One Way or Another (Al-Ameen Family #2)

Engagement Daze

Sorry it's a bit on the shorter side but I literally have had no more time than 2 hours today to write so I am sooooo sorry my loves! I do hope you enjoy this one, especially all my Indian lovelies xx Pic of Inayah's dress and someone pleaseeee remind me to upload her ring picture on the next chapter :P 

The engagement ceremony was happening at Yusuf's house. We dropped him home first and then I went with Ayaan and Safiyana to their house. Ayaan's mum had insisted I stay with my aunt and uncle at their house, saying I was like a daughter anyways but now I'd become an daughter-in-law too. Many of Ayaan's cousins were around but were asleep and I was grateful that Mannat became my little helper. She took me to her room that I would share and helped me settle in. After a shower and a little tour of the house, I slipped into bed beside her and listened to her talk while I tied my hair up.

"He's really sweet and really funny. Kinda like Hum Aapke Hai Kaun Salman Khan style," she giggled, stretching her arms to the ceiling.

"Perfect then," I winked before putting out the lights. "Now sleep Mannat ji. Subha ho ne do."

Good God, how did people do this? How did people put all their fears behind and promise themselves to someone they didn't know.

Faith in God. That's the reason I was doing it and that's what Safiyana Bhabhi said got her through it too. I had to remind myself that whatever happened was happening for the best. I made my prayers, I talked to everyone I cared to talk to, and I found a guy that checked off the boxes he needed to check off on my list. What more could I control?

I smoothed out my dress, again, and sat patiently with the old lady praying namaaz in my room. There was a glass of water beside me and I had to remind myself that peeing in this dress would be more difficult that I needed it to be. The door opened and in walked Mannat to check on me. In followed some random girls and Mannat instantly told them to get the hell out of the room.

I couldn't even deny my relief at her actions because I wasn't in the mood to deal with annoying family members right now. She fixed a piece of hair in my updo and asked me if I needed anything before heading back out. The old lady finished praying and with a smile, left me alone too.

I didn't know how much time passed in my rapid leg shaking but finally Zinat apaa and Mannat came to get me. I was walked downstairs and into the grand living room. They seated me on the couch they decorated specifically for tonight and my aunt came to check up on me. All I could do was nod and plaster a smile for those who came to say hello. I met Safiyana's sister-in-laws then and the nerves halted a bit as they entertained me with stories of Yusuf. Ayaan's mother told them to shoo off so we could get started.

Yusuf entered the room with a couple of his cousins I hadn't met yet and was sat down beside me. One of his cousins cleared his throat and whispered, "Blink twice if you want to escape bhabhi."

The few people around us who heard broke out in laughter and it lightened the nervousness in me. "Aamir, shut up," Kismat, Safiyana's sister-in-law hissed at the young bloke around our age and gestured for them all to move back. Everyone was asked to settle down and then Yusuf's mother addressed the crowd. We were handed the rings and asked to exchange them.

My ring was so perfect for me; it couldn't be better if I designed it myself. It was a solitaire, round diamond on a plain silver band.

In moments like this, we humans tend to do this thing where we numb out our situation. Motions happen but actions don't process.

After the eating and all was done, I was escorted to Mannat's bedroom again with a bunch of girls. They sat around admiring my dress and my ring and frankly anything else they could admire. Minutes later Ali dragged in Yusuf with his cousin Aamir and Armaan and some other boys from Ayaan's family.