Umeed

Chapter 7

Flashback Continued

Each and every function leading up to Maheen's nikkah was executed smoothly, and everything went off without a hitch. When the day of the nikkah finally arrived, Noor was filled with joy and enthusiasm, bouncing from one event to the next. As she celebrated the occasion, she found herself increasingly drawn to Shahzain. Over time, she began to see him not just as a brotherly figure, but as someone who held a more significant place in her heart.

The day of Maheen's nikkah had arrived, and everything unfolded smoothly, just as planned. The ceremony was a beautiful reflection of the care and effort that had gone into every detail. Noor, who had been the epitome of joy throughout the preparations, now felt a shift in her emotions. As the day progressed, she realized that Shahzain, who had always been a brotherly figure, had come to mean much more to her.

The nikkah ceremony concluded with heartfelt congratulations pouring in for Zafar and Maheen. Everyone was cheerful, celebrating the union and the new chapter in their lives. However, amid the festive atmosphere, Shahzain stood apart, his expression clouded with sadness. For him, the day marked a poignant moment of transition. His baby sister, whom he had watched grow up and cherished deeply, was now moving on to a new phase of her life, becoming someone else's wife. It was a bittersweet moment, filled with both pride for her new beginning and sorrow for the personal loss of having to let her go.

(I don't know much about formal nikkah ceremonies, so I'm not going to write about them in detail yet. I may add that later.)

The day had come to an end, and it was time for Maheen's ruksati. The atmosphere was heavy with sadness. Ayesha, overcome with emotion, hugged her daughter tightly and wept. Faris, struggling to hold back his tears, eventually let them flow freely. Noor, also deeply affected, tearfully pleaded, "Please mat jaayeye aapi." Her voice cracked as she cried during the ruksati.

Shahzain, maintaining a stoic expression, placed his hand gently on Maheen's head and offered her his blessing. He then turned to Zafar and said, "Meri behen ka khayal rakhna. Maine use beti ki tarha dekha hai agar use koi taklif hue toh mai bardasht nahi karunga."

Zafar, understanding the gravity of Shahzain's words, reassured him with a nod. "Mai uska bahut khayal rakhunga bhai. Meri biwi ko kisi baat ka shikayat ka mauka nahi dunga."

As Maheen departed, the house felt eerily quiet and empty. The once lively and bustling home now seemed hollow, filled with the lingering echoes of the day's emotions.

It was late at night, and everyone had already retired to bed. Noor, unable to sleep, noticed a light coming from Maheen's room and decided to check. As she quietly approached the room, she saw Shahzain sitting on the floor, holding a photo frame. The photo was of Maheen, and Shahzain's face was etched with sadness.

Seeing Shahzain, usually so composed and stern, so vulnerable and heartbroken, was a poignant sight for Noor. It was clear how deeply Shahzain had cared for Maheen, almost as a father would for his daughter. The separation was weighing heavily on him.

Noor gently approached Shahzain and sat beside him on the floor. "Aapi ko accha nahi lagta, aap sad hote hai toh," she said softly, trying to offer comfort. Shahzain looked at Noor, who was now sitting next to him, and nodded appreciatively. Her presence seemed to bring him a small measure of solace.

Shahzain began to share memories of his time with Maheen, recounting how he had always looked after her with a fatherly affection. He spoke about the little things he did to ensure she was happy and safe. Noor listened quietly, her heart touched by the depth of Shahzain's feelings and the care he had shown Maheen.

The silence that followed was filled with a comforting calm. Noor's presence, though quiet, provided a sense of peace to Shahzain. It was the first time he had opened up so intimately, and the act of sharing his memories seemed to ease some of his grief.