Her First-ISHQ

/Chap-14/

THE RECEPTION DAY

YUSRA POV

Following the preparations for the reception. While waiting for my mother-in-law to lead me down the hallway, I sat on the couch. "How am I going to confront him, and how am I going to confront so many people?. What if my outfit doesn't appeal to him?. What if my decision disappoints him?. What if he's embarrassed to call me his wife?. What if he remains silent, just like the day he stood in front of his secretary?" my mother-in-law interrupted me as she thumped into the room...

"Mashallah my baby, you look the prettiest," Mom murmured, kissing the top of my fabricated head...

"Thank you, Mom," I responded with a smile. "Everyone is waiting, shall we?" she inquired, handing me a bouquet of white flowers. I nodded and stood up...

As she walked me across the hallway, with every increasing step, my heart accelerated, uncovering a new anxiousness inside me. My coronary sank as I saw a huge filled hall. Even in the thick of the audience, my gaze got drawn to Izhaan, who stood on stage waiting for me. When he eyed me, my pulse jumped a beat. He softly extended his hand as I reached out. With his help I stepped on the stage...

Both our families gathered on stage. "I'm grateful to everyone who joined us in this lovely evening. Thank you for accompanying us in the reception party of my son Izhaan Danish Ahmed, CEO of IDA Enterprise, and my daughter-in-law Dr. Yusra Arub Khan, a top surgeon" Dad stated passionately, turning towards us. I returned him a sweet smile. The crowd chanted with delightful claps...

"Izhaan, make Yusra wear it with your hands" his mom said, handing him a beautiful heart-shaped pendant with I and Y inscribed...

My breath seized in my chest, the instant he drew close and leaned forward to connect the pendant around my neck. I felt piloerection all throughout my entire being as his hot breath hit my face. As he took a step back, I realized I've been holding my oxygen for too long...

"Don't our families have a kissing ceremony?" Laira whispered behind my ears. My eyes widened as Shayan bhai giggled at Laira's comments...

Pinching her elbow slightly "girl, stay quiet" I plead...

My heart popped out when Izhaan grabbed my wrist, drawing me closer to him. He gently cradled my cheek with one hand and held my wrist with the other. My eyelids shut automatically as his warm lips settled on my forehead. I clutched on to his coat...

He parted his lips and still stared at me, which sent a tidal wave of conflicting feelings through me. I stepped back avoiding his intense eyes. Both of our families cheered blissfully. "That was an unexpected action on Jeeju's part" Laira again stated while I stood digesting what took place solely a few minutes ago.

"We have to meet some special guests" dad stated as he walked away with everyone...

Laira and I sat, playing with our niece, Kairah. During the passage of time, I felt Izhaan was occasionally checking on me.

Laira interrupted my thoughts by saying "Yusra, don't you think Shayan bhai is always near Amayah didi"?, with a playful grin. Following her gaze, I watched Shayan bhai and Amayah di together. Unsettling expression was visible on Amayah di's face, "Allah knows best, Laira" I murmured with a slight sigh...

As the occasion finished, guests departed, leaving our families in the hall. "Alhamdulillah, everything went perfectly" baba spoke looking at me...

"Now we can return to India wholeheartedly" sadness crossed my face hearing Amayah di's words...

Nodding with pain, "yeah" I replied...

"Let's drive off to our places" Shayan bhai said, walking ahead with Izhaan. My steps slowed, pushing me behind everyone. "Ya khuda, aren't these supposed to be the happiest times of my life? Instead, I'm adhering anguish and fear. Fe..fear of losing something that was never mine" I whispered beneath my breath, gulping the lump in my throat...