غير مألو - Unfamiliar

Chapter 2

In no time, the month ran by and the wedding preparation was on full swing.

The announcement had made everyone happy and they had been rejoicing. Anyone easily could notice that the household was blasting with festivities and excitement.

As Zohal Wadi looked at her hands which were coated in Henna, she couldn't help but admire the artist who swirled design upon design, and curls of vivid patterns onto her pale hands, bathing them in blood red.

Now that the soon to be bride was done, the girls were fighting over one another to get theirs done. It was a cat fight downstairs and with all the men out, nobody could stop the catastrophe, as put by Zohal.

Even Noushin wanted to get it done.

Despite not being a person of the same culture, she showed immense interest in Pakistani traditions.

Thinking of Noushin, Zohal's heart drowned in guilt.

When she was first introduced, Zohal couldn't help the uneasy feeling that brewed inside her. Even Najma, had been quite careful around her. But Noushin had been anything but a sweetheart. She was a sweet girl with a golden heart. With little time, she made it into everyone's hearts.

Infact, Zohal had caught Tanish, Salam Uncle's youngest son, numerous times, looking at her. She secretly shipped them.

But first, she needed to get over her own wedding before thinking about playing the match maker for others. She chided herself from even trying to be the match maker, for Allah knew the right time for every relationship.

She couldn't believe that she was going to get married the next day. It was an overwhelming and exciting feeling at the same time. It seemed surreal to her.

Although, Zakir and She were little shy around each other, and always had treated the other as siblings, she had started to see him as a man quite a long time ago. Maybe it was a contradiction with her earlier thoughts about uncertainty, but she didn't know anymore.

Zohal Wadi was abruptly brought back to reality, when she heard a sniffling sound coming from the Balcony.

Everyone was downstairs. As far as she knew, nobody was upstairs. Wanting to check who was out there, She took careful steps towards the balcony and peeked from the doorway.

And the world stopped around her. She wasn't sure she'd be able to stand, because everything got fuzzy suddenly.

There stood, Zakir holding Noushin. Slowly, stroking her hair. While she was crying onto his chest. Zakir had a faraway look in his face. While Noushin's face was hidden. If Zohal hadn't known better she would've mistaken them for lovers. But Zohal knew Zakir wasnt capable of cheating her. He had been taught with values, he'd never go against his grandfather and love another woman, while being engaged. They were Pashtuns after all. They didn't bring dirt to their names, they were honourable in heart and responsible in their actions.

Atleast that what she thought.

Her mind conjured all sorts of scenarios, that would make sense. Perhaps her mind heard the crack of her heart. It wanted to provide solace in any way possible.

Zakir looked up suddenly, sensing some movement out there. His hands fell to the side from holding Noushin, and he jerked back when he noticed Zohal standing there, shocked with eyes dilated. His own eyes widened and he directed a pained expression, as if he didn't want her to witness this.

Zohal couldn't get a grip of the situation, and she backed away. Her breaths stopped altogether. Small gasps left her lips as she tried to process it all. She turned around and went to her room, holding the heavy dress she was wearing.