A Little Tangled Up

12

The past two days had passed in a blur for Humayrah, like a series of disconnected scenes from a movie she wasn't fully a part of. She had been confined to her room, not allowed to step outside. Her meals, tea, and anything else she needed were brought to her. Yumna and Aleena had been visiting her often to keep her company. Without them, the isolation would have felt unbearable, as though she were imprisoned all over again.

The first day, haldi ceremony had taken place downstairs. The loud chatter of relatives, the laughter and playful teasing, the clinking of utensils, and the occasional burst of music. Humayrah had briefly registered with all of this. A sea of yellow-clad family members, all smiling and busy, while her heart felt heavy. The joy and celebration only made her feel more suffocating.

The following day, mehendi ceremony had been more intimate. It had taken place right in her room, but it wasn't any less awkward. Only a few close female relatives were allowed in, and while they tried to keep the mood light with conversation and jokes, Humayrah's mind was elsewhere. Her hands and feet had been delicately adorned with intricate henna designs, but even then, she couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped. Mikaal hadn't come to see her, and though he messaged her every night, Humayrah left his messages unanswered, unsure of what to say.

Now, as she stood before the mirror, dressed as a bride, Humayrah barely recognized herself. The girl staring back at her seemed like a stranger-stunning yet unfamiliar.

"Masha'Allah, you look so beautiful. Mikaal won't be able to take his eyes off you today," Yumna said, her eyes sparkling as she admired Humayrah.

Humayrah turned to her with blank expression.

The bridal dress, a rich shade of deep red, hugged her frame with grace. The heavy fabric shimmered subtly with every movement, embroidered with intricate gold zari work that seemed to come alive under the soft lighting. Her dupatta, lightly adorned with crystals, was draped elegantly over her head, framing her face like a crown. The makeup artist had skillfully enhanced her features: her eyes lined with kohl, making them appear even more expressive, her lips painted in a soft, rosy hue, and her skin glowing as if lit from within. The subtle blush on her cheeks gave her a gentle, ethereal radiance. The heavy jewellery-golden jhumkas, a delicate maang tikka, and a beautiful necklace-perfectly completed her look, adding to the traditional elegance.

Humayrah looked like she had stepped straight out of a fairy tale-an absolute vision of beauty. But beneath all the stunning makeup and elaborate attire, Humayrah felt a disconnection. Despite how perfect everything appeared, she couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't really her.

She was marrying into a house full of enemies, just for protection and support.

"Kya hua?" Yumna asked, noticing her silence and the distant look in her eyes. She walked over to Humayrah, cupping her face gently.

(What happened?)

Suddenly, Humayrah's eyes filled with tears, as if all her emotions had caught up to her at once. She opened her mouth to speak but found herself unable to, her throat tightening with the lump of unshed tears.

Yumna's heart ached at the sight. "Arey, kya hua?" she asked again, pulling Humayrah into a comforting hug.

(What happened?)

"Are you missing your parents?" Yumna guessed, her voice soft. Humayrah simply nodded, tears now flowing freely. She missed her father deeply; he had been the only real family she had ever known. Without him, the world felt emptier, colder.

Before Yumna could offer more words of comfort, Shaheen entered the room hurriedly. "Yumna, Humayrah taiyyar..." she asked but stopped in her tracks when she saw Yumna holding a tearful Humayrah.