Umeed

Chapter 55

The haldi ceremony was a lively affair, with the house filled with the sounds of laughter, teasing, and the clinking of utensils. Noor sat on a low wooden stool in the center of the courtyard, her dupatta loosely draped over her head. The vibrant yellow fabric matched the turmeric paste being lovingly and mischievously applied to her cheeks, hands, and feet. Around her, women of all ages clapped and hummed traditional songs, their voices harmonizing with the cheerful chaos of the moment. Noor’s face glowed, not just from the haldi but from the joy and warmth surrounding her.

Hoor, Noor’s little bundle of energy, could barely contain her excitement. Her tiny hands fidgeted with the hem of her frock as she watched everyone smearing the haldi paste on Noor. Her wide, sparkling eyes darted from the bowl of turmeric to her mother, her curiosity and eagerness palpable.

“Main bhi mamma ko haldi lagaaungi!” she announced, her voice high-pitched and brimming with excitement. She toddled forward, her little feet pattering against the floor.

The women around burst into laughter, charmed by her enthusiasm. Noor smiled as Hoor reached out her small hand toward the bowl. One of the women helped her dip her fingers into the golden paste. Grinning from ear to ear, Hoor leaned forward and smeared the turmeric paste across Noor’s cheek with all the precision her tiny fingers could muster.

Noor’s heart melted at the innocent gesture. She scooped a bit of the paste herself and leaned closer to Hoor, gently applying it to her chubby cheeks. “Kaisi lag rahi ho meri gudiya?” Noor asked, her voice playful and filled with affection.

Hoor giggled, her cheeks turning a slightly brighter yellow as she clapped her hands in delight. She looked up at the crowd, proud of her contribution.

Not wanting to be left out, Ayaan stepped forward with a determined look on his face. His little chest puffed out as he declared, “Main bhi mamma ko haldi lagaunga!” His serious tone and furrowed brows made everyone burst out laughing again.

Ayaan carefully dipped his small hand into the paste, the turmeric coating his fingers. He stretched upward to reach Noor’s face, and she bent down slightly to make it easier for him. With utmost concentration, he smeared the paste across her cheek, his strokes slightly uneven but endearing.

“Perfect,” Noor said with a smile, kissing his forehead lightly. Her heart swelled with love as she looked at her two children, their innocence and joy reminding her of life’s simplest yet most precious moments.

The ceremony continued with more laughter and teasing. Mishal, ever the prankster, suddenly appeared with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Before Noor could anticipate her next move, Mishal grabbed a small bucket of water and poured it over Noor. The cold water mixed with the turmeric paste, drenching Noor from head to toe.

“Mishal! Tumhari toh!” Noor exclaimed, pretending to glare at her.

Before she could react further, Maheen joined in the fun, adding another splash of water. Noor squealed in mock protest, her hands shielding her face as more laughter erupted around her. Soon, everyone was caught up in the playful chaos, and Noor couldn’t help but laugh along, her cheeks hurting from smiling so much.

By the time the haldi ceremony ended, Noor was completely drenched, the turmeric paste having seeped into every possible corner of her skin. She excused herself and retreated to her room, desperate for a bath. The warm water did little to wash away the memories of the joyful chaos that had just unfolded. Noor scrubbed at her arms and face, the turmeric leaving a faint golden tint on her skin. Her hair, still damp, clung to her face as she stepped out of the bathroom.