Iqraar E Mohabbat ✓

Chapter 20

"Shahzain, leave, we will be late." Humera tried to push her husband who had trapped her between himself and the wall.

"Let's ditch the reception and stay here." Shahzain placed a kiss on her neck and muttered.

"No." She forcefully pushed him away and gave him a stink eye. "Zoya will murder me if we become late and also Aamira has already called us five times. We need to move."

"Fine." He grumbled. "But I will not leave you after we return from the reception."

Humera blushed at his statement and started managing her dress. She had worn a beautiful teal coloured dress that flowed elegantly around her legs. The intricate embroidery shimmered under the soft light of their bedroom, making her feel like a queen.

"Just promise me we won't stay too long," Shahzain said, his playful smirk softening the firmness of his earlier tone. "I'd rather be here with you than at some stuffy reception."

Humera rolled her eyes, but her heart warmed at his words. "Okay, we will try to leave early without saddening Zoya."

"By the way, how did that chatterbox managed to grab Dr Mirza's attention?" Shahzain said as they walked down the stairs.

"Hey, don't call Zoya chatterbox." Humera chided him.

Shahzain rolled his eyes at his wife. "What should I call a chatterbox if not that?"

Humera chuckled, shaking her head. "Fair point. But you have to admit, she's got a charm about her that's hard to resist. Besides, Dr. Mirza is no easy catch. He's always so serious."

"Maybe she's the one to bring out his fun side," Shahzain replied, his tone teasing. "I can just imagine her trying to make him laugh."

"Yeah." A soft smile appeared on Humera's face. "And, I think Dr Mirza always had soft corner for her. I have seen him look at Zoya when we were in class, you know? His eyes always soften whenever they land on her. I think he have always loved her."

"Like me and you." Shahzain looked at his wife with adoration.

A blush and a gentle smile appeared on Humera's face. "Like you and me."

The reception hall was beautifully decorated, with twinkling fairy lights draped overhead and floral arrangements adorning every corner. As they entered, a wave of warmth and happiness enveloped them. Shahzain squeezed Humera's hand, his eyes scanning the crowd.

"There's Zoya!" Humera pointed towards her friend, who was radiant in her bridal attire. Zoya looked stunning, her long hair adorned with delicate flowers, and her smile bright enough to light up the room.

Shahzain chuckled. "She's glowing. I can't believe she managed to tie down Dr. Haider. It's like catching a unicorn."

"Right?" Humera laughed, her gaze softening as she watched Zoya embrace a group of friends. "But she deserves it. They're perfect for each other."

"The two of you finally decided to show up huh?" Aamira approached them with her husband, Adam.

"Sorry for the delay!" Humera smiled, trying to catch her breath from the excitement of the evening. "Shahzain thought we could skip the reception altogether."

Aamira raised an eyebrow at Shahzain, who shrugged playfully. "What can I say? I'm a man of leisure."

"More like a man of mischief," Aamira teased. "But I'm glad you made it. You both look fantastic! Humera, that dress is stunning."

"Thank you." Humera grinned at her best friend. "You are also looking like an angel in this outfit."

"How are you, Adam?" Shahzain turned his attention to his cousin.

Adam smiled, adjusting his tie. "Doing well, thanks. Just trying to keep up with Aamira's social calendar. It's a full-time job!"

Aamira laughed, nudging him playfully. "Hey, someone has to keep the fun going!"

"Let's go congratulate her and Dr Mirza!" Humera suggested, her excitement bubbling over as she led the way through the crowd. The atmosphere was alive with laughter and chatter, and the scent of delicious food wafted through the air.

As they made their way through the lively reception, Humera's heart raced with anticipation. The sight of Zoya in her bridal attire, surrounded by friends and family, filled her with joy. The laughter and happiness in the room were infectious, and she felt grateful to be part of this momentous occasion.

When they finally reached Zoya, the bride turned, her face lighting up with a radiant smile. "Humera! Shahzain! You made it!" She wrapped her arms around Humera, pulling her into a warm embrace.

"Of course! We wouldn't miss this for the world," Humera replied, her eyes shining with happiness. "You look absolutely stunning!"

Zoya beamed. "Thank you! I still can't believe I have finally married Dr. Mirza. It feels like a dream!"

"You need to stop calling him Dr Mirza and start calling him Haider now." Aamira teased her.

Zoya laughed, a light blush coloring her cheeks. "Habits you know. I'll need to practice saying his name differently!"

Humera squeezed Zoya's hand. "You both look so happy. It's perfect."

"Where is he by the way?" Aamira looked around.

Zoya glanced around, searching the crowd. "He was just here a moment ago. I think he's talking to some of his colleagues." She waved at a group of men in suits across the room, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "There he is!"

As they turned to look, Dr. Haider Mirza stepped into view, effortlessly charming as he engaged with his colleagues. He wore a tailored navy suit that accentuated his tall frame, his serious demeanor softened by the warm smile he wore while talking. Zoya's expression shifted from excitement to a mix of admiration and awe as she watched him.

"Isn't he just perfect?" Zoya whispered, her voice filled with a kind of giddy admiration.

Humera smiled at her friend. "He really is. You two complement each other so well."

Just then, Haider spotted Zoya and made his way through the throng of people, his eyes lighting up as he approached. "There's my beautiful bride!" he exclaimed, wrapping her in a tender embrace.

Zoya's face lit up even more as she melted into his arms. "You're here! I was just telling my friends how lucky I am!"

Humera and Aamira exchanged a knowing smile, both appreciating the love that radiated between the couple.

"Congratulations, Dr Mirza." Shahzain forwarded his hands for handshake.

"Thank you, Dr Mir." Haider shook his hands with the younger man.

As the evening progressed, the atmosphere buzzed with joy, and the scent of delicious food wafted through the air. Humera felt grateful for the love surrounding them all, the bonds that connected them.

"Let's gather everyone for a group photo!" Aamira suggested, her excitement contagious.

As friends and family gathered, laughter filled the air. Zoya stood in the center, beaming with joy, surrounded by her loved ones. Humera felt a warmth in her heart, knowing these moments were what truly mattered.

Once the photo was taken, Humera turned to Shahzain. "I can't believe how happy everyone is. This is such a beautiful celebration."

"It really is," Shahzain replied, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "And it makes me thankful for our own journey together."

As the night continued, Humera watched Zoya and Haider greet guests and share smiles, the love between them palpable. It reminded her of the blessings in her own life, the shared moments of laughter and joy with those she held dear.

As the evening wound down, Humera leaned into Shahzain, whispering, "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

"Me neither," he replied, his eyes reflecting the warmth of the night. They both smiled, knowing that tonight was a celebration of not just Zoya and Haider, but of the love and friendship that would carry them all through the years to come.

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