-Iss se zyaada tujhe aur kitna qareeb laun main,
Tujhe dil mein rakh kar bhi mera dil nahi bharta
☾
The morning of Izzah and Shahmeer's nikkah was serene, as if the world itself was in sync with the joy that was about to unfold. The mansion stood adorned in blooms, and among them, tulips reigned, a quiet nod to the new Begum Saheba's preference.
Izzah sat in her room wearing a plain shalwar kameez. She awaited the arrival of her bridal dress, one that Shahmeer had specially ordered for her from Zareen Couture. She had wondered how it would be possible to create and deliver such a custom dress on such short notice, but it had arrived.
The door opened and in walked Meher, dressed in a soft pink shalwar kameez adorned with rhinestones and delicate tassels. She placed the bridal dress on the bed before turning to Izzah with a warm smile.
"Bhabhi-jaan," she said, her voice laced with affection.
[Sister-in-law.]
Izzah blushed, her heart feeling lighter at the sound of the endearing title.
"Mere bhai bas dikhte sakht hain, par hain pookie," Meher teased, making Izzah giggle.
[My brother just looks tough but he's a pookie.]
"Aap itni pyaari hain, bhai bohat lucky hain," Meher continued, her eyes twinkling with sincerity.
[You are so sweet, my brother is very lucky.]
"Main bhi bohat lucky hun, mujhe aapke jaisi pyaari nanad jo mili," Izzah replied softly, her words filled with gratitude.
[I'm lucky as well to have such a lovely sister-in-law like you.]
"Chalein, main aapka makeup karti hun, phir aap dress pehen le," Meher suggested, and together they began preparing for the big moment, a new bond blossoming between them.
[Shall we, I'll do your makeup first then you can wear the dress.]
It took her a while to get ready, but when she finally stood before the mirror, she paused, taking in her transformed reflection.
Izzah looked breathtaking in a pale blue dress adorned with intricate silver embroidery and beadwork. The flowing fabric and shimmering dupatta gave her an ethereal presence, with delicate silver detailing adding a celestial touch.
Her makeup was soft and dewy, enhancing her natural beauty with subtle, shimmering eye shades and neutral lips, giving her a dreamy, radiant glow.
She completed the look with elegant diamond jewelry—a delicate maang tikka, sparkling earrings, and a dazzling ring, adding the perfect touch of luxury and elegance to her ethereal bridal appearance.
"Masha Allah, Bhabhi! Aapko dekh kar toh bhai pagal hi ho jayenge!" Meher exclaimed.
[Masha Allah, Bhabhi! My brother is going to go crazy after seeing you.]
Izzah smiled nervously, she really wished her mother and sister were here, although Meher made her feel comfortable and welcomed.
☾
The living room was adorned in delicate floral arrangements, with two elegant settees placed opposite each other, separated by a stunning flower partition. The air was filled with the scent of fresh roses and tulips, enhancing the aesthetic beauty of the space.
Shahmeer sat on one of the settees, dressed in a simple yet regal white sherwani, exuding both authority and grace. His presence was powerful, his demeanor calm, yet there was a certain air of anticipation about him.
Izzah, led by Meher, slowly made her way to the other settee. Her heart raced with every step, her hands slightly trembling. Shahmeer glanced up as she approached.
His intense gaze softened at the sight of her, and a small, almost imperceptible smile played at the corner of his lips. She sat down gracefully, her breaths shallow, trying to steady herself as the Qazi Sahab began the Nikkah proceedings.
The room fell silent as the Qazi sahab addressed Shahmeer first,
"Shahmeer Alam Khan, kya aapko Izzah Shah bint Saif Shah se 50 lakh rupaye haq meher ke badlay nikkah qubool hai?"
[Shahmeer Alam Khan, do you accept Izzah Shah, daughter of Saif Shah, in exchange for a bridal gift of 50 lakh rupees as your wife?]
Shahmeer's voice, deep and unwavering, echoed through the room,
"Qubool hai."
[I accept.]
The Qazi repeated the question two more times as Shahmeer replied the same.
The Qazi then turned to Izzah, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Izzah Shah bint Saif Shah, kya aapko Shahmeer Alam Khan se 50 lakh rupaye haq meher ke badlay nikkah qubool hai?"
[Izzah Shah daughter of Saif Shah, do you accept Shahmeer Alam Khan in exchange for a bridal gift of 50 lakh rupees as your husband?]
Izzah, feeling the weight of the moment, spoke,
"Qubool hai."
[I accept.]
The Qazi repeated the question twice as she replied the same.
Qazi sahab raised his hands in prayer, and declared them husband and wife. There was a gentle murmur of congratulations from those gathered, and Shahmeer, though usually composed, couldn't help but glance at Izzah with a look that was unmistakable—a mixture of admiration and possessiveness. She was his now, his wife, and he would ensure she was cherished and protected, always.
As the formalities were being completed, Arshad took the opportunity to inch closer to Meher. In a playful tone, he whispered to her,
"Mauka bhi hain, Qazi bhi hain, aur hum dono raazi bhi hain, kya khayaal hain ho jaye?"
[The opportunity is here, the officiant is here, and we're both willing. What do you think, should we make it happen?]
Meher, without missing a beat, teased him back with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "Joota bhi hain, gaali bhi hain aur saath me bhai bhi hain, kya khayaal hain ho jaye?"
[Shoes are here, scoldings are here, and my brother is also here. What do you think, should we make that happen?]
Arshad chuckled softly, leaning in closer, "Aap bohat pyaari lag rahi hain vaise."
[You look really beautiful, by the way.]
Meher smirked, flipping her hair with a lighthearted air, "Wo toh main roz hi lagti hun, kuch naya batayein."
[I always look beautiful, tell me something new.]
As laughter quietly bubbled between the two, the Nikkahnama was signed, making Shahmeer and Izzah's union not only one of love but of law and faith as well. And in that moment, amidst the flower-laden décor and the soft murmurs of congratulations, the beginning of their journey together officially started.
☾
Haq meher:
___________
It refers to the mandatory payment made by the groom to the bride as a form of financial security in a Muslim marriage.
YOU ARE READING
Ishq-e-Junoon
RomanceIzzah Shah, born into a world of wealth and tradition, is hated by the very family meant to protect her. Trapped in a life of shadows, she moves like a fragile dream, unaware of the danger her beauty and innocence have awakened. Shahmeer Khan-ruthle...
