Mannat

41 | Red is my favourite

QULSUM

"Qulsum please not that one. You are the bride here, wear something grand." Shiza dismissed my haldi dress saying it was too casual and simple for a bride.

I was finally having the wedding of my dreams. Haldi, mehndi and reception — even the smallest of smallest thing was my choice. From venue to decoration to cake design; Zayaan had made sure everything was according to my wish, even Zayaan's outfit for reception was my selection.

"Please Shiza, you know I don't like grand dresses." I pleaded mom to support me.

"Don't give me that look. I am not Zayaan to melt. It's decided you are wearing my selection during the haldi function and then you can change into your selection." Shiza declared solemnly.

I huff and agree cause the function would last only for half an hour maximum then I will have to anyway change into another one.

(⁠✷⁠‿⁠✷⁠)

Qulsum giggles watching Zoya being drenched in haldi. She was being seated on the swing decorated with flowers while her face and hands were smeared with haldi. Thankfully her relatives were considerate about her photoshoot so they hadn't applied much haldi on her face.
"Mom I will take Qulsum to her room. She needs to freshen up and get dressed for the evening function." Shiza stated while helping Qulsum.

"I could have stayed in the garden for another few minutes." Qulsum said and watched Shiza looking around the garden as if she was searching for someone.

"Are you searching for someone?" Qulsum asked.

"No. I am making sure no one's around here. You go to your room and I will be there at your door in five minutes. Remember you get only five minutes." Shiza stated as she and Qulsum stood in front of Qulsum's room.

Qulsum looked at Shiza with confusion laced on her face. "Five minutes for what?"

Shiza shook her head, "Just go inside already." With that she walked away.

I stared at her retreating figure for a few seconds and then creaked my room door open only for a low gasp to escape my lips.

Leaning against the balcony door was Zayaan, with his hands slipped inside his pocket. He was wearing a turtle neck full sleeve black shirt paired with white pants. I peered at him with awe cause I have rarely seen Zayaan dressed casually.

"Assalamualaikum." Zayaan smiled, leisurely roaming his eyes over me.
"Zayaan, how did you come here? Did anyone see you?" I asked, my voice came out feeble as Zayaan padded closer towards me.

"Shiza helped me." He stated and held my hand in his whilst pulling me closer.

"And why did you come here?" I ask heaving my head and look at him.

"Oh that —" he trailed off whilst pushing me lightly against the nearby wall. "I came here to apply haldi to you." He answered gesturing towards a bowl of haldi which was placed on the table next to me.
Before I could speak, he moved closer almost entering my personal space. I could faintly feel his sandalwood scent unfurling around us.

"Now if you allow me, sweetheart." Zayaan muttered dipping his fingers inside the haldi and brought it closer to my face.

I just looked down unable to utter a word.
"There is a slight problem." Zayaan said making me look at him in confusion.
"What?"

"There is not much space on your face." He answered. That was not true because unlike others my relatives were very considerate in applying haldi on my face. Most of them just applied a bit on cheeks and hands. Only Shiza and Zoya went ahead and applied it on my chin and forehead.