Umeed

Chapter 57

Noor sat quietly, her hands clasped tightly in nervousness. She could feel the buzz of people around them, the laughter, the music, and the endless chatter, but what made her most aware was Shahzain's gaze. It was intense, steady, and impossible to ignore. She shifted slightly in her seat, hoping he would look away, but he didn’t.

Shahzain’s eyes fell on Noor’s hands, noticing how she was fidgeting, her fingers twisting together restlessly. Her delicate hands, adorned with intricate mehendi patterns, moved with a nervous rhythm. The soft jingle of her bangles caught his attention, adding to her unintentional charm.

Without a word, Shahzain reached out and gently untangled her hands, sliding his fingers between hers. He clasped her hand firmly yet delicately, his larger hand enveloping hers entirely. Noor's heart skipped a beat. She looked down, feeling a surge of shyness as she realized people might be watching.

She tried to pull her hand away, her cheeks heating up. "Please," she whispered softly, barely audible, "sab dekh rahe hain." (Everyone is watching.)

Shahzain leaned closer, his voice calm and nonchalant. "Dekhne do. Maine apni biwi ka haath pakda hai, kisi aur ki biwi ka nahi." (Let them watch. I'm holding my wife's hand, not someone else's.)

His response left Noor speechless, her words caught in her throat. Her face turned a deeper shade of red as Shahzain began to absentmindedly play with her fingers, his thumb tracing the back of her hand. Their friends around them noticed and started teasing, making Noor even more flustered.

As time passed, guests began coming on stage one by one to greet the bride and groom. Shahzain’s patience wore thin as the line seemed endless. His brow furrowed in irritation, and a small frown settled on his face.

Noor glanced at him, unable to suppress a soft smile. She found his annoyance oddly endearing. Shahzain caught her smiling and raised an eyebrow. “Kya hua, biwi? Aap mujhe dekh kar itna muskura rahi hain? Kya soch rahi hain?” (What happened, wife? You’re smiling at me so much. What are you thinking?)

Noor quickly shook her head, trying to hide her amusement.

Shahzain smirked. “I know, I know. Main itna handsome hoon ke aap khud ko control nahi kar pa rahi. Thoda intezaar kar lijiye.” (I’m so handsome that you can’t control yourself. Just wait a little longer.)

Her eyes widened, and she flushed. “Aisa nahi hai!” (It’s not like that!) she protested. “Bus... aap businessman ho kar itne logon se milte hain, lekin aaj itna chid rahe hain. Isliye...” (It’s just... you’re a businessman who meets so many people, but today you’re so irritated. That’s all...)

Shahzain tilted his head, feigning a look of disappointment. “Toh matlab aaj main handsome nahi lag raha?” (So, does that mean I’m not handsome today?)

His mock sadness caught Noor off guard, and she rushed to reassure him. “Nahi! Aap acche lag rahe hain... I mean, handsome.” (No! You look good... I mean, handsome.) Her honest slip only made Shahzain chuckle. Noor quickly looked away, realizing too late that she had been fooled.

Ayaan and Hoor excitedly ran onto the stage, their energy contagious. Noor’s tired face immediately lit up at the sight of her children, her exhaustion melting away as they approached.

Ayaan quickly settled himself between Noor and Shahzain, leaning comfortably against his mother, while Hoor wasted no time climbing onto Shahzain’s lap. She wrapped her tiny arms around her baba with a happy giggle.

Ayaan looked up at Noor, his face full of admiration. "Mumma, you are looking so beautiful," he said earnestly, his innocent words making Noor smile.

Hoor chimed in, her little voice ringing out proudly, "Yes, Mumma is the most beautiful bride!"