Winged Dreams

Chapter 17: The Hearts of Two Strangers

12th November, 2015

"They ask you, (O Muhammad), what they shall spend. Say: that which you spend for good (must go) to parents and near kindred and orphans and the needy and the wayfarer. And whatsoever good you do, lo! Allah is Aware of it."

(Qur'an 2:215)

"I, and the one who looks after an orphan, will be together like this in the next world", then he raised his index and middle fingers together.

(Hadith Muslim)

Chapter 17:

The Hearts of Two Strangers

Dina knew it was going to be pleasurable to celebrate her wedding with the orphans, but she was still taken aback by the exuberance of the children. At the time of her nikah, she had considered them to be quiet and reserved, but after spending time with them during lunch, her opinion had altered. They were bubbling with energy and had easily maintained a steady chatter, even playing games like dumb charades later on.

All of the girls called her Di and she found it absolutely enthralling to have met so many kind souls. Ignoring the fact that Dina had filled their hearts with happiness due to her humility, Dina thought it was she who was blessed for being able to spend the most important day of her life with them. She wouldn't want her wedding any other way because it was perfect just the way it was.

While others wished to make their lavish weddings the talk of the town, the couple hoped that their way of doing it differently would make their party the talk of Angels in the sky.

While Rashida wasn't exactly pleased with the simplicity of things, and Tabrez hadn't even attended the nikah, the rest of them did have a good time. The day was so planned that after about three hours in the orphanage, the guests had left and Dina had gone back home with Khalid, to prepare for the small party Bilal's family was hosting.

And now, since it was finally evening, yet again Simran and Tabasum were helping Dina out with her dress and make up, while Ishaq stayed in the room with Dina. For today, he was in the mood to become a police officer and the fact that Dina was dressing up as a beautiful princess in his words, he was doing his job as a cop and seeing to it that no one would try to kidnap his sister.

"Mom loved the mehendi you applied on Dina's hands, she says, for any other function from now, she wants you to be the henna artist for her," Tabasum said as she brushed Dina's hair while Simran brought out her makeup kit.

"Yeah, Asif told me," Simran murmured distractedly as she tried opening the box with all her might, and it was only when she felt the intense gaze of both friends on her, did she realize what she had just said.

Her face colored and even before she could hurry to explain what she meant, Dina sported a highly amused smile, and said, "Wow, Simran. Do explain to us what else he said?"

"Wait a minute, I know my brother likes you and all, but please don't tell me he's going around complementing you like this."

"Isn't Asif Bhai Bilal's best friend? Does he like Simmy? Does that mean they're getting married?"

Simran looked at Ishaq as he said that, her eyes wide in fear. She glared at both her friends for not remembering that the four year old was still in the room, while they bestowed her with not so guilty smiles.

"Ishaq, of course it's not like that" Simran giggled nervously. The last thing she needed was for the child to carry the information to Asif, who seemed like the new friend Ishaq had made through Bilal. "We must love all human beings equally, for they are our sisters and brothers in Islam. Then, why would you think Asif likes me and is getting married to me? It isn't that way, alright? And remember not to say this to anyone. Now, why don't you get some water for me from downstairs?" She explained and although he did not exactly get the first part of her rambling, he brought out his gun from the pocket and pointing it ahead, ran to the kitchen.