ishq kavita

Chapter 9: Daneen

Things were crazy. What was wrong with everyone?

“Sit down, Dina.” Ravi commanded.

“Are you going to be the one who decides whether I sit or stand?” I was angry at him, so angry. It was a Sunday, and it has been two days since he came home and asked for my hand.

“Look, Dino. listen.” He was in his hospital attire, dark blue shirts and trousers. He came home when Maa told him I was throwing a tantrum. “Zarar is a good guy. No one is asking you to marry him tomorrow. You can get to know him and the decision will still be yours.”

“You bring him home, let him dig someone’s past for me, let him LIKE Me and keep me in the dark about it, and you also let him come ask permission to send his family for me? Are you crazy? Do you think you are self responsible for everything that happens in my life? Who gave you the right to make decisions for me while keeping me in the dark all this time, Ravi? Tell me, who gave you the right?” I was crying. Why? I didnt know. He just kept standing there. Someone knocked on the door and we both turned to find our father in the doorway.

“Am I interrupting, beti?” he asks. I wipe my tears and find a dupatta to wear over my shirt and pajamas.

“No one gave him the right to make decisions for you and he kept all of us in dark. But he was looking out for you meri beti. Forgive him.” he kisses me on the forehead and then cups my face in his wrinkled hands. “We all like Zarar and we think he might just be the right one for you. But we are not imposing this on you beti. We have invited his family to lunch today. You can spend think about it, there is no jaldi. Okay beta?” he asks me. I purse my lips and nod.

Before I could start hitting Ravi again, Baba takes him out and shuts the door behind him.

“It's not like he isn't attractive. I’d say he is more handsome than Zayn.” Why do I have so many irritating siblings?

“Do you wish to get beaten, Biya?” I turn around and glare at her. Wiping my face completely. “I have never thought of him that way.” I say while throwing the dupatta back on the bed.

“You have plenty of time to think about him “that way” now. Come on, acha sa ready hona. Zarar bhai would like it.” she giggles and leaves before I could throw the brush at her.

I turn around and sigh at the dress Maa chose for the lunch. Its a sleeveless, midnight blue, silk, long shirt with same colored straight trousers. The shirt was simple except for the black, fancy buttons sewed on the button patti. It was paired with black net dupatta and black khussas. Biya had already chosen small dull gold jhumkis for the lunch. I sighed. The man never looked at me and now he wants to marry me? Didnt he have enough balls to talk to me first, take me in his confidence? What kind of a man is he? I sigh again. Anger still boiling inside me.

Aaj to itna acha tayyar hongi, he won’t look away. Or phir, i’ll refuse his proposal. Huh.

A small smile lurked on my lips as I bit my lower lip and decided on my little revenge.

It was 2 in the afternoon and I was standing dressed, in the dining room. Setting the table. I didnt cook anything. I wasnt in the right mind. My family wouldnt want me to poisen Ravi’s friend, accidentally.

My arms were crossed on my chest when Dadi walks towards me and kisses me on the forehead. My rolled eyes come back and I heave a sigh, again.

“Its okay beti. If you dont like him, we will send them away. Okay? Don't take too much pressure." Okay, I need to behave now. “Yes, Dadi.” I smile and start helping Maa and Biya set the table.

The doorbell rings and Biya jumps. Then she runs towards the door. Must be the “guests”.

“Why is she so excited? I don't get it.” I murmured.

“Usay choro, pull yourself together. Even if you want to refuse, be at your best behavior.” I couldnt help it when my eyes wanted to roll again. When you are a desi girl, living with so many family, all you could do was roll your eyes to let the anger out a little.

Maa grabs me by my arm and takes me to the drawing room. Where guests are served. When everyone is settled. She nods at me and tells me to go in.

Okay, maybe I didnt like him, but why was my heart racing? I bite my lower lip but the tension doesnt decrease. Maa pushes me from behind. I raise my hands to let her know I was going inside.

When I do enter, I search for him. He is sitting on the single seater. One leg folded on the other. His arms spread on both the sides of the sofa. He was wearing a dark blue kurta. Just like mine.

I gulp and walk. Right beside him, on the big Sofa, is his mother. I have met her before, at Ravi’s college functions. She is a very beautiful , well-maintained, decent woman. I like her. Her hair is short, falling right above her shoulders and she is dressed modestly in embroidered salwar kameez. I smile at her and lower my gaze.

“Assalam O alikum.”

She stands up. “Walikum assalam bete. Come here.” I purse my lips and look at Dadi. she nods. I go and sit beside her. I search the room for other family members. It was just his mom and dad. Neither of his brothers. I bite my lower lip again. The room felt small and suffocated for some reason.

“Mashallah. So beautiful. How are you, Daneen?” she asks placing a kiss on my cheek.

I try to smile. “Alhamdullilah, Im fine.” everyone is smiling, why are they all smiling?

“Mashallah, aap ki beti bohat pyari hay. We have always loved Daneen like our own daughter. And today, with kher Inshallah, we are here to ask for your daughter’s hand for our Zarar.” she smiles and looks at her husband.

“When Zarar told us he likes someone and intends to marry soon, we couldnt wait. Alhamdulliah, we are both familiar with each other’s families, hence we didnt want to wait either. We would love to welcome Daneen as our Bahu, if you may allow us.”

I look up at him and he is already looking at me. I lick my lips and bite my lower lip again, with this speed, I'll be lower lip-less if I keep on doing this. His gaze is strong, almost piercing, I feel heat reach my cheeks and I look away. My breaths are heavy. What is happening?

“Personally we think, we should give some time to the kids. Let them get to know each other. If Daneen agrees, we may proceed with the formalities then.” Dado says. “We love our daughter and we won’t proceed until she wants to.” he looks at me and smiles. “Besides, our daughter wishes to complete her studies first.”

“Dont worry, we donot want to rush things. Daneen beti can take her time. If you may provide us with an answer within a few days, we would like to tie both the children together. We can set the marriage date whenever she completes her education. How does that sound?” Mr Sikandar suggests. The room really feels suffocating, especially when I know he is still looking at me. I need water,

I search for Maa, trying to indicate I want to leave. She takes the sign and stands up.

“Ye saari batain to hoti rahengi. Mrs Sikandar. Mr Sikandar, we would love it if you could join us at lunch. It would be an honor to have you as our guests at the table.” She addresses them both.

As soon as she stands up, he straightens.
“Actually,” he looks away, finally, “I would like to take Daneen out on the lunch, if you may allow. I’ll bring her back home safely. I just think we need to talk.” what? Baba wouldnt allow.

Everyone is silent for a moment. They wouldnt let me go with a guy, alone on a lunch date.

“Okay beta. You may.” my eyes widened, i looked up at Baba. “Daneen. Go beta.” my heart is sinking. What is happening?