DARK HORSE: REDEMPTION

Dark Horse : 5

The next day, Khalil's family hosted an intimate gathering, the budan kai and luncheon. This joyful celebration honored Tasnim, as Khalil's family showered her with lavish gifts and warm gestures. Tasnim's relatives turned up, showing their love and support. The atmosphere was exciting, filled with laughter and music. Guest devoured delicious meals, and danced to the music till they couldn't feel their feet.

As dusk descended, Tasnim was adorned in a brown atampha fitted gown, with a gold cape ( Alkyabba),  and got escorted to her new home, Khalil's residence. The siyan baki ceremony was brief, with the girls requesting a modest amount, which was quickly settled. Following prayers and heartfelt well-wishes from the groom's and bride's friends, the gathering concluded.

With farewell wishes exchanged, the guests departed, leaving Shaheeda alone with Tasnim. Meanwhile, Anwar and Khalil had stepped out, leaving the women to settle in.

"Stand up, let's go to your room before they get back," Shaheeda said, rising to her full height. Tasnim followed suit, and together they exited the lounge into a breathtaking foyer.

In the grandeur space stood a majestic curved staircase, adorned with intricate designs on its railing. A stunning crystal chandelier hung mid-air, casting a hue of reflections across the room. The white marble tiles gleamed under the soft glow of countless lights.

Against one wall, a plush couch stood elegantly, its subtle lines complimented by the crisp white wall paint. The staircase itself was a masterpiece, blending white and black marble tiles in a beautiful balance.

As they ascended the staircase. Tasnim's steps were careful and languid. She shivered at the sudden cold beneath her bare feet, as a chill ran down her ran down her spine.

Her face veiled, she couldn't take in her surrounding. And her mind wasn't around her surroundings anyway. Thoughts swirled, consumed by the uncertainty of her future. What lay ahead? What would her life be like from now on?.

Shaheeda stood beside a sleek black door, its fancy silver knob gleaming in the soft light. With a gentle turn, she opened the door and stepped inside, Tasnim following closely behind.

Tasnim crossed the threshold muttering a du'a, Shaheeda guiding her towards the majestic king-sized bed. Its cream-colored canopy seemed to tower over her, its delicate patterns seeming to dance in the soft light.

Tasnim sat on the bed, her throat clogged with a knot that refused to leave. Her heart started pounded. Her palms growing damp. Her emotions are all over the place. She is Afraid. Afraid of the unknown, the weight of her new responsibilities, and the uncertainty of Khalil's expectations. 
 
Tasnim's room is painted in a warm brown tone, its walls creating a cozy atmosphere. The drapes, a rich brown with subtle cream accents, added a touch of elegance to the room. Then the plush carpet beneath her feet added to the cozy feel.

Four doors outlined the room. The entrance, the bathroom, a French door leading to the balcony, and a mysterious fourth door. Tasnim's curiosity piqued, her mind wandering about what lay hidden behind it.

Shaheeda approached the fourth door. She disappeared inside, only to come out seconds later with a long-sleeved camisole and a stunning black and golden laffaya. She gently laid the garments beside Tasnim on the bed.

"Get out of that fitted gown," Shaheeda said, gesturing towards Tasnim's atampha dress. "Wear this, so you can breathe."

Tasnim's fingers trembled as she accepted the outfits, a sniffle escaping her lips. With Shaheeda's gentle encouragement, she slipped out of her fitted gown and removed the tied scarf and the alkyabba.

As she wore the loose camisole, a sense of relief washed over her. Shaheeda then helped her tie the laffaya, the golden accents shimmering against Tasnim's skin. The laffaya framed her face beautifully, its black and gold colors complimenting her features.