FROM DARE TO LOVE (Editing)✔

CHAPTER 21

The kid looks at me from over Riad's shoulder 'Wow! Who are you?' the kid, Atif, asks innocently.

I smile at the kid but before I could introduce myself Riad interrupts 'She is no one, beta'. My jaw drops, without anything more he begins to walk

'I am the wedding planner' I called, the kid looks at me but Riad doesn't even turn back. I felt my ego hurt.

I get a text from Ruchi "Dude, Urooj is here"

My heart drops when I read the text, Urooj is here. How am I going to face her? After that night, I and Urooj were not even in talking terms, she had completely cut herself off from us, I and Ruchi.

Also, if Urooj is married and that kid, Atif, is hers then I don't know how I will face Adnan back home? Seeing Urooj happily married I will feel miserable for Adnan. To avoid all this, I texted I am busy.

I have avoided the topic for now but I know I will have to face Urooj someday during the wedding preparations, if I get the assignment, despite everything I really want to get this offer. I distracted myself with Anil, discussing photography with him. I gave some of my inputs too, he appreciated my ideas and I was really impressed with his ideas.

6.15, now the venue feels like it's engagement. I see Riad standing at the edge of the stage talking with an elderly couple, I assumed them to be Rizwan's parents. Rizwan is dressed in a maroon golden shervani with golden turban, he looks no less than royalty. His shervani looks designer and costly.

Atif and some other kids are running around on the stage. Kids! They are so carefree; I wish I could be a kid again.

To the extreme left of the stage there is the orchestra playing a soft tune.

I turn my head and find Liqa coming towards the stage, she is looking divine dressed in a golden and sky blue gharara. Heavy jewelry adorning her, she looks so beautiful. I see two women on either side of her, one woman is dressed in off-white and orange saree, her hair open and resting on her shoulder. Another woman appeared to be in her late 20's, she is dressed in a white choli and blue lehengha, it had silver work on it. Her dupatta placed on one side, her perfect flat tummy exposed. I noticed her belly button is pierced. Her hair is braided in fish tail braid which is resting on her other shoulder. She has minimal make up, she doesn't need much her skin looks flawless. I envied her for few seconds before turning my attention back to the other woman clad in off-white and orange saree.

I have a feeling that the one in saree is Urooj. I felt uneasy looking at her, she is smiling and is having her arm around Liqa as she walked with her towards the stage. I noticed she is isn't wearing any heavy jewelry just a simple gold chain and few gold bangles.

The guests turn and look at them, I hide myself in the crowd. I don't have it in me to face her. Ruchi doesn't bother and is standing close to the stage.

Riad climbs up the stage, he helps the elderly couple climb up. Rizwan stands up adjusting his shervani, the couple stand next to him. Riad sticks out his hand and helps Liqa climb up the stage, the ladies held the edge of her dress and lift it up slightly helping her take steps. I had always wondered how these brides manage such heavy dresses, I will die if I am made to wear them and look like a show piece. The other two ladies climb too, Riad like a gentleman helped them. For some reason, I didn't like that sexy girl flashing a smile at Riad and he smiled back. I frown

The ladies stand next to Liqa, so that sexy lady is from Liqa's side. Riad stands next to that lady. I noticed her shift closer, their arms must have brushed. I then frown at myself, why am I noticing all this? These minute details, why do I care?