Azure

Chapter Twenty: Sealing it off.

"You've grown up huh?" Ayaan said to me seated at the edge of my bed, he was bent forward, with his hands intertwined and his chin was resting above it. "One day you're fighting with me over food, and the next, your getting engaged."

"Can you stop it Ayaan! Don't make me cry." I said pouting "and I'm not leaving home yet, so save this drama for my wedding." I said jokily trying to lighten the mood.

"Okay then. I'll save it all for your wedding." He said smiling. "Azoora." he whispered.

"Yes?" I asked looking at him curiously.

I in the slightest way did not expect what he said next.

"I miss Malaica." He whispered bending his head. I felt his voice waver.

My heart shattered into a billion pieces. I shut my eyes while clenching my fist, I felt my throat constrict.

"Ayaan" I started in a soft voice, but stopped short when bhabhi walked in with Aneesha and Shehnaz.

"Lets go. Its show time babe." Bhabhi said winking

I looked at Ayaan giving a sad smile, he took a deep sad breath, kissed my forehead and walked out saying he'll be down with the rest.

Why was he doing this to himself. I would do anything to remove the pain he was going through. If I could only take his pain away, I would have done it in the blink of an eye. I hated seeing him like this. Its been over a year now. He showed improvements once in a while, which made me think he had moved on, but at times like right now, I doubted it.

"Alright. One last look in the mirror, see if you're satisfied, and then lets go." Bhabhi said turning me in the direction of my mirror.

"Baby girl you don't need no mirror. You look gorgeous. "Aneesha said winking.

I laughed lightly at what she said. These girls were crazy.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror.

I was wearing a black skirt with gold colored print all over, it also had a black blouse which I tucked, and it was long sleeved too. The black shawl which came with the outfit was on one side of my shoulder and I draped a light gold colored hijab. I asked bhabhi to be very light with my makeup, a swipe of liner, kohl, and light brown lipstick.

I slipped into the pair of black pumps bhabhi had picked for me.

"Lets go." I said to them.

I muttered a few strings of duas hurriedly. I hope everything goes well Inshaallah.

With bhabhi by my side I walked down, I stood out of the living room and took a deep breath before I stepped in.

I looked down and walked in.

The fact that Arhaan was in the same room, was driving me insane.

The whole room which was noisy with everyone talking back and forth was now pin drop silent, except for mashaallahs being mentioned.

Bhabhi helped me take my seat on the sofa.

"Look up. Say your salams!" Bhabhi whispered in my ears while she acted like she was adjusting the shawl which was on my shoulder

Oh my god! How could I forget! That too, after practicing it a dozen times with bhabhi!

Yes, I did practice. I'm a freak like that.

I looked up to my right and saw Aisha aunty, I softly whispered my salams to her, then to Arhaans aunties, Zahra aapi and Lana.

Zahra aapi and Lana had full blown smiles on their faces. My baby Majid was there too! Looking cute as ever. His blue eyes shinning with excitement.