Paasban

Chapter 2

In the era of calamities, you're a moment of peace.

🦋🦋🦋

Zyra's POV

I answered the call without even checking the screen, lost in my own emotions.

"Zyra?" My father's voice came through, and a smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I looked down at my hands. "Papa?"

"Beta... Look at the entrance," he said with a hint of excitement in his voice. My eyes widened slightly, and I whipped my head toward the entrance.

My heart skipped a beat as I saw my father standing there, holding a packet in his hands. His face beamed with joy, and he raised his hand with a flourish. "Gajra's for my Fairy," his voice rang out through the phone.

The smile on my face grew wider, more genuine than I had felt all evening. I stood up, carefully gathering the folds of my lehnga to walk with ease. The momentary pain, the handsome man, his intense stare and the embarrassment faded as I made my way to my father. Each step felt lighter.

As I approached him, my smile remained steady. He smiled, the corner of his eyes wrinkling as I wrapped my arms around him.

"Here" he said passing me the gajra's. I smiled and took them. I gently placed the gajra's in my wrists staring at them with a small smile. I turned to my father, my vision blurring with tears.

"Papa" I whispered before wrapping my arms around him again. I felt his embrace envelop me.

He laid his head against mine, his voice soft and comforting. "Don't cry, beta," he whispered. I nodded, taking a deep breath, and slowly stepped back, wiping the tears from my cheeks with a huge, grateful smile.

He patted my cheek, his own smile radiating warmth. “That’s my girl. Did someone tell you how angelic you look?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with pride.

I chuckled softly, feeling a new sense of happiness. “You just did,” I replied, my voice carrying a note of affection and amusement.

He laughed, a hearty, genuine sound that seemed to lift the entire mood around me. My heart filled up with warmth. “Well, I’m glad to be the first to say it, then. Now, go and enjoy yourself. This is your night, too.”

I nodded, smiling as I ran my fingers through the gajra's. As I turned to return to the gathering, my gaze flickered back to the handsome man across the hall. To my surprise, he was still watching, his intense eyes locked onto mine.

I held his gaze for a moment before looking away, feeling my cheeks flush with warmth. “What is his problem?” I muttered under my breath, glancing around. My cousins and sisters were deep in conversation with the guests, laughing and enjoying themselves. My mom was engrossed in gossip with a few ladies, and my Taya and Tayi were caught up in their own discussions.

I settled back into my previous spot, trying to ignore the feeling of being stared at. Even though I didn’t look up, I could sense that he was watching me closely. My cheeks grew even warmer, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I looked too plain or out of place. With a sigh, I gently ran my hands over my face, trying to calm my nerves.

I brought the gajra's close to my nose, inhaling their sweet fragrance, which brought a genuine smile to my face. My eyes drifted to the stage where my brother sat. Our eyes met, and I raised the gajra's to show him. His face lit up with a broad smile, and he motioned for me to come closer.