following slowly. Once they reached the stage, Hamza helped Inaya sit on the couch, with Hammad sitting beside her. The boys stood behind the couch, chatting, while the girls sat next to Inaya and Hammad, engaging in conversation.

Hamza's wife, Aqsa, and her parents approached to congratulate the couple. Aqsa said, "Mubarak ho, meri pyari si sister-in-law." (Congratulations, my dear sister-in-law.) Inaya responded, "Jazakallah." (Thank you.)

However, Aqsa's mother made a taunting remark, "Batayein nahi tumne ki tumhara chakar chal raha tha tumhare cousin brother se." (You didn't tell us you were having an affair with your cousin brother.) This comment angered everyone, as it was highly inappropriate.

Hammad clenched his fist tightly and said, "Aap Hamza bhai ki saas hai, isliye aapko yahan izzat mil rahi hai. Aur aapko kisi ne bhi haq nahi diya meri biwi se aisi baat karne ke liye. Isse pehle ki mein kuch zyada karoon, lehaza aap apni is gandi zuban ko lekar yahan se jayein." (You're Hamza's mother-in-law, so you're getting respect here. But no one gave you the right to speak to my wife like that. Before I do something more, please take your filthy tongue and leave.)

Fahad placed a calming hand on Hammad's shoulder, signaling him to control his temper since they were Hamza's in-laws. Aqsa's father apologized, saying, "Sorry beta, isse aise baat karne ki aadat hai. Mein uske taraf se maafi maangta hoon." (Sorry, son, she has a habit of speaking like this. I apologize on her behalf.) Aqsa also apologized, saying, "Sorry, Inaya," and then looked towards Hamza, "Sorry, Hamza."

Hammad just nodded his head in response, while Inaya softly said, "It's okay, bhabhi" (sister-in-law).

Hamdan's POV

I stood in the corner because all the brothers were at the back, and Hafsa was also in the corner, right in front of me. Oh, I was so close to her I could actually smell her perfume, which she had applied sparingly, yet I could still catch its scent because I was standing directly behind her. I wanted to talk to her, but now wasn't the right time to start a conversation.

Meanwhile, Haniya was still lost in her thoughts. Earlier, while they were getting down the stairs, Fahad had been holding onto her dupatta. Even as they made their way towards the stage, Fahad continued to hold it. When they finally settled Inaya on the stage, Haniya turned to Fahad and said, "Chodiye mera duppata" (Let go of my dupatta).Fahad replied, "Mein chodunga lekin tumhe sambhal kar chalna hoga aur apni odhni ko bhi pakdo taki tum gir na jao. Pehle hi itne bade heels pahene hue hai aur upar se ye odhni jo lid rahi hai aur usse bhi upar, tum bohot clumsy ho toh sambhal ke" (I'll let go, but you need to walk carefully and hold your dupatta properly so you don't trip. You're already wearing such high heels, and on top of that, your dupatta is dragging. Plus, you're quite clumsy, so be careful).Haniya was just listening to him, because it was the very first time Fahad had actually shown his concern for her, and her mind was still stuck on that moment.

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