THE DESTINED CONFLUENCE

MEHENDI

The mehendi ceremony unfolded under the soft twinkle of fairy lights, with Zara seated gracefully on a vibrant cushion.

Laughter bubbled around her as the mehendi artist expertly worked on her palms, her fingers splayed out while her cousins teased and whispered in her ears.

Her eyes often flickered toward Zaviyaar, who stood nearby, quiet yet attentive, watching her with a fond smile. He didn’t speak, but the warmth in his gaze said enough—this was their moment too.

In the midst of the celebration, Samaira, distracted as usual, was adjusting her earring while walking quickly. Without paying attention, she collided with someone’s shoulder.

"Oof!” she exclaimed, nearly dropping her earring, and glanced up to see Shaheer standing there, looking equally startled.

"Shaheer, yaar, andhe ho kya bilkul?" she blurted out, expecting him to throw something back at her, maybe some sarcastic quip.

But Shaheer just looked at her with an unreadable expression, mumbled "I'm sorry," and walked away without another word.

Samaira blinked, completely thrown off. "Usne sorry bola? Seriously?” she muttered to herself, watching him disappear into the crowd.

Back at the mehendi corner, Zara’s mother sat next to her, eyes lingering on her daughter as she smiled and joked with her friends. Every now and then, Zara would meet her mother’s gaze and feel a quiet, heavy understanding pass between them.

After a while, her mother approached, wrapping a shawl around her shoulders as the night air cooled. She smiled gently at Zara. "meri bacchi kitni jaldi badi hogayi"

Zara chuckled lightly, trying to keep the moment light. "Choti thi hi kab amma"

They laughed, though it was the kind that held back more emotion than it let out. Her amma gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before stepping back.

Zara’s father stood quietly in the background, watching, his arms crossed as if trying to hold something in.

After what seemed like an eternity, he stepped forward, kneeling down beside her.

He didn’t say much,he never did but his hand gently touched her head, his eyes soft. "Zara," he said, voice steady but thick with emotion, "humesha khush rehna mere bacche."

Zara looked up at him, feeling her throat tighten, but she smiled. "Abba,main hamesha khush rahungi, aap ki duaen jo hai mere saath."

He nodded, his eyes shining in the dim light, but he didn’t linger. He stood, giving her the space to enjoy her moment, though the weight of his blessing settled deeply in her heart.

As the night wore on and the intricate mehendi patterns were finally finished, Zara looked around at her family their smiles, their laughter, their quiet tears.

She realized that this night wasn’t just about her becoming a bride, but about the love that had raised her, shaped her, and would always remain with her, no matter where life took her.
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After the mehendi ceremony, as laughter softened and lights dimmed, the focus shifted to a lively boys' qawwali night. The garden, once delicate with mehendi decor, transformed with deep colors, golden lights, and maroon cushions. The scent of incense mixed with the cool night air, adding a nostalgic touch.

Zaviyaar’s friends and siblings gathered, voices filled with excitement. Musicians set the rhythm with harmoniums, tablas, and dholaks. Shaheer, ever the entertainer, started clapping, setting the beat.

With laughter and teasing glances, everyone joined in, singing and swaying to the music. Even Zaviyaar, usually composed, was drawn in.
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Hey everyone! I had a draft ready for this chapter, but seeing fewer votes and comments on the last one made me hesitant to post. If you're enjoying the story, please do like, vote, and comment—it really helps and motivates me to keep sharing more chapters!