Along The Lines of Love

Chapter 7. The Rukhsati and Sobs.

Tu ishq ishq sa meri, rooh mai ake bas jaa,

Jis ore teri shehnai, uss ore mai bhaagu re.

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Rahil bhai stood there at the door holding a few shopping bags in one hand and his entire world, Aleena, in his other. He nuzzles his head in the crook of her neck and slowly breaks the hug. Aleena giggles like a kid and then gets down. Rahil bhai hands the shopping bags to Aleena.

"I got you a gift." he whispers into Aleena's ear and then comes inside. He attacks on the sweet treats kept on the table and then slowly moves back towards Aleena.

The lights go dim as he begins to speak.

"Aleena. I know I am not the best you could get but I do know we are the best for each other. I don't know how I can explain my love for you. It's difficult to describe every feeling that is going on inside me right now but one feeling that has been a constant is my eternal love for you. I don't know what I would do without you. Thank you so much for marrying me. I am truly the luckiest man alive. I know how you always wanted a proposal but since that wasn't possible before we got married...but it's never too late you know." He knelt on the ground and pulled out a ring and says,

"Marry me Aleena. I will love you till my last breath." Aleena stays still, tears falling from her eyes but no expression on her face. She finally comes back to reality when we all start hooting and cheering loudly. She wipes her tears away and slowly forwards her hand to Rahil bhai.

"I'm already married to you idiot." She chuckles.

"It's okay, just go with the flow of the moment."

"Yes. Yes I will." He slowly slides the ring onto Aleena's ring finger. AWWWW!!! This is the best bridal shower I have given anyone.

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The next morning is rainy in Lahore. The weather is so unpredictable here I just can't. The house is silent compared to the previous few days. The atmosphere is gloomy and so is everyone's mood. The event starts at 8 and everyone is afraid the weather won't calm down until then. Aleena is sitting beside me packing a few of her last bags and organizing her things that she needs to take to the salon, while I am busy talking to mama and baba on the phone.

"Done?" I ask Aleena as I cut the call.

"Haan almost. Aliyan bhai se yeh neeche rakhne ka kehdo please." She points at 2 suitcases kept near the entrance of the room. I nod and go outside. I softly knock on Aliyans door and he hums in response.

"Aleena needed you to keep the suitcases downstairs." He is wearing a simple kurta and shalwar. The top buttons of his kurta are open and I cringe internally.

"Sure. but before that could you just call mama? I have been struggling with this stupid button for so long and now it's broken." He points towards the button I had just noticed.

"Aunty toh ghar pe nahi hai, mai chachi ku bulaadeti hoon."

"Thanks. I will keep the suitcases in a bit, don't worry.

I turn around and leave. After sending chachi to Aliyans room I get ready to go to the parlor. I am drying my hair when I hear soft sobs. Aleena is crying. She has been so emotional lately and today was even worse. She would cry every hour quite literally.

"Leena. It's going to be okay, trust me. Stop crying baby, we need to go."

"I will miss everyone so much!" She wipes her nose with the sleeve of her oversized sweater.

"I know but we all are right here. Rahil bhai won't lock you up in a cage after marriage. You will still get to meet us Leena. Stop overthinking and quickly grab everything you need." I console her and go back to drying my hair and Aleena goes into the washroom to change. I tie my hijab securely after tying my hair up in a bun and put my abaya on when I hear a knock on the door. Aliyan.