FROM DARE TO LOVE (Editing)✔

CHAPTER 48

Riad is taking Urooj and Hanan with him for shopping for rings. Hanan is surprised that Riad wants to get engaged as soon as possible. But she doesn't want to argue, she is more than happy. Riad had reasoned that everyone from all the functions are present so he wants the engagement ceremony to be done with. Hanan had insisted that I come for shopping but I refused, my heart isn't that strong. Ruchi on the other hand agreed but I shot her a deadly glare and so she made up an excuse that her head is aching and so she will stay behind.

I watch from the window Hanan and Urooj come out from the house, they are happily chatting among themselves. Riad comes out too, Hanan beams at him as he gestures the ladies towards the car. As he walks towards the car, he looks up and our gaze meets.

The time stood still for me, he doesn't move his gaze from me. And looking at him, I felt my eyes getting moist once again. Hanan comes to him and he looks away, then with his head lowered he walks towards the car. Before sitting at the driver's seat, he looks at me again, this time I didn't look on and turn around hiding behind the window, I leaned against the wall.

Ruchi comes to me looking concerned. I simply hugged her tight, she hugs me back as I break down crying like a five-year old baby.

*

It's evening now, my heart is aching badly as I along with others stand in the living room. There are all family members, Liqa Hanan and Rizwan's family. Riad, Urooj and Atif. I see Riad and Hanan coming down stairs, Hanan has her arm entangled with his, there is a bright glow on her face. She is looking gorgeous dressed in blue and white full sleeved blouse saree. Her hair open and resting on her shoulder. She has few bangles and silver Jhumkas and minimum make-up nevertheless, she is looking very beautiful. Rida too is looking really dashing is Blue Kurtha with silver work at the collar. Hanan is blushing but Riad clearly looks disturbed. I smile sadly, I know why he has agreed for the marriage and why he is hurriedly getting engaged. He has taken a decision of moving on from me and give Hanan a chance, but he is worried that he might change his mind and so in hurry he is getting engaged.

I had been a fool before for not noticing the obvious but I guess I have started to read his eyes and expressions now, something I should have done fifteen years ago. Had I done so, then it would have been me in Hanan's place, it would have been me having my arms entangled with Riad's, it would have been me getting engaged to him.

Everyone claps as they climb downstairs, but I didn't. They come and are made to sit on the elegant double sofa. Urooj comes and stands beside Riad

'Mamu...Mamu is getting engaged...Bua will now be my Mami' Atif jumps happily. Urooj had to hold him to control her over excited kid. I see only happy faces around, except two, I and Riad are the only ones who aren't happy but pretending to be.

Urooj opens a red velvet box and forwards it to Riad, he takes out a solitaire ring. I felt tears prick my eyes as he slips the ring into Hanan's fingers, perfect fit, she blushes and everyone claps again. Then Hanan slips a ring into his finger, perfect fit once again. Everyone claps and cheers. Riad stands up and sticks out his hand and helps Hanan stand. They look at each other for few seconds before Riad looks away and Hanan blushes lowering her lashes.

Everyone comes and one by one begin to congratulate them, Riad half-heartedly smiled and hugged everyone. I had called Anil for taking photos.

Hanan had insisted me to plan her engagement, and with heavy heart I had agreed but I didn't charge anything. I smile sadly watching Riad and Hanan posing for the camera. Ruchi nudges my arm and I look at her

'Are you alright?' she asks and I nod my head lying that I am alright.

Today morning I confessed everything to Ruchi about last night. Ruchi felt really bad, she blamed herself for keeping that stupid dare but I had asked her not to because even if she hadn't made the stupid dare, Riad's heart was bond to be broken thanks to my stupidity and ego.

Ruchi places a palm on my shoulder and I look away, quickly wiping a lone tear that escaped my eyes.

Hanan's mother comes to me, we haven't interacted much so I am little surprised. She hugs me and I hug her back. She breaks the hug and smiles at me gratefully. She then compliments me for my work and I feel humbled.

'Hey, Aleesa Ruchi. Come here' Hanan calls us. Ruchi shakes her head refusing but Hanan's mother held our hand and drags us. I felt so uncomfortable standing with Hanan and Riad. I am standing beside Hanan and Ruchi beside me. I couldn't control myself and from the corner of eyes I take a glance at Riad and find him looking at me, so I tilt my head and look at him.

As we look at each other the camera clicks our photo.