Destiny's Tapestry

Chapter 13

DISCLAIMER- *Major twist ahead*

Daneen

Three months into our engagement, the journey remains as enchanting as ever. Our collaboration with the Malik family has proven to be seamless, marked by smooth operations and exciting developments. We've crafted innovative ideas and strategies to expand our reach to new customers worldwide. While the process involved consistent and demanding meetings, each moment was a rewarding experience for me. Mr. Malik continued to be a pillar of support, engaging in frequent meetings and hosting official lunches and dinners at diverse locations.

Mahir and I consciously reduced our interactions following our engagement, adhering to his suggestions. We both acknowledged the cultural and religious significance of refraining from meeting or interacting before marriage. The decision was mutual, though undeniably challenging. The strain was palpable, evident not only from my perspective but also from Mahir's. Zahra frequently expressed concerns about his demeanour at home, describing him as restless, constantly irritated, and seemingly angry around the clock, even when the decision to limit interactions was his own.

The wedding planning took a back seat as our schedules were already brimming with responsibilities. The Malik family was immersed in numerous mergers, international client dealings, and extensive exports, creating a demanding workload. Amidst these hectic days, we found ourselves engaged in frequent gatherings with business partners and politicians from across Dubai. It wasn't until I became involved with the CEO of Malik's Textura and started attending these events that I truly grasped the magnitude of their business. The gatherings resembled grand celebrations, giving me insight into the extensive reach and influence of Malik's Textura, making it seem as though the entire city of Dubai had invested in the festivities.

Words can't capture the feeling, but my expressions spoke volumes, particularly to Mahir, who seemed to relish my reactions with his subtle smirks. With the impending public appearances and media scrutiny, the suggestion to don designer clothes and ornaments arose. The idea of constant public exposure, stealing my privacy and personal space, didn't sit well with me. Mahir went the extra mile, sending a personal stylist who, despite my resistance, dragged me through countless stores and numerous outfit trials. She was unyielding, and to my chagrin, all the shopping expenses were footed by Mahir. Attempts to discuss the matter with Mr. Malik proved futile, as he resorted to a gesture of surrender, expressing helplessness. My conversations with Zahra on the subject also proved unproductive.

Of all the gatherings, this one stood out as a grand celebration, resembling a lavish wedding minus the presence of the bride and groom themselves. The venue was nothing short of expansive, featuring a towering mansion and a sprawling garden that exuded greenery in abundance. The opulence of the setting made it resemble a palace, creating the illusion of a wedding venue. To my astonishment, the hosts of this extravagant affair were none other than the Maliks themselves.

During such events, I consistently had a dedicated makeup artist and stylist at my disposal. While the overall looks they curated were undoubtedly stunning, I often found myself at odds with the makeup choices, which didn't align with my preferences. The disagreements would escalate to the point of contention, prompting Zahra to intervene and mediate. Feeling unsettled by the constant interference, I made the decision to cancel both the makeup artist and stylist from that day forward. I preferred taking charge of my own work and hated the idea of people constantly around me, telling me what to do and what not to.

I chose a charming baby pink gown adorned with gracefully designed peasant sleeves, complemented by a matching hijab. I settled on low heel shoes that gave me cinderella vibes charm. I loved my outfit and the makeup, as always, has to be subtle and nude.