ishq kavita

Chapter 13: Daneen

I was devastated. The hurt in his eyes when I told him to leave? God, That was shameful. I shouldn't have told him to leave in that tone. But who was he, prying into my personal space? Ugh, life is such a loser.

I sniff and sip on my green tea. They were coming today for the engagement. I didnt know life could run so fast. One day I diont even know him andd the next week I am planning to marry him. But saying yes to his proposal would save me. How?
No more other aunties and men would be allowed to come and see me like i am some showpiece.
I could study for my exams in peace knowing there are no more rishtas.
Maybe he is not that bad. If everyone likes him and even my own brother approves him for me, maybe he is really the one.

I stare at my phone screen. It was dead. I could see myself on the dead screen. Dressed in white and pastel pink dress, with a dupatta draped over my head, I sat there ready and waiting. Ravi said he took my number and that that maybe he will contact me. But he hasn't texted or called or anything. What if he was offended? Should i apologize?

“Dina!” Biya came in. she cupped my face in her two hands and kissed my cheek. I was so nervous to shoo her away. “You look so beautiful. I am glad you let me do your makeup.” I rolled my eyes. “Come on. They are waiting.” they were already here?

“Can you bring me some water please?”

She looked at me, “hey, its okay to be nervous. Its alright. You’ll be fine. Dont stress, dina. You look immaculate.” her big words. “Water, biya.” she gets to be the older sister when i let her. She stomped her feet to the door and screamed “water for the bride”. I hate her so much i could throw her down the window.

When instead of one of our maids, maa came up with the water jug, embarrassment crawled over me. This little rat.

“Why are you girls not down there? Biya? I told you to bring her down.”

“She demanded water.” what an annoying sister. I wish i was elsa, then i would have been able to freeze her to ice.

“Here, Daneen.” she offers me the glass of water. I try guping down the whole amount but somehow i cant. She takes the glass and helps me climb the stairs down.

Everyone was seated in the drawing room. I could feel his gaze linger over me but i couldnt look at him back. I was too nervous and too embarrassed, his mother stood and helped me sit beside him. She kissed me on the forehead and complimented me. Everyone talked a little and I noticed his younger brother was there too. I couldnt see him, but i heard his voice. His name was Rayan, I think.

The ceremony started.

“Your hand, princess.” i gulped. Was he flirting with me infront of everyone? Turns out he only said it in my ear. I gave him, my hand. The left one. The mere feel of his rough one against mine, hitched my breath. Slowly he slid the ring on my ring finger. I was staring at the ring, but i couldnt exactly make out its shape or make.

“Daneen?” for the first time, I looked up. Maa was offering me another box of ring. I took it from her and opened it. There was ring for him. I took it out and bit my lip. Why was it too hard?

I released the breath i was holding and turned to him. He was already looking at me. I bit my lip again, but not for long. The lipstick would wear off.
“Your hand?” he smirked and grabbed mine. I licked my lips. My heart ws racing so fast. I wanted to get out of here. I quickly grabbed his ring finger and slid the ring around it. Everyone  clapped and congratulated everyone around them.

“Congratulations, future wife.”

“Don't get ahead of yourself.”  I felt him smiling. Biya came and kissed my cheek again. I glared at her. Everyone came and congratulated me. While all the men were greeting him, i finally stole a glance at him. He was wearing a cream colored kurta. It was very plain and simple yet he looked elegant in it. He was smiling and talking to other people. When he noticed me looking at him i looked away. Gosh, i wanted to leave.

Maa asked everyone else to join them on the table. His mother made me sit beside him. It was so awkward. Everyone kept staring at us.

“They want us to talk.” he whispered in my ear. They were still staring at us.

I glared at Ravi, trying to tell him he needs to save me from this situation.

“What are you doing these days Rayan? “ he asked Rayan.

“I uh- I was out for basketball trials last week. I was too shocked to come back to such a change. Bhai getting engaged! We all thought he would never marry.” everyone started to laugh.

“Sports, then. What else do you do beta?” my dad asked him. I felt bad for him. He was the targetted spotlight.

“Sports is a very consuming field it self uncle. I plan to play internationals this year, inshallah. Hence, the practise all the time.” okay, cool.

“You look beautiful.” he whispers in my ear. I turn to look at him. I smile. A simple compliment yet it made me feel beautiful.

“Thankyou.” taking a bite of those lovely shami kebab, i turn to him again.

“Uh, I wanted to say something.” his hand, supposedly going to his mouth stopped midway. He attention towards me, fully. “I uh- am sorry for the last time. I - it didnt happen intentionally. I just didnt want you to see my like that.” blush creeped on my face and i could feel the heat. The way he was looking at me. His eye lashes draped over his dark brown eyes. I loved his eyes. Wait, what?

“Its okay. It was my mistake. I shouldnt have come, without asking.” he was right. “How are you now?”

“I am fine. I wasnt sick anyway. I was just having-”

“Cramps.” my eyes widened. How did he know? “I asked Ravi. I was worried.” Ravi was getting a beating. He talked about me with his guy friend?

“You could just have asked me. Ravi said you took my number.” it was his turn for the surprise.

“I didnt know, if you’d like it. I wanted your consent first.” Okay, gentleman. Where was the consent when he came asking for my hand?

“You can text me, or whatever. I am you finance.” he licked his lips and smiled. “Yes, ofcourse.”

The rest of the dinner continued with the little bit of chatter nd laughters. My heart was finally at a little ease.