Jaan-e-Azlan❤

26

The living room buzzed with excitement as the family gathered to discuss the details of Azlan and Mantasha's upcoming nikah. It was supposed to be a casual family discussion, but with Azlan's mother at the helm, it quickly turned into a full-blown planning session.

"So, I was thinking we should have the ceremony at that big garden hall near the lake," Azlan's mother suggested enthusiastically, holding up a brochure. "It's beautiful, perfect for something grand."

Azlan, leaning back in his chair, smiled patiently. "But I don't think we need anything grand. We can keep it simple—just close family and a small gathering at home. That's all I want."

From her seat across the room, Mantasha had been unusually quiet. She sat listening as the family discussed the venue and catering. She was nervous, her thoughts all over the place. But when she heard Azlan saying he wanted a small, simple ceremony, something stirred in her. She had always imagined this moment as a celebration, and the thought of a quiet nikah didn't sit right with her.

Suddenly, breaking her silence, Mantasha looked up. "Actually," she began softly, drawing everyone's attention, "I think it should be a grand event." Her voice was quiet but confident, her gaze steady as she spoke.

Azlan's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You do?" he asked, his tone shifting immediately, open to her opinion. He had expected her to be on board with a simpler ceremony, but seeing her express herself like this made him pause.

"Yes, I do. I mean... it's a once-in-a-lifetime moment, right? Shouldn't we celebrate it properly?" Her voice wavered for a second, but she quickly composed herself. "It's not just about us, it's about family, too. I want everyone to be part of it... to feel the joy."

The room went quiet for a moment, all eyes on her. Azlan watched her closely, noticing the slight blush that crept up her cheeks as she spoke. Her nervousness was evident, but there was also a subtle determination in her words that made him smile. Everyone was quiet, hoping for Azlan to give in.

"If that's what you want," Azlan said softly, nodding in agreement without a second thought. "Then we'll make it grand."

Her eyes widened slightly in surprise, clearly not expecting him to give in so easily. The whole family, sensing the shift, erupted in excitement, discussing plans for the event. Mantasha looked around, momentarily overwhelmed by the sudden energy, but when her eyes met Azlan's, she felt an odd sense of reassurance.

As the lively discussions continued, Mantasha tried to keep up with the flow of conversation, though her thoughts wandered. She could feel Azlan's gaze on her from across the room, a mix of warmth and amusement dancing in his eyes. Every now and then, she'd catch him looking at her, and her heart would skip a beat.

In the middle of a conversation about the guest list, Azlan quietly stood up and moved closer to where Mantasha was seated, taking advantage of the moment when no one was paying attention.

He sat beside her and leaned close to her, his voice barely a whisper, but full of mischief.

"You know," he murmured, "if you blush this much now, Misha, what will you do when I call you my wife in front of everyone?"

Mantasha's breath caught, her eyes widening as her heart skipped a beat. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks instantly, flustered by his bold words.

Azlan straightened up, the corner of his mouth lifting in a satisfied grin as he watched her try to regain her composure.

"Just something to think about," he teased, Mantasha's cheeks burned, and she instinctively tugged at her dupatta, flustered by Azlan's words. She took a moment to gather herself, her heart still racing. When she finally found her voice, she glanced at him, narrowing her eyes in a mix of embarrassment and playful defiance.