Umeed

Chapter 53

The preparations for the functions began the very next day, and the house was abuzz with activity. Everything was in full swing-decorations were being put up, relatives had started arriving, and the children were running around, excited for the upcoming events. Hoor and Ayaan were especially overjoyed, their innocent excitement adding charm to the festivities.

Noor sat gracefully for her maayo ceremony, the yellow glow of the turmeric paste enhancing her natural beauty. She looked serene, yet her eyes carried a hint of nervousness. Surrounded by family, she felt their love and teasing smiles, making her flush occasionally.

Meanwhile, someone else wasn't as happy. Shahzain, was frustrated and frowning, pacing in his room like a caged lion. Ayesha had firmly told him that he and Noor were not allowed to meet until after all the functions were over. To ensure this rule was followed, she had appointed Hoor and Ayaan to act as little spies, keeping an eye on Noor and ensuring Shahzain stayed away.

Muttering under his breath, Shahzain complained, "Isse accha toh mai Noor se poochta hi nahi in functions ka! Kam se kam hum saath toh rehte." ( "It would be better if I hadn't asked Noor about these functions! At least we'd be together.") His sulking didn't escape Ayaan and Hoor, who dutifully shadowed Noor wherever she went, giggling at Shahzain's growing impatience.

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The mehendi function arrived, filling the house with vibrant colors, music, and laughter. Shahzain, determined to meet Noor even if it meant bending the rules, devised a plan to sneak into the function. He decided to enter through the window before the event began and leave quietly after meeting her. However, luck was not on his side. Ayaan, ever watchful, spotted him climbing in. The little boy shook his head disapprovingly and rushed to inform Ayesha.

"Daadi Baba wahan!" Ayaan exclaimed, pointing toward the window.

Shahzain froze, trying to hide, but it was too late. Ayesha spotted him, marched over, and grabbed him by the ear.

"Ammi! Kya kar rahi hai?! Ahh, chhod do na!" ( "Mom! What are you doing?! Ahh, let me go!" )Shahzain yelped, wincing.

"Maine mana kiya tha na!" (I had refused, didn't I?) Ayesha scolded, her voice firm.

Shahzain glared at Ayaan, his traitorous son, and then looked pleadingly at Ayesha. "Ammi, ab toh bahut ho gaya. Mujhe sirf Noor se milna hai, phir chala jaunga!" (Mom, that's enough now. I just want to meet Noor, then I'll leave!)

But Ayesha was unmoved. "Nahi! Tum ruksati se pehle Noor se nahi mil sakte. Aur yeh ladies ka function hai, seedhe bhaago yahan se!" (No! You can't meet Noor before the rukhsati. And this is a ladies' function, get out of here right now!)

Shahzain pointed toward Ayaan, his tone incredulous. "Phir Ayaan kya kar raha hai yahan?" (Then what is Ayaan doing here?)

Ayesha dismissed him with a wave of her hand. "Woh baccha hai." (He is a child.)

Shahzain crossed his arms, muttering in disbelief, "This is discrimination, Ammi!"

Ayesha shook her head at her son's antics. "Tum kuch bhi keh lo, Noor se nahi mil sakte," (You can say whatever you want, but you can't meet Noor.) she stated firmly and ushered him out.

Later, as everyone teased Noor about Shahzain's failed attempt to meet her, her cheeks turned pink with shyness. When the mehendi artist asked whose name she wanted written on her hands, Noor's voice was barely audible as she whispered, "Shahzain." The room erupted into teasing laughter, and hooting, ever mischievous, made Noor blush even more. The function ended with much joy, and everyone began preparing for the next event-the haldi-scheduled for the following day.