Winged Dreams

Chapter 16 : When The Line of Separation between Dreams and Reality Blurs

10th November, 2015

"O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person, and from him He created his wife, and from them both He created many men and women, and fear Allaah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship) Surely, Allaah is Ever an All-Watcher over you."

[Al-Nisaa' 4:1]

Chapter 16:

When The Line of Separation between Dreams and Reality Blurs

Dina gazed out from her window, smiling as the light showers brought Allah's mercy. She closed her eyes and relished the sprinkle of water that gently touched her skin, as if afraid to fall down too heavily on the outstretched hand of the soon to be bride. She couldn't remember the last time she was this happy, so exhilarated over something. She was used to wading in troubled waters but now, she couldn't wait to look beyond and dive in it, painting her dreams on the vast oceanic canvas.

While she wouldn't lie that the rapid changes and new life waiting ahead scared her being, she was ready to take the plunge in the depths of hidden pearls.

Yes, she could do this. In sha Allah.

With less than twenty four hours left for Dina's nikah, her house finally looked like their daughter was getting married. While the excessive cooking and dressing up was done solely for Rashida's reputation among family and friends, Dina was glad that it at least broke the monotonous atmosphere of quarrels and arguments. Even Khalid, for the first time in ages, had decided to stay at home today although not much of his time was spent with Dina. And now, as Dina heard the booming laughter and loud chatter of the guests assembled downstairs, she did not wish to rejoin them after her brief encounter of spending less than ten minutes with her cousins and other relatives from Rashida's family.

Intruding her thoughts and finally offering her company, her two friends walked into the room sporting grins.

"Assalamu alikum, how is the bride doing?" Simran chirped as she shut the door behind her and stalked in.

Tabasum did not even wait for Dina to answer, before falling face first on the bed, her voice coming out muffled.

"Don't know about the bride, but her friend is exhausted. Dina?"

"Yes?"

"If you want to cry, know that I'm here, alright? Don't hold back the tears."

Dina narrowed her eyes at Tabasum, and replied, "What makes you think I'll cry?"

"You're getting married tomorrow, so I thought I'd just let you know you have my shoulder to cry on."

"I may be the only bride in the world who doesn't feel like crying. If anything, I'm looking forward to this."

"That's good! And now, look what we got for you!" Simran all but squealed, bringing the attention of both her friends towards her. "There's turmeric paste that Tabasum's mum sent for you, and this is the scented water with which you need to bath tomorrow, then these are the mehendi cones, here are the henna designs."

As Simran brought out each article from the bag, Dina felt herself immerse in a trance.

"Aren't all this supposed to be for a bride? The turmeric paste for a glowing skin and stuff like that?" Dina asked slowly and both friends glanced at her as if she had lost it.

"Yes, that's because you are the bride! Weren't we just discussing this?"

Now, this was nothing new to Dina, but considering that Simran and Tabasum were doing those typical bridal cultural things that Rashida should have done from the past week, and seeing all of it in front of her suddenly, she was struck with a sudden realization.