When Fire Meets Ice - Completed.

8. N I K A A H

I N A Y A

The entire mansion was bustling with life. I was so busy sleeping that I didn't realise it was evening already. As I walked out of the room, my face twisted in annoyance looking at the toddlers running around, and ladies chatting constantly while sipping their evening tea.

I wanted to fill my water bottle so I walked towards the kitchen. As I was about to pass by the women, my phupo (paternal aunt) spoke up, "Inaya."

I hissed under my breath, forcing a smile as I walked to her.

"Hiba told me you're having a headache. How is it now?" She asked, faking concern as if I don't know the intentions behind that.

"Hmm. Fine." I said with clear disinterest.

"Let's get started with the Haldi ceremony then." She said loudly so all the ladies could hear. I really regret coming out of my room.

Running a hand through my open hair, I mumbled, "I'm nit doing any pre-wedding ceremonies."

Here we go.

All of them began muttering something to each other, phupo giving me a look as she gestured to Zara to get me ready.

Zara dragged me back inside, the scowl never leaving my face.

We walked into the room and Zara got a yellow salwar suit with almond coloured embroidary on it. Conflicts apart, the dress was gorgeous. She was also dressed in a yellow anarkali with tiny red flowers.

"Come on! They're waiting." She handed me the clothes.

"I don't want to..." I whined, creasing my brows together dramatically just to make a point. I really wanted the Earth to open and swallow me whole and erase the memories of everyone who knew me, like I ever existed.

I took a shower and walked out wearing the outfit, drying my hair with a towel with a scowl on my face. Zara, Hiba, Jiya and few of my other cousins were chatting while laughing with each other. Upon noticing my presence, Zara and Hiba did my hair, doing some stylish hairstyle which I don't have any idea about! We walked downstairs.

There was a chair set up and a table in front with turmeric, mehendi and few more things. The Haldi ceremony proceeded beginning with Phupo and then the ladies continued.

.

.

My feet and back hurted with all the sitting, as the torment was not enough. The mehndi designers jumped in.

By the time we finished it was 11 in the night. I'm sitting in my balcony, the cool breeze hitting my hair tangling them.My hands filled completely with henna, intricate and minute designs filled my palm. It was dry but Hiba warned me not to remove it till morning.

His name was written, well hidden in the mehendi.

I heard faint footsteps and before I could turn, two hands covered my eyes from behind, the smell of Henna filled my nostrils.

"Zara". I said in a warning tone.

"You always recognize! Howw?" She said getting annoyed while sitting beside me.

"Because it's only you who does that to me". I reason in an obvious tone. She hummed. Comfortable silence enveloped us and only the sound of blowing of wind could be heard.

"Inu!" She called.

"Hmm?"

"How are you?" She asked in a tone that explained everything. That she knew I wasn't okay, that I was doing it all for the people around me, people I called mine! I don't know why but her question left me perplexed. For anyone who would've heard it, it would seem a normal question but we both knew the weight it carried, as the silence that followed was a witness.